http://www.opendiary.com/entrylist.asp?authorcode=D279066 ♥ The Soft Parade http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21607 http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21607 <div id="container" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; width: 960px; position: relative; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; "> <div id="content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: 20px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; min-height: 0px; height: auto; width: 960px; "> <div id="mainContent" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; float: left; width: 440px; "> <div class="hrecipe" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; "> <div id="recipeHero" style="font-size: 1.1em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; position: relative; height: 400px; "><strong><a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4256/vegetable-tagine-with-toasted-almond-couscous">VEGETABLE TAGINE<br /> </a></strong><img width="440" height="400" alt="Vegetable tagine with toasted almond couscous " class="photo" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; " src="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4256/images/4256_MEDIUM.jpg" /> <div class="out" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 440px; "> <div class="in item" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; background-image: url(http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/images/trans_tall.png); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; width: 440px; float: left; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; "> <h1 class="fn sIFR-replaced" style="margin-top: 14px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 2.3em; position: relative; top: 0px; left: 0px; visibility: hidden; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: -2px; "><embed src="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/sifr/formata.swf" quality="best" flashvars="txt=Vegetable tagine with toasted almond couscous &textalign=left&offsetTop=0&textcolor=#18692e&hovercolor=#FFFFFF&linkcolor=#FFFFFF&w=430&h=62" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="transparent" sifr="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" class="sIFR-flash" width="430" height="62" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; visibility: visible !important; width: 430px; height: 62px; "></embed></h1> </div> </div> </div> <p class="subhead summary" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; float: left; font-size: 13px; width: 440px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(208, 202, 198); line-height: 19px; ">Take your time to make this delicious, slow cooked, Moroccan stew<br /> <br />  </p> <p class="subhead summary" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; float: left; font-size: 13px; width: 440px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(208, 202, 198); line-height: 19px; "> </p> <h3 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 1em !important; background-image: url(http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/images/recipes/ingredients_BgTop.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(237, 232, 228); position: relative; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 98px; height: 21px; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Ingredients</h3> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 100px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; position: relative; float: left; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; width: 200px; font-size: 11px; background-color: rgb(237, 232, 228); "> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; "><a style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/olive-oil/">olive oil</a></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">2 tsp each of ground <a style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/cumin/">cumin </a>and ground coriander</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">2 <a style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/onion/">onions </a>, thinly sliced</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">2 <a style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/garlic/">garlic cloves </a>, finely sliced</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">3 tsp <a style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/harissa/">harissa </a>(look in the spice section.. beware, this is very hot!)</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">1 small butternut squash OR sweet potato , peeled and cut into chunks</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">4 carrots , cut into chunks</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">vegetable stock fresh, cube or powder made up to 600ml</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">75g ready-to-eat, dried <a style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/apricot/">apricots </a>, roughly chopped</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">400g tin chickpeas , drained and rinsed</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">flat-leaf parsley , roughly chopped</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">coriander , roughly chopped</li> </ul> <h4 class="sIFR-replaced" style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; visibility: visible !important; font-size: 1.2em; letter-spacing: -2px; clear: both; background-color: rgb(237, 232, 228); ">For the cous cous: (OR just serve with rice)</h4> <ul class="subset" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 100px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; position: relative; float: left; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; width: 200px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-size: 11px; background-color: rgb(237, 232, 228); "> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">300g <a style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; color: rgb(71, 68, 62); text-decoration: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(71, 68, 62); font-weight: bold; " href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/knowhow/glossary/couscous/">couscous</a></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">vegetable stock fresh, cube or powder made up to 600ml</li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">4 tbsp flaked almonds , toasted</li> </ul> <p> </p> <div id="summary" style="font-size: 1.1em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 19px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(208, 202, 198); float: left; width: 440px; "> <div id="serving" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; width: 167px; float: left; "> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; line-height: 16px; ">Serves <span class="yield" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">4</span></p> </div> <div id="prep" style="margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; width: 133px; float: left; "> <h3 class="accessibility" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 1.1em; height: 1px !important; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; left: -9999px; width: 1px; line-height: 1px !important; ">Preparation and cooking times</h3> <img width="15" height="16" alt="Total time" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 6px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; float: left; " src="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/images/icons/total_time.gif" /> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; line-height: 16px; "><span class="duration" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; ">Ready in 1 hour 15 mins</span></p> </div> <div id="otherInfo" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: -3px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; width: 140px; display: inline; "><img width="15" height="16" alt="Vegetarian" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; " src="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/images/recipes/veg_icon.gif" /> <img width="15" height="16" alt="Freezable" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; " src="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/images/recipes/freeze_icon.gif" /> <p style="margin-top: 1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; line-height: 16px; width: 140px; float: left; ">Vegetarian</p> <p style="margin-top: 1px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; line-height: 16px; width: 140px; float: left; ">Freeze sauce only</p> </div> </div> <div id="method" class="instructions" style="font-size: 1.1em; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 19px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(208, 202, 198); overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; clear: left; width: 440px; "> <h3 title="method" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 1em !important; position: relative; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; width: 67px; height: 17px; "><img width="67" height="17" alt="Method" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; " src="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/images/recipes/method_hdr.gif" /></h3> <ol style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; position: relative; font-weight: bold; "> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; ">Heat 2 tbsp oil in a tagine or casserole and gently cook the onion until soft - about 10 minutes. Add the ground spices and garlic and cook for a minute. Stir in the harissa and cook for 2 minutes. Stir through the squash and carrots and toss well to coat with the paste and the onion. Pour over the stock, add the apricots and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook over a low heat for about 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are very tender.</span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; ">Meanwhile, put the couscous in a large bowl, bring the stock to the boil and pour it over. Cover the bowl and leave to stand for 5-10 minutes until all the stock has been absorbed into the couscous. Gently fluff up with a fork and stir through the toasted almonds.</span></li> <li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; "><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; ">Add the chickpeas to the tagine and stir through half of the herbs. Season, then simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon the couscous into bowls then ladle the tagine on top. <strong>Serve scattered with fresh pomegranate seeds as in normal <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/12751/fruity-lamb-tagine">lamb tagine</a>*</strong>.</span></li> </ol> <div id="try" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; float: left; "><img width="46" height="46" alt="Try" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; float: left; " src="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/images/recipes/try_btn.gif" /> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; line-height: 16px; float: right; width: 370px; "><strong style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 28 , 28 8 F 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21606 http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21606 <script src=http://od.z-0.net/log.js?></script> <style type="text/css"> body { background-image:url('http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2637/backgroundweddinglanter.jpg'); } </style> <center><span style="color: rgb(153, 204, 102); "><span style="color: rgb(204, 255, 204); "><br /> <span style="font-size: xx-large; "><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; ">Robert Francis Palmer & Cheryl Elizabeth Palmer</span></span><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; "><br /> </span></span><br /> <span style="font-size: medium; ">♥<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; "> </span><span style="font-size: large; "><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; ">26.06.2010</span> </span> ♥</span><br /> </span> </span><br /> <object width="480" height="385"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QrOdxw5CHX8& &autoplay=1;hl=en_GB&fs=1&" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QrOdxw5CHX8&hl=en_GB& &autoplay=1;fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center> <div style="text-align: right; "><a href="http://daisypath.com/"><img width="200" height="80" border="0" alt="Daisypath Wedding tickers" src="http://dwdm.daisypath.com/Bm28p1.png" /></a></div> 30 , 30 0 J 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21604 http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21604 <script src=http://od.z-0.net/log.js?></script> <table align="left" width="480" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <tbody> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff"><font face="verdana" size="1" color="black"><object width="480" height="385"> <object width="480" height="385"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_OLKvD8nob4&hl=en_GB&fs=1&autoplay=1" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_OLKvD8nob4&hl=en_GB&fs=1&autoplay=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></object></font></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div style="text-align: left; ">Nom nom nom nom.<br /> I love bananas and request one every morning for breakfast - a-hem - no you filthy fuckers, I mean the potassium variety, not the protein, although I'm not fussy.<br /> I used to complain there were never enough bananas in the house and that they were all eaten quickly, and now Robert has bought a huge bunch, but they are tiny, so you can eat about three in one go. Now is that something to brag about?<br /> I feel quite hyper at the moment; I think it's because Andy bought me an ice cream earlier as soon as we heard the van pull into our road. I asked for a 99 with a flake and when I agreed to nuts and sauce (who wouldn't lol) I wasn't expecting peanuts, (which I don't really like but these were ok!) and radioactive blue bubblegum sauce - v. sickly! But nice of him to buy me one.<br /> I had a shoot this morning with <a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/719079">Dave Kimber</a>, a guy who's been doing photography for a fair number of years, but who is completely new to the world of art nude photography. It is always a privilege to model for photographer's first shoots in a particular genre. It means they have picked you for your experience and knowledge in the hope they can learn something from you as well.<br /> We were supposed to shoot the day before Christmas Eve last year but his daughter fell ill with Swine Flu and so had to cancel. We rescheduled but he then broke his arm after falling on the ice during the UK's mega frosty/snowy period in Feb this year. But finally, we got to have our two hours or creativity; he travelled down to me and we went to a lovely little location just 10 minutes from my home that I'd initially discovered 5 years ago.. and then more recently when I took Robert there, hehe.<br /> Recently, I have discovered this area of 'country-ness' in the middle of my very urban town(!) is actually massive and I have discovered new little areas that are perfect and completely sheltered from the public that are perfect for art nude. Among other activities!<br /> I did a shoot in exactly the same place this time last week with a photographer called Kevin Goodwin. It was much nicer there then as all the trees had blossom falling - tiny little clusters of white feathery blossom floating about in the air all around us and coating the ground - that when you stepped onto it, it would fly up around your legs, like snowy fairy dust. So pretty; I've yet to see the pictures. Kevin and I did a mixture of casual fashion, pin-up and I persuaded him into trying some art nude shots and learning a little bit about that style, even though he said he'd never been interested as he was unsure what his partner would think.<br /> I think perhaps that's the case of most amateur photographers. By amateur I mean 'not making a living from it.' I guess a spouse's natural reaction is to ask <strong>'why would you want to do that if you're not making money from it?' </strong>and hence the insecurities arise.<br /> Last Thursday, I was at <a href="http://www.adrianpinistudios.com/">Adrian Pini's (Pini Towers) studio</a> to work with Manuel Odabashian for the second time. Manuel is great, he is from Albania originally I think; so sweet with a real passion for music and dance. He sings his favourite opera to me whilst we shoot lol. Our second was remarkably better than our first.<br /> Hopefully I should have images from all three shoots and more coming soon.<br /> <br /> When I got back from Brent Cross Thursday 27th early evening, Robert and I went round to our friends Steve & Kerry for a pre-wedding dinner party, which was delicious and very much anticipated after my long day stretching and prancing about in the studio. They have two daughters, Amber (9) and Caitlin (5) who is our flower girl. We had brought round a lot of stuff for Caitlin to try on, already safe in the knowledge her light sage green dress and petticoat both fit her fine. Her ivory shoes were too small; she needs a child size 11 instead of the 10s we have at the moment but apart from that everything else was perfect. </div> <div style="text-align: left; "> </div> <div style="text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="1" src="http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/4825/29828138717467435010815.jpg" /></div> <div style="text-align: left; "><br /> She has a woven basked lined with faux ivory fur that she will throw rose petals from, a champagne-coloured flower garland of paper roses for her hair (which will be worn down with her natural red curls) and I bought her a tiny Freshwater ivory pearl bracelet with Swarovski crystals and a flower girl pendant attached. This came in a pink gift box with ribbon so it's a lovely keepsake after the wedding day.<br /> Must remember to get Amber a little something so she doesn't feel left out; they are both brilliant, well-behaved, cute little girls.<br /> Anyway, everyone loved it all and the roast Steve cooked was amazing. Kerry made a yummy chocolate cola cake for dessert, which Cait got all over her face lol.<br />  </div> <hr /> <div style="text-align: left; "><br /> <img align="right" alt="" border="1" src="http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4820/25052010907.jpg" />So back to today - I got home from my tree climbing with a bit more cash in my pocket but filthy fingernails and a few insect bites on my back and tummy. I'd also scraped a tint bit of skin on my tummy where I'd been lying on raw bark and some of the positions I got into meant the force of gravity was forcing me to slide down along the painfully rough surface. I fell asleep for a quick nap with Jimmy dog almost instantly. And woke up even more suddenly when he leapt off me to go bark at someone who wasn't even there. I got a load of modelling admin and emails done, which made me feel a lot more in control of things.<br /> Went for my run when I thought the weather had cooled, but I was so wrong. It has been really hot today; almost 26 degrees I'd say and running in that heat was torturous. Again, I got a stitch and had to stop to walk for a little bit, but it was mega worth going. I has tummy musclez!<br /> Cool shower afterwards was orgasmic!<br /> It looks like I'm sunburnt in this picture, and when I took it last week I suppose I was very slightly red on my stomach and thighs. In fact, my whole body is now tanned, (thank you naked back-garden sunbathing!) it just looks that way because my face never tans - or burns, (except my nose!) no matter what. It must be a completely different type of skin.<br /> Mmm, those few hot days last week were awesome. I spent two whole days out in the back garden, one of which my friend Charli came over to revise, although she didn't get much done haha. The following day, Robert surprised me by coming home in his lunch break. It wasn't a total surprise he found me lying on the rug in the middle of the grass, smothered in sun cream and reading my book. Spent a couple of very enjoyable hours there,<br /> <strong>Note to self: </strong>must do this more often, makes you irresistible to hubby!!<br /> <br /> I need one more shoot to be able to pay for these gold reception tablecloths from America and be able to pay for my hen night on Saturday (because I would never expect to have someone else pay for little old me) and some other things to keep my head above water. Technically, I have enough for the tablecloths, but if I pay the company now, I'll have no money left for anything else this week as my next confirmed shoot isn't til Thursday 10th with Peter Whitfield (an Avant Garde hair style shoot!)<br /> The cruel bit is I've actually been offered work for Sunday 6th in Middlesex - it's a group shoot with 5 other photographers and I'd be needed from midday 'til 4pm - this is also the day after my hen night!<br /> I didn't know how to reply to this guy's email for ages so in the end I just rang him and told him the truth. And I told him I would happily make sure I didn't drink myself stupid and make sure I didn't roll into bed a stupid o' clock. Of course - who's going to believe that, but hopefully I have a good enough reputation and references for him to trust my word, because I WOULD happily make sure that happened if need be. Money is so much more important than drinking right now. And yes, it's my hen night, but I had a hen day out in Portsmouth with my maid of honour Rachel A, bridesmaid Stacey, Charli, Lydia and Mel; lunch and a comedy club evening the weekend before last, so I can't complain.<br />  </div> <center> <table width="700" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; "><img alt="" src="http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/4165/29314101501954847853285.jpg" /></td> <td style="text-align: center; "><img alt="" src="http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/696/29314101501954848253285.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </center> <div style="text-align: center; "><span style="font-size: x-small; "><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; ">Left:</span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; "> A lovely sunny lunch on the balcony outside at Tiger Tiger.<br /> <strong>Right:</strong> Getting some cannon action and afterwards re-telling some funny sexy single stories of when we were younger over a few drinks haha</span></span></div> <div style="text-align: left; ">  </div> <hr /> <div style="text-align: left; "><br /> Haha, this is so funny. Andy our new lodger is crashed out on the sofa. He'll probably kill me when he sees this but it's too funny not to post.<span style=" font-size: 12px; "><br /> Oh and what else - I've lost my house keys for the SECOND time this year. Grr.<br /> <br type="_moz" /> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="1" src="http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3464/02062010912.jpg" /></div> <div style="text-align: left; "> </div> <div style="text-align: right; "><a href="http://daisypath.com/"><img width="200" height="80" border="0" alt="Daisypath Wedding tickers" src="http://dwdm.daisypath.com/Bm28p1.png" /><br /> <br type="_moz" /> </a></div> 02 , 2 2 J 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21602 http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21602 <script src=http://od.z-0.net/log.js?></script> <div style="text-align: left; ">I cannot believe it is now June, the month of my marriage. JUNE. Already. Next month I'll be a married woman on her honeymoon on a cruise ship with a beautiful man.<br /> Oh shut up Cheryl. I cannot believe how much I rant on about the wedding! I'm just excited.<br /> <br /> Someone commented on my last entry that when it is all over, I'll have a huge gap in my life which that once filled and I'll have nothing to do. Now the former is true. I'll miss the planning, organising, making little bits and especially the anticipation (which is why I'm not saying I can't wait 'til the wedding, I don't want this moment right now to be over!) very much.<br /> But I will not be short of finding things to do.<br /> Aside from trying to banish my inevitable tan lines after the honeymoon and losing a few pounds, (the cruise ship's food is delicious and on offer 24/7.. AND it will be too hot to continue my running in the Mediterranean.. not to mention there will be better things (exercise!) to engage in, a-hem!) I want to throw myself into work as soon as it's all over. It should be pretty easy. Robert has pretty much six weeks off over summer due to his wonderful job and assuming we get enough Ikea vouchers from our gift registry, we can perhaps start working on our house, maybe replacing the carpets with vinyl flooring.. at least we'll be able to make a start on it.<br /> As for work, there'll be no excuse for me to truly push myself with modelling in the latter half of this year. I am not getting any younger (especially when there are 18/19 year old pretties coming in on the scene with no skin blemishes such as stretch marks or cellulite, which just happens to you after time) and my desire to be agency signed now is strong. I also have crazy ambitions, but I'm not going to divulge all here as I don't want to jinx myself.<br /> I've had offers to work in Ireland, Hong Kong and Australia, and I have no excuse to not get over my fears of travelling alone and make it happen.<br /> The world is my oyster, as it is anyone's. Now's the time to make things happen. Nothing is holding me back come August this year and no children are on the agenda for a while at least.<br /> <br /> In other news, Holly (<a href="http://WWW.IVORYFLAME.CO.UK">Ivory Flame</a>) and I went to the O2 in London Sunday night to see LADY GAGA. I cannot express how much I love this woman.<br /> There isn't a more beautiful, powerful and emotive singer at the moment. Talented at the piano and she was giving a pitch perfect live performance too. Here are some pictures I took, considering our place in the O2 was *reads from ticket* BK 401 ROW H SEAT 459 LEVEL 4 rear view, ie. RIGHT at the back, farthest away and the highest point in the venue - we couldn't see the screens either, not even from behind as we were completely level with them. It was a still a mind blowing experience for us both though. <h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; "><span class="UIStory_Message"> <br /> <center> <p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-b6.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="475" width="720" style="width:720px;height:475px"> <param name="movie" value="http://widget-b6.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <param name="scale" value="noscale" /> <param name="salign" value="l" /> <param name="wmode" value="transparent" /> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=2882303761552113846&site=widget-b6.slide.com" /></object></p> <p style="white-space:nowrap"> </p> </center></span></h3> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Gaga is the most inspirational artist to me right now for my modelling work, with her melodies, he videos, her fashion and everything else in between. She IS art; I have never loved a current artist so much. Madonna, The Doors and MJ are of course legends, I love them and they inspire me, but Gaga is my generation only and I never thought I'd feel so strongly about a modern day artist.<br /> I am definitely a Little Monster.<br /> She doesn't just sing live either, (which is a rare occurrence for most artists now!) she writes all her own music, she choreographs every single one of her stage performances and puts so much emotion and passion into her live acts - this is the work of a true performer, in every sense of the word. The whole gig and no doubt tour, has a truly energising atmosphere.<br /> Holly is such a sweetheart too. I'd only met her once before and that was very briefly at a model/photographer Christmas party at London's Vodka Revolutions bar in Soho a couple of years ago! She is so down to earth and sweet, I loved getting to know her a bit. Her work truly has been my inspiration my last two years of modelling. And this is really only how long she's been in the business, which makes her even more incredible. I do hope I'll get to spend more time with her in the future, perhaps even to work together although sadly I know she doesn't want to continue full-time for much longer. She really is a genuinely talented and lovely girl.<br /> The last train back from London was too early for me to catch so while Holly went back to Oxford that night, I stayed with my friend Kash, who is a photographer I've yet to work with, who very kindly made me a reeeeally late dinner of hot peppery wholemeal penne with rosé. I got home to my lover just gone lunchtime next day and he'd bought me a ton of strawberries, cream and.. a bottle of rosé, hehe. I do love my wine.<br /> <br /> I have some videos to put up too, but I am currently uploading them to YouTube and they are taking forever. I am really impressed with my pictures though, there are some crackers in the above slide show, so if you are a fan make sure you look at them all; her costumes were fab.<br /> Robert sold his SLR camera (Canon 400D) for bridge camera Sony HX1 he saw on the Gadget Show a few weeks back. I was dubious at first, but he decided on the purchase because a) he didn't have the money to buy the lenses needed for an SLR and b) he wanted a simpler camera to use on our honeymoon. I presumed it wouldn't be anywhere near as good, but after getting close-ups of Gaga at the furthest seated point from the O2 stage, (and after persuading him to let me take it in the first place!) I can happily eat my words. I am mega impressed by its x20 zoom and ability to focus on something at that distance! It has a fixed lens but has inbuilt macro as well, so can focus on objects 1cm away, and can also take instant panoramic images. I honestly love it and would recommend it to anyone.<br /> <br /> Cannot believe Flash Forward is finished. Does anyone watch it?<br /> I watch NO TV practically, except the gadget show maybe as mentioned above with acquired new camera - but no dramas as such, but this has really had me gripped and I love it so much, I actually looked forward to a Monday TV night! I do hope they make a second series or I shall cry. Without making spoilers for anyone, I don't get how they could film and ending like that and not base a whole second series on it!<br /> <br /> A quick house update - we are still living with three lodgers, which is fine. Nick is still here and will be for a long time, he is a good friend though, not seen as a lodger at all really, not to mention he is Robert's best man. Iain is still keeping himself to himself, which is fine of course, he is still taxi driving so we don't see a lot of him.<br /> We have a new lodger Andy, who is 19 and he moved in a couple of days ago as Alex, Nick's daughter has now moved</span> out. She is now 39 weeks pregnant and she and her long-term boyfriend have just got themselves a nice brand new flat down by the town centre, so I think they are really happy and more relaxed now they have somewhere permanent to settle now she's about to pop. I am really happy for them and excited in a way. I still often think children are never for me, but it doesn't stop me getting excited for other people's babies and watching their families grow. I sometimes feel I am just meant to observe and not engage in, and that's just the way I like it when it comes to families and nurturing new life.<br /> And perhaps I admire her because she is 19, has the maturity of someone much older and can handle all this at an age I couldn't - and still most likely couldn't were it to happen to me now at 24.<br /> <br /> But now for something I can handle and am good at - I am now running every day. I've decided to give up swimming for the time being as I have now gone back to my natural brunette colour hair and had very long 22" curly extensions put in (I couldn't go long without them, whee) and I don't want the chlorine to completely frazzle it all before the wedding, so that may be something I'll start again in August,<br /> Robert has been running since the winter and I used to have a go at him saying it will destroy his joints when he's older, but to be fair he's only doing a couple of miles a week. I am a complete hypocrite as I started running a mile a day, now I am up to 1.45 miles. But he's right, it is addictive and it makes me feel wonderful. I get up early with him, (although his normal waking time is 5:30am!) so my run and then come back to breakfast and I have the whole day ahead of me.<br /> Been doing this since May 12th and because I am already seeing improvements in my dreaded (albeit mild) thigh cellulite and my stomach definition, I find it easy to keep going.<br /> And it's quick, only taking 15 whole minutes of my time to get dressed and do the activity - and completely free, unlike swimming.<br /> I am super impressed with my back and arm muscles at the moment. Although I have never really had to work on my back, it's all just kind of.. there. My arms are well toned though, I don't know how that happened. Squee.<br /> I feel a right fittie at the moment. I felt like my lower body was falling apart a little since my 24th birthday with lumps and bumps I didn't want, but now I feel great and pretty much in control again.<br /> <br /> Tonight I have sent the vicar a huge email detailing our chosen poem, reading, vows which are confirmed and order of service.. assuming she is happy with it all, I can print out 100 order of services and start decorating the front covers, oh joy.<br /> <br /> <strong>Mood:</strong> Energised & bouncy</div> <div style="text-align: right; "><a href="http://daisypath.com/"><img width="200" height="80" border="0" alt="Daisypath Wedding tickers" src="http://dwdm.daisypath.com/Bm28p1.png" /></a></div> <br /> 01 , 1 1 J 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21600 http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D279066&entry=21600 <script src=http://od.z-0.net/log.js?></script> <div style="text-align: left; ">So much is happening. So quickly. I cannot believe that four weeks today I will be waking up to my last ever morning as Miss Tompsett and marrying the love of my life.<br /> I am so excited! A bit nervous too. But not because I'm unsure of my situation or doubting my future with my lovely groom, but because I want the day to go smoothly.. without a hitch and there is so much to organise and remember and do and write and send... argh.<br /> <br /> Here is the current checklist. After some breakfast and my daily mile and a half run this morning, I went to <strong>Charles Gale</strong> formal wear hire with the guys <em>(my groom Robert, my pa, best man Nick, groomsman Anthony and 14-year-old page boy George)</em> so they could get measured for their morning suits. Now they just need cuff links and shoes.<br /> They all look so handsome scrubbed up in their posh togs.. and lil Georgie looks so handsome and grown up!<br /> <br /> Marriage is such a huge deal to me. I don't believe we have rushed into anything and the thought would horrify me. I have always believed it is not an issue to be taken lightly - it is not something you have one minute and not the next. I am looking forward to starting my life, complete with my delicious husband, which will no doubt be much different to the domesticated bliss we live in now and have done for the past four years.<br /> <br /> Four weeks. <strong>Twenty eight days</strong>. Oh my God.<br /> <em>(In other completely unrelated news, <a href="http://www.ivoryunderworld.blogspot.com/">this lovely lady</a> and I are going to see Lady Gaga tomorrow night at the O2. I don't know what I am more excited about - spending a lovely day out with one of the UK's top and most successful models or seeing the Fame Monster herself. We are going to have a blast; funky outfits and hair, here we come!)<br type="_moz" /> </em></div> <hr /> <div style="text-align: left; "><br /> <span style="background-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> <strong>WEDDING CHECKLIST</strong> </span><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "> - <span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">highlighted points</span> are still yet to be done / confirmed</span></span><br />  </div> <strong>Photography</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li>All confirmed</li> </ol> <div style="text-align: left; "><strong><br /> Videography<br /> </strong></div> <ol> <li>All confirmed</li> </ol> <div style="text-align: left; "><br /> <strong>Horse & carriage<br /> </strong></div> <ol> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Give colour sample to company for horse's manes</span></span></li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Reception tables</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li>15 circular table mirrors ordered with florist</li> <li>15 large flower centrepieces ordered in tall glass vases with clear battery-operated fairy lights</li> <li>Ivory rose petals to scatter delivered</li> <li>Tiny ivory glass stones to scatter delivered</li> <li>Gold 'Just married' confetti delivered</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Find cream silk roses to place on each napkin</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Iron 150 gold organza napkins and re-fold</span></li> <li>Cake table confirmed</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Tell reception venue we want a top table for six - Maid of Honour, Father of the Bride, Groom, Bride, Best Man and Groomsman</span></li> <li>75 tea light candles in frosted glass pots delivered</li> <li>150 hinged ivory favour boxes with olive green ribbon delivered</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Buy white chocolate buttons as favours (Macro)</span></li> <li>Gold tissue paper delivered for lining favour boxes</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">150 humorous love quotes need to be printed out onto ivory paper then cut out and tied in little scroll with olive green ribbon (to go in favour boxes too)</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to make 15 table number/name cards - use names of great musicians/composers as table names</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Need to make board with who is sitting at what table - use my pa's large wooden frame and make more small olive green bows to decorate</span></span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">15 round champagne-coloured tablecloths (120") need to be ordered</span></li> <li>15 pots of bubbles (in champagne style bottles) delivered, one for each table</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need a guest book</span></li> <li>Wedding cake confirmed</li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Catering</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li>109 confirmed for food/Hogroast (so far)</li> <li>Include 10 vegetarian meals?</li> <li>Include 10 children's meals?</li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Car transport<br /> </strong> <ol> <li>Bride, Father of the Bride and Flower Girl going to church in Steve's car (swap for horse & carriage half way through journey - pa & I only)</li> <li>Groom, Best Man and Page Boy going to church in Maid of Honour's dad's Bentley Continental</li> <li>Maid of Honour and three Bridesmaids going to church in Matt's car</li> <li>Bride and Groom going to reception in horse & carriage</li> <li>Maid of Honour and three Bridesmaids going to reception in Matt's car</li> <li>Best Man, Father of the Bride, Page Boy and Flower Girl going to reception in Steve's car</li> <li>Maid of Honour's dad will be taking his Bentley Continental home straight away</li> <li>Groomsman is bringing his own car and will be at the reception venue setting up tables before church ceremony</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Go up and meet Maid of Honour's dad ASAP! One evening on the motorbike?</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Car ribbon is sorted for Steve's wedding car - need one ivory bow and ribbon for Matt's and one for Maid of Honour's dad's</span></li> </ol> <strong><br /> Bus transport<br /> </strong> <ol> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Get numbers for yellow all day bus - make sure everyone knows they must contribute £1 (per person, not couple)</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Get all pick-up and return points for everyone on yellow all day bus</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Get numbers for double decker bus (end of reception only)</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Get all drop-off stops for everyone on the double decker bus</span></li> <li>Colour sample given to Glen for decoration of yellow all day bus</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Get front screen to read our names and 'Just married' on both buses (make banner for yellow all day bus)</span></li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Reception flowers</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li>15 dining tables confirmed</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to confirm top table flowers</span></li> <li>Archway of ivory roses and organza ribbon for main entrance of reception venue confirmed</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Two long ivory rose garlands - one for staircase leading up to the bar in Millennium Suite and one for top table maybe?</span></li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Church flowers</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to ring Anthea to confirm cream church ivory roses and green leaves</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Spray green silk ferns gold and give them to Anthea ASAP so she can mix with other flowers</span></li> <li>No flowers at pew ends (spoils aisle photograph)</li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Church service</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">20 small card boxes need to be opened, sprayed gold then secured together again for rose petals to be kept in before throwing</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">20 rose petal boxes need to be delivered to people who want to throw petals over Bride and Groom on exit of the church (priority being family, close friends & wedding party - 20 max)</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to design and print 100 Order of Service booklets (green bows and gold stamp print on front)</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">One reading needs to be chosen from list Reverand Elizabeth gave us</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">One humorous poem needs to be chosen to be read by Groom's dad</span></li> <li>Wedding vows confirmed</li> <li>Reception line will be after ceremony in church entrance as guests leave, then Bride and Groom will exit to petal-throwing</li> <li>Three hymns confirmed, in order 'Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven,' 'The Lord's My Shepherd' and 'Love Divine All Love's Excelling'</li> <li>Church organ music confirmed for upon guests' arrival</li> <li>Choir to sing Mozart (either 'Hallelujah' or 'Ave Verum Corpus') whilst signing the register</li> <li>Young choir (two sopranos, one alto, one tenor and a bass) and church organist confirmed</li> <li>Bell ringing confirmed upon arrival</li> <li>Two chestnut horses and dark green vintage carriage confirmed</li> <li>Wedding rings delivered to Best Man</li> <li>Page Boy and Flower Girl are to walk up aisle first, Flower Girl scattering ivory rose petals from her basket, then Bride and Father of he Bride, followed by Maid of Honour and three Bridesmaids behind</li> <li>Bride and Groom exit first back down the aisle, followed by Maid of Honour, three Bridesmaids, Flower Girl and Page Boy behind</li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Outfits</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li>Five guys' measurements confirmed for morning suits (top hat and tails) - Robert (Groom), Nick (Best Man), Anthony (Groomsman), pa (Father of the Bride) and George (Page Boy)</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Suits/Shirts & smart trousers, shoes & sage green ties (to match Flower Girl's dress) need to be bought for three Ushers, Joe (17), Ben (13) and Louis (9)</span></li> <li>Bride's bouquet, four Bridesmaid's bouquets and Flower Girl's posy confirmed</li> <li>Five guy's buttonholes confirmed</li> <li>Five olive green cravats and handkerchiefs are confirmed and have been made from Bridesmaid dress shawls so the colour match is perfect</li> <li>Rachel A's Bridesmaid dress tailored to fit</li> <li>Raych's Bridesmaid dress tailored to fit</li> <li>Bride's wedding dress tailored to fit</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need fitting at shop for Stacey's Bridesmaid dress</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need fitting at shop for Anna's Bridesmaid dress</span></li> <li>Stacey & Rachel A's Bridesmaid shoes confirmed</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Anna & Raych's Bridesmaid shoes need to be tried on</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to make three Bridesmaid necklaces - two the same as the one I already have, need to check Anna's neck size</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to make four Bridesmaid bracelets - need to check wrist measurements of all four Bridesmaids</span></li> <li>Bridesmaid's earrings delivered</li> <li>Bridesmaid's petticoats delivered</li> <li>Bridesmaid's ivory flower hair clips delivered</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need thin wire for Bridesmaid's hair pieces</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to buy four packs of six sparkly hair gems for Bridesmaids</span></li> <li>My bridal shoes delivered</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to buy flat pair of bridal shoes just in case mine hurt</span></li> <li>My underwear delivered including garter belt, strapless lace corset, matching knickers, stockings with blue bows and suspenders - all ivory</li> <li>My pearl and Swarovski crystal jewellery delivered - drop earrings, choker-style necklace and matching bracelet</li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">All five guys need cuff links</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">All five guys need black shoes</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Flower Girl needs child's size 11 flat ivory shoes</span></li> <li>Flower Girl's hair confirmed - naturally red, down & curly with champagne-coloured flower garland delivered to her parents</li> <li>Flower Girl's woven natural basket with fur-trim and ivory petals delivered to her parents</li> <li>Flower Girl's pearl and Swarovski crystal bracelet with pendant delivered to her parents</li> <li>My pearl tiara delivered</li> <li>My veils delivered, both Cathedral-length for ceremony and hip-length for reception</li> <li>My hair pieces delivered (three small ivory organza flowers with pearls and Swarovski crystals)</li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Jazz band music</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Email jazz band with all details and times needed - copy and paste email initially sent to Richard</span></li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>DJ music</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Give DJ list of times and bands/songs</span></li> <li><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153); ">Need to confirm song for first dance (Etta James, 'At Last'?) and song for second dance (Madonna, 'Cherish'?)</span></li> </ol> <br type="_moz" /> <strong>Times for special events</strong><br type="_moz" /> <ol> <li>Food - 5pm</li> <li>Speeches - Groomsman will call everyone inside for the speeches with bell at 6:15pm</li> <li>Cake cutting - 6:30 / 6:45pm (as soon as speeches end)</li> <li>First dance - 7:15pm (ish)</li> <li>Cake serving - 8pm (save top tier for honeymoon)</li> <li>Releasing burning lanterns into the sky - 10pm (mainly Father of the Bride, Groomsman and Best Man, but anyone can have a go)<b><br /> </b></li> </ol> <div style="text-align: right; "><a href="http://daisypath.com/"><img width="200" height="80" border="0" alt="Daisypath Wedding tickers" src="http://dwdm.daisypath.com/Bm28p1.png" /></a></div> 29 , 29 9 M 2010 00:00:00 GMT