What's distracting Sarah? #2
Hope your week's going well. Have you made a 'To Do' list for the week? Have you popped a couple of items on the list that you've already done, just for the pleasure of ticking them off? I certianly have. I don't know if it's bonkers or optimistic. Let's say 'motivational' and celebrate that!
Here's another round up of stuff that’s grabbed my attention. It could be anything - a serious essay, a picture of a dog, a theory to increase productivity or a nice lipstick. I’m fascinated by everything (especially after a couple of coffees) and don’t want to limit myself by sticking to rules. Anyway, here's this week's bag of tricks. Hope you enjoy.
Activity: Treat Yo Self Day
Parks and Recreation currently streams on Netflix
This idea was stolen from an episode of Parks and Recreation (one of my all time favourite TV shows) soon after it aired in 2011. My son and I have had a treat yo self day over the summer holidays every year since then. We've done laser tag, bowling, penny arcades, swimming pools, lunch out and dinner out, plus £50 each to spend. It's a day to become an indulgent relaxation professionl and a tradition that we still enjoy.
Described here by Hannah Mylrea in thhe NME
In 2011 on Parks and Recreations two of the characters Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari) and Donna Meagle (Retta) introduced the holiday to the masses. Treat Yo’ Self day is exactly as it sounds – a day for pampering, indulging and celebrating. Whether you want clothes, fragrances or an outfit to be a cashmere velvet candy cane – this is the day to indulge. It’s become something of a cult festivity amongst fans.
The beauty is that Treat Yo Self Day can be whenever and whatever you want it to be. The best day of the year!
Object: Temperature controlled butter dish
This is the most extravagant, ridiculous and completely brilliant thing I own. It was recommended by a chef in a Sunday newspaper magazine a couple of years ago. The fact that it's out of stock most of the time (it sells out soon after it's re-stocked on the website) turned the potential purchase from 'don't be silly' to 'I must have this'.
The stylish and practical solution to keeping butter perfectly spreadable. Alfillé Innovations has developed the world’s first and only temperature controlled butter dish, which combines technology and style to make your life that little bit easier.
I want to say it's a load of pointless nonsense but I can't. I love it. A teeny butter sized fridge in my counter top that provides instant access to perfectly spreadably creaminess? I am 100% in.
I had a good experience with ordering and delivery, and it's still going strong a few years in. It's not cheap at nearly £50 but I have no regrets. Not about the butter dish, anyway.
Person: Tom Kerridge
BLOOMSBURY PUBLISHING
Here's Tom's low calorie Tikka Masala recipe.
I'm a bit late to the party with this bloke. I love a cook book. Not for actual making of food - I'm not a bad cook but can't be arsed with all the rules of baking, so when I do have a go disaster often follows. I love the homeliness and comfort that cook books bring. The magic of knowing that of you tip a load of random bits n bobs from your cupboards into a bowl, then stick it in the oven, something wonderful might appear. To me, recipe books are the closest thing to a book of spells.
The reason I like Mr Kerridge is that he's a chef and a former big 'un. He loves food, he respects food, but like most of us who are or have been overweight, he also has a complicated relationship with food.
I have a couple of his books, which are really accessible and have some gorgeous lower carb, lower calorie recipes in - I have the Dopamine one and the 'Lose Weight for Good', both of which I'd recommend.
I love the way he talks to people on the telly too. There have been a numer of series on BBC iPlayer and he's also on Food Network as well as lots of Youtube vids.
Equality, diversity, inclusion: Things not to say to...
BBC Three Youtube series of short vids.
I love this series of very short videos from BBC 3. People with lived experience of specific subjects explain what not to say to them and why. It's straight to the point, while exploring some subjects that are rarely discussed - serious topics with good humour and a light touch.
We've all been faced with stereotypes depending on our appearance, background, beliefs or conditions. Avoid being that person by watching these
Things Not To Say To People With Tourette's Syndrome
Things Not To Say To A Refugee
Things Not To Say To Gay People
Things Not To Say To Someone Who Doesn't Drink Alcohol
Things Not To Say To People That Live On A Council Estate
Things Not To Say To Someone With Dyslexia
Things Not To Say To A Non-Binary Person
Things Not To Say To Someone With Cancer
And many more.
And finally...
Middle Aged Fat Lasses Podcast, Ep 3: Dating
This week's podcast (published at 7am on Tuesdays so you can have a listen on your way to work, taking the dog out, or on an early morning run) is all about dating.
Copping off, going on the ratch, being told 'my mate wants to go with you'.
The two Sarahs, Sezl & Simons, recall the less-than-sophisticated courting rituals of their youth, as experienced in 'Keith's Hod Rod Disco'.
New episode published here and on all your usual podcast platforms.