Pacing Prague And Other Tales!

Ahoj!

Racing around like a blue-arse-fly I was now stuck in a serious traffic jam on the A421. Stand still. Not. Moving. Anywhere. Frustratingly I spent over double the amount of time it would normally take me to get to Miss Tweedle-Dee's house for our Pre-Holiday sleepover. After a spot of telly and a night time snack of coffee and Jaffa Cakes we headed to bed for an early night. Waking the next morning the staples of toast and more coffee ensued and afterward it was time to head to the airport. Thanks to Pappa Tweedle-Dee we arrived in good time and after changing up more money (to think I was worried about not having enough) we headed shopping and for a bite to eat. 

Boarding the plane Miss Tweedle-Dee and I were excited and just over ninety-minutes later, with a rather uneventful flight in general that had passed really quickly we had arrived. Touching down we collected our bags and headed through nothing to declare and awaited our driver. And waited. And waited. Went outside into the cold early evening air for a quick Vape Sesh and then back in. Still no driver and it was now I started to panic. Was this a scam? Have I made a grave mistake in booking a hotel and not looking at the reviews? I had been talking to the receptionist for the last few days as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I had many questions but maybe it was all a set up and now I am in a foreign land where I know virtually no Czech and am struggling to call their offices! Help! Just then, as if by magic a pink-shirted gentleman approached us as if from no where and asked us if it was us he was looking for. We must have looked lost! He took my bag (Miss Tweedle-Dee carried her own) and we headed to the car. Driving through the streets of Prague we swapped small talk and asked advice on where is best to eat and visit in the city, but more-so where not to go. 

Finally arriving at the apartment and figuring out our own way on how we get in after being abruptly told by a moody jobs-worth of a receptionist, we settled into what I can only describe as a very white, clean and well equipped studio apartment. Small for the two of us it certainly ticked all the boxes and provided us with everything we could have wanted or needed in our time here including a super comfy memory-foam double bed, small dining table and chairs, wardrobe, safe and small kitchenette consisting of the microwave, kettle, under-the-counter fridge and sink. There is / was a hob however we did not use it. In the hallway was a coat-rack and areas to put boots and other outdoor wears and opposite was a toilet and separate bathroom complete with a very small shower, washing machine and sink. Cosy to say the least, but in all fairness it was a place we would spend the next few nights in bed, scrolling through social media and sleeping before heading out again. That being said the stairs are and have been an issue. Three flights that curve round and are usually shrouded in darkness have certainly been the bain of our lives. 

For our first night in Prague, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I hadn't made any real plans in terms of dinner and neither of us had actually reviewed or researched any where near our apartment for some dinner and therefore we wandered rather aimlessly towards what looked like the Christmas Market set-up. Around there we found what looked like a rather neglected from the outside restaurant, but to be fair it looked warm and I was getting cold so I persuaded Miss Tweedle -Dee to come inside with me. And oh boy was it the best choice we made, I think probably all holiday. Since we had both eaten lunch pretty late neither Miss Tweedle-Dee or I were that hungry so opted just for a single main course from the French Restaurant menu. I ordered a roasted Guinea Fowl and the Bestie ordered a Pork Belly with Potato Puree. This was all washed down with a couple of beers. Such a stunning meal and honest to god I would definitely recommend it so if you are heading to Prague you need to go to La Gare just round the corner from the main Palladium shopping center (which is deceivingly huge by the way, like some sort of shopping tardis!)

Waking up in the city the next morning I was glad for being here and on holiday once again. Heading out into the fresh chilly air we looked round the Christmas Market Areas round the areas surrounding our hotel and found ourselves moving over to the Old Town Square area. We watched the Astronomical Clock and pottered around some of the churches and architectural landscapes surrounding the infamous area. Wandering then took us over the Charles Bridge, and sauntering across the river Vltava and finding ourselves in a small cafe, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I ordered a traditional goulash and some Camembert, accompanied with some tasty raspberry infused beer! Delish! The following days were spent very similarly, touring round Prague, taking photos, filming filler for my holiday Vlog and visiting the many Christmas Markets around the city. 

A visit to several of the most popular tourist hot-spots were also frequented by Miss Tweedle-Dee and I including the Prague Castle which is the largest Castle in the world sprawling out over eighteen acres. Me and the Bestie also visited the Sex Machine Museum which I will be honest was a slight let down, although the Creepy Bear (picture uploaded to my Facebook page if you really need an example) and other apparatus were certainly interesting but possibly not worth the nearly ten-quid entry fee?! Another maybe more worth while waste of money being a tourist in Prague was with our visit to the Chocolate Museum / factory just off The Old Town Square. Other than this simply wandering round the shops and Christmas Markets and stalls have occupied both Miss Tweedle-Dee and I throughout our stay here. 

Eating out in Prague has certainly been an experience which in my opinion was miles and miles ahead of my experiences in Tenerife with Mr. Warehouse in the Summer. Our first night I have already touched on and whilst I was given loads of advise from tonnes of people I knew who had visited Prague before as well as some helpful vloggers and bloggers who live in Prague and the Czech Republic, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I hit up some really, really good restaurants. Firstly there is the cafe round the corner from our accommodation called Cafe Apetit. Whilst I am almost certain that all that occupied at the time we visited on Sunday Morning / Afternoon were all local, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I struggled through our broken Czech to order a delicious open sandwich, coffee and a large slice of cake which all came to under two-hundred Czech Koruna, equal roughly to under a fiver in British money, something which we were both stunned by given if the same was bought in London it would have easily been double if not triple the price and so much lacking in quality. 

Another place you need to hit up when in Prague are Brasilerio where you can have as much meat as you can handle and an unlimited salad and other specials bar. Very similar to the steak all-you-can-eat buffet Miss Tweedle-Dee and I had with the rest of her family and Miss Tweedle-Dumb in Las Vegas you use your coaster to show green in order to tell the meat-staff and servers when you are ready for the BBQ goodness or switch it over to red when you just want to tap-out for a little bit. Regardless of the hefty price tag (well only hefty in comparison to the other eateries we visited which came in well under the four-hundred Czech Koruna I was expecting to spend each night) I still think that for the price it was certainly worth it and would certainly encourage you to visit if here. 

My only let downs about Prague as a whole I feel (apart from going home tomorrow) is that the majority of the city, its sights, tastes, smells and feels could easily be done in half the time we have spent here. I would suggest if you are planning your trip that two or three days would be sufficient and if the Christmas Market is in town, maybe four but I probably wouldn't plan another city break for as long as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I have come for. Whilst it has been relaxing we have done a lot of the same thing. Long lazy mornings lying in bed till noon an staying up late scrolling through news feeds have kept us occupied though and I honestly cant think of many other people I would want to spend my time exploring a European Christmas Market with that my bestie, Miss Tweedle-Dee. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Sweet Like Chocolate!

Heyy, 

Today is a special day. This day twenty-six years ago, I breathed for the first time as I came kicking and screaming into the world. Its funny, I don't think I have ever blogged on my actual birthday. Suffice to say that I have been well and truly spoilt, at least by those that I have seen on or before my birthday like Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Mr. Warehouse. Oh and also the dog! Unlike myself entirely I have been very unorganised in organising something for my birthday to do with Mr. Warehouse, The Tweedles and myself. What with being preoccupied in terms of Mr. Warehouse's birthday, the Christening and the disaster of the cupcakes as well as the holiday and packing or unpacking, sadly the narcissistic way I seem to plan something to do for my birthday every year has taken a bit of a back seat. As such when I came back to work last week after being on holiday, I sort of forgot that there was less than a week until my birthday and with the Tweedles wanting to know plans and ideas for what we were going to do (and rightfully so) I racked my brain for things to do on my pre-birthday weekend. 

If I wanted to I could have forced everybody to go to a spa in order to have a nice relaxing day, but with paydays falling awkwardly for Mr Warehouse and I as well as our friends it was probably not in the best interest as none of us had the money for that. Maybe a day out at a theme park or city centre would be a great idea, however again that involved money and was probably going to end up being pricey. Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I had already done a farm visit, I didn't really want to wander round a Zoo in the cold drizzle of Saturday afternoon, so what else was there?! I was losing hope when I came across the brilliant idea of something we can all do together that wouldn't break the bank. Cadbury's World! "Why did I not think of this before" I thought sat at my desk Thursday afternoon - I love chocolate and whilst I had only just started my healthy eating plan after overindulging slightly on holiday, I had been pestering Mr Warehouse for us to go for months. I suppose in all fairness if I had planned it a bit better then I could have booked a cheap hotel room and maybe even spent some of the morning wondering around The Bullring hunting bargains before engorging myself. But alas I was busy with other things and so the last minute decision was made, tickets booked and before I knew it we were on our way - At least Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I were as Mr. Warehouse chose to do overtime in order to save for Christmas and our next holiday. 

Cadbury's World is less than a couple hours drive from where Mr Warehouse and I live, situated within the purpose built village of Bournville. It was here in the late 1800's that the Quaker Brothers, Richard and George Cadbury, decided to move the factory from smoke-filled and the industrial smog of Central Birmingham to the leafy Suburbs of Bournbrook. Captivated by the beauty and serenity of the English countryside, the factory soon grew and with it so did its work force. But these people were hard-working and needed somewhere for themselves and their families to live. And so houses and homes were built around the factory in order to keep the employees close and loyal. In time new hospitals, schools and shops sprang up in the local community helping it to thrive even more-so. With Cadbury's introducing their workforce into a whole host of new benefits never before seen on the employee spectrum with everything from holiday and sickness pay, right through to five-and-a-half-day weeks, Cadbury's was certainly a company worth working for. 

An absolute British Institute Cadbury's had seen the world through some of its toughest decades including rationing, two-world-wars and changing society. Tastes had changed over the centuries and the last few decades had showed that not just the rich can afford the delectable delights that is chocolate because now it was a substance that was a household name within Britain and the world, playing a major role in any special day throughout the calendar including Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Birthdays, Christmas and Easter. most cultures just like Britain can hardly imagine any of the aforementioned days in the year without thinking about chocolate. And that, in part anyway, is all down to Cadbury's.

The sad thing is that when I was a child Cadbury's World seemed like a dream come true. A real life Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was magical and mystical to watch the chocolate being transformed from sticky, brown liquid, to being molded and shaped into all my favourite types of chocolate bars. Back in the day before Mondelez took over production of Cadbury's in 2010, you could watch the chocolate go whizzing through the factory being made, dipped, dunked and wrapped before being boxed up and put on lorries or the shelves downstairs in the shop, still warm from the conveyor belt. But now there is none of that as the production has been shipped off to a new factory in a different location from its heritage and there has been rumours that the British favourite of a glass and a half is not even being made in the UK any more and is instead manufactured in cheaper eastern Europe factories. Either way to I was slightly disappointed. No longer are you visiting a factory where pleasure of the mouth is made (no sniggering) but just a shell of its former self, and with a lot less chocolate bars than the eight or ten you received before - Now it is only four. This is not to say I had a rubbish time as I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was definitely a good day out, and probably one of the better ideas that I had. With the price of the ticket coming up to less than I would spend on a night out, I can surely say that it was money well spent and something everyone should do at least once in their life, especially if you live close (or even closer) like I do. 

As for the rest of my birthday celebrations, today has been pretty plain since I still have to go to work that is. Mr. Warehouse cooked me a lovely roast dinner for tea tonight and I will be seeing friends and family over the coming weeks to celebrate in our own special way. I suppose that is another year over and done with, but I must say that whilst I am only a few hours into being twenty-six I am certainly feeling my clock more than ever. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

The Do's And Dont's of Dog Ownership

Heyy, 

Last week was finally over on Friday and it couldn't have come soon enough for me and my other office colleagues. With our big-big boss away on Holiday, sunning it up in Dubai we were left to finish up month end ourselves, which I think, went better than everyone was expecting. 

A relaxing weekend has ensued over in the Bedfordshire Countryside surround Mr. Warehouse's family home of Marston Moretaine. I was expecting to meet up with my father for the first time this weekend but for one reason or another it wasn't convenient so we have rearranged for next Saturday so watch this space, but with it being Mr. Warehouse's birthday on Thursday, this weekend was meant to be all about him not me and my father. Anyway, I am sure I can cram it all in.

A little overcast for a weekend that was due to be hot and sunny we nevertheless enjoyed the time we had together, spending it with Momma Warehouse, the Dog and on Saturday we had the pleasure of meeting Momma Warehouse's new boyfriend. Seemingly lovely and polite he was a pleasure to be in company with, talkative and very nice to be around. However whilst there was little or no disagreements or altercations, I would consider his choice in dog ownership something of a sticking point for me. 

Now most people will know, or at least should do - Especially if you have a doggy in your life, that chocolate of any sort is poisonous to our canine friends. Chocolate and products containing Cocoa are very bad for doggies, not only potentially making them fat but also because of the dangerous toxins in them. Theobromine is a chemical found in Chocolate and Cocoa and unlike humans, dogs struggle to digest it making them poorly as toxins build up in their bodies. Milk can also make your pooch sick as some dogs are lactose-intolerant and unable to process dairy in the same way we humans can. Not that you should really give your dog any human food but some of the most harmful treats are not just Chocolate and Cocoa products, but also Grapes, Macadamia Nuts, Corn-on-the-Cob and anything from the Onion and Garlic family food groups. 

Nevertheless this did not stop Momma Warehouse from telling us that her new boyfriend feeds his little toy poodle White Chocolate 'MilkyBar' Buttons. Mr Warehouse and I agreed already that even before we met him it was frustrating that he appeared not to care for his dog in the right way. But that was my opinion and in all fairness throughout the whole weekend whilst I noticed the 'MilkyBar' Buttons in the fridge, I did not see them being administered. But as well as the sixteen-year-old (one-hundred-and-twelve dog years) fluff ball being fed 'MilkyBar' Buttons, she was also not fed proper meals and instead was hand-fed treats of dried duck breast and chews, something again Mr. Warehouse and I frowned upon. 

I suppose I cannot judge too much as if I am honest both Mr. Warehouse and I both give our dog lots of tit-bits and treats from our dinner plates and in all fairness anything that is left over and not poisonous to dogs, goes in her bowl for the next mornings breakfast anyway. She wont eat much vegetables or fruit but loves bread products and pasta, but always in small portions so as not to get fat. In a way I suppose were all guilty of over-loving our animals, children and partners sometimes, feeding them with love and food that they simply do not need. 

On the Saturday afternoon however we needed to pop down the shops for some essentials the next morning and so as normal we went to get Mr. Warehouse's Dog, but as we got her harness ready and strapped her in, we heard a whimper and a yelp. Followed by yet more cries we figured it was coming from the elderly toy poodle. She wanted to come and play with our Pooch! ''Awwh a little play date'' I thought. Looking up at her owner, Momma Warehouse's new boyfriend, I said that if she wanted to come she was more than welcome too. With some brief reassurances I was handed the lead and off we went. I was shocked and surprised to see that this little old doggy lady was as fast and as rambunctious as our eight-year-old-Labrador, able to keep up and run along side us all as we walked the road to the corner shop and back. It fills me with hope when I think back to that Saturday afternoon walk that maybe our poochie-poo's wont die young and could live to be the ripe old age of sixteen and more.

He was however a gentleman through and through and even helped me by driving to Milton Keynes to get my phone fixed and collect a replacement so I suppose he isn't all bad and if his dog has lived to be over one-hundred in dog years then he is obviously doing something right. So nice is he, that I have even invited him to my Birthday Party in a few weeks and look forward to hopefully seeing more of him about. Maybe this one is a keeper - For Momma Warehouse obviously ... Not me?!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Its My Birthday I Can Do What I like!

Hello everyone!

I am writing to you all from my new stance this week situated at the front of my new flat that is both grander and more superior than the one directly two flights above me in which I was calling home not only three weeks ago. Settling into my new flat has been relatively easy and fun and even better when you end up sourcing a bargain like the desk I am tapping away on right now, instead of my couch as usual. Yes I thought I would make the effort as a fairly established writer (I jest) to invest in a desk for such an occasion. My desk I am at now is made of heavy wood and looks very office-y, more than just a family home type. Drawers and Cupboards either side of me I feel prepared and ready to start with whatever errands and home office duties that may befall me. And it was all for free. The guy even dropped it off and carried it indoors for me. Not. A. Penny. Where I hear you 'Holla'?! The Freecycle Network - A community based group in any city, town or village that advertises stuff for free. A fabulous find for someone whose life is always on some sort of budget. And for free you can hardly complain. 

Another thing I got for free this weekend was far from satisfactory, and I could have very much done without when accepting my newly found desk was a thumping headache and maybe a slight hangover! Yes since it was my birthday I decided to make a right weekend of it, much to the dismay of Mr. Warehouse whom I think by Sunday afternoon was sick to death with the phrase "It's my birthday - I can say/do/be/have what I want". But its OK because in eleven months he can do the same. Turning twenty-four is so not cool. And if you haven't noticed over the years that the older you get the less people seem to care that it is your birthday. I (and anyone else for that matter) should be a princess (or prince) on their birthday. It is the one and the only day you get to be a complete diva and pretty much no-one can tell you off. Unless its the police. Or your boss. Who conveniently was not in for the majority of my birthday day spent at work. 

But firstly we should probably start with the first 'classified' day of my birthday weekend. After work on Thursday I finished and made my way through town with a top on that was probably inappropriate for dinner in a nice restaurant, and most definitely inappropriate for the work place to meet Mr. Warehouse, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Miss Tweedle-Dee. I chose to keep dinner local to me in Bedford as Milton Keynes and surrounding areas albeit would have been nice and maybe more commercial choice, I knew Bedford had choice-a-plenty and such variety too, not to mention being minutes from my bed. Stepping into Mimo's Steak and Grill I was perplexed as to why, on a Thursday evening it would be so empty. Sitting down we were handed menu's and after reviewing them online for the past week or so I knew what I would be ordering. And so between idle chitter-chatter of work, weather and upcoming plans for the rest of the year we tucked into tasty Mediterranean dishes including Calamari, Halloumi and Whitebait to start, Home-made Burgers and Lamb Kebabs for mains and silky smooth Creme Brulee (my new favourite desert) for pudding. Making it home, all four of us stuffed following our £103 meal I was put through the same saga as I am every year. Like a child I sat eagerly awaiting Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Miss Tweedle-Dee to come and join me and my boyfriend in the front room for some food-comatose natter before home-time. But alas they had other plans and whilst I knew what they were doing in my new and improved kitchen, I never anticipated a Reeses Peanut Butter Krispy Kreme Donut as a replacement birthday cake! I thought it was wonderful and truly a fantastic idea. No cutting, no fannying around with plates and cutlery. Just an individual donut for me and three. Rounding off the evening with presents that included tickets to see the real life Magic Mike at The Dreamboy's Show in Bedford's Corn Exchange from Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Gig tickets to see one of the first Bands I ever saw live as a teenager - Fall Out Boy supported by none other than Professor Green at Wembley as well as amongst other things such as a carrier bags worth of Reeses Peanut Butter sweets and chocolate including Reeses Peanut Butter Peices, Peanut Butter M&M's and Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate! This was only to be added to over the next few days as copious amounts of more chocolate were added. To bed though myself and Mr. Warehouse went for the next morning was my actual real-life birthday. 

Waking in the morn I was ready to start the day, even if it was half-five in the morning. Yes I had to be in work early to do invoicing, but at least I finished early which in turn meant I could have a little cat-nap before getting ready for the nights activities. Opening my presents in my pyjamas and on my bed with Mr. Warehouse by my side was intimate and magical, especially since most of the presents were stuff I loved and didn't have to pretend I liked. "This one's a keeper" I thought as I opened some silver feather hair-clips he had bought me on holiday in Lyon, now my only reminder after loosing my rings last Saturday. Hair Chalks and bath bombs followed all with their little clues on the tags. Then I was handed a box. On the label it said "You are my world ... " and as I opened it I wondered what it could be. On opening the white box with Pandora on the box lid I peered inside to see a sliver and jewel encrusted globe of the world, engraving swirling it saying 'Around the world'. Another few more and I was done. Covered in wrapping paper and glitter I was happy to get my day off to such a good start. As I read Mr. Warehouse's card I started to well-up inside, overcome with joy and happiness and love. He wrote: 

Yes, today is your birthday - But I am the one who has the gift. 

The gift of you being in my life for another year.

Finishing off my invoicing around ten-past nine I got away with pottering around looking busy, which was both hard and boring. Nevertheless home-time soon came and as I met my wonderful Beau downstairs in reception we alighted for a quick snooze and getting ready for what was to be a much anticipated messy night out. 

Throwing on a pair of heels and donning a sexy but classy plum mini-dress, Mr. Warehouse and I headed into town. Soon the Smirnoff Ice turned into singles and then they evolved into doubles finally culminating in shots of Sambuca to toast any old thing of celebratory value! Heading to the next venue and the next the drinks kept coming and the dance moves kept grooving. Some good pictures were to be had that night, including one of the whole team on what we disclosed as a thoroughly good team building exercise. Although I did nearly end up in a bit of bother with some lad on the dance-floor. I mean does he not know who I am. This, today of holy day's was my actual birth day and I am having a photo taken of me (obviously) with my work colleagues and here he is, this chav from the back end of no-where special trying to encroach on my happy-snappy. Suffice to say as soon as I barged the little tosser out of the frame we took a good shot. But that didn't stop him squaring up to me in my seven-inch-platforms and trying to have a go. I mean really? Mr. Warehouse, whilst I know is a soft cuddle-bug inside, he is built like a brick shit house and to start anything with me is certain to involve him. I am his Princess. His Queen and anyone to intrude on my thrown, or selfie as it so happens, will suffer the wrath of "Lui et Moi"! With the dance-floor waning, people drifting off to the taxi rank and some stragglers left kanoodling I looked over to Mr. Warehouse from my prime position on the dance-stage and knew by his little tired face that it was time to call it a night. Heading for a standard drunken Subway and home to bed I knew that whilst still relatively early - 0200am to be precise, it was appropriate clocking out time for a lady of my age now. 

Raising my heavy head the next morning, Mr. Warehouse and I agreed that it was about time we did something more sophisticated that getting pissed every pay-day. I was twenty-four (and one day) now. I should be investing in a good, possibly antique dining table and inviting people over for dinner parties rather than being known as the girl who doesn't just go to the bar for one drink but for two. Getting up and lounging around I made the flat look presentable for Mr. Warehouse's mother who was coming over before Dunch (A Dinner Lunch). Seemingly pleased that her son had found a self-sufficient girlfriend who was able to look after not only herself but several pot plants was clearly something she was both happy and proud of. Nattering away over posh coffee and Saturday afternoon telly before going out for a very late-lunch otherwise now nicknamed by me as Dunch. A spicy handmade pizza and glass of milk went down a treat, I even had some to take home with me for supper later on. 

Sunday was somewhat a day of rest before heading over to my grandparents house for a family get-together of sorts and time to share in all the gorey details from the past few days. Yes, my nana does like to hear about my escapades of a night on the tiles. But as I sat in the sunshine, blinded by the afternoon rays I sat and wondered what the next year will bring for me. Yes. I need to think out my life for turning twenty-five will definitely be worse than twenty-four for sure. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx