Book Recommendations! Monica Pradhan “The Hindi-Bindi Club”

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As a part of my 30 by 30 challenge, I’ve been trying to read a lot, I’m currently at 51 books, and I really wanted to tell you about number 51.

The Hindi-Bindi Club, by Monica Pradhan

I was looking for something new to read at the library and this book was in the “Staff recommendation” section, so I picked it up after a cursory glance (I’m a judge a book by its cover girl!) and added it to my pile.

I really want you to read it, because this book is beautiful, so I’m not going to tell you too much about it.  It tells the story of 3 families really, the mothers who went to America when they were young, from various parts of India, and their daughters who were born in America, bought bought up with a dual heritage. It really is a case of East meets West and I fell in love slightly, both with Monica Pradhan’s India, and the book.

I sat reading it on the bus and when I got near the end I found myself tearing up, which is very embarrassing.  The bonus of this lovely story is the gorgeous recipes littered throughout, including the notes from each of the people who wrote them.  If you check out the website you can see more lovely recipes and read the messages left by people (including me) who were touched by the book.

If you do feel the desire to buy this book, I’ve added an amazon affiliate link below, which it would be lovely if you do use 🙂

 

So, over to you, what book has touched you recently? I’ve still got 49 books to read! What would you recommend?

 
 

 

30 by 30 update

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Oh man! I really shouldn’t set myself blog targets – I just suck at them.

I’ve failed on the updating of my blog every month target but I have been ticking some things off my list, including:

  • Get my passport
  • Go somewhere I’ve never been before
  • Drive all the way to my parents
  • Organise a trip away with Dave

And I’ve been cracking on with my films and books – I’ve watched 38 films and read 25 books (possibly more!).  I have dates of everything written down and will update properly when I get home.

 

 

Change of goal #29

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#29 on my list is to finish the scarf I started to crochet at christmas.  I’ve decided to change this, to something slightly more challenging, but also something I’ve been working on too.

I’m crocheting a blanket of afghan squares for our bed.  Its going to be blue, purple and green and probably needs to be at least 240 squares, I’ve made 43!

So this is my new challenge!

Guilty pleasure films

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This was written on the train on my iPhone so please forgive no links or images.

I sat and watched the new version of St Trinian’s last night, a film I’ve seen before, but counts towards my 100 films.

It’s a good giggle of a film and one I really enjoyed, but couldn’t help feeling it was a bit of a guilty pleasure, I mean, it’s aimed at teenagers and is really rather silly, that doesn’t stop it being enjoyable!

And it got me thinking about other films I feel are slight guilty pleasures.

One has to be Bandslam which is one of our favourites! Another teen film with an awesome soundtrack.

Another one I love is Calamity Jane a Doris Day musical set in the wild west. This one makes me giggle, and cry and I love it.

More chick flicks in the form of 27 Dresses this is a film I never thought I’d enjoy but love o settle down and watch any time, nothing beats the “Benny and the Jets”
Scene!

Now of course, there is nothing wrong with any of these films, but I guess they aren’t really cool or edgy, but they are really enjoyable, and surely, sometimes that’s all you want from a movie?

What are your guilty pleasures?! Be brave and share with the group!

30 by 30, an update

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Well, hey there.
I can’t give you a total on the films and book list – my list is at home, I’m sat in a hotel room watching pants tv, so I thought I’d take the time to give you a little bit of an update.

the big one
I’m chuffed to bits that today I actually managed to fully pay off my credit card (number 1 on the list!). This was the big one and I’m so glad to have been able to do it. It’s going to make a real difference too.

feel the fear and do it anyway
I did my first “thing that scares me” this month too. I had to give a presentation at work, and the last one I did didn’t go so well, I was really disappointed with myself and therefore a lot more nervy this time around. I’m pleased to say that I was actually proud of the presentation I gave, and myself. So, big tick in the box – first one down!

So, overall, making some progress, I’ll do a film/book update soon, as well as march’s photo post.
Hope you are all doing ok.

Why Becca and noodles don’t mix…

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My shameful story of a girl who needs a bib…

Yesterday I had visitors from work and we went out for some dinner before they jumped on the train home.

We decided on Wagamama as it was central and there were plenty of healthy choices and most people like noodles right?

So I had the coconut noodle soup with chicken and some amazing chilli squid. But I’d forgotten about the chopsticks. I mean they give you a spoon, but you need to eat the noodles with chopsticks.

Well, I’ve never been great with chopsticks, if you can stab it I’m all good, but noodles?! Have you ever seen a grown woman flick coconut soup in her face and all over her clothes? It was ridiculous!

Don’t get me wrong, the food was great, I really enjoyed it. But I was not going to give in and ask for a fork and I made a mess!

Then to really cement my standing as a sophisticated grown up woman of the world (I’m not!) I sat eating chilli salted edamame beans (who knew beans were so tasty?). Then, without thinking I managed to rub my eye, vigorously! Oh boy! That was a whole experience in itself, I actually couldn’t see for a minute or two.

So all in all, a successful night!!

Oh My God You Guys

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Last night, my girlfriends and I went to see Legally Blonde – The Musical at the Norwich Theatre Royal.

I always enjoy going to the theatre and musicals are one of my favourite things to see. This one was no exception, it was a great production and I’ve been singing the songs in my head (and maybe a little bit out loud) ever since.  The one above is a particular favourite.

One of my 30 things to do is go and see a show in London – any suggestions? Which would your favourite be?

Films everyone should see?

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Dave always finds it strange that I’ve not seen a few “classic” films:

  • Most of the star wars films
  • Most of the James Bond films
  • Pretty much any horror film!

And today on Facebook someone mentioned his girlfriend hadn’t seen Wayne’s World.

It got me thinking – what films are real “must sees” for me? And what about you? What is a must see film?

I think mine would be:

  • The Blade Trilogy
  • The Commitments
  • Elf
  • Dogma

So…. Over to you… Must see films, who knows, maybe you’ll convince me to add it to my 100….