Childhood sweethearts

We spent Sunday afternoon at my parents looking through childhood photos when we came across this gem. 

Luke and I went to the same primary school, he was the year above me. Our parents knew each other, we had mutual friends growing up, knew each other to nod at in the street but that's as far as our friendship went. 

Until one day, which seems like a lifetime ago, we were both at a friend's birthday party and exchanged a few more head nods. Then the wonders of Facebook [cringe] led Luke to get in touch. 

A couple of dates later and we were an item, almost inseparable. Our relationship today is so strong, it has survived university, me swanning to Uganda to volunteer, and various other whirlwinds life has thrown at us. 

Who would have thought 18 years ago when we were stood next to each other on that school stage, in the midst of our school play, that we would be here today. Happy, in love, and planning our wonderful future together. 

Childhood sweethearts not quite so much, but still lovely all the same :)

A Monday Resolution

Rosie at Cider with Rosie has started making a Monday Resolution, and I think setting challenges like this is a great way to get something done during the week ahead. So here’s mine:

Image from Pinterest [original source unknown]

Okay so I don't exactly do the above, but I'm not a huge exercise fan. After a fairly indulgent weekend, I think it’s time I leapt back on the healthy lifestyle bandwagon. Luke and I really stuck to it for a couple of weeks, but it’s so easy to fall when there’s cake around. Neither of us are eating healthily to lose weight, we are seeing it as more of a lifestyle change. I am a big believer of you get out what you put in, and after a couple of weeks of eating homemade, none processed foods, I have to say I really noticed a difference. I had much more energy, felt less bloated and definitely less hungry!

Luke keeps telling me the next step is exercise. God that boy loves exercise. Running, swimming, cycling, all three in the same day sometimes. I, however, have never had the enthusiasm. I used to swim when I was growing up, three times a week and loved it. Then off I went to Uni, and made my ‘I have no time or money’ excuses quite regularly. And now, I love walking, I walk everywhere. But running. No. Thank. You. I feel like my heart is going to fall out of my chest, even when I power walk, and I can’t imagine that being too good for me right?! But then again, every time I moan about my podgy tummy, or that I’ve eaten too much cake, I hear a ‘well you can’t moan if you’re not prepared to try running’ seeping out of Luke’s brain.So I thought I’d give it a whirl. I ordered some trainers [I haven’t owned a pair for years, so thought it would be a good start]. We have lots of open green space by our house, so no ‘I don’t want people seeing me like a sweaty mess’ excuses. And Luke has offered to help me, so I can’t even pretend to run. Hmph.

image from Pinterest - original source unknown

Personally I think the former – the part that wants to stop – will definitely overcome the latter.

Any tips for getting started and sticking to it?!

Apple and Onion Chutney

I've had a bit of a housewifey weekend again. Last week I mentioned that I had an apple tree in the garden with an abundance of fruit, so I thought it was about time to make something with them,. For my birthday, Luke bought me a book on jam and preserves making [he knows me so well], so I found a recipe for easy apple and onion chutney.It's great on homemade pate (I'll put this recipe up another time) and is a great kick for on ham or cheese sandwiches.

First take 900g of onions, and finely dice

Then take 1.8kg of cooking apples, peel, core and dice

Put in a pan with 500g of light muscovado sugar,2 tbsp of tumeric, 3 cloves of grated garlic, 60g of grated ginger, 1litre of distilled malt vinegar. Bring to the boil until the sugar has dissolved. Then simmer for an hour until thick.

It's really that easy!!!

Then pot into sterilised jars. This recipe made 10 small jam jars, great for the store cupboard!!!

I also made chicken liver pate, french onion soup, cherry chocolate brownies and banana cake, watch this space for the recipes!

Men

Image found via Pinterest. Original source unknown 

Living with Luke has opened my eyes up to a few things:

> Men can be domesticated. He cooks, he cleans [apart from the toilet, he says that's my job], he re-cleans things I've cleaned and he picks things up after me. He's been brought up well, I have his mom to thank for that

> If it's time for Luke to wake up then it's time for me to wake up and get up too. Gone are my student days of mid morning lie ins. Even on a weekend, when I have nothing to do, 6am is my new get up time

> Living together doesn't always allow for quality time together. Luke works so hard and long hours, and often our evenings together consist of making tea, eating tea, washing up from tea, making the lunches for the next day, more washing up, bath and bed. I would never deter him from working - he loves his job - but we still need to make that effort. So we are going to try and have evening walks after tea to catch up on our days

> Working as a team gets things done quicker. Luke helps with everything. Bless his heart. It means we have more time together on the evenings to do the above :)

> Luke and I are both stubborn. He moans at me for not shutting the bin lid. I respond with moodiness. We have a game now that if ever either of us are moody, the other one has to try and poke a smile into their face. It always ends up with laughter. Humor is important. Even if I am often the butt of the jokes. 

> He loves to use women's beauty products. [He's reading this over my shoulder as I type and is asking me to stop]. I caught him using my face wash the other day but assumed it was a one off thing. I confronted him, which was when he confirmed "oh I use this every time I wash my face", so twice a day. He uses my £18 a bottle face wash to wash his face. Twice. A. Day. I mean I'm all for what's yours is mine and what's mine is my own yours. But seriously?! Does anyone else have this problem?

Jokes aside, I've learnt a lot. Some things I already knew. Some have shocked me. (£18 face wash!). But I wouldn't change him, or our relationship for the world :)