Robin Wall Art

It’s a nice size that draws a crowd. It’s got a little button that looks like it’s dressed up for a formal event in a waistcoat. It’s a nice thin aluminium that hasn’t split, despite falling off its hook a few times. And being as it’s now over six years  old, the colour’s faded a little but it’s endured a lot of weather. The green might not match the surrounding real green, but the brown is beginning to match the fence paint. The yellow has faded to silver, but it still looks good, undamaged and chipped, and you can still tell what it is. The paint might have faded completely in another six, but the metal will still be there. And I might get creative then and do my own paint job or try to restore it. Or I’ll probably just try and buy another one if the manufacturer’s still trading.

Masterplug 4 socket grey and green indoor & outdoor cable reel

Its bright colour makes it easy to find. It’s shorter than you think. I like the fact that you can control it with one switch, though I’m not sure why I’d need a whole four outlets for the task. I’d rather sacrifice that for more length. It’s not meant to be a permanent solution. It feels nice and sturdy, but there’s something catching on the inside which prevents the wire from uncoiling smoothly. The grips on the inside of the reel make it comfortable, and they seem to go all the way around the reel which saves you some time. It’s light enough to throw around without cracking easily as it hits the ground, yet heavy enough to take some impact. The plugs needs a bit of a push into the socket, but it’s probably because they’re heavy-duty plugs and you want that firm and safe connection. I haven’t seen the thermal protection in action, but hopefully I won’t have to rely on it.

Reflex Active 50m SeaVenture AMOLED GPS Blue Smart Watch

I’m familiar with the brand. My niece has one that I’ve set up for her. Some of the reviews weren’t kind, but as long as it was functional, I was willing to take the risk for the price cut. The silicone band isn’t a great look, but as least it’s comfortable and secure. I'm hoping that the abbreviation stands for armoured which makes it sound tougher. I haven’t managed to get the heart rate function working yet, and I must remember to sync it every day so that I don’t lose any data. The different faces are quite fun. I can upload a photo, but I’m a bit disappointed that there’s not a random function. I haven’t tested any of the sport functions or timers yet, but I’m happy with the notifications that I receive. I’m a bit reluctant to test it in water. It’s the sea that killed the last one. But I do have the insurance.

Roasting the Watermill

This classic building is worth checking out. It’s got a lovely sense of history, even though the company that runs it only moved in three years ago. It has lots of nooks and crannies as well as open areas to create a great atmosphere to cater for groups and small parties who treasure privacy alike. There’s high wooden beams above corner booths and a private room upstairs for small functions. The bar and menu is mostly tied, but it’s good quality and value, and the service is fast too; whether you order at the bar or online. It’s got its own large car park and its isolated location feels likes it’s in the heart of the country, even though the town’s ring road isn’t far away. It’s even set alongside a canal with its own beer garden, with a convenient hotel next door as well, although that’s aimed at travellers from further afield.

Tabled

It’s black. A bit see-through, but it does the job at short notice and there’s not a lot of choice around. Oddly, someone as decided to include ribbon in the packaging. I don’t think it’s for a gift. I think the idea is to give it a sense of luxury, but it’s not as if you’re going to wrap the ribbon back around it every time you put it away. It’s not silky and you can see that from the picture. It sounds big when you look at the dimensions, but we only had a small table and I expected it to dwarf it and it didn’t. There’s probably better cost-effective options out there, but I needed something quick, not for a table itself, but to hide things behind to make more of a barrier. It was used outside, but it’s amazing how much dust it’s picked up over the space of two days.

GDK

It’s as if McDonald’s started to do kebabs. I opt to download the app where I can get my food made before I arrive and I’m instantly treated to a discount kebab but I can’t get my voucher to work. It’s not entirely clear if you’ve selected any options via a dial at the bottom. The fries look interesting so I go large so as not to miss out on anything, but the drink option is a bit basic. It’s just a can of pop. And despite using an Apple device to create an account, I can’t see a way to pay with Apple Pay. I’ve been given an estimate collection time but no instructions on what to do when I get there. I can see a kitchen with a bag on the counter with my name on it. Do I just grab it and go or do I need to check in with someone? Two days later and I’ve still got the taste of onions in my mouth.

IMO

I’ve been getting lazy lately. Instead of washing my car myself, I’ve been taking to the drive-through car wash. I had some free washes through the car insurance and it always seems to come out better than when I do it by hand. I usually manage to time it when it’s quiet, and I have to have the app at the ready. Then I have to remember to unscrew my radio antenna. I drive forward, and an attendant gives me a brief hosedown of suds and jetwashes my alloys. Then comes the tricky bit. I have to line the car straight up on the track to be taken along the conveyor. It’s a bit difficult as you can’t communicate as water is being spread everywhere and you have to pay attention to the hand signals. Then I sit back and let the machines do the work, though last time it nearly took my mirror out.

Wireless Printing

It’s finally happened. My printer’s gone wireless. Gone are the days where I have to email files to myself on my mother’s machine which is connected to the printer. Gone also are the times that I have to track down a USB stick to move my files to my mother’s machine. And gone are the long waits required to boot this machine up. Instead, I turn on my wireless printer and wait for that to connect to my machine, then I can print. The new printer feels a lot lighter and smaller. It feels like it’s for occasional use rather than big bulk jobs. The in-tray is smaller and everything seems to fold out aerodynamically. The printer can even connect to my phone, but its software doesn’t like older versions of windows. Then there’s also the instant ink. I wasn’t intending to subscribe, but I’ve already got a full set of cartridges as part of my free trial. Time will tell if it’s worth it.

Rubber Up

I did doubt whether these were necessary, but I have found myself using the shredder a lot more lately, and since my first shredder was one that I didn’t have to pay for, I decided to treat this shredder a little better when I realised the volume of shredding that I’m doing. It makes sense. It’s easy to use. I’m hoping that I’m doing it right since it’s just a sheet of A5 and I’m putting it on its side so that it distributes across all of the blades. I’ve just got to remember to do this regularly. It does sound a lot less messy than buying the oil. I can’t tell the difference between this and the branded product as I’ve never used the branded product before. Some of the paper has a few drips on it when I empty it so I know that there’s oil in there. I wonder if they have an expiry date.

Tardis Flip Wallet Phone Cover

I loved the idea of this phone case. I’ve actually ordered two of these over the years (technically three as I had to quickly cancel one as I ordered the wrong size). It’s a box for a phone, but it also travels through time and space! You can even watch the Tardis on the Tardis! The cover has a magnetic fastener which makes a satisfying click as you close the lid. It’s got the full unblurred information panel, though it’s the windows that let it down as you can tell that it’s a picture. There’s large stitching which holds everything in place and it’s camouflaged into the design. The plastic shell perfectly aligns with all the holes needed for button and camera access and there’s even space opposite to hold a few cards in the black leather. Over time, it did get a bit grazed and battered, but it lasted longer than the phone.

The Cosa Express Machine

Yup, I’ve actually been asked to rate a coffee vending machine. The world’s gone mad. It’s also worrying. Does this mean that if we rate them high enough then the barista will be replaced by these machines at some point? It was quick and simple since I could glance at all of the options available on my phone. The trouble is that if something goes wrong, you’re going to have to hunt someone down to help you, during which your current progress could be lost. I haven’t figured out if I can pay on my phone without going to the checkout, but at this site it’s not worth looking into since I’ll lose my employee discount. There was nearly a problem as I didn't get the cup into position, but luckily the machine picked up on it and waited for me. But there were so many things for me to play and help myself to. At some point, someone’s just going to nick all of it.

Floresta Apartments

A nice but busy place to stay, but at times it was a bit of a battery farm. Reception was clean but we could have been aided by a second receptionist to check us in. Our room was surprisingly spacious and comfortable, but it took us a while to open the prison-style steel door. We were lucky enough to have a sea view, but our ground floor patio didn’t seem to be fenced off. The wi-fi was also limited during busy periods. We had just enough time to take dinner on arrival where protective staff patrol the area and are more concerned with guarding tableware and cleaning rather than welcoming newcomers and explaining how everything works. It’s touch and go on how hot the food is depending on when they brought out the trough, but there’s a microwave at the end to reheat your mound if desired. There’s also restaurant theme nights with cuisine from aro7nd the world as well as regular staples to cater for everyone. The pool was beautiful but it’s a shame that people reserve their sunbeds before breakfast, and as we didn’t do this on the first day we missed out. The bar is small but service is quick and most of the cocktails are pre-prepared in large plastic bottles. The pool bar food, although limited, is cooked fresh to order. There’s a great variety of evening entertainment which we tried to keep our younger party members awake so that we could see it. And there’s also a daytime activity programme for both adults and kids, though the mini golf seems to be a rushed addition. We’d probably stay again for the peaceful convenient location and amenities but might go half board instead to enjoy more of the island.

Costa Luz

This seemed to be a restaurant of convenience rather than a specialised cuisine. It was on the rooftop of a block of bars and we were recommended to go there to keep things neighbourly, though many of the locals came from there for takeaway pizzas so that’s probably what we should have stuck to. We were slightly disappointed as we were hoping for something a bit more authentic since it was our first venture out of the all-inclusive hotel. Our paellas were well presented in skillets but looked a bit dry and didn’t seem to have any vegetable stock included. We also ordered a burger which came as a huge tower of food but looked slightly overdone. The garlic prawns were delicious but could have been bigger. The pizzas were nice and fresh which was the best part of the meal. We weren’t presented with a dessert menu; instead we got complimentary shots with lollies for the children (I’m guessing they wanted to call time on a late Thursday night).

Rancho Texas

 It cost us a fair bit of dosh to come here. We were relieved to see that our transfer was included in the price, but we were concerned that we might be losing time and wouldn’t fit everything in after all the pickups but we needn’t had worried. Upon arrival, a friendly staff member handed us a map and directed us to a queue to have our online tickets scanned; though I did wonder if it was quicker pay on the door.

We made straight for the dolphin arena to get a seat for the show, stopping to look at creatures along the way. Upon arrival, we did manage to get seats near the back but the viewing and performance area looked quite large and the dolphins seemed to be happy and well cared for. We then wandered around the rest of the zoo section. The ponies didn’t seem to be in any shade, but the enclosure for the white tiger was huge with plenty of viewing angles once you’d worked out where he was. We also enjoyed watching the lynxes chase each other. Then we had a go at the canoeing, though we were disappointed to pay a surcharge for this and the experience would have been better if you did a lazy island style circuit with optional rapids than paddle down a u-shaped bend to a dead end with some bushes. We dried off by walking around the reptile house, though I did wonder if the amphibious crocodile-shaped tortoise had enough room.

After some interesting xxx antics from the tortoises, we observed the bird show from the hill, but they did indeed seem to be tied up when not flying. We then headed down to the fast food restaurant for lunch. The portions and freshness were reasonable for the price, and staff were happy here. We shared a pizza and some baguettes with fries and onion rings between six of us before heading to the sea lion show which was also good fun with some great photo opportunities.

Onto the water park. We hired a locker for our valuables then found some sunbeds and grabbed some inflatable rings. There was a bit of confusion about where to queue for the lower slide, but the wait wasn’t long (I wondered how busy it gets at weekends when the locals come along). I think it’s a shame that you have to take these tyres up yourself and perhaps a ramp could be devised. The hidden valley was also a bit of a disappointment; I was expecting a lazy river style circuit that you could swim or float through rather than a waterfall around a corner. But me and the young ones happily spent the rest of the afternoon sliding down on the rings; we did try the larger wave slide once but lost count of how many times we went down Wild Canyon and the Gold Rush.

I had a quick visit to the gents by the gift shop and was surprised to see into the parrot enclosure; the parrots could literally watch you pee! Then it was onto the transfer bus which was waiting for us at the exit and we were directed by more friendly staff. We weren’t the last ones on but we had booked; it appeared that a seat shortage was caused by those who hadn’t booked the transfer and came earlier via taxi. No-one seemed to check us on as we embarked. A few little ones ended up on laps to make room.

Although admission was slightly expensive, we all had a great time as there was a lot to see and do. Hopefully there will be new exhibits to tempt us back and we may be braver to try some of the faster water slides!

Resturante Italica

This restaurant was a nice spot by the sea. We were placed at the rear of the restaurant and if it wasn’t for the mixing desk in sight I would have thought that the music they played was live. The staff were friendly and insisted on taking our picture when we arrived, but perhaps they needed a little more practice in clearing dishes and preparing drinks as some vessels were scattered, but they were quick in cleaning it up. They were well presented, especially with the wine selected for us. We ordered cheesy garlic bread as starters which were very moreish. The traditional lasagne and mixed pasta was very nice and the kids enjoyed the spaghetti. I opted to try the chicken Corden bleu but was disappointed to receive chips instead of potatoes and it was without sauce. The mussels were well presented and there were plenty of them. We then moved onto dessert, the kids enjoyed their brownies, and I chose the tiramisu which was a huge piece. I was slightly disappointed that we weren’t offered a complimentary shot given the amount spent.

Costa Lota

I had to get up early today for an appointment so I decided to get breakfast on the way back and popped into the coffee shop. I had to add to my balance otherwise my points would be deleted and unclaimable. After clarifying what a certain coffee was, I decided to do the bacon and coffee deal. Rather than it being a fresh bacon roll, I was asked to pick up a pre-packaged one out of a fridge for the barista to heat up. Then it was a question of which offer to use. There was one of them that I couldn’t use with the breakfast deal. Then I couldn’t get the drink that I wanted with the breakfast deal. It was all so restrictive and I ended up with a micro portion. Still, it did the job with the large beverage, but it wasn’t as great as I remembered it to be. Perhaps it’ll be another year before I’m back.

Jellycats

It’s a stuffed orangutang and its name is Pip. It’s small with orange fur and has felt feet in the shape of hearts and horns like zebra stripes. You can’t store anything inside it, and its limbs aren’t articulate for posing. So why is it so fucking expensive? Is it stuffed with real cat fur? Is it the materials used (it is apparently). Or is it because of a certain video trend that makes everyone wants one?. Even beanie babies aren’t that dear. It’s not like it’s a full-sized bear. Perhaps it’s going to absorb liquid and grow. Still, the recipient was happy to have it and it’s one of her favourite gifts that she tells people when they ask her what she got for her birthday. Still, if she does start making her own videos, I can ask for a mention in the credits. I might even receive some revenue.

Almost had it my way

I decided to give the old BK a go. Everyone else seems to be calling in after work for fast food, and I wasn’t feeling super hungry. I haven’t been in a while. It used to be a regular treat at a motorway service station at one time since we didn’t have one at home, but now we do. So I had a look at the menu and compared it to what else is out there. The BBQ Kansas burger seemed to be the one to try with onion rings and bacon, which included a box of chicken fries as well. Ordering on the app was easy, and there was no queue when I arrived. It wasn’t great to see staff in the kitchen wandering around eating burgers, but the staff were friendly. The burger was chicken instead of beef, but that was what I’d selected. It could have done with more sauce. The fries were slightly cold, and the chicken fries were a bit on the thin side, but substantially it was enough.

My Biggest Fan

I bought this in the sales last year. I was pretty sure that I was getting a bargain. It was quite a reduction and had a fair bit of power. It even came with a remote control. The only problem was that there was a concern that it would use too much electricity. So it sat in the garage for a fair while until I had an opportunity to plug it in and test it. It ran quite fast, and it didn’t generate too much noise. There was even a timer. What I’ve yet to figure out is the humidifier function. I guess that if you fill it with water, if will blow a cool mist into the room. But water and electricity don’t mix, and the last thing I need is making the whole room wet or electronics being sprayed. One day I’ll have to sit down and read he instructions properly.

Folding Camping Chair (Blue)

It’s got a light aluminium frame which makes it practical in weight, and one of the armrests has a handy cupholder. It’s crossed legs makes it secure when setting it up, but it’s not going to offer a great amount of support. It also comes in a light bag, but this material is cheap and easy to rip. It doesn’t like it closes all the way either. You have to open and close it carefully to avoid pulling on the stitching. Why the colour blue was chosen remains a mystery. The only other colour that it comes in is red. Perhaps there’s a plan to roll out other colours in future years to distinguish it from its predecessor and change the price. Or maybe it’s the cheapest colour in the manufacturing process. I would have thought white, but that would be easy to stain. Black would be the next in line, but that would absorb heat.