My 10 favourite savoury snacks

As CBC, my husband frequently moans, I am rather partial to a bag of crisps. I confess that I am indeed a confirmed Crisp-o-holic. I make myself give them up for Lent as I do tend to turn to a bag of crisps when I am stressed or in a panic and that is particularly hard. They are terribly unhealthy and lack any nutritional value, but I still find myself yearning for their taste! Here, I will share my favourite snacks.

1. Cheesy Wotsits

The original Wotsits! Ahh, bright orange Maize snacks covered in cheese powder- I adore these!  I like these best when they have been left out in a bowl for a day and are chewy. I think this is because when I was a child, the only time we got to eat these was after a party when they were left over in one of those Tupperware bowls, so I always ate them chewy and slightly stale.  The funny thing is, my sister likes them exactly the same! I will also eat Cheetos- these are similar.  Supermarket own brands are ok but they lack the proper flavour of original Wotsits!

2.  Original Smiths Frazzles

Now, disclaimer here- the original Smiths are the ONLY ones! The cheap alternatives have a Smoky bacon taste as opposed to a non-smoked Bacon flavour.  I associate these with the Vending Machine at our local Swimming Pool as a child-they were so tasty and especially so after swimming.  To be eaten with wet hair and the strong aroma of Chlorine.

3.  Beef flavour Space raiders

Anyone remember the original 10p crisps of the '90's- Space Raiders? The original flavour was Pickled Onion and I LOVE those but even more so, I loved the Beef alternatives. Cheap and really artificial-tasting but these Maize snacks are the best. If I see them for sale, I buy them!

4.  Kettle chips Sweet potato Sweet chilli crisps

I associate these with Waitrose in Hexham. These crisps are the proper Potato crisp- robust and generous in individual crisp-size, these are really strong flavoured and you feel a bit healthier because they are sweet potato!

5.  Prawn crackers

The best ones are those which you are given for free in an Oriental restaurant. Second best are a bag bought from the Chinese takeaway which you have left out at night so they are slightly chewy. But, really, I'll eat them in any form.

6.  Holland and Barratts Satay Broad beans

In the savoury snack section, you can find these amazing Broad bean snacks- again, you feel slightly more virtuous eating veg, they have a great texture!

7. Aldi Sweet Malaysian Curry Pea snacks

These are a relatively new addition to my snack eating habits- they are largely made out of Marrowfat peas but they do make you feel like you are having a nice bit of sweet curry. Plus, the texture is really nice!

8.  Paprika Pringles

I KNOW Pringles are an abomination in terms of nutrition (really, all of these are)- I've been given the 'If you set fire to them, they melt' line but I do find these ridiculously moreish!

9. Royster's Bubbled Chips T-bone Steak snacks

I like the ones covered in more of the seasoning the best! Loved these meaty-flavoured snacks!

10.  Doritos Original Cool flavour
I find it hard to believe that such a strong flavour are the original flavour, but I find these delicious!!

Finally, I couldn't name a specific Crisp brand but I do like genuine Sour Cream and Chive (not onion) flavoured crisps.  They are definitely very antisocial with their pungent aroma but they are gooooood!

Q&A

***Updated***
Several people have been doing the Liebster tag recently. I was awarded it by Lisa-Jane recently but didn't tag anyone since the last time I did one, everyone was a bit tagged out. SO I've been surprised to see so many people joining in!  Anyway, I quite like the answering of questions so I am going to answer a few here.
If you would like to answer MY questions, please leave me a link as it's cool to read them (and I promise I will leave a comment). Katie has already answered mine, most brilliantly, so has Shamu-boo!

Alex’s questions: www.Oddsocksandprettyfrocks.blogspot.com 

1. What scares you?

The thought of having children.  Accidentally or deliberately. I am not in that place at all!

Many other things scare me, but I wont say here!
2. What is your favourite word?

Ostensibly.  I think it is a super word but I find it remarkably hard to slip into conversations! Serendipitous is a word I like and use a lot also.
3. Who was the last famous person you saw in real life?

Actually, I was at Holland Park tube on Monday night and as a lady stood next to me, I smiled because I thought I knew her and as I ruminated in my mind over who it was, then realised it was Penelope Wilton from Downton Abbey and all manner of other TV programmes. She turned away at this point, probably seeing the question in my mind.

I've frequently seen famous people there- Will Young being the previous.
4. What was the last film you went to see and why did you choose that one?

I went to see Frozen a couple of weeks ago. Why? Because I love Disney and I had heard good things about it, plus CBC wanted to go to the cinema and I had no desire to see anything else, so I plumped for this one!
5. How much cash is in your purse right now?

[runs to check]  2p, 1p, 2p, 2p, 2p, 2p, 10p, 20p, 5p, £1, £10=  £11.46 (I hope!)
6. Which piece of clothing do you most regret buying?

Hmmmm…now that is a difficult question!  I bought a really pretty Coast dress a whole back- it was a dark pale blue (if you know what I mean) and was in ruffly layers with little beads, made out of silk.  It was really pretty but it was a size 10, strapless. It just didn’t fit properly and I paid £47 in the sale (thank goodness I didn’t spend too much!) and I only wore it once as it made me nervous wearing it and it just didn’t suit me too much! 

Oh and an EVIL pair of very pretty platform sandals in the Next sale when I was 18- they were black with beautiful magenta flowers embroidered over the platform wedge. I wore them to walk 5 minutes to the pub and it cut into my feet and left me with sore welts that turned into scars. 5 minutes walk. That’s it! That’s all it took!x

Also, I fell in love with a dress from Doctor Who that Romana number 1 wore and had a family friend make a copy of it in black (she had offered to make a black concert dress for me). Because of the difference in material and colour, it makes me look like Morticia Addams and doesn’t have the lovely curly hem and sleeve ends! I feel so guilty about it- it took her ages and then I’ve only worn it a handful of times!

7. What's the oddest compliment you've ever been paid?

I genuinely cannot think.  My husband comes out with some bizarre things sometimes!
8. Which book do you love so much that you want to buy a million copies and thrust them at people?

Tom’s midnight garden.  In fact, I have bought copies and given them to people.  And anything by Alexander McCall Smith, esp. the 44 Scotland street series!
9. What's your karaoke song?

Well, I have only sung one song by myself at a Karaoke (and wrote an embarrassing blog at 2am in the morning after it)- as I am hideously embarrassed to do it, even though I am a trained musician and have sung solos in front of many people in church or musicals. But on that occasion, at midnight, I sang, All I ask of you, from Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber!  I made my work colleague cry- mwa ha ha!

I’d be game for ‘I’ve got rhythm’.
10. Were you named after anyone?

Nope- I was named after my mum found a fun hippy Cornish name that means ‘love and peace!’
11. If I gave you £1000 right now, what would you spend it on?

Yes please, Alex!  I’ll have a holiday please starting on Saturday.  Anywhere hot but for some reason, after searching online, I am really fancying Lanzarote!

Char’s questions: www.dinoprincesschar.blogspot.co.uk 

1. What is your favourite thing to do on a rainy day? 

Well, it depends. I actually like walking along the seafront.  As long as I have a waterproof coat, warm, dry footwear and gloves! Nice to also be inside making cards though
2. Skirts or shorts? 

Skirts- you can have them in all lengths- shorts are more limited.
3. If you found £10 on the pavement, what would you do with it?

I doubt I’d see it- I am remarkably unobservant in that respect.
4. Favourite colour? 

Turquoise/kingfisher blue
5. Best advice someone has ever given you?

Well, there has been lots but I will always remember my uni friend and my blog introducer, Rach, sent me a Proverbs 4 v11 quote- “Above all, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life”- I always remember and think of that. I have sent that to others in difficult times and it has proved a comfort to them too!
6. Where would you most like to go in the world? 

I think the Galapagos would be amazing! Or I’d like to go to Hawaai!
7. What super-power would you most like to have and why?

I’d love to be able to heal instantly.
8. Who is the last person you sent a text to?

My husband last night.
9. How many times per day do you brush your teeth?

Usually twice- morning and evening. If doing a concert or feel yucks, then more.
10. What is the last blog you followed?

Sarah at amilliondress.co.uk
11. Do you prefer to read e-books or regular books? Library or shop-bought?

I prefer regular books. Not gone in for the ebook apart from the bible app on my phone- that in itself is very useful though! Prefer to have my own as I am sure I have paid the salaries of several librarians in fines in my lifetime!

Lauren's questions: www.someonelikeyou18.blogspot.com

1. What's your dream job?

I would gladly have become a flautist in an orchestra and playing for West-end shows, e.g. Phantom. Just playing my flute daily and getting paid for it regularly would be wonderful!  I used to get a fair few paid gigs at University and I get the odd few nowadays, but I'd be happy doing this all the time!

2. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?

I'm not sure I'm definite on this one.  I would love to meet Paul McGann and I am cross with myself for not going to a Doctor Who convention that was in Barking a couple of years ago where Paul McGann was there!  He was within miles of my house and I didn't go?!?!! WHY?

I also think I'd love to meet Felicity Jones.  She is just so sweet, I imagine we'd get on really well!  

3. Live without your phone, or live without your computer?

I guess it if was a modern phone, it does most of what a computer does. BUT, even though I love to talk, I somehow feel I'd take the computer over the phone. You can skype of course! I'm allowed to keep my landline aren't I?

4. What's one place in the world you're dying to travel to?

I'd love to go to Hawaai, or one of those amazing islands in the middle of the Pacific or the Maldives.  But I'm not dying to go, I'd just rather like to!

5. If you could only wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Easy question- turquoise/kingfisher blue- that's a lot of my wardrobe through my whole life covered!

6. Nutella or peanut butter?

Peanut butter.  Hopefully less likely to rot my teeth. And it's great on a piece of toast. I'd prefer real chocolate to fake hazelnut stuff!

 7. What's one physical trait and one personality trait that you love about yourself?

I like my smile.  I know that this is the thing lots of people have complimented me on and I like the fact that it stretches to my eyes and illuminates my face.  I look a right mardy cow if I don't smile! Personality trait? Hmmmm? I like the fact that I am a bit eccentric.  Unless someone is one of those in-crowd, must-all-be-sheep, condescending types, then most people tend to like my quirky-side and say it makes them smile.  Most people always remember me and am amused by me. It also lets me get away with a lot of things that in other people, people might tolerate less! 

8. What's your favorite season?

Late Spring. When it is almost summer but all the blossom and such-like are still around.  It never ceases to astound me when all the plants, flowers and ground are renewed, bright, beaming and just BEAUTIFUL!

9. What's your favorite drink?

Tea! Particularly Earl Grey.  Of course! I lived by myself for 5 years and I made myself an entire pot of tea to drink when I first came home from work every day.  Now I have to share with CBC.  It sucks ;-)

10. Name someone who inspires you and why.

Well, the person who comprised these questions inspires me.  Her writing is full of vitality, freshness, eyes seeing beauty like I do and in a young person that is very inspiring. I don't see that so much in many 20 year olds. Her link is probably my most-visited non-me site.

Also, our old Vicar, Chris, is an amazing person. And his wife Jane.  They have a model marriage, but it's real.  Chris can be very  annoying to live with in some respects, I suspect.  But MY, is he a real and godly person.  I could listen to him preach a sermon all day long. So real, so true, so full of heart and a love for God and so ordinary though. He is himself.  Never pretends to be anything else. Jane is similar in her life in Faith and her patience and tenacity and hard-working spirit is truly inspirational.  And even their daughter too- she is amazing- the whole family in fact is my model of how to live life and be as a family. 

Finally, my Granddad.  He's 92 but he's still so amazing. He knows so much, working and always helping, even though he can barely walk and see.  He STILL helps out teaching bee-keeping in a primary school.  He's been my staunchest supporter in music all my life and has just always been an amazing inspiration.

11. If you could be in any movie, which would it be?

It would have to be Jane Austen. Anything- Northanger Abbey would be amazing!
Or my old favourite- Phantom of the Opera.  I'd love to be in it!

Hazel's questions: http://hazelsworldofjoy.blogspot.co.uk/

1. If you were a cartoon character who would you be?
I'd probably be something really annoying.  But I'd like to say Pink Panther.  However, I'm probably someone who speeds all over the place like Speedy Gonzales2. What's your nickname?
Kezzie, Kez, Kaz, Kezziekins, Kezziewig, Kezziekins, Beethoven, 3. What are you reading at the moment?
Rereading Sanditon by Jane Austen and Another Lady.4. If you could take a year off work with limitless funds, how would you spend your year?Living by the sea, reading, making cards, practising my flute, completing the commission my Grandad set me 16 years ago, writing worship songs, doing a postgraduate performance degree, 5. What is your signature dish?
I guess it would be Spaghetti Bolognaise or Thai Green curry.  These are things I am happy to cook for people and do if people come round for a sit down dinner.6. What is the one thing that everyone should do, at least once, in their lifetime?
Learn to play an instrument! Walk barefoot in grass!7. Have you ever given blood?
No, not quite ever got around to it.8. Do you have any tattoos?
No and it's never going to happen.  I have a mild issue/phobia over ink on skin- mendhi, tattoos, stamps on hand, writing in pen.  Shudder.9. Name a film that you have watched over and over again?
Northanger Abbey, Withnail and I, Ever After, Chitty chitty bang bang, Pollyanna, Pride and Prejudice, 10. What question would you most like to ask me?

11. Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery? What is it, how did it come to be yours?

I'm pretty fond of a tiny Cross necklace I bought from Next some years ago. It's so small, pretty and shiny but not in your face!

Here are my questions for you:

1.  What is the meaning of life?

2. Favourite sweetie?

3.  Princess Jasmine or Belle? Why?

4.  What do you like most about blogging?

5.  And what do you like least?

6.  Who was your favourite childhood stuffed/cuddly toy and why? Do you still have them?

7.  Favourite board game?

8.  Would you rather be a sheep or a cow? Why?

9.  What word do you have issues with spelling?

10.  What pet would you love if you could have something?

11.  What question would you like to answer that you've never been asked?

The Brunette's questions

Lisa-Jane at the Brunette Diaries- she of floaty light-coloured prettiness has nominated me for a Liebster blogger award so I am thanking her graciously for it: "Thank you Lisa-Jane!"

The Rules:

Share 11 things about yourself.

Answer the 11 questions that your tagger gave you.

Choose 11 other blogs to nominate.

Think of 11 questions to ask the bloggers that were nominated. 

Thank the person that nominated you and link back to their blog 

Well, I'm probably not going to nominate anyone- sorry but I can't decide who, computer too slow to find links and you probably have already done it, and probably don't want to, but feel free to nominate yourself!  I always enjoy answering questions so I thought I'd do that bit!

1) Have you already broken a new years resolution?

Well- I didn't formally make new year's resolutions- every day has resolutions in the sense of trying not to do the things wrong that I have done previously and I fail at this regularly.  But, in my mind, I decided a couple of things- which meant phoning family and friends more regularly, particularly my Grandad and Dad every week and whilst I have done that- I haven't actually got to speak to my Dad these past times- I've talked to my stepmum and sister but not caught my Dad. Also, we decided we were going to go Lindyhopping every Wednesday, despite school work and stresses because you have to have something for you. However, we've not managed until this Wednesday- the 29th- we decided to go and I phoned up to check the class was happening and it's not happening at the moment- typical!! Anyway, we went to an East Coast Swing class instead and that was fun!

2) Did you celebrate on new years eve?

I'm not really that bothered by the new year, since every day is a new year technically but this year, we did actually do some fun things- we drove out to Mersey Island in Essex and went to the Company Shed for dinner- we had fishcakes, baked oysters and salt and black pepper tiger prawns and they were delicious!! Nice location too.  Pity the weather was awful! Must go back.

We then went round to CBC's old flatmate's house and we ordered pizzas from Papajos and then played Cranium, drank some prosecco (I didn't) and I slept in a chair whilst they watched the fireworks on TV etc!!! Get me- such a party animal!

3) Do you worry about what the New Year will bring?

No- why worry about tomorrow- tomorrow takes care of itself- just look at the birds in the air, they don't worry and they cope and find all they need (paraphrasing Jesus!) - I worry when worries occur- not about what might be.  Always happy to plod along in my life and have sudden stresses rather than a long-term anxiety.

4) Are you booking a holiday sometime soon and where to?

CBC and I contemplated Spain- maybe Barcelona at Easter or May, but not sure.  We'd like to visit a Greek island in the summer maybe.  Oh, and applying for Music Camp!

5) Was 2013 a good/bad year for you?

2013 was an excellent year for me- I got married in August, moved into a rented house with my husband and obviously planned a wedding. The house finding was ideal- we didn't have to look as our friends were moving out of this house, round the corner from CBC's current house and the dates lined up perfectly with ours.  I wont deny that wedding planning was very stressful- in the sense of agreeing on budgets and things but the year was great. School was also very successful and I enjoyed many occasions, a wonderful honeymoon in Die Schweiz and lots of fun.  Moving house- the actual process- not so fun and I still have a black lumpy toenail from the bookcase that was dropped on it accidently!

6) If you could buy one thing now with £20.00 what would it be?

Accck- can I have £35 please and I'll buy one of the lindybop dresses on EBay! With £20.00, maybe I'd buy a knee-length tulle petticoat- a black one or a blue, to go with my swing dresses.  Wish I could buy a more expensive one though, so it's not itchy! (ha- edited since beginning: And now, I'll have the Greater Plains Velo dress that Char wickedly put into a blog post!)

7) If you could buy one thing now for £500.00 what would it be?

Not a clue- I never spend that much on one thing! If it were school, I'd buy a really nice Bass Metallophone chromatic and diatonic sets combined- they cost about £500 or more! 
(Ha- also edited because I just ordered one from Music Village in their special offer section for £138!!! Hope it's a good one and not some rubbish!)

8) What month is your birthday?

In the month of leaps

9) Have you ever been to Devon/Cornwall?

Yes, been to Cornwall- Penzance to IMS Prussia Cove with my orchestra and family holidays when I was young- that's where my name comes from.

10) Have you got a best friend and why are they your best friend?

Sadly, I don't have a best friend currently, not had one since I was at Uni really. I just have friends. I guess CBC is like my best friend, but I'd love to have one again. I adore my Uni friend Kathy and wish she lived nearer as she's my ideal best friend. Also my church friend Margaret is a good friend I value highly!

11) Do you like your job?

I count my blessings every day that I work in the school I work in, with (most of) the colleagues I work with, with my unique job.  I love so many aspect of it- my choir, orchestra now the children behave, my recorders, my lovely year 6 recorders. I get so much delight from my job.  And yet, despite all that, I still dread going back after the holidays, wish I didn't have to, and count the wake-ups until the next holiday!  Funny, isn't it!

If you'd like to answer my questions, please do and leave me a comment with a link, saying you've answered them:

1.  What is the meaning of life?

2. Favourite sweetie?

3.  Princess Jasmine or Belle? Why?

4.  What do you like most about blogging?

5.  And what do you like least?

6.  Who was your favourite childhood stuffed/cuddly toy and why? Do you still have them?

7.  Favourite board game?

8.  Would you rather be a sheep or a cow? Why?

9.  What word do you have issues with spelling?

10.  What pet would you love if you could have something?

11.  What question would you like to answer that you've never been asked?

11 things

I meant to post yesterday but we had a little party and I was helping CBC tidy his house.

The lovely Angela at Tracing Rainbows did a taggie thing and I thought it would be fun to join in. I wont tag anyone because I know we're all busy, but if you do decide to do it, drop me a comment and I will come and read:

Eleven Questions to answer


1.What was your favourite sweet as a child?

There were many but the ones I always remember feeling excited over were those pink foam shrimps and those gummy bears, the slightly hard ones that were penny sweets.  I have a lasting childhood memory of buying 40 pence worth of these whilst watching The Box of delights one Christmas!
2.Historical novel, romantic fiction, or detective story?

Mmmm, I'd probably say Detective novel but usually historical or days gone by setting, not the modern blood, guts and gore sort.  I do like a nice chaste historical romance!
3.Where in the world is your heart ‘at home’?
Well, home where I live in Essex but in the Chilterns, there is a certain Hill that I heart belongs to.
4.Nigella, Delia, Jamie, or HFW [or another?]
I don't really watch cookery programmes but I have all Delia's cookery course books- my Mum went to a signing by her when I was about 6 weeks old, taking me with her and Delia commented on what a small baby I was!
5.What is your favourite season of the year? Why?
I love August, it's sunny and I am on holiday! Also really like early April as the weather is usually surprising you with how beautiful Spring is!
6.What was your first car?
I've never owned a car or had a driving lesson but the first car I remember my Mum owning was a pale blue Morris Minor.

7.Which aspect of housework do you find most difficult?
HATE washing floors!

8.At this very minute, where are your house keys?
They are in my handbag, slung on the floor
9.What is your favourite ‘Christmas’ food?
Mmmm, turkey and those pigs in blankets! I detest all sweet Christmas fare!
10.Who is your favourite cartoon character?
Well, I will always have a soft spot for Princess Kneessaa from the Ewoks cartoon of the 80's!

11.What colour is the chair you are sitting on right now? Wooden foldup chair in a sort of stripped pine colour with a floral cushion on it.   You can answer Angela's questions if you'd like, I like those questions and I am nosy to compare answers with you!

Ciao bella!
.

Tag, I'm it!!!!!!!!

Loves dressing up!

***Edited to include Sophie's questions!***
 I've somehow avoided doing this just because I am renowned for long boring waffle and I knew it would take ages to do it.  However, I've been tagged 3 times to do this, so I better oblige. 
Firstly, I was recently tagged by the lovely Luan at Green Tea and cupcakes to do this tag!  She's lovely!  Fun, likes great dresses, gets up to some crazy shenigans at times and she's a brilliant follower who always makes you feel you're saying something interesting!    Then Sophie Finally, Alex at Odd socks and pretty frocks got me.  So here we go (brace yourselves!)
Well this is what I need to do

First Things First, The Rules:

You must post the rules.
 Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.
 Tag eleven people and link them on your post. Let them know you’ve tagged them! (Meh, I don't like tagging people it feels like a chain letter, but anyway!)

The facts:
I'm trying to think about anything interesting I can write that I haven't already shared in previous posts and I am pretty much left with the mundane!
1. My first paid musical gig was playing for a production of Mozart's The Magic Flute, aged 16,
playing viola in the 'pit orchestra'.  My desk partner (what you call the person you share your music stand with!) was really lovely and was happy to dress up in tiaras with me each night
 for the Queen of the Night's aria!

2.  Like Luan, I love fancy-dress!  I am always willing to dress up for special days at school!  Am currentl y debating what to wear for World Book day!  Last year, I was Helen of Troy (see picture above!) and the previous year, Catherine Morland!  I quite fancy being the White rabbit from Alice, or something from Oz (although the latter seems too obvious!!).  Katie Morag?  Any ideas?!

3.  As a child, aged 18 months I used to draw "Safeelite pictures" of the United Kingdom and referred to them as such!

4.   I have far far far tooo many dresses and blogging is a BAD influence on me!

5.  I went to Paris, Bruges and Reims last week,  it didn't manage to work out Marrakesh! I have left my replacement camera lead at CBC's so I wont be posting any photos yet!

6.   I am intensely scared of scorpions.  Seriously, they utterly scare me- they look soooooooo EVIL!   I only saw one once in real life, on the ceiling of my neighbour's bathroom in Bali. Shudder!!!!!!!!

7.  Like Alex, I am not on Facebook.  I have many reasons for this which I wont bore you with.  Although there are some reasons I wouldn't mind, the cons FAR outweigh the PROS!

8.  I really really dislike hairy chests!  Men with hairy chests do NOTHING for me! No offence but I wouldn't have a penchant for you Mister Hairy!

9.  I have recently decided that I do not like indoor malls/shopping centres like Westfields, Bluewater etc, I feel claustrophobic, cooped up, hot and crave natural light.  I much prefer a high street or a small shopping parade with shops around.  I was in Westfields Stratford for 30minutes last night before I had to escape.  I made it to Forever 21, Primark and a hat/accessory shop before I needed to leave!  Tis also a reason why I don't like Ikea!

10.   I am sooo sooo sooo messy!  I try hard to change and I don't like mess, yet I fail.  Perhaps this is a good reason for me to have joined Danielle's 100 day shopping ban!

11.  I love chocolate but all in all, I am not a desserts person.  9 times out of 10, I'd rather not have dessert- especially stodgy English ones.  I'd sooner mug you for that bag of crisps you're munching on!

Luan's questions:
1. Cat person or dog person?

Definitely cats!  I have owned over 17 cats in my childhood/past.  I think dogs are really sweet and I enjoyed my dog-walking job as a 12-16 year old but I don't like being licked with doggy-breath!
2. Who is your hero, and why?

Ooooh, difficult one.  I admire many people for many different qualities.  Sorry, can't pin it down! Can I say Jesus!!!?
3. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Hmmmmm, I had rabbit last week in France.  It was nice!
4. What’s your favourite book?

Awww what a mean question!!! So many to choose from!  I love I capture the castle, Five run away together,Northanger abbey, Pride and prejudice... Somebody STOP me!

5. If you could have 6 people, living or dead, over for a dinner party at your place, who would you invite?
Ah how can I choose! 
Paul McGann- I adored him as a teenager and I would just LOVE to meet him!
Some of you bloggers I'd never get to meet otherwise! 
Alexander McCall Smith - he's just soo funny.  And someone told me they saw him at a reading of one of his books and he was giggling like a child over something in his book.  That's so sweet!

My nan (Mamgu, that's her on the left)- I miss her.
John Williams - I adore his film music and I'd love to grill him!
Schubert- he was painfully shy and died so young before he'd written lots of music. I'd like to draw him out of his shell.
Robin Williams- I think he is soo sooo funny! 

6. What is your favourite song?
 I HATE these questions Luan, you're making me pick!!!!!!!
I love How deep the father's love by Stuart Townend.
I love Andrew Lloyd Webber's Music of the night
Londonderry air (AKA Dannyboy)
I could go on for a long time...
7. What language/s do you speak?
English, German, Indonesian, French, some Greek, a little Balinese and miniscule Japanese,
8. What is the number one thing on your “bucket list”?
What?
9. How do you like your coffee?
I HATE coffee!!! A year in Bali of politely drinking minging black sugary coffee, trying to hide my disgust whilst smiling politely. Urgh!

10. Who would play you in a biopic of your life?

I think the girl who plays Willow in Buffy is rather ditsy like me!
11. Which animal would you steal from the zoo, and how would you get it out of there?

A parrot. I would go in there in a rather bright and fetching hat covered in flowers and birds.  It would then be persuaded to become part of the scenery.

Alex's Q:

1) Are you a morning or a night person?
Neither.  I like the middle of the day. 

2) Have you ever stolen anything? (be honest, I won't set the law on you)
Oh no, trauma!  Yes, I stole 2 sweets from the pick and mix in Sainsburys aged 3ish.  I remember one had a brown and gold striped wrapper.  I remember standing by the pick and mix and looking at them.  Then I blacked out totally (literally, I have NO memory of what happened next) until the next thing I knew, I was in the car on my own outside my sister's school whilst my Mum collected her, staring at these 2 sweets.    Seriously, I have no idea how it happened and it still haunts me to this day!

3) What is your favourite word?
Ooooh, I love this one!!! Ostensibly!  Without a DOUBT!  I have a weird thing with it.  I absolutely LONG to use it in conversation and yet I find myself never at a suitable juncture to use it.  If someone else uses it, I scowl inwardly with utter envy.  Ostensibly, I appear to be enjoyed your conversation whilst you say it, but on the inside I am grumbling that you said it first!! (ones that I use frequently include:  alacrity, audaciously)
4) What can't you live without?
A book!

5) Who/what do you have an irrational dislike of?
Face paints! Mendhi!
6) Where is your favourite place to eat out?
Mmmmm, I love Wagamamas, I also love Yen Lin, the lovely Chinese restaurant near me!
7) Who is the cleverest person you know?
OOoh, this is HARD!  When I go camping, nearly everyone there is some frightfully clever Oxbridge graduate, PHD-possessing polyglot!  I feel a complete dunce in comparison!
8) What was the last film that you saw at the cinema? Was it any good?
I saw Woody Allen's Hannah and her sisters at the BFI in January.  It was brilliant!  I have never seen any of his films and I loved how quirky it was and the sentiment of it!
9) What is your guilty tv pleasure?
Oh dear, how embarassing- Emmerdale and Home and away.
10) Where did you last go on holiday?
I got back from Paris, Reims and Bruges yesterday!  All three were lovely and fun with their own virtues but I adored Bruges!
11) What makes you go "GAHHHHHHHHHHHHH"?
The way I can just lose something just like that!  I RAGE around my house/school trying to find the desired article cursing myself for my utter stupidity for not being able to find something!  Like right now, I have lost all 3 of my school memory sticks- they're inside a small Cath Kidston pencil case and I last saw them on Saturday night 3 weeks ago downstairs.  I have back-ups of the main memory stick but unfortunately ALL my lesson plans for this half-term for music are ALL on the one I didn't back up!  I face the prospect of rewriting ALL those 4 plans tomorrow as well as everything else I haven't completed yet.  I am FURIOUS with myself (and of course, the camera lead, where oh where?!)
 
Sophie's questions:
1) What happened on your favourite/most memorable day?

Oh  blooming heck, which one in particular?!  Right now, I think of the day at University when I discovered in my first week, that after my orchestra audition, I had got into the orchestra as principal flute (first flute).  I hadn't even bothered to check the results board because I just assumed I hadn't got in (10 flutes in my year, lots in other years, 2 girls who went to the Chethams school of music before Uni, there was no possibility!) and then I heard the two Chethams girls (at the board) say, "Who's Kerenza?" and I ran over and saw my name there.  I was so unbelievably happy.  I had never been chosen from audition to play flute in an orchestra because I played the viola, I always had to play viola in my youth orchestra despite my longing to play flute.  I thought it would never happen and then it did!  Despite the fact they knew I played the viola and loads of others had auditioned, they had chosen me.  I love playing my flute in orchestras more than anywhere else.  It was wonderful!

Then I could talk about the day I first danced with CBC.  It was at Music camp on Dance night.  We'd had a quick dance together and then he'd said, "But I want a waltz later". Somehow that night, there were virtually no slow dances until the last dance.  And then we found each other (my previous experience at Dance night had never been dancing with the person I most liked for the last dance.  And I liked him so much more than anyone before. I had been so miserable thinking that he didn't like me in that way and then he held me really close when we danced and I actually didn't feel shy which was a miracle for me as I am painfully embarassed when dancing with people! I started to wonder if he actually did like me!
2) What is your least favourite colour and why?
Yellow.  It looks horrid on me!
3) What don’t you like eating and why?

Do I need to say this again?  MUSHROOOOOOOOOOOOMS- evviiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil!!!!!!!!!!
4) Who is your celebrity twin?
 Eeeek!  I'd like to say Anne Hathaway but I'd be deluded- that is purely wishful thinking!  Can someone help me with this!!!!????
5) Do you have a surprising skill, what is it?
I can play more than one note at the same time on the flute (multiphonics) and make all sorts of strange beatbox percussion-type sounds.  This is probably not surprising though.  Also not surprising, if you ask me what a note is, I can say, "That's a G#!" or whatever.
6) What place is the world would you most like to visit?
I'd love to visit some remote island in the middle of the Pacific - in Micronesia or Polynesia (as long as there are no nasty insects or spiders to bite me!)
7) What is the best or worst bit of advice you have received?
Above all, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (proverbs 4 v13 I think?)  Rach gave me that advice and I remember it always.
8) What is your favourite snack?
Crisps!!!  Wotsits that have been left out so they are all chewy!  Disgusting no yah, but I know someone else who likes them too (leave a comment if that's you!)
9) What would you like to change about the world, if anything?
The fact that people feel socially inadequate, that Society creates platitudes that we must conform to and if we are different it isn't a good thing.  It IS!

10) Dogs or cats? Or neither?
I believe I have answered this!

11) If you were to change your first name, what would you call yourself?
Ooooh, I love the name Sophie! (Honestly, it is literally my favourite name! I named my cat that aged 13!) 
Otherwise, I have always loved the name Genevieve!
Ok, so I am going to tag:
Nicole and Gwendolyn
Missy Miller
Rach Warwick
Leanne at Stundon
Lauren at Someone like you
Chris at the Chrlog
Tasha at Tasha's treasure trove.
Emmah at Vintage Sweetheart
Laura at Adaisychaindream
Bonnie at Glam Kitten's litterbox.

My questions are:
1.  Which confectionary or product that is no longer available do you miss and would like to bring back?
2.  What was your favourite cartoon or kids programme as a child? Tell me what it was about!
3.  What is your favourite word and why? (sorry, I liked that question!)
4.  Which place do you really have no desire to go to on holiday and why?
5.  Likewise, where would you MOST like to go and why?
6.  How many _________ does it change to change a lightbulb.  Give me your best q and answer to this joke!
7.   What do other people say is your best personality attitribute?  What do you think of this?
8.  Who is your favourite author and why?
9.  Kindle, paperback or hardback- choose which and why?
10.  If you could obtain tickets for any Olympic event this year, which sport would it be and why??
11.  If you could play a musical instrument, which would you play and why? (and no choosing one you can already play!)
Sorry I will finish uploading the links soon, but my computer is going sooo slow that I may scream!!!

Come and play tag!!!!

Best blog award?

The lovely Sophie of Country girl blog, very kindly awarded me the above blog! I like it very much because it involves flowers, headbands, someone with brown hair and tenuously dots!

Very kind and not really deserved in any way, shape or form!

So, I obey the rules of receipt:

Write seven facts about myself: 1. One question people ALWAYS ask me and have asked me all my life is, 'How many instruments can you play?' This question always caused me issues- for instance, I can play 8 different types of recorder, but do they count as seperate ones or just the recorder. Anyway, for the record, I can play:

Properly: flute, piccolo, alto flute, fife, Irish whistle (various), recorders (various- 8 types- I own 6 types), viola, violin, piano (and variants), guitar, alto saxophone, clarinet (fairly badly but enough to get through a musical 'reed 1' part), ocarina, cornamuse, Most Balinese gamelan instruments (Kendhang- double headed drum, suling-Bamboo flutes, metallophones, gongs etc)and quite a few Javanese instruments.

I can play the Djembe, various percussion instruments (enough to play in an orchestra) and I am always willing to try anything! Er- so how many instruments is that? I haven't got the foggiest!

2. I like to relate facts. Related to the above point: I have taken an awful lot of music exams! Before the age of 18, I took exams in the following:

Violin: Grades 1-4,

Viola, grades 3-8,

Flute, grades 2,3,5,6,7,8, Recital certificate,

Recorders- treble: grades 5,6,7,8, Performer's certificate,

Descant recorder grades 1,2,5,6,

Voice-grades 3,4,5,6,8,

Saxophone- grade 4,

Piano, grades 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,

Theory of music,- grades 1,2,3,4,5,

Guitar grade 1,

So that was 45 instrument exams plus GCSE music, A level practical music and A level theoretical music!

3. I was an absolute crazy fan of Paul McGann when I was a teenager after seeing him in Doctor Who the movie. I wrote sad letters to Doctor Who magazine stating how much I loved him! Cringe! I loved Doctor Who after that point and ended up owning hundreds of videos at one stage in my life (until CBC made me freecycle them last year)

4. The only place outside Europe I have visited is Indonesia (Iceland and Lanzarote are in Europe right?). As you may have guessed, I am useless at Geography!

5. I have performed the veternary surgical procedure known as castration on a black cat called Truffles. I was eight at the time and wanted to be a vet. (I was supervised in this procedure. )The cat lived to the ripe old age of 18!

6. I dislike reading non-fiction unless it's really story-like.

7. I talk in my sleep sometimes! You can sometimes understand what I am saying.

Answer these questions:
Favourite colour: turquoise and purple
Favourite song: Ahrgh-choices!! Think of me from Phantom!
Favourite dessert - chocolate ice-cream or proffeterols.

What is p*ssing you off: my inability to keep my house tidy.
When I'm upset: I cry. I pray, I phone friends,
Favourite pet: my darling silver tabby Sophie (sadly deceased)
Black and white: Love wearing both shades!

Biggest fear: seriously no idea. Grieving my maker.

Best feature: Quite like my smile as it stops me looking grumpy, like my narrow shoulders even though they make coat-buying a disaster!

Everyday attitude: optimistic

What is perfection: The hand of my maker.

Guilty pleasure: shopping!

I'm passing this award to some very cool people!

Vintage Vix! Your blog makes me really happy!

Someone like you! Truly my favourite blog!

Pink-haired Princess: She got me back into blogging with her fab fashion blog. Amazing shoe collection!

Alex at Odd socks and pretty frocks I love her blog!

How are you?