Translate

Saturday, 16 August 2014

Pear-fect Pancake

If you ever go to the 't Pannekoekschip you need to order the Williams- Peren/ Williams Pear Pancake. It was gorgeous!

Thin slices of pear baked into the Pancake, Bit of Chocolate Sauce on Top, with Whipped/Ice Cream. Definitely not if your on a diet though!

Product, Price, Weird Process, Too Easy Promotion, Do yo know the Place, What type of People?

When companies say there is a gap in the market for Direct Marketing. There is no gap in the market for handing out flyers it is the oldest form of attracting attention- and to be frank the most annoying if your in a rush, not in the mood to be spoken to or just plainly not interested in whatever they have to say at all.  Interviews for people are walk-able, irrelevant and unprofessional. 3/4 different companies in practically one room. In the interview your job experience/ education will not be highlighted as it should be. The subject will be dodged in favour of light chat by the wanna be professional man in the suit in front of you. In fact question them as to what other things they now about the industry other than the 6ps and direct is the cheapest.


There is no gap for this in the market it is totally old hat. In fact there is a gap in the market for marketing using technology instead due to recent developments. eg: using QR codes to scan and claim discounts or offers to new places- showing that companies are moving forward.
In fact areas of low income tend to be targeted and blatantly are not interested in wasting money and could be spending it somewhere else. 9 times out 10 no one gives a sh#* and your lucky to make 1 sale a day.

But think because the person trying to market/sell you these things is just simply paid commission.
Thus making this type of marketing extremely cheap. When the job description says 'no sales experience necessary' How can a company be sure that you are going to sell daily, you definitely need to be money driven and confident in your self.  Yet you could be promoted quick to manager. Manager of what yourself?

Thursday, 7 August 2014

Top Ten Chart

Here is a list of my favourite Top  Ten songs this week so far


  1. New Entry- Chandelier, Sia
  2. Lovers on the sun, David Guetta
  3. Non Mover- Let me down easy, Paolo Nutini
  4. Dare (La La La), Shakira
  5. Non Mover- Bad Blood, Bastille
  6. Down 3 places- Sing Ed Sheeran
  7. Up 5 places-  Love runs out, One Republic
  8. Electric Lady, Justin Timberlake
  9. New entry- Breathe, Sean Paul and Blu Cantrell
  10. Non mover- Put on, Young Jeezy and Kanye West
All time Favourite Albums

  1. 20/20 Experience Part 1, Justin Timberlake
  2. Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds, Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds
  3. Shakira, Shakira
  4. 20/20 Experience Part 2, Justin Timberlake
  5. AM, Arctic Monkeys
  6. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West
  7. Roman Reloaded, Nicki Minaj
  8. Overexposed, Maroon 5
  9. Raymond Vs Raymond, Usher
  10. The Fame, Lady Gaga

Wednesday, 6 August 2014

Checking departures..

Why is it when members of the family go back home, where ever you are you check the departure list at the airport that they are flying from. To check that they have actually left and being as it can be considered a long haul flight they don't have a long delay and get back home quicker. Or simply to check that they are no longer considered to be in the same country as you, even though their flight has just taken off and they still are..

But the night before you fly home or they do it always emotional because your like "when are we going to see each other again?" but looking back, It always seems to be the following year. When your there you get bored of each other after a week or so because it's a different country and you just want to explore it by going out. Although you are considered a tourist the lack of tourism in the area and more normality can make you sometimes feel like you are at home.

When your there though you miss people back at home or should do that's why you've never actually moved to that country just stayed for like the whole summer and flown back home for September

At the airport though you always are excited to get on the plane home, After the 4th hour of the flight your pretty much asleep anyway. But you should stay awake and you know because its 5 hours in front back at home. Probably why everyone whose just come off a long night flight looks knackered when they land.

It doesn't matter the length of the flight everyone looks zonked by the time because they have effectively been awake for 24 hours straight, in their minds. which is kind of annoying.

Just thought I wonder if people do that for me when I go somewhere, I  think probably just parents :)


Monday, 4 August 2014

Roast Vegetables

I have recently discovered how lovely Roast Vegetables are, Here is my recipe for roast vegetables:


  1. Turn the oven on to approximately 190 degrees and Place a water filled saucepan on the hob. Turn the hob on. Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the warming water.
  2. Decide what vegetables you want to roast, I have found that root vegetables tend to be the best such as: Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and Swede. Peel and Chop the vegetables so that they are the same size. 
  3. The water should now be boiling at this point place the vegetables in the Saucepan. Boil for about 10 mins or until that they are soft but not mushy. 
  4. Whilst the vegetables are boiling, pour a table spoon full of oil onto a roasting dish and place in the oven.
  5. Chop an Onion up into quarters with a mince clove of garlic. 
  6. Drain the boiled vegetables and place into the roasting dish with the onion, making sure that each piece of vegetable is covered in oil if not pour a little bit more over the top.
  7. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, and parsley over the vegetables before putting them into roast
  8. After 20/25 mins in the oven mix the vegetables about to ensure that each vegetable doesn't stick to the pan and each side can roast evenly in the oven. Sprinkle some crushed garlic over the top and a bit more parsley. 
  9. Place the vegetables in the oven for another 20-25 mins until the vegetables are roasted and crunchy but not burnt
  10. Serve either on their own or with accompaniments. Maybe roast meat.

Fruit Salad/ Smoothies

Currently I am trying to loose weight as we are going to attend a family wedding in late August. This has consisted of trying to eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. 

I have been trying out different fruit salad options. The key is to go with simple flavours that compliment each other well. To prevent any of the fruits from going brown you could pour some water and little bit of lemon juice over or pour a little bit of orange juice over.  Here are some of my favourite fruit salads:
  1. Dried Cranberries, Blueberries and Grapes
  2. Orange Segments, Peach and Goji Berries
  3. Apples, Pears, and Banana
  4. Strawberries, Apples and Raspberries
  5. Grapes, Apples, Strawberries and Red currants. 
With Smoothies I have found simple flavours are key and very tasty:
  1. Banana, Strawberries, Greek Yogurt and Blueberries
  2. Passion fruit, Peach, Orange and Yogurt (and a bit of sugar if needed)
  3. Orange, Peach, Cranberries, Raspberries and Ice
  4. Banana, Mango and Greek Yogurt
  5. Peach, Raspberries, Orange Juice and Plain Yogurt
These are my favourite smoothies that you can make at home. If not healthy smoothies are available to buy at different supermarkets. Making them at home would mean you exactly what has gone in them and you can personalise them to suit your individual tastes.

Wales..

On Saturday my friends and I drove down to Aberystwyth in Wales. The 3 hour journey was filled with 90's/ 00's music including a selection of Justin Timberlake, Boyzone, Glee, Arctic Monkeys, John Legend, Westlife and R Kelly. The eclectic selection made for and interesting drive down although the most nerve racking experience was attempting to over take a Tractor on Single Carriageway and watching others attempt and give in so they were stuck behind.

Early afternoon we arrived in Aberystwyth staying with some friends who go to University there. First thing we did was stock up on Alcohol and food for the BBQ on the night time. The weather didn't look so bad so we decided to chance it and head to the beach. The second we parked the cars the rain began, so we had a quick walk along the sea front then went into the Pier. In the Pier we went to get something to eat and then went to the Arcade where we played Air Hockey and went on the Dance mat.

In the evening we played games and had drinks. After we had a BBQ and a few more drinks listened to some more music and played more games and chatted before going to sleep about 2 am.

In the morning we woke up about 9 or 10 am and everyone got ready for around 11/11:30 to go get breakfast in town. I drank a Milkshake and ate Pancakes with  Bacon and Maple Syrup.

To make the most of being by the sea we went to the beach again and chilled out for a bit. After saying Goodbye to everyone, the people that had longer drives and needed to be back by Monday headed back home around 3pm.

It  was a lovely weekend break by the sea despite the weather, would definitely have to go back at some point during the summer.


Afternoon Tea Party

For an up coming Birthday my sister and I have been nominated to throw an afternoon tea party.
We came up with a menu that would cater to the needs of the people attending by providing a selection of Sweet and Savoury bites.

Firstly we decided that being in Britain we need to do Clotted Cream Teas for the guests attending we bought scones, clotted cream and jam for guests to prepare them selves. Also we bought a lemon cake and prepared a lemon icing to pour over it. Fairy cakes with butter icing we provided.

On the savoury side we made mini sandwiches. That included Turkey and Cranberry (bit christmassy but who doesn't love christmas) Also we provided Cucumber as a different option and Ham for people.

In terms of drinks Sparkling Water Raspberries, Mint leaves and Ice was a winner! We provided standard tea and wine if anyone wanted anything alcoholic. For personal preference we went with German wine.

It was a really lovely day the guests arrived at 2pm and thoroughly enjoyed all the refreshments that were on offer providing the best of British theme.

We also provided Thortons classic collection of chocolates to finish the party. Which proved to be very successful and very Yummy!

Thursday, 24 July 2014

A tough week for the Airline Industry.

The Airline Industry is having a tough time at the moment and it has highlighted how laid back some have become, considering prices and taxes are increasing for consumers.
We thought that as technology moved on and products developed we thought that applied in every industry. Employees daily undertake training to develop.

When pilots are trained they are tested to see how they react in different situations. I might demand perfection but if I paid for a flight I would expect to land. More rigorous training should be provided and justifying human error is just really hard to do when people have paid to travel with you.

Shockingly thousands of planes fly over conflict zones daily to save money and be more economical. But given recent disasters famous Airlines are pulling out of flying over conflict zones. By stopping this Airlines are showing that they care about the passengers on board and given recent disasters companies are already loosing lots of money when they thought that they could take short cuts to save it. In terms of business it is a good idea to save it, but in terms of the cost of flights you would expect to land safely in a destination that you paid for a flight to. OK Airlines can say that flight routes were pre-approved but are they really and that seems to be a justification for disasters happening that aren't cause by pilots.

Certain Airlines might been seen to be over reacting in terms of cancelling flights in order to be safe, but it should be allowed providing that all consumers that paid for flights are put on flights as soon as normal service resumes. This might economically hit airlines and annoy passengers but ultimately its for passenger safety.

The fact that all Airline Issues are documented in great detail force companies to develop rethink and change any bad habits that they have picked up and always be concerned about passengers on board.

This post might seem like a negative report of the Airline Industry, but tragedies and disasters have all affected the industry even more. The Airline industry will always survive as long as people need or want to travel. I am sure that all issues will be sorted out and the industry will attract more passengers in the future as it has bounced back from previous problems during the past.



This is my own opinion on the subject, it is my own just what I think.The suggestions are just what I think not behalf of anything else.

Dissertation..

When starting University Dissertation seems to be a dreaded word but I found mine really easy however it is daunting when lectures mention the fact that it is 10,000 WORDS.  
But you just have to enjoy the subject and you will be fine and have no problems completing it at all. Definitely use Journals, Books and other credible sources 
Attend standard dissertation preparation lectures. This involved planning what subject you might like do through the use of a brain storm, that way you break off into different parts of the subject at have ways to fill the word count easy. 

A dissertation consists of: 
Introduction: Brief Paragraph explaining how you will accomplish your aim, Theories that are going to be used, If a theoretical framework has been applied,Types of Research used,What can be concluded, Any Recommendations?  
Aim & Objectives: What Objectives will help you achieve the Aim of your dissertation?
Rationale: Why you have chosen that subject, 
Literature Review: Define Literature Review, How is it used, What is it for? Analyse previous research into topic
Literature Matrix: Chart showing information about the source, what type it is, who wrote it, what theory does it fit into?
Theoretical Framework: Brain storm showing why your chosen theories are relevant, This will help in findings 
Methodology: Type or research,Resources used,Research design,Sample, Summary
Findings & Analysis: Discussing your theoretical framework in more detail and analysis results from research
Conclusion: What do the findings conclude
Recommendations:What recommendations can be applied future, If any

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

STOP FGM

Last few days in Spain.

On Tuesday we went to Terra Natura Murcia despite the 30 degree heat we walked round the zoo seeing different animals such as Zebras, Tortoises, Ostriches and Meerkats all the rest were clearly smarter than us and opted to stay in the shade under shelters. After the zoo we went to the Water Park side which was also really fun going down a variety of different rubber ring slides and meandering around the rapids leisurely enjoying the day.

On Wednesday we went to the beach on the pedalos that we spent one hour on milling about in the sea looking for different fish and sunbathing, then we went to get a baguette for lunch and headed back to the Villa to go the outdoor swimming pool. For tea we went to an all you can eat chinese buffet. hmm ate so much food.

On Thursday we played Golf at Golf Deluxe again and actually made it on the podium this time in 3rd place. This took longer than expected due to stopping at hole 9 for a break to get a drink due to the heat.

On Friday we went go karting in the morning, meandered round dos Mares buying last minute trinkets to take back to England and making the most of the sun during the day before going to Los Alcazares for tea.

On Saturday we made the most of last minute sunbathing before heading to Alicante Airport to come home. Unfortunately our flight was delayed but we got back on schedule due to wind pushing us forward.

Spain..

On Friday as a family we went to Mar Menor go karting. Time to show how competitive I am not when it comes to any form of driving the slightest bit on not being in control slows me down.. Also my sister cutting me up at the last minute did not help at all. Hence not having a place on the podium. We stayed in the car park for 10 mins after racing as the runway to the San Javier airport was right next to it, mainly seeing Easyjet planes take off taking passengers presumably back to the UK. Once back at the Villa we continued the routine of  Eat Tan Pool Repeat.

Saturday much of the same occurred standard trip to Dos Mares during the morning exploring the shops on offer and discovering a slice of Pizza for a euro its not worth making lunch at the Villa when that's on offer, on Saturday evening prior to the Brazil Holland game we went for dinner to Passion Restaurant in Los Alcazares which was lovely eating garlic and herb chicken with vegetables and fries so unhealthily good. Pudding consisted of a scoop of Kinder ice cream from Gelatissimo down the strip.The Ice Cream parlour and location of all different places to eat in Los Alcazares quickly became a reason for visiting regularly.
After we watched Brazil take on Holland. Cheered on the host country despite loosing to the country.

Sunday was a standard day of rest despite going go karting again in the morning which was really fun attempting to loose the need for control. Back at the Villa we sunbathed and enjoyed the rest of the day relaxing. Before watching Germany being crowned world cup champions.

On Monday to begin the last week  went to Los Alcazares for a late lunch and tried Chicken Paella which since returning from Spain has become and obsession to replicate the dish which not being Spanish is probably not going to happen. After lunch we had more ice cream then came back and went in the pool and sunbathed for the rest of the day.

Spain..

On the 5th of July I flew to Spain with my family to spend 2 weeks in sunny Murcia specifically San Javier. We rented a Villa for 2 weeks so we did not have the pressure of being up in time for breakfast as you would with a hotel. For the holiday we hired a car big enough to fit 5 people plus cases and were a bit naive as to the distance to the Villa from Alicante Airport anyway..

On the first day of our holiday we typically relaxed by the pool sunbathing because it was a Sunday and we assumed that all supermarkets and shopping centres would be closed. On the Monday Morning we drove to Dos Mares and stocked up on the essentials before conceding that it was to hot and we needed ice cream. We were invited to a pub quiz by some people in the Villa and shamelessly lost.

 On Tuesday morning we woke up really early and drove to Aqualandia in Benidorm which is heavily advertised in San Javier despite being 2hrs drive away. When we got to the water park and went in the pool we discovered that all the water was salt water but that didn't matter because the amount of slides and facilities there made up for it, The rapids appeared steeper that they actually were in the queue and everyone got stuck in their rubber rings at the top of the drops. The new Verti-go slides were opened but being to much of a pansy to go on we stood by the TV screens at the bottom showing people's  faces as they went down. After a day at the water park we drove through Benidorm town centre in an attempt at finding the Sol Pelicanos where Benidorm the TV show is filmed, found the Benidorm Palace though.

On Wednesday the day was spent relaxing by the pool sunbathing and generally relaxing and enjoying the day. By Thursday it was decided that we would play golf at Golf Deluxe which was really fun, being located under the flight path though meant plenty of distraction so we were there for most of the day attempting to play serious golf. After golf we drove through La Manga. It looked really nice plenty of warm sandy beaches and attractions for typical tourists that want a day at the beach to do..

A few days in Holland

My 5 days in Holland were really lovely. A friend and I flew from Birmingham to Amsterdam with Flybe, The flight was relaxing and went by really quick. From Schipol Airport we took a 2h 30min train to Leeuwarden. The capital of Friesland.

We spent Monday to Thursday in Leeuwarden exploring the easily accessible city, Trying not to get in the way of people riding bicycles!. We explored the universities that the city had to offer, saw the attractions that the city has to offer such as the Frisian Horse statue that has become really popular. The city is so accessible that almost everything can be reached really quickly. On a regular basis we would head to different cafes for a snack namely bagels and beans- which does amazing chocolate brownies! And not forgetting the t'Pannekoekschip. This pancake ship provides amazing dutch pancakes for people to visit and is recommended place to visit in Leeuwarden.

Finally on Thursday at 7:30 am our time Leeuwarden was over and we boarded a train to Amsterdam Centraal. We spent Thursday afternoon on the tour of the city provided by boat due to the pouring rain. On the boat we saw the Heineken museum, Ann Franks House, The Science museum. When the tour ended we headed off to Dam Square and to see the infamous Red Light district that the makes Amsterdam so popular among a range of different tourists. 

Sadly early on Friday morning we had to go to Schipol Airport to get back to England. The plane was really small but we got back home just as quickly as we went and managed to sleep on board. 

Holland is such a beautiful country so much so that as soon as we got back we looked at more flights to go back and be able to experience more things in detail as we only got to spend one day in Amsterdam..