Blog Archives – Miss Write

Now I’m not much of an inventor, but I’ve thought of something amazing. Something useful, and I believe, with my limited knowledge (read ‘no knowledge’) of building computers, something which would be very easy to create. 

Someone, not me (for reasons explained above), should invent a keyboard button which tweets what you’ve typed.

I guess how it would work is you’d write a line of text (obv 140 characters or less), highlight it, and then hit the tweet button. It would save time, save computer power, and bring smartphone capabilities to your laptop. 

Smart, hey?

It’s a prediction for the future of computing. 

Lou x

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Born to be a Tourist

I’ve been baking again, in an effort to use up a bag of flour. Our kitchen’s not big enough for two of anything!

The result tonight was PERFECT. Just look at these pretties. Yet another perfect score for BBC Good Food. Check out the recipe and make your own – they’re so delicious, three have disappeared already!

Lou x

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Miss Write

Totally forgot to post this beauty! 

This is the Lemon and Pistachio Easter Cake I made … for Easter! It’s a Waitrose recipe and it was a more than impressive bake, even if I say so myself. It was a kind of spin on the traditional cake for the season, a Simnel Cake. 

The lemon cake is a lovely texture and moistness was perfect. This is a rare achievement for my bakes so I was dead chuffed. 

The marzipan stripes in the middle even worked!

10/10, Loulou!

I only got to eat one slice though at dinner with a friend and my husband. After said husband spied the other 3/4 of the cake in our cake tin, it was gone. Gutted. He’ll have to make the next one!

Lou x

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Born to be a Tourist – most recently telling the story of my 100 mile bike ride into Wales. Check it out!

I was a tomboy. I wore the same combat trousers every moment I wasn’t in school uniform for about three years – mum thought I’d be buried in them (still time!). I spent lots of time climbing and falling out of trees. I was always on my bike, never hanging around on foot around town (great legs as a consequence!). I have grown out of it a little, but the traits still pop into my days occasionally – I have a killer bruise just today from falling off my bike, in fact! I’m no stranger to mud, sweat and don’t mind poking gross things in the garden. Once a tomboy, always a tomboy!

True story: Playing a game of baseball with a mixed group a year or two ago, I was first up to bat for my team. I was offered a tennis racket and turned it down, much to the delight of the doubting Thomas’s (yes, male players). I smacked that home run – highest scoring player of the game. Get in. 

This is the story of my (not especially athletic but) tomboy life so far. 

As much as I appreciate girls come in all shapes and sizes, attitudes and styles, I wouldn’t discourage my future potential daughters from being a tomboy. I’ve learned so much about myself being a tomboy – something you can empathise with?

This one goes out to all former child/teen tomboys around the world.

19 Things I Learned From Being A Tomboy

It’s not always a great move to chop off all your hair. Or even part of it – when I was at Uni I used to cut my own hair over a sink (partly to save money, but also because it was short and curly so no one noticed any errors!). This was something I regret come Graduation Day photos! Also, be prepare to be judged as a lesbian. Ridiculous as it is, it happens. 

Tomboys are not necessarily competitive sports freaks. They come in many forms, so just be who you are. You’re unique, and you can still be a reader tomboy! I can’t throw a frisbee for love nor money, but hey, no one’s great at everything. Apart from possibly Neil Patrick Harris. 

Remember, gyms are not just for weight lifting obsessed muscle freaks, retired folks loosening off and gym bunnies who aren’t really sweating. Likewise, it’s not just men who body pump or boot camp – you’d think this is obvious, but it’s not to many. It’s absolutely fine to be what you deem as ‘normal’ and just go for a little workout at your own speed, without a layer of mascara. And what more perfect place to parade your favourite baggy tee?

So what if your favourite film is Cool Runnings? We don’t all have to like Legally Blonde. 

Not being afraid of a bit of mud has led me to many opportunities I would never have had otherwise: my Raleigh International expedition is a great example. I learned so much about myself on this eight week project, changed the direction of my life, made many friends, including my now husband! 

All I wanna do is play outside! Movies are great for nights in, but it’s healthier and more fun to be out in the fresh air. Winter or summer, you’ll find me out and about tramping around. 

I know my physical limits – from drinking competitions to knowing how fast I can ride my bike round a corner with no hands, I know my body and what it can take. 

Trouser suits look just as smart as a skirt/dress suit. I never wanted to wear a dress my mum tried to put me in as a kid. My tip – don’t force the kid to wear a dress if she doesn’t want to. Harmony in the household is worth more than a swishy outfit. And heels make your lush legs look longer. 

Confidence can come from being both tomboy and girly, but nowhere is confidence in a woman more required and cultivated in a male orientated industry, like the waste sector. I work in waste and recycling, and I’ve had to deal with some ‘old school’ girl-scoffers who didn’t like the fact I was educated, young enough to be their daughter, and a woman. Being able to tough it out and prove my ability to get my hands dirty has helped me here. I’m not saying you can’t be a confident girly girl, but showing I was not scared to get in a graft and not sit pretty at a desk all day did me favours. 

‘Sexy’ Halloween outfits are not me. I dressed as Bob the Builder for my 18th birthday party and rocked those overalls! (Wish I had a photo to share – I’ll have a root about…)

It’s fine to hate pink, but you know, there is a tone which would look good on you (mine’s a dark fushia kinda shade). Try it, it won’t hurt. My favourite work outfit is now bright pink tights, black shirt, black shorts and black heels.  

Avoiding makeup isn’t a bad thing. Too many 11 year olds are caked in foundation and eyeliner. Natural beauty exists. When I was a teenager I avoided mirrors, and I couldn’t be arsed with it all, honestly. Added to my phobia of eyes, it took me ages to done a bit of slap. Even now, I mainly only use eyeliner and a bit of blush on a special occasion and I’m happy like that. You’ll find what suits, if you want to wear it, but make sure it’s you and not your mates who decide you should wear it. 

“Cool” and “dude” are not just words for boys to use. A female mate at work and I exchange these words as a greeting now – it’s turned into a joke, but you get the idea. 

When you DO doll-up (if you do) and wear a dress and heels, you’ll be amazed at the positive reaction. I always felt like a fraud wearing a dress and like make up just wasn’t me. As I’ve grown up a bit, I do wear more dresses (knitwear, mainly), but I definitely feel more comfy in a pair of jeans. Don’t feel people are encouraging you to change – just graciously accept the compliments and pull the jeans back on when you get home. 

On the subject of baggy tees, everyone, no matter who you ask, will have a ‘scruffs’ outfit for lounging around at home. It’s just some people’s are joggers and a Kaiser Chiefs shirt, and others are a Prada onesie. Yes, they make them too. 

“No makeup days” don’t have to be an ‘exposing’ social  media campaign or a day when you’re couch bound. Lots of women look fabulous without makeup. Check out Dame Helen Mirren going on a dinner date with her husband recently without ‘a face’ (from Daily Mail).  It’s just some people’s are joggers and a Kaiser Chiefs shirt, and others are a Prada onesie. Yes, they make them too. 

Hand-me-downs are brilliant – especially when they’re Hardy Boys books or Lego sets. 
It’s totally ok if most of your friends are guys. Some girls will hate you for it, but that’s life. You won’t be liked by everyone, whoever you are. Girl mates are essential though – make sure you have a couple you can count on for sharing good and bad times.

Your favourite shoes are simple flipflops or walking boots – that’s not a crime. They’re often cheaper than heels and last a helluva lot longer!


It’s ok not to adore the latest heartthrob. I was a teen in ‘the Titanic years’ and never understood the obsession with the young Leo DiCaprio. Now he’s older, and a bit rougher, yet, but not floppy haired Jack the lucky poker player. 

Moral of of my story

Sure, get girly: I know I love to have coloured toenails, but it’s also ok to be a tomboy, be keen to get your wellies on, prefer action flicks and worship your bike. I’ve learned a lot about myself doing it and would never stop a child of mine becoming one. 

Do what you want (as long as you’re not hurting anyone). It’s all about choice and who you want to be – a form of feminism. Strong women can be girly or tomboyish, but it’s important to be who you want to be. “Don’t take no crap off of nobody!” – thanks Cool Runnings!

There’s no wrong way to be a girl. 

Check out #likeagirl on Twitter for inspirational fights against the fact you’re a girl holds you back. Feminine slights and anti tom boy attitudes are coming to an end.

Lou x

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Born to be a Tourist – my travel blog, currently featuring lots of tomboy biking!

As tweeted on April 24th…

Chilled sun 
Shirts off 
April breeze 
Summer’s coming 

#sixwords #micropoetry #poem

It truly feels like British summertime has arrived here in Bristol – enjoy!

What poems has the nicer weather inspired for you?

Lou x

Find me on Facebook
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Born to be a Tourist