eBay, Rob Ryan and black bean brownies – #Littleloves

It rained quite a lot at the beginning of the week and for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to tackle parts of the house that are in need of some attention. Along with the usual tidying and reorganising, I sent a few bags to the charity shop, then listed items on ebay and Amazon. I love sorting and finding a home for everything.

Playgroup has finished for the summer, and although it’s only two mornings a week I do look forward to having every day free for a few weeks. Ridiculous, I know.

We finally managed a trip to Diggerland last Saturday for Win’s birthday – he loved it. Ru was too small to go on just about everything, which made him more than a little angry! Later in the week we went to Newby Hall, which was such a delight.

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My Dad is asleep on the grass (very typical) and my Mum is waving at Win from the bridge.

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Read

I started a book I found whilst overhauling our book shelf called ‘A Second Skin’. A work colleague gave me it when I left work and I had totally forgotten about it. It’s all about how clothes are a form of communication whether we want them to be or not. They reflect our values, interests and identity. It sounds really shallow, but it’s so beautiful.

Watched

I was in two minds whether to admit this, but my absolute favourite film growing up was ‘A Cinderella Story’ and one night I had a huge urge to watch it. I loved it and Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray) is as dreamy as I remembered. I haven’t watched it for a good few years.

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Heard

Last night I attended an event at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park – a talk by Rob Ryan, and now I kind of love him. He was so normal, down to earth, funny and likeable. No airs, no graces, just utter brilliance and passion about what he does. He was more hairy biker, than the whimsical artist that I imagined, and he loves that he gets to spend all day drawing.

He said that he’s naturally anxious person and a worrier, so his creations are a way of talking to himself and reminding himself how special the world is. He also said it is a privilege to have his artwork out in the world talking to people.

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I love this and think it is so true with children – sometimes they are naughty because they are so excited and full of happiness. Like they almost can’t help themselves!

Made

In between sorting out parts of the house I have been making and baking. It’s been therapy for watching parts of the house I’ve just organised, be reorganised by two small people (!) – I used to cry about things like this, but now it doesn’t bother me too much. My absolute favourite discovery this week has got to be black bean brownies – they actually taste like real brownies. Seriously gorgeous. I made a couple of lemon cakes to give to someone I know and a batch of granola to restock my jar.

hemsley black bean brownies

I’ve starting working on a few bits for my partner as part of the Summertime Surprise Project, which I’m excited about. You don’t have to be a blogger to take part and it is so much fun. It’s closed now for summer, but there will be another one once autumn rolls around. It’s such a fun little project.

Wore

Brand new stripy jeans I bought from ebay – they were £13 and I adore them. Also my Lines & Current sunglasses which I am still very much in love with.

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And lastly…

My 28th birthday is looming and I’ve been thinking about it more than I should be. Age is just a number, but I’m hurtling towards 30 far faster than I’m comfortable with.

Have a great weekend!

E xx

#LittleLoves is a chance to remember all the things that made up your week. Linking up with Morgana.

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22 Comments

  1. pottymouthedmummy
    10th July 2015 / 7:25 am

    Looks like you’ve had a lovely week! I’ve never seen that film but I did used to have a bit of a thing for Chad Michael Murray back in the One Tree Hill days.

    Have a lovely weekend xx

    • 16th July 2015 / 6:36 pm

      I have seen that film too many times! I was a bit obsessed with Hilary Duff as a teen too. Hope you’re new house is starting to feel like home xx

  2. butwhymummywhy
    10th July 2015 / 8:38 am

    I adore Rob Ryan’s work, so exciting that you got to meet him and hear him speak. Love the picture underneath, sums up my littlest girl for sure! xx

  3. 10th July 2015 / 10:48 am

    Ahhhh so much to say about this post. LOVE the stripey jeans and what a barg! And I love that print too…i think I want it..it sums up E and M very well haha

    So glad Win loved diggerland, gonna chat to him about it next time we see you.
    And finally…A Cinderella story..oh the memories #goodtimes xx

    • 16th July 2015 / 6:37 pm

      I know! Blumming love eBay. Diggerland was pretty cool, although he needs to be 1m to enjoy more rides. Haha. He’s tiny!!! x

  4. mumreinvented
    10th July 2015 / 12:25 pm

    Ha ha I’m going to be 33 (for the second time) in a few days – I refuse to be 34! Love those jeans. I watched A Cinderella Story the other day too with the teen, she loves it (I kinda do too). Have a great weekend x

  5. 10th July 2015 / 4:54 pm

    I really want to take the children to Diggerland, it looks like such fun! That brownie looks amazing although the thought of black beans puts me off slightly, I may have to try it on your recommendation though! Loving the stripy jeans too x

    • 16th July 2015 / 6:38 pm

      It’s really good! As long as your kids are over 1m they can go on everything. Yes – try the brownies, you can’t taste the beans at all! xx

  6. 10th July 2015 / 9:17 pm

    Ahh I loved A Cinderella Story, I think I must have watched it about 20 times when I was younger…so great. Just checked out that brownie recipe and it seems pretty awesome, do you think a food processor is a must? Ours is pretty teeny. Lovely photos at the top, looks like you had a great time 🙂 have a good weekend xx

    • 16th July 2015 / 6:39 pm

      I think I’m similar to you on 20 times….possibly more. Haha. Yes, I think a food processor is a must so the black beans are totally undetectable. A small one will be fine though! Thanks Alice xx

  7. 10th July 2015 / 10:25 pm

    Esther, you’re sooooooo young! Just enjoy it. I’m hurtling at a great pace towards 40 and would love to be 30 again 🙂 Also, I love that quote about children being naughty because they’re so happy. That’s my eldest to a tee. He gets so excited about the smallest of things and ends up going wild. We just have to sit back and let him get it out of his system, the cheeky little monkey.

    • 16th July 2015 / 6:40 pm

      I’m definitely enjoying myself but we live near a high school and seeing all the school kids freaks me out! Such a long time ago for me! It’s crazy. I couldn’t agree more – they get so thrilled with the loveliest little things! x

  8. Not A Frumpy Mum
    12th July 2015 / 1:11 pm

    My house desperately needs a good clear out, it feels like our cupboards are overflowing with things we never use! Love the jeans, good old eBay. xx

  9. 12th July 2015 / 9:39 pm

    I love a good ebay bargain. Photo of your parents and little one is cute. That’s what my dad and mom would be doing too. lol. haha Oh 28 you are still on the good side of 30. I remember turning it well and feeling no different but wanting to feel different if that makes sense. Hope you celebrate in style. #littleloves

  10. Natalie @ Little Jam Pot Life Blog
    13th July 2015 / 9:24 pm

    You always bake such yummy stuff! And yes to big clear outs, we’re still doing this after the house move! lots to do still!!!x

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