Ruth(playworkeatrepeat)

Hi everyone, guess what? This week marks the second anniversary of my blogging journey. Yep, it’s two years since I first plucked up the courage to jump in, go right out of my comfort zone, and have a crack at blogging. I had been thinking about starting a blog for years, but it took the lockdown to finally give me the time and courage to dive in. The first post that I published was about our cat because I was too shy to blog about myself. So I decided to blog about cats! Haha. Finding The Courage To Begin Because I’m actually a pretty shy person, putting myself out there through blogging is a big deal for me. But you know what? It’s been totally worth it. And one of the best parts of this blogging journey has been discovering the amazing blogging community and making connections with so many lovely people from all around the world. I also appreciate and love all the readers who take the time to comment on my blog. Your engagement and support mean the world to me. So I’m sending virtual high-fives and a big warm thank you for brightening up my day with your awesome comments! Embracing The Journey When I first started blogging I had to deal with a whole bunch of technical issues that just about did my head in! I chose to go with WordPress.org which was a challenge and it took me a while to work out and understand what on earth I was doing!  But I’m kind of glad that I really didn’t know how tricky it was going to be otherwise I may have never given it a go. And I have to say that in this case ignorance really was bliss! Thankfully I pushed through and learnt as I went along. I didn’t hurl my computer out the window like I wanted to so many times. And I am so glad that I didn’t give up. So yeah I’m incredibly excited to be celebrating two years of blogging. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I’m so thankful for the courage I found during lockdown. And hey, if you’re thinking about starting a blog too. I say go for it! It might seem daunting at first, but it is so worth it. Here’s to many more years of blogging adventures!

Hey, tea enthusiasts and foodies! Today we are looking at the wonderful world of high tea! Take a seat and get comfy as we explore the wonders of this tradition. A cherished custom that brings together friends and loved ones to indulge in delectable treats and savour aromatic teas in a cozy, elegant setting. High Tea The Origins Of High Tea High tea originates in 19th-century England, where it had very humble beginnings. Initially, it was a working-class meal that was served in the early evenings to refuel tired hungry workers. Back then high tea was a substantial and hearty meal that bridged the gap between lunch and dinner. Workers would enjoy their meals accompanied by a strong pot of tea. And the meal was called high tea because it was eaten at a high dining table. But over time, it evolved into an elegant and social event enjoyed by the upper classes and usually served between 4-6 pm. While high tea is traditionally associated with British culture. Nowadays it is enjoyed in many settings around the world. You will find that many luxury hotels, tea rooms and restaurants serve their own unique versions. Mixing traditional elements with a touch of modern flavour. The Art Of High Tea Etiquette High tea etiquette has evolved over time, and today it is much more relaxed than in days gone past. Of course, it’s still nice to observe some traditional etiquette practices. But the emphasis now is more on enjoying the experience in a beautiful and relaxed environment. Dress Up High tea is a fancy affair so it’s a perfect opportunity to dress up and make the event feel even more special. As it is not an everyday event, dressing up can make the occasion feel even more unique and memorable. You can go classic chic in a knee-length dress or skirt paired with classic pumps or dressy flats. If vintage glam is more your style. Then why not wear a retro-inspired flared skirt with sling-back heels and a small cute clutch? If you prefer contemporary elegance then you could wear tailored pants in a neutral colour. Then pair this with ankle boots and a stylish elegant top. Wearing a floral or pastel-coloured sundress will give the experience a garden party vibe. And would also be a perfect outfit for high tea in Spring. Teapot Handling When pouring, hold the teapot handle with one hand and support the bottom with the other. Stirring your teacup with a teaspoon is perfectly ok these days. And no longer frowned upon as it was in the past, just try to avoid too much clinking. But don’t stress if you do clink, clinking is perfectly fine too! Sipping In Style Keep it classy by taking small sips-no need for slurping or blowing on your tea! Taking small dainty sips is also a perfect way to make sure that you are enjoying the flavours. you don’t need to have your pinky up in the air as you sip but just remember to place your teacup back in the saucer to avoid any spills. Cutlery Use No need to panic about what cutlery to use and in which order as Julia Roberts did in ‘Pretty Woman’. But if you really want to stick to tradition then you can start with the outermost cutlery and work your way in. Otherwise, just focus on using utensils in a way that allows you to enjoy your food while still maintaining good table manners. And remember to pop your napkin on your lap. Delectable Treats And Tea Selection Now, the highlight and the most delicious part: the treats! Here are some traditional delicacies that you will often find served at a high tea. Scones: Delicious fluffy scones served warm with clotted cream and jam. Finger sandwiches: High tea is all about the dainty crustless sandwiches full of mouthwatering fillings. Such as smoked salmon, egg and cress, cucumber and cream cheese or chicken and tarragon. Pastries and cakes: Prepare to indulge in mini delights such as petits fours, macarons, sponge cupcakes, eclairs and tarts. Variety of tea: You can choose from a variety of traditional tea flavours like English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Darjeeling. Or if herbal options are more appealing then you will also find that you can choose from many different aromatic herbal and fragrant green teas. Alcohol-infused indulgences: Some high tea experiences may even offer tea-infused cocktails, champagne or sparkling wine to add a touch of celebration to the special occasion. In a world that moves at a frantic pace, indulging in a high tea experience will give you a welcome respite. It’s a chance to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures. Such as indulging in delectable treats, aromatic teas and the joy of conversation in good company. So why not go ahead and make a date to dress up and embrace the elegance and charm of this delightful tradition? High tea is a perfect opportunity to treat yourself to delicate sandwiches, sweet treats and fragrant teas. And maybe a glass of bubbly too!

I thought that it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane. And look at my all-time favourite decade- The 80s! If you grew up in this decade then you will know exactly what I mean. The 80s was a time of interesting fashion and hairstyles. Amazing pop culture, epic music and the best TV shows. So let’s have a look at why the 80s was the best decade ever. As I share some of my favourite things about this wonderful time. This post features some sponsored content. I believe in transparency and only collaborate with brands aligned with my values. You can count on me to share my honest opinions. Your trust means the world to me, and I appreciate you being here! 12 Reasons Why The 80s Was The Best Decade The Music I love music from all the decades, even today’s music. Except not that angry rap stuff, that I will never understand or like. But it would be probably accurate to say that I am head over heels for 80s music! From the catchy pop tunes of Madonna to the rebellious rock anthems of Bon Jovi, there was something for everyone. Remember the lure of the synthesisers that made the melodies come alive and created memorable electrifying music like the soundtrack to ‘Beverly Hills Cop’. And who can forget the new wave explosion that took the whole world by storm? Bands like New Order, Talking Heads, A-ha, and Duran Duran to name a few. These bands helped to define the new wave genre with their unique sound and blend of punk, pop and electronic music. The Mix Tape Haha, the good old mix tape that took so much effort and perseverance to create! Firstly you had to wait (all day) patiently hovering around the radio ready to catch that favourite song. And then with ninja-like reflexes as soon as you heard the song you had to press the record and play buttons at the same time. If you were very lucky you would catch the whole song without the DJ’s intrusive voice at the beginning or the annoying tail end of a commercial. The struggle was real but the victory was sweet! The Fashion The 80s would have to be the decade that brought us the most memorable styles. The 80s were all about big shoulder pads, leg warmers, neon colours and oversized t-shirts emblazoned with bold eye-catching inspirational messages like Choose Life Be Yourself Dream Big It was also the decade of acid-wash jeans, scrunchies, ra-ra skirts and multiple layers of rubber bracelets. The 80s was a fashion adventure for sure! If you love 80s fashion, you should definitely give this style a try! Small accessories like necklaces, earrings, or custom patches from Patches Co. can have a fantastic impact. Customising patches with unique 80s fashion elements to embellish your outfit will add a unique and unmistakable retro vibe to your outfit. The Hairstyles The best word that describes 80s hair is excess! From big hair to gravity-defying creations, the 80s really did push the boundaries of hairstyling to new heights. Not to mention how the sale of hair spray and gels must have skyrocketed through the roof! Big hair was all the rage and almost everyone’s motto was “The higher the better”. Oh, how I envied my friends who could rock the big messy Madonna-style hair with the glorious standing-up fringe. I was never allowed to leave the house looking like this. God knows I tried but my mum would always catch me and send me back to brush my hair out. She would say “Why do you want to look like a cockatoo?”. I just did Mum…..I really really did! TV Shows Television in the 80s was a cultural phenomenon. There were epic cartoons like ‘Inspector Gadget’, ‘The Smurfs’, ‘Voltron’ and ‘Super Friends’ which featured the ‘Wonder Twins’- “Wonder twin powers activate!”. Back in the days when streaming services didn’t exist, the wholesome family TV sitcoms were the best and I always eagerly anticipated their airtime. I remember waiting and fiddling with the darn TV antenna praying for a strong signal to watch some of my favourite shows like ‘Family Ties’, ‘Growing Pains’, ‘Full House’, and ‘The Facts Of Life’. The Movies The 80s gifted us some of the most iconic movies of all time. From the unforgettable dance moves in ‘Footloose’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’ to the action-packed adventures in ‘Raiders Of The Lost Ark’ and ‘Top Gun’. It was also a time when The Brat Pack ruled the screen with movies like ‘The Breakfast Cub’, ‘Pretty In Pink’, ‘St Elmo’s Fire’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. The decade delivered countless classics and introduced us to exhilarating experiences leaving us craving for more. Arcade Games The ’80s is also the decade when arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Street Fighter and Donkey Kong were all the rage. The colourful graphics, iconic sounds (pac-man dying), catchy soundtracks and addictive gameplay kept us totally hooked. We were also introduced to portable gaming with handheld devices like Nintendo’s Game & Watch. Oh my goodness, I remember the very first time that I saw one of these. I felt like the cavemen must have felt when they discovered fire for the very first time. Memorable Toys I think that the 80s was a golden age for toys. This decade introduced us to toys like Cabbage Patch Kids, Strawberry Shortcake, Transformers and the iconic Rubik’s Cube to name a few. These toys sparked our imagination and provided endless hours of entertainment. Video Stores The 80s also gave us video rental stores where we would spend ages trying to decide what movie to pick for that special weekend movie night. The giddy anticipation of finding the much-awaited new release added a real sense of excitement to the movie-watching experience. Phone Conversations Before smartphones and texting, talking on the phone was a social event. The 80s teen years were all about spending hours on the phone sharing secrets,