'Happiness can be found in the darkest of places if one remembers to turn on the light'
Author: Roseanne's Blog
I'm Roseanne :) 33. Married to Tim ๐ I'm a Harry Potter fanatic โก and a Bookworm ๐ I started this blog to document our wedding planning and its grown from there!
We started back doing our Parkruns this month! Happy with my time of 34.01 – here’s to getting back to it again ๐
Me and my twin sister Sarah organised our bestfriends baby shower. It went really well and everyone had a great time! Lots of delicious food, fun games, presents and laughs ๐ถ
Pancake day! One of the best days in Feb ๐ฅ I managed to have two pancake meals, haha.
We celebrated Valentines Day this year with our traditional meal to a local Turkish restaurant. It was delicious as always.
As you may have see from my previous holiblog post, we went to Northern Italy for the Feb half term. It was brilliant. We did Verona, Lake Garda, Milan & Venice (again!)
We had a brilliant time, there was so much to see and it was beautiful. We were also mostly, pretty lucky with the weather.
This Feb Half Term, we embarked on our latest Italian adventure, this time in Northern Italy. This trip was sort of inspired by our 2020 Italy trip that never was (thanks, Covid!)
We changed the plans a little from the original idea, as we only had a week half term instead of the Summer Hols, but we knew we wanted to travel around more of Northern Italy. I found some cheap flights to and from Verona, and we went from there.
Let’s see what we got up to!
Day 1 – Travelling to Italy
Sat 17th – Today was mainly spent travelling to Italy. It was pretty uneventful (and actually an ok flight, and that’s coming from someone who isn’t very fond of flying)
We arrived in Verona at 7 pm and after a short bus ride and a check-in at our hotel we went in search of food.
The little Pizzeria (Rio’s) that we found nearest to our hotel did not disappoint. It was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had in Italy.
Day 2 – Verona
Sun 18th – Today, we spent the day in Verona, exploring the town.
We did lots of walking.
We had a short tour of the Verona Arena, which was really cool!
It’s the best preserved Arena in Italy!
The Arena was probably my favourite ‘sight’ of the trip.
In the early evening, we travelled to Lake Garda, the next destination of our trip.
Day 3 – Lake Garda
Mon 19th – Today, was we visited Salo in Lake Garda.
It is home to the longest promenade in Italy.
& it is very beautiful.
They also do a bangin’ sandwich. This was an insanely good lunch. That bread ๐คค
We had a lovely time walking up and down the promenade as well as looking through the city streets.
We rounded off the day with a delicious dinner, Caprese, Rosemary Foccacia, Risotto, and Tiramsu – so good.
Day 4 – Lake Garda
Tues 20th – We started off Day 4 with another yummy breakfast at our lovely B&B before we headed off to get our bus tickets for the day.
We didn’t realise a market was on, and it was quite extensive. There were some amazing food stalls, including fruit, veg, soooo much cheese and meats.
We decided to pick up some bits and create our own lunch. We chose a delicious fresh tomato, a fresh ball of Mozzarella, a fresh Foccacia, and some amazing strawberries. Delicious.
These made a yummy picnic.
In the afternoon, we headed off to explore another part of Lake Garda – Sirmione.
They are known for their delicious gelato, so we had some in the sunshine when we arrived!
We then had a walk through the castle and town on our way to the ruins of a Roman villa. There was a museum and the ruins itself so that was really interesting to see.
The ruins were so vast.
Once again, the weather was amazing.
We went back to freshen up before having a delicious dinner and a chilled evening in our room.
Day 5 – Milan
Wed 21st – Today we travelled to Milan! We were sad to leave our lovely accommodation in Garda.
Milan Centrale Station is massive! It gives Grand Central Station NYC Vibes for sure.
We spent the day doing LOTS of walking around Milan, seeing the city on foot, there is some cool architecture and graffiti. We picked up some more delicious ice cream, and we went to the Leonardo Di Vinic museum to round off the day.
We had these incredible crepes for dessert from those amazing Gelatoria that we discovered first in Verona.
Day 6 – Milan/Verona
Thurs 22nd – Today, we travelled back to our starting point, Verona, for our final leg of the trip!
Once we made it back Verona (after a 40 min delay at Milan) we freshened up and spent some time just chilling/reading in our hotel room.
It rained in the evening, so we just ventured out nearby to get some food. We didn’t stay out for long before heading back and watching a film in bed.
Day 7 – Verona
Fri 23rd – Today was the only day it rained pretty much all day. We had been so lucky with the weather so far. Typically, we had our Verona Walking Tour.
We didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits and we both thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the city. It was so interesting and Verona is such a beautiful place.
Booking a tour is well worth it!
We grabbed a spot of lunch from a place near the end of the tour, as recommended by our tour guide. The fresh pasta was delicious, and the tiramisu was insannnne.
We were very glad to have such a lovely shower in our hotel room because we were freeeeeezing ๐ฅถ after walking back in the rain.
And of course, we had another delicious dinner to round off the day!
Day 8 – Verona
Sat 24th – Today was our last full day ๐ฅฒ
The weather was beautiful, which was great for our final day. We headed over to a cafe that we heard was really nice. We had yet another delicious coffee and pastry.
We spent the rest of the morning/early afternoon looking around the castles museum – it was really interesting with our audio guide, and at the top, you get soke beautiful views of Verona.
After all that exploring and walking around, we enjoyed a lazy afternoon in the hotel.
In the evening…
WE WENT TO VENICE!!! My favourite ๐
It was beautiful as always โค๏ธ
We had a delicious pasta dinner when we arrived…
… before heading to our favourite gelatoria!! ๐จ Su So is incredible. We had to squeeze some in for dessert.
It was buzzing in Venice as it was the Venice Carnival that weekend.
Venice is truly unique.
I love sitting by the Grand Canal. It’s so peaceful.
๐
Day 9 – Home time
Sun 25th – Today, it was time to go home!
We enjoyed a nice walk into the city centre of Verona to find a nice cafe for breakfast again. We really enjoyed doing this the day before.
We had a final delicious coffee, pastry (and Lasagne for Tim ๐คฃ)
We then had a walk around a bit more, including the arena before heading back to make our way to the airport.
We had such a brilliant trip and it was great to see so many new parts of our favourite country.
I thought I would (try) doing a post a month called my monthly highlights. I thought this would be a good way to share what I’ve been up to. A little diary of sorts.
So, without further ado – here are my January highlights.
Our first film of the year, Disney’s Wish ๐ฅ
Back to running on the track, at our running group! ๐โโ๏ธ
Testing out my new headphones that Tim got me. We’ve been doing lots of gaming this month!
๐ซFun in London watching Stranger Things: The First Shadow. A brilliant show.A fun afternoon playing a murder mystery for my besties birthday, with my husband and her family. Great fun, and Granny did it!!!An evening in London, on a weekday (oooh ah!) To see ABBA Voyage. Absolutely fantastic.
I usually do a little reading challenge of some kind each year, over here on my blog. This year, I decided to take the pressure off. I was just trying to read a bit more and read more of a variety of genres. (Which I think I definitely achieved!)
I have kept a list of all of the books that I have read throughout 2023. I kept a list that is in sections depending on the type of book that they are.
I have highlighted our 2023 Book Club books in pink.
In 2023 I read… ๐ฅ
47 books
Let’s take a look…
Books
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict
The Maid by Nita Prose
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
The Murder List by Jackie Kabler
The Perfect Lie by Jo Spain
The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl
The Magpie Society: One for Sorrow by Amy McCulloch & Zoe Sugg
The Magpie Society: Two for Joy by Amy McCulloch & Zoe Sugg
The Curfew by TM Logan
Verity by Colleen Hoover
The No Show by Beth O Leary
You and me on vacation by Emily Henry
The Shell Seekers By Rosamunde Pilcher
Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher
The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer
The Book Lovers Retreat by Heidi Swain
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle
Fairy Tales by Stephen King
The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
Confess by Colleen Hoover
The Minaturist by Jessie Burton
Sleepovers by Jacqueline Wilson
The Best Sleepover in the World by Jacqueline Wilson
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
The Mother by TM Logan
The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns
That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Novellas
Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
This Winter by Alice Oseman
Kindle App Books
It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
Audio books
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling
Needful Things by Stephen King
Friends, Lovers and the big terrible thing by Matthew Perry
The Twat Files by Dawn French
Graphic Novels
Heartstopper Vol 1 by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper Vol 2 by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper Vol 3 by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper Vol 4 by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper Vol 5 by Alice Oseman
Autobiography
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
Friends, Lovers and the big terrible thing by Matthew Perry
I have wanted to read this FOR AGES!!! but I am hoping to read this with my book club so I am going to suggest it. I really want to watch the series of this too, so I need to read it first.
2. ‘Strange World’ with Sarah and the boys. โโ1\2
3. ‘Matilda the Musical’ with Tim โโโ
4. ‘A man called Otto’ with Sarah โโโโ
5. ‘M3gan’ with Sarah โโ
6. ‘Empire of Light’ Solo trip โโโโ
February
7. ‘Puss in boots: the last wish’ with Sarah & the boys. โโโ
8. ‘Titanic 25th Anniversary edition’ in 4DX with Sarah โโโโ
9. ‘The Whale’ with Sarah โโ1/2
10. ‘Whats love got to do with it? UNLIMITED SCREENING with Tim โโโ
March
11. ‘Aftersun’ with Tim โโโ12. ‘Scream VI’ with Sarah & Charlotte โโโโ
April
13. ‘Mummies’ with Sarah & the boys โโโ14. ‘The Super Mario Bros Movie’ IMAX with Tim & they boys โโโโ15. ‘Renfield’ with Tim โโ1/216. ‘Evil Dead Rise’ with Sarah โโโ17. ‘Missing’ with Sarah โโโโ. 25
Till
Empire of Light
A Man Called Otto
Elemental
Love again
Guardian’s of the Galaxy: Vol 3
One Life
May
18. ‘The unlikely pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ with Tim โโโโ19. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3’ with Tim, Dan & Wes โโโโ20. ‘Book Club: The next chapter’ with Sarah โโโ21. ‘Love Again’ with Sarah โโโโ
June
22. ‘Spider-man: Across the Spider-Verse’ with Crash โโ.523. ‘The Boogeyman’ with Sarah & Demi โโโ1/224. ‘National theatre live: Fleabag’ with Tim โโโโ25. ‘Greatest Days’ with Eloise โโโโ26. ‘The Little Mermaid’ With Tim โโโโ
July
27. ‘No Hard Feelings’ with Tim โโโ
28. ‘The Tunnel of Summer: The exit of goodbyes’ with Tim โโโโ
29. Insidious: The Red Door with Sarah โโโ30. Oppenheimer IMAX with Tim โโโโ
August
31. ‘Elemental’ with Sarah, Noah & Casey โโโโ32. ‘Barbie’ with Tim, Charlotte & Wes โโโโ33. ‘Haunted Mansion’ with Tim โโโ 34. Unlimited Screening: ‘Theatre Camp’ with Tim โโโ
September
35. ‘Canterville Ghosts’ with Tim, Noah & Casey โโโ.536. ‘The Nun 2’ me, myself & I โโ.5
October
37. ‘Saw 10’ with Sarah โโ38. DISNEY 100 (& FROZEN 10 YRS) Frozen with Charlotte & Evie โโโโโ39. ‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie with Noah, Casey & Evie โโโ40. ‘Trolls: Band together’ with Tim, Noah & Casey โโ41. ‘Five nights at Freddy’s’ with Sarah โโโ.542. ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ with Sarah โโโโ
November
43. The Hunger Games: A Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes with Tim โโโโโ44. Thanksgiving with Sarah & Charlotte โโ.5
December
45. Elf (20th anniversary screening) Me, myself & I โโโโโ46. Teddy’s Christmas with Sarah, Noah & Casey. โโโ47. Secret Screening…. with Sarah. (Next goal wins) โโโ48. Napoleon with Tim โโ.549. One Life: UNLIMITED SCREENING with Sarah & Tim โโโโ.550. ‘What Happens Later’ with Sarah โโ51. Wonka with Casey โโโ.552. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with Sarah โโโโโ
I am so happy that I got to my target of 52 films, the equivalent of one a week, all year.
Chuffed with that!
Favourites…
Till
Empire of light
A Man named Otto
Love again
Elemental
One Man
Guardians of the galaxy: Vol 3
Here’s to 2024, and hopefully, another good year of cinema!
(Well it’s actually pretty much over as I write this haha)
I hope you’ve had a good one.
Thank you for coming along for this Blogmas journey of 2023! I can’t remember how many years I’ve done it for now (alot) but I have really enjoyed it again this year.
I finished off our Christmas Day dessert with a dark chocolate glaze and some festive sprinkles!
Fun with my Niece, giving her her Christmas Eve box and baking some festive CupcakesOur Christmas eve meet up tradition with our friend Demi. We went to a little cafe this year as our usual spot Byron closed down ๐ฅฒ
Me and my sister watched ‘It’s a wonderful life’ at the cinema
One of my favourite traditions -In the evening, we drove around our local area and looked at the Christmas lights. We found loads of awesome ones.
I have my Nephews their Christmas Eve boxes, and they put out their bits for Santa and the Reindeer before bed!
We had a delicious picky dinner of a baked camembert with tiger bread ๐ whilst we watched the ‘Miranda Christmas Special’ on TV.
All that’s left to do when I get home is to put out my stocking and tuck into bed with my Christmas pyjamas!
That table in your kitchen or lounge that slowly gets filled with delicious Christmas nibbles throughout December, all ready to enjoy in and around the festive period.
It’s nice to have some festive nibbles around for any wrapping sessions, festive film nights, or if you have any guests pop over.
We have a nice mixture of sweet & savoury going on.
Let’s take a look at ours…
This is a new addition but we liked the look of this as I love chocolate and my husband loves sweets.
These are my favourite mince pies from the COOP.
Pringles are a must. These are mine and my husbands favourite flavours (Mine on the left, his on the right)
Heroes! The best of all the festive chocolate tins.
A tin of shortbread is a Christmas must have.
My Nana always had these at her house on Christmas day so I had to pick some up when I saw them.
A selection of festive chocs! Lindt originals alway look so festive.
It is mainly sweet goodies to be fair, haha, but we have savoury crisps and plenty of party food and cheese and biscuits to counteract the sweetness.
I also have keep my festive headbands/glasses/hats etc on here incase I need them or any guests need to be made more festive ๐คฃ
Now that the Christmas holidays are in full swing and the kids are at home, I thought I would share with you a few fun, easy, and relatively quick recipes for little festive treats.
These ideas are so cute. I’ve either made them with my Nephews or made them with the children at work. Either way, they are lots of fun and great for keeping the kids occupied.
I’ve included links to help you with how to make them.
