The UK's Independence Day

Hello, 

After being back at work now for coming up to a fortnight tomorrow with our "new normal", it sufficient to advise that not much has changed, and you can take from that what you will. My god though, I am certainly glad to have a break from the office next week. 

As we enter our fifteenth week of lockdown in the UK the 100-days mark has well and truly been and gone. Like the springtime we missed, the UK is slowly blooming again with business and social activities being reopened within the next week in most if not all areas of England with Scotland and Wales to follow suit soon after I expect. With figures from the BBC released today confirming that just 25 people recorded in the last 24 hours have passed away from Coronavirus (Monday 29 June 2020) it is looking like we are over the worst of it. 

As explained before, the disease COVID-19, was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January, however, the number of daily confirmed cases and related deaths only began to soar significantly by the second half of March and after lockdown restrictions came into force at the end of that month, numbers came to a peak mid-April, falling steadily ever since. The BBC confirms though that some of these deaths "are likely to include people with undiagnosed coronavirus or those who died as an indirect result of the pandemic. Coronavirus accounted for about 11% of all deaths in the UK in the week to 12 June, according to death registration data - a drop from 14% the previous week. In the week to 17 April, when deaths from the virus reached their peak, this figure was just under 40%."

Whilst this may be true and the scaremongering continues, I received a good news phone call last week that was certain to brighten any dreary news Mr Warehouse and I was to see. Several months ago in what can only be described as a wet and uneventful January, I wrote New Year, Newquay. Now normally at that time of year I would be gearing myself right up for convincing Mr Warehouse to save up and go on a beachy break away somewhere teasing him with thoughts of eating out every night, romantic boat trips and cocktail hour all hours. But as the holiday adverts rolled round on Telly and Jess Glynn sang about holding your hand on the Thomas Cook film (RIP), this year Mr Warehouse put his foot down and said we would not be going. His words were "we have a wedding to pay for" and mine was "Pleeeeease". Whilst he had a point, with less than nine months to go until the big day, I really wanted to beach it up somewhere and enjoy the last holiday on my Passport as a 'Miss', besides I didn't even get to take my engagement ring with me. 

So with Mr Warehouse not wanting a holiday at all and me craving something remotely similar to Malaga (minus the skin cancer-inducing sunburn) I knew he wouldn't be able to resist me mentioning a holiday to Cornwall. One of his favourite places, we hadn't been back there [Newquay] since a family wedding several years ago and both of us had missed it ever since. The following year after visiting for said wedding, our Older pooch got poorly with her Pyometra and we promised her as we went to Vet appointment that we would take her there one day to feel the sand between her paws. Now whilst she has since been to Great Yarmouth and Bournemouth on little holibobs, Newquay holds something special for Mr Warehouse and I both, something we want to share with our fur babies, old and new. 

With little resistance, I convinced Mr Warehouse to book off a week and head down to the English Riviera. After much hunting and scouring the web for the best deal, I found the perfect pre-wedding-moon! Boasting a bar and free WiFi, Retallack Resort & Spa was situated in Padstow, just 10 miles from Newquay's beautiful beaches. There is a restaurant serving British cuisine, and free private parking is available. However, at close to £300 the £40 per dog per stay was a little too steep and instead, we decided to park that property for another visit. If only it wasn't a four-odd hour journey that would have been the ideal and perfect place to wake up as a newly-wed. Oh well, I am sure I can make an excuse to make a trip down that way for a stay. And so Mr Warehouse and I settled with a stay at the Ladyevelyn situated at the heart of the Newquay Bay Resort. Just two miles from Newquay this peaceful holiday park is set in a peaceful valley, amongst the surrounding countryside, allowing us as guests to enjoy the best of both worlds. The Newquay Bay can cater to all of our needs with fantastic facilities including bar, heated indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and steam rooms and excellent entertainment. 

Less than a mile to the nearest beach (Porth Beach) our holiday chalet, Ladyevelyn, offers accommodation with WiFi, private parking and puppies can come - Free. Of. Charge. Each static caravan has a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a fireplace, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. A fridge, an oven and stovetop are also offered, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. A bicycle rental service is available at the reception and with more beaches to explore including Lusty Glaze and Tolcarne Beach within a few minutes it isn't hard to see why we chose it. 

So last week as I sat at my desk my mobile buzzed with a phone call from a number I didn't recognise. Answering I was introduced to an older sounding gentleman who said he owned the Chalet that we were going to be staying in. Explaining that since the Government had announced last week that pubs, restaurants and holiday accommodation could open as of July the 4th he was calling to confirm the booking. Ecstatic we chatted for a little while as I learnt that him and his wife were newly semi-retired and had just celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, celebrating earlier in the year with a cruise around the Caribbean, just in time to come back to this mess we call Corona! Asking what time we would like to arrive I asked what would be the earliest as Mr Warehouse and I was hoping to travel down in the wee-small hours of Sunday ready to make the most of our trip. 

As I waited with bated breath, the Chalet owner explained that this wouldn't be a problem since him and his wife had been living there throughout the COVID19 pandemic but would be moving out as of the Saturday night and with the place ready for us as early as we could get there Sunday morning. Sounded blissful, apart from the nigh-on six-hour drive! Finally we could relax and as I bid the owner a farewell down the telephone (he had to get back to work driving the buses around Cornwall) I couldn't contain how excited I was. 

Finally, I can now visit Bodmin Jail (since we couldn't do that on our last trip), maybe a visit to Lands End and 100% going back to the horse riding place for a gallop across the sands. To think that my little Frankenstein has never experienced sand in between his little webbed toe-beans (feet/paws). I suppose its the best of both worlds - One didn't want a holiday, the other wanted a normal beach abroad holibob - A happy compromise, something we will have to learn as a newly married couple .. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

The Worlds Best Date!

Evening, 

Setting up the pups for a day by themselves and with the neighbours being left a key, my Mr Warehouse and I hit the road ready for the big smoke. Now, normally we would hire ourselves a cottage or a cabin for the weekend at about this time of year and head out to the countryside for a bit of rest and recuperation with a chance to reflect on another year being together. However what with the wedding and Christmas, we decided to have ourselves a day trip to London to celebrate instead. 

Starting our day with a cheeky trip to Camden Town, we hit up a chic and niche culture and even sampled some tasty delights of hipster North London. Unable to bring forward our Chocoholic Afternoon Tea in a top Paddington hotel, we stole a few moments in a greasy spoon cafe for a cuppa and to get out the chilly November air. As we sat and talked about our day, the conversation soon turned to the last few anniversaries and some of the memories we have had over the last half-decade. From trips and holidays to days mooching around our little starter flat - Most of it enjoyable and full of laughter. 

Soon it was time to head off, across the city on the London Underground in search of our Chocoholic Afternoon Tea. After walking past the scenic Hyde Park and Serpentine, we arrived early but only after Mr Warehouse had to pull me away from a posh pet store before I nearly bought the puppies presents and overpriced treats. Stepping inside the four-star hotel, we marvelled at the marble floor and high ceilings. Nestled in the idyllic corner of Queens Garden at Paddington, the Park Grand London Paddington offered the perfect calm to outside on the busy city streets and all whilst still being in the heart of all the buzz in the capital with bustling Oxford Street and the dazzling West-end only a short distance away. As Mr Warehouse and I sat after relieving ourselves from a bathroom stop, we wondered on the clientele and the rooms, although looking at the prices of £170 per person per night it would appear it was slightly out of our normal price bracket. 

Nevertheless, it was soon time to be indulged. The glorious waiter, a little Indian chap came along and offered us a choice of tea to pick from a snazzy looking box. Sitting back in the chair after he left I sighed and looked over to my Fiance. We were certainly relishing an unforgettable afternoon in London and as our decadent chocolate afternoon tea for two arrived we were perplexed when we were asked by our waiter if we would like our bubbly now or later. Confused we asked for it to be given later. 
"I thought this didn't come with Champagne?" Mr Warehouse asked to which I agreed and frantically began reading through the voucher details. Nothing. Maybe they were trying to swizz us and make us pay for an overpriced bottle of plonk? despite this, however, I accepted the seemingly free glass of Prosecco. 

Diving in and ignoring my Slimming World plan, our delightful afternoon was filled with delicious sweet and savoury treats. To start we had an array of freshly made finger sandwiches including a yellow, carrot infused bread and pink, beetroot infused bread, along with your standard brown and white. Inside was crammed with egg mayonnaise, chicken with bell peppers, tuna a la cucumber and cheese with houmous. More delights come on the second layer and whilst the website described the indulgent chocolate swiss roll, it was nowhere to be seen. Instead, we had two massive warmed chocolate scones, a smooth milk chocolate moose topped with berries and a slightly dry, chocolate and banana loaf bite. But, to top it all off was a cute little selection of petit fours consisting of chocolate brownies, macaroons and a mini key lime pie. 

Sat in our window box seat in luxury surroundings I just simply couldn't fault the utterly wonderful service. The afternoon tea had been a scrumptious treat and all the better when the waiter came to top up our prosecco and leave the bottle on the table. Returning with I asked rather baffled if the whole bottle of Prosecco was included and to mine and Mr Warehouse's surprise he said yes! Winning! I didn't think that the voucher Miss Tweedle-Dee had got us included any booze, let alone a whole stinking bottle. Over the moon, we chin-chined our way through and by the end were a bit of a mess, stumbling out onto the streets of Paddington, half-cut and still daylight.
Honestly, everything combined was the best Afternoon tea I think I have ever had and Mr Warehouse agreed. Just impeccable. 

Giggling all the way back to the tube we headed for part three, a trip to the London Dungeons. After blagging a freebie from someone in the village (all because I was too lazy to have found a two-for-the-price-of-one on the back of a cereal box somewhere) I was excited to have finally gone somewhere I have always wanted to go. Exploring the capital's most perilous past, Mr Warehouse and I were able to be fully immersed in the unique experience and able to see, hear, feel and even smell the chilling atmosphere as the characters of Ye Olde England came to life.

Starting in the year 1536 in medieval Britain, we were greeted by a gruesome Jester and taken to the basements of Parliament in the year 1605 and watched on as the actors told of Guy Fawkes and his plot to blow up the Houses where laws are passed and lives controlled (something I think many British people have thought about in recent times with Brexit looming). Onto the Torture chamber, we went to be met by a grizzly soul that informed us of certain methods used in order to obtain information. 

Wandering through the darkness into 1665, Mr Warehouse and I were met by the Plague Doctor with his long pointed beak and menacing look. Taken to the "Plague House" we were sneezed on and told of the misery that would await should we come down with such an ailment. Fast forward a year and its the 2nd of September 1666. Sparks from Thomas Farriner’s bakery in Pudding Lane have set the packed timber houses of London alight and the city has become a raging inferno with the plague rats scurrying and the helpless left to burn we experienced the sites and smells of what it may be like to be stuck inside a burning building - seventeenth-century style. 

"Now this was my era right here," I thought as my Date and I found ourselves in quaint surroundings, although this wasn't no dream but a nightmare as we noticed our surroundings were of Mrs Lovett's infamous pie shop. With Sweeney [Todd] upstairs in his barbershop, I was sure of our next fate on Fleet Street. Heading into the seats I could hear children screaming and crying as the dramatic settings and surroundings had become too much for their little heads, I however was loving every moment of it. Finishing up our hair chop cut, myself and our group headed to 1888 and Mitre Square in particular where Jack The Ripper stalked. Whitechapel was not a safe space and soon more victims would be added to the list of the dead. 

The final stop was 1783 (don't know quite where the chronology has gone but nevermind) and we were met with The Long Drop. One of the only rides that was working when we were at the Dungeons I considered not doing it, simply because  had done ride like this in the past and hated them, however not wanting to look like a pussy, I sucked it up and accompanied a pompous Mr Warehouse to the coaster where an exhilarating vertical free fall drop ride awaited us. 

Heading out of the establishment I was disappointed in the extortionate prices for photos, and, even though it was priceless now I look back on it, I couldn't have justified twenty-quid for a photo of Mr Warehouse looking like he was screaming his lungs out on the ride (which he was by the way). Hunger had yet to take ahold so we cancelled our further plans for dinner out and headed home to the fur-babies. Five years has seemed to slip by so easily and yet it already feels like a lifetime. I am so glad to have Mr Warehouse as my Fiance and cannot wait to be this time next year a Wifey!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Haunted Happenings at Her Majesty's Pleasure

Evening Everyone, 

So if you cast your mind back a few weeks ago to my birthday in Mid-September and my otherworldly gift from my bestie - Miss Tweedle-Dee. With the run-up to Halloween coming quickly I am so excited for Autumn and Spookies to come, so with all of this in mind Miss Tweedle-Dee paid for us to both encounter the paranormal inside one of Britain's Most Haunted prisons - HMP Gloucester. 

At the time, the website describes HMP Gloucester as having "a long and chilling history with many of the executed criminals remain buried in the grounds of the prison with some of the most infamous serial killers have been incarcerated within the walls of Gloucester Prison." Only last weekend during a catch-up at Treat Street - A local sweet treat bar we had a email that would change things slightly. Miss Tweedle-Dee and I were due to start our overnight ghost hunt at HMP Gloucester was already booked and fully paid for including the hotel which was a non-refundable, non-transferable and non-cancel-able date. the problem that we now in counted was the fact that the new owners of HMP Gloucester had decided that bought out the prison and had decided that Haunted Happenings who were the group that were posting the ghost hunting experienced were no longer accepting any sort of Paranormal company or tour of the prison. 

Fortunately though we were able to transfer our trip from one haunted prison it to another and with a few good miles difference between HMP Gloucester and HMP Shepton Mallet we were disappointed to say the least but we were certainly glad that not all was lost and we were able to move our trip and still get our spook on! Having closed as recently as 2013 this formidable prison operated as the oldest prison in England. However, before its closure it was a Category C Lifer Prison incarcerating the most hardened and dangerous of criminals including the notorious Reggie and Ronnie Kray otherwise known as the Kray Twins - The notorious 1950s East End gangsters. The empty corridors and lifeless cells were crying out to be investigated by those who have a fascination for what life must have been like in such a desolate and unforgiving existence, and who were Miss Tweedle-Dee and I to not snatch at such an opportunity. I was even able to sweet talked to the lady at Ibis hotels Gloucester into refunding Miss Tweedle-Dee for the room and instead we easily found a hotel room that could accommodate us within budget. 


Originally built as a House of Correction in 1625 this prison has a terrifying history. Much of what had taken place there was extremely brutal. In the 17th and 18th Centuries the men, women and children who were imprisoned there existed in the most horrific conditions where they were left starving in packed, small pox infested cells. It is said that former inmates lie in unmarked graves throughout the grounds and despite the seven Judicial executions, the full amount is largely unknown. As with most places of large occupation capacity, during the second world war HMP Shepton Mallet was adapted as a military prison and used by the British and the Americans but by the end of 1944 sixteen Americans had been hanged and 2 shot by firing squads for crimes that included rape and murder.

And so with everything all in order, Miss Tweede-Dee and I set off on Saturday morning, my Besitie driving in her new car, down to Shepton Mallet and checked into the hotel and instead made the rather grave mistake or opting to visit a local designer retail outlet rather than sleep. Our experience started at 9pm that night and not wanting to be late and in a timely if anxiously early manner, Miss Tweede-Dee and I decided to leave in plenty of time. An experience that we were sure not forget in a hurry. As we were invited in through the large wooden prison gates with suffering torment and death deeply etched into the very fabric of this imposing prison it felt surreal walking around the modern metal railings and old school brick buildings. HMP Shepton Mallet Prison was home for the night as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I were excited, if a little on-edge about seances, vigils and contact-experiments in the most active areas of the imposing location and at 3am all would be well as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I will return to the hotel, hopefully not possessed! Arriving into Base Camp for the night, I recalled the website saying how "HMP Shepton Mallet, also known as Cornhill, now lies abandoned, bereft of those who were incarcerated there." 

Our ghost hunt at HMP Shepton Mallet was nothing if intense and as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I started working in small groups we were taken through on a tour of the prison which included the infirmary, morgue and execution room. The next part of our evening, after a quick snackette and a coffee to warm our souls all accompanying a cigarette, we joined in some amazing experiments in our attempts to make contact with whoever or whatever still walked through the prison corridors. These experiments included several Ouija and Ouija-type Boards, Table Tipping, Glass Moving and some intense watch and wait vigils, even getting to use some of the to date paranormal and ghost hunting equipment. Using the most active areas of the prison throughout the night our group entered the morgue and mortuary area of the prison underneath the exercise yard and conducted a seance type vigils in which we got a few responses from beyond the grave. 

Continuing into the early hours, I was excited and really enjoyed using the Ouija Boards to speak with the people from the other side, despite Miss Tweedle-Dee not buying it at all, convinced that someone with their finger on the glass must be moving it. I was wholly convinced though, you could tell with the speed, ease and precision that it takes for the living to move a glass over a smooth board it is not so easy for a spirit and with this can be overwhelming sensation that something was moving the glass other than those we could see around us. We were informed that some of the ghosts that are thought to reside at HMP Shepton Mallet are varied, with links back to the early 17th Century. One of the other groups were able to made contact with a gentleman called Harry who murdered his wife and another group who spoke to a Black American GI called Stephen who was wrongly accused of rape and hung. 

My interactions with the spirits were fairly mundane and existed in the form of a gentleman called Chris or Christopher who likes to play games and mess with us using the Ouija board, however when Miss Tweedle-Dee and I moved over to the glass work in a different wing, I was startled after speaking to what I thought was a gentleman who had been put away for homicide started to take an interest to me in particular out of the four or five people lightly touching the glass. After some gentle coaxing from our guide I asked several questions which tried to Whittle Down my understanding of the person or being I was talking with. From the very simple yes-or-no questions, I nervously started asking the entity about itself and it's attraction to me. I discovered that it was a gentleman who passed away in the 1980s and was aged between 20 and 25 when he passed. I cannot recall whether it was on my mother's side or my father's side that he passed away but I do know that there was nothing at physical that he was attracted to although it was something about my being that was intangible that he took a liking to and in a way related to me, despite us never meeting in person. He had never met me even as a small baby and I would never meet him in person, however for whatever reason we were now in a very awkward scenario of yes and no answers to questions that I wasn't sure I knew what to ask. 

Some of the most scariest moments were in the hidden cells underneath the courtyard where I clearly saw with my very own eyes a sad and lonely white woman figure bend down to pick something up that was sure was one of the women opposite me in the seance circle that had bent down to pick something off the floor, although on further clarification with the group inside the concrete walls I discovered that I was not the only one to have seen the apparition with the origin of which was not from any of us. With the feeling of something in the thick black blackness moving round I suddenly came over nauseous and as though I was going to be sick any moment. Then, out of nowhere the guide asked me if I was OK to which I responded with the honest truth that I felt terribly sick and overwhelmed with the nausea that was now building as I could feel the bile at the back of my throat balling. Our guide informed me and the rest of the group that this was a totally normal feeling when in the company of the paranormal and especially so when he said that there was twinkly pin-pricks of light sprinkling over me, indicating a spirit presence. 

Getting back to the hotel however after what was a very long and exhausting at night of ghost hunting and energy giving, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I were glad of the soft and comfy bed to fall into. Revelling in the cosy, warm sheets I heard a confession through the darkness from Miss Tweedle-Dee explaining that whilst she was once a believer she is more sceptical now than she had ever been leading us to one conclusion - Another spooky nights spent somewhere terrifying and maybe this time Mr. Warehouse will join us for a thrill - Asylum anyone?

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

Listen With Your Heart, You Will Understand ...

Evening everyone!

Finishing work early at midday on Friday I was rushed off my feet yet again trying to sort different bits and pieces. After the last 18-months or so of searching for a property suitable for both mine and Mr Warehouse's tight budget as well as our dog we finally came across a few properties in the last few months that were affordable and that would accept pets. The only problem that we seem to come up against was the fact that the majority of these properties were very run down or poorly kept which meant that we would have to put in a lot of work to a property that was not perfect and was not ours, something that at the end of the day we could quite easily do in the place that we have here. Albeit our flat is small in comparison to the two-bedroom house with Garden and parking I envisaged us living in at this point last year, I would say that our flat is still on the large side in terms of the front room and bedroom. In fact I am sure that I have not met anyone that is able to fit a sofa, double bed, one single wardrobe, one triple wardrobes, two chest of drawers and a desk into their bedroom. After having several meltdowns over the last few weeks about where we live as well as the safety and security of the property, not to mention what seems like a complete lack of empathy or positive activity from our landlord, I have come to realise just how selfish I have been and how lucky I am to live in such a lovely home, even if it isn't mine. 

And so with this new lease of life and new found optimism for my housing situation, Mr Warehouse and I have decided to try and attempt to do up what little flat we have. I suppose with a little bit of paint, a spruce up of the patio area and maybe even splashing out on a few bits for the house I am sure that this will tide me over at least for the meantime to be happy in where I am living whilst trying at desperately to save for a house. In fact I think I am quite proud of myself for all of the bargains I have found over the last few weeks. Not only have I been able to bag myself a leather bound double bed for just eight-quid, but I have also sourced two bedside tables for a tenner, a nice fluffy rug for under a fiver, and a wall mounted TV bracket for ten British pounds too. I am hoping that the last few little bits we need such as paint and other garden furniture will be easily found or supplied through friends, family and work colleagues as well as a few freebies found online. 

Anyway I suppose that all of that gumft is for next weekend. Whilst last weekend was spent in mourning after burying my grandfather and all of the trials and tribulations that went hand-in-hand with spending so much time with my family during a difficult time, this weekend's welcome break to a hotel in Basingstoke was certainly what I needed. The secret that I had been keeping from you for a few weeks now was the fact that my best friend was getting MARRIED! Yes I know it has probably been the biggest secret that I have been able to keep to myself for a long while. 

The bestie met her boyfriend all those many moons ago back in Uni. A few weeks after rekindling our friendship after just drifting apart, Mr. Workaholic and I visited Miss Tweedle-Dee, Mrs. Tweedle-Dumb and their "posh friends" in halls and this is when I first met her future husband. Mr. Tweedle-Dumb (because they are now legally married) seemed shy and very reserved for a Uni-student, nothing like the loud, brash and ladish lass he was dating. Someone focused, head-down and knew what they wanted and where they wanted to be. As the years passed and my boyfriends came and went, Mrs. Tweedle-Dumb had dropped out of Uni but continued to vist her Bae in halls and even carried on when he moved back down to his hometown of Basingstoke. Last Summer she made the move down the country to be with him and they got their own council flat. Small, it was more than most people get offered when only a couple and it was certainly plenty for them. 

After Mr Warehouse was let down for several job offers in Europe he was finally offered a promising career in Stockholm. The Tweedle-Dumb's waited for the application to emigrate for weeks, but after sometime it sadly fell through but after giving up their council flat and moving back in with the in-law's parents temporarily I think they needed a pick-me-up so took the opportunity to book a holiday to the place where dreams are made ... Disneyland Florida! Following romantic mini-breaks and trips to some of the most romantic tourist hot-spots across Europe and farther afield including Paris, Rome, Las Vegas, this engagement ring was having more holidays than I was as it accompanied Mr. Tweedle-Dumb on all trips. Each time they jetted off, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I would anxiously await the iconic picture and prepared to see if he popped the question on that trip?! But it never came. I was expecting it to never come and for them to just be that couple that are not engaged nor married but maybe have a child or two. But then it did! The Happiest Place on Earth. And that it certainly was for as my dearest friend looked up in awe of the Disney princess castle, the midnight sky alight with fireworks and stars she turned back to the love of her life only to be greeted by a one singular knee and a shiny silver ring. Shocked and stunned (as were we all guys!) I was so overwhelmed with happiness when I got a picture the following morning I cried tears of happiness. I was so unimaginably joyful for her. Whilst at first I begrudged her for going to the place where dreams come true in the first place because I wanted to go, I was thrilled at the prospect of a wedding I actually had a close relationship to the Bride! 

I have known Miss Tweedle-Dumb from such a young age when we were in lower school together and when we lived across the road directly from me. Initially she was a bitch and threw sand in my face but then the twins soon became the triplets when we adopted Miss Tweedle-Dee. Instantly we were inseparable, spending every time outside of the classroom with each other either out playing or hanging around each others houses. Of course we would argue as would any group of girls, and by hell we still do, but we always somehow made our way through. As we spent our time lazying away our weekends and summer holidays I always thought we would be friends forever and even in our old age we would still be giggling and laughing like we did when we were in school. Over the years, like every little girl and her friends we talked about our wedding days what we would do and what we would wear or how we would have our hair and make-up. We even discussed and acted out about how we would each walk down the aisle and practised using each other as father of the bride. 

This weekend, as I expected anyway, was eventful with lots of stress about beauty, getting ready and having enough time to do everything. All in all I had a nice time. The ceremony was a bit of a let down for me on their behalf as from where I was sitting the registrar seemed very uptight and conducted the ceremony in a bit of a farcical storybook parody. Snapping at Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Mr. Tweedle-Dumb for not holding hands, kissing or being close, I thought to myself if we didn't know otherwise, anyone would have thought that they were just doing this for a visa. All in all the day was lovely and touching in its own way. I think the only disappointing and sad thing was being without Mr. Warehouse by my side to spend it with us all and enjoy it, something that still perplexes me. I am just glad that she had a nice day and hope that both of my Tweedle-Dumb's have a wonderful life together. Wonder whose next then ... 

 'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

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

Here We Go Again!

Ahoj (Pronounced Ah-hoy), 

For those of you that are fluent in Czechoslovakian you will know that this is how you say hello. Why am I starting off by saying hello in another language you might think. Well dear friends, after months of searching and scouring the web for cheap deals to go to Europe for a Christmas market getaway, I thought that I had tracked down the perfect place call Mr Warehouse and I to visit. However after a rather heated and intense discussion with Mr Warehouse, it was decided that I would go with Miss Tweedle-Dee instead. Where are we heading to you might ask ... Prague! With Miss Tweedle-Dumb in Florida with her Bae we will just have to sit tight and wait to see if this trip for two turns into a tour for three. 

Now don't get me wrong I feel bad that I kept going on at Mr Warehouse nearly every evening after work about a holiday to somewhere else in Europe more cold and Christmasy than England. With less than two paychecks until the big day now it was fairly unrealistic to expect that Mr Warehouse could find nearly £300 for the spending money we would need for a few days in a foreign country. Even when I offered to pay for him to go as a early Christmas present I was told that this would not be allowed and was too much of a gift. "Yeah, because the Christmas that I bought you a holiday to Ireland with flights and hotel all paid for or last year when I bought you an Xbox One Slim weren't too much" I thought to myself as I succumbed to the fact that I would be holidaying without him. Instead Mr. Warehouse and I have agreed that we will go away with the pooch for a long weekend somewhere in the UK for a little break and already I have seen the pressure lift from his shoulders at the thought of not having to shell out on lots of Christmas presents and a holiday to Eastern Europe. I suppose that in the long run though when it comes to next year Mr. Warehouse and I will be able to have one and maybe even two nice holidays away somewhere. He has even been looking forward to booking somewhere a little bit more exotic and luxurious than Tenerife and have seen Mexico, Caribbean and Florida have all been on the cards. 

With the money that I had got from friends and family for my birthday paying for the flight itself, all I now really need to think about is just spending money and the small amount Miss Tweedle-Dee and I would pay for a hotel. It appears that whilst we have spent nearly £100 on a flight from Stansted to Prague in late November / early December, the hotels seem very well priced and definitely within our small budget. Obviously though, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I have different wants from a hotel. I would prefer to have accommodation that touches the luxurious side of life. In true fashion, I want everything champagne on a lemonade budget so if the hotel could include a spa, sauna and hot-tub with a pool that would be just great. Throw in a massage or treatments for free and I will be more than happy, however I know for a fact that Miss Tweedle-Dee does not share the same outlook on relaxation as I do. One thing we can agree on is that we want an inexpensive but nice hotel with beautiful interiors we can Facebook and SnapChat about and in the perfect location for walking to all the sights and smells of the city. 

Miss Tweedle-Dee and I will be flying in just before the Christmas market starts, one of Europe's best and hopefully it will not disappoint as York did last year. Prague is meant to be one of the most historically filled cities in Europe and with its history sprinkled with tales of the old Soviet Union and its fight to become its own independent country. I am looking forward to learning parts of history that were missed from the pages of the text and reference books we were taught and finding out alternatively what life was like through the World Wars and the Communism of its latter years. I want to visit the infamous Charles Bridge, take refuge in the St Vitus Cathedral and stroll along the Old Town and past the Astronomical clock. Maybe Miss Tweedle-Dee and I will take a romantic-bestie dinner on-board the Vltava river by night and by day shop in strange boutiques and outlets. Maybe I will even find a spa out there with everything I ever dreamt of for chilling out in the warmth of a Solarium or solitude of a Salt Cave. 

Ahh, I suppose now I just have to wait and start the count down to take-off ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

Castle on the Hill

Hello Dears!

Finishing work I don't think many of my work colleagues knew that I was taking annual leave, starting with a half day on Friday afternoon. Come half-twelve I was more than ready to finish work and get my hot-tub on! But first I needed to wait for the besties, Miss Tweedle-Dee and Miss Tweedle-Dumb to arrive so that I could drive us all to our home for the weekend. Once they had arrived we popped everything into the car and headed out to the Open Roads. 

Our purpose built, Laxfield Lodges log cabin was set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside and is a part of a couple that the land owner has on his property in order to make a bit of cash on the side. And why wouldn't you make use of your surroundings, bunging in a hot-tub as well to increase profits. All rooms in the cabin were carved from the finest cuts of wood and the cabin itself was comprised of two bedrooms, a double and a twin, one main bathroom with a bath tub and a en-suite to the master bedroom including a rain shower. A separate utility room with tumble dryer, washing machine and storage was hidden along the wooden corridor before you came into the main living area which boasted a beautiful black and white granite kitchen including an incredibly useful island. All the mod-cons and amenities you could ever ask for in a kitchen as well as a six-ring old fashioned range in which you could cook in either the fan or the gas ovens provided. Two leather sofas rounded of the Living area looking out to the large decking and meadows but was accompanied by the glass free-standing dining room table and TV. 

But as you stepped outside onto the wooden veranda you saw the 'piece de la resistance': The Hot-Tub! Covered cleverly with some reeds and bamboo shoots, the hot-tub / Jacuzzi itself was very discreetly hidden from view of the other Lodge and the main house. perfect for a late-night dip and even maybe something a little bit more risky! But on a hot and lethargic Friday afternoon and certainly following the long journey that we had coming over from Bedford, Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I were all itching to take a dip before the sun set. We even found out from the owner that the singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran was from around these parts, and was actually raised in the village down the road from where we were staying. The area even hosted Ed and his female friend, the international pop star that is Taylor Swift in a pub round the corner and and the video shot for Castle on the Hill was actually done nearby and showed the Framingham Castle in the background, a supposed old haunt of Baby-Ed. 

Saturday morning the Tweedles and I all awoke fresh as daisies and ready to start our day. After having breakfast consisting of a cup of coffee and a waffle or two, we all jumped in the car for the 40-minute or so journey to Ipswich in search of some shopping and retail therapy in order to unwind, spending some much needed time together for alas this may be the end of our annual holiday as we knew it. With some swift changes coming up in the next few months and very near future it was clear that we did not have much time to spend with each other, at least not in person anyway. Some make-up, clothes and holiday bits for mine and Mr. Warehouse's holiday to Tenerife in August we we're all officially shopped and dropped, and it would appear that we have dropped right into a Chiquitos nearby for some Dinner. 

Sunday was an unsuccessful day at the farm for a free activity, but I would say that the less said about this the better and so back to the hot-tub to enjoy the last few moments in whirlpool bliss before heading home to reality and work the next day. Suffice to say that whilst we had our holiday squabbles and disagreements as usual it was also an emotional time to reflect on our friendship and realise just how far we had all come from the school girls that met in the playground well over a decade ago. Who knows where our next trip will take us however I have a funny feeling that it will probably involve a little bit of a Chillier climate and even a trip to a Swedish Christmas Market!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Rub-A-Dub-Dub in my little Hot-Tub!

Hiya, 

So it would seem that with less than 100-days to go until myself and Mr. Warehouse Jet off on holiday to Sunny Tenerife I am thoroughly looking forward to the fact that I can lay on the beach drinking cocktails and eat out for every meal. Anyone who knows me will know that holidays are exactly what I want to do in my spare time and with any spare cash, and whilst I have switched jobs in the last year it would appear that money is still an issue when it comes to holidaying. 

Normally it would happen that Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I organise a holiday during the summer months and Mr. Warehouse and I just have to make do in trying to get away at some other point throughout the year. But this year is different, for I am not really able to afford more than one holiday this year especially a big one. With my living expenses increasing after passing my test and getting a car, even with the change in career and more money coming in, I am envious and a tad jealous of my work colleagues that are able to Jet off to far away countries like the Caribbean and Mexico for annual holidays more than just once a year. But I suppose in retrospect if I was still living at home and had little outgoings then I also would be travelling the world. Who knows maybe I would be one of those pretentious posh kids from a middle class military background family that would swan off to Africa or somewhere out in Asia on some sort of gap Year from university in order to "find myself", 

Anyway, for some odd reason this year it seems like much more of a struggle to save the money for spending on Mr Warehouse and my first beach holiday abroad. if I'm honest with myself I slightly regret the fact that we did not book somewhere a little bit more upper class. For Mr Warehouse I am sure that it will be amazing even if we were living in a Mud Hut for a week since his last holiday abroad to a beach resort was his brother's stag do a few years ago. They have been married for over 4-years I think and have a little boy who this weekend, just turned three, I honestly don't know what I would do if I couldn't go on holiday every year - I think I would go insane! Mind you I always class a holiday as something outside of your normal environment. A breakaway to an English seaside resort - Holiday! Visiting family in Southern Ireland - Holiday! Going to see your best friend in Basingstoke for the weekend - OK certainly not a holiday but definitely a break away from the norm. 

Looking back on it now, I am slightly regretful at the fact that Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I never booked anywhere to go away abroad just me and them. But it was their decision that this year we would scrap the summer holiday all in aid of a hot tub weekend, with champagne on ice and lots of giggles and laughter to be had all of it set in the beauty that is the old English country-side. Set in woodland slap-bang in between Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft; Laxfield Lodges with a hot tub and Scenic outdoor views is certainly going to take the edge off not being able to be on a beach with the besties!

I shouldn't say too much as this time next week I will have a lot to say about what my weekend entailed and look forward to telling you all about one of the last and final time we will all be together. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx