Things that have tried to kill me…

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As many of you know, I have long maintained that the machines are out to get me…

However, it occurred to me after a conversation with my brother last year, that a number of other things in the natural world have also attempted to kill me, or at the very least, placed me in the “oh my god, that was close, I could have died” category.

So, I decided to list all of my near-misses and brushes with death, (crocodiles, killer bees, cars, ceiling fans, etc) to see who the real evil mastermind is – technology, nature, or my own stupidity (try not to jump to conclusions people, let’s see this through).

Working backwards from the beginning therefore… Continue reading →

Kao Soi

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Another new favourite from my travels – this one is a sort of hot and sour chicken noodle soup. It’s yellow – presumably heavy on the turmeric and very delicious!

The key ingredient I use is a cheater’s pre-mixed spice packet to make the sauce, although I’m sure google would probably be able to tell you what combination of spices would do…

The traditional version has chicken, noodles, soup, and often some fresh greens on top and crispy noodles. However I like to add all sorts of veggies so this is my somewhat altered version!

IMG_8948 Continue reading →

Lazy Sunday

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Well now, yesterday I had the most relaxing Sunday in a long time, and I think it was linked to the fact that I sort-of accidentally had a screen-free day.

I had a nice lie-in, and when I got up around 10am, the sun was shining and it was a glorious day outside. I took my cup of tea out into the garden, got out the outdoor bench cushions for my tiki hut, and decided to pick up a book from my bookshelf and have a quiet read in the sunshine.

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For the rest of the day, I pottered about, but after a while I actively chose not to check my phone, turn on the TV, or check my emails, skype or laptop. Continue reading →

Creamy chicken, leek and ham pie

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Ok, this is a new recipe I tried from my Jamie Oliver app on my phone, so absolutely no credit due to me, and all of the credit goes to Jamie. (Get the app, it’s amazing). I made a few additions/substitutions here or there, but not many.

It was delicious and I will definitely make it again – next time I may even add pastry to the bottom too, who knows? Or possibly I might try it with shortcrust pastry instead….

Sadly I got too excited about eating it once it comes out of the oven and I therefore don’t have any pictures of it with the puff pastry top on!

IMG_8568 Continue reading →

Another day, another comedy moment from Maya…

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Sometimes I genuinely believe my life should be a sitcom. Someone should just film me at all times and capture the moments of hilarity, Jeremy Beadle-style…

Here’s how my afternoon went down:

I worked out really hard at my aerobics class after work, and then Clarissa and I cycled all the way home – and I even turned right on a mini-roundabout without having to get off and push! Road-cycling badge achieved. I am extremely proud of myself.

I came home and decided to treat my tired, sore, sweaty muscles to a bath. I love baths, but I almost never have them, because frankly if you don’t have the time for music, bubbles, wine, exfoliation, foot scrubs and a good book, then you may as well just have a shower as far as I’m concerned. Baths are both sacred and extremely ritualistic in Maya’s world.

So there I was, in my lovely, hot, relaxing bath,
Music – Jack Johnson (I decided to go old school)
Book – Ayoade on Ayoade (It’s hilariously weird, and makes perfect bath-time reading)
The best Body Scrub in the world – From an amazing care package that my dear friend sent me years ago. I think she may have made it herself and it’s AMAZING.

When I stepped out of the bath, I felt more relaxed than I have in weeks. I felt all soft and clean and relaxed and scrubbed and delicious.

I drifted downstairs humming along to Jack Johnson, went to feed the cats, and then STEPPED IN A PILE OF CAT SICK.
It was camouflaged, as apparently regurgitated cat biscuits are the exact same colour as my oak floorboards.

Nothing has ever ruined a post-bath relaxation high faster. I no longer felt all clean, and frankly, my newly-scrubbed feet felt pretty violated.

To add insult to injury, I had LITERALLY only just forgiven the cats for weeing on my new sofa (apparently they feel the need to punish me when I go away on work trips).

I’m attempting to think of a suitable punishment, and may have to resort to publicly shaming them on social media.