Recently stand-up has been going through a resurgence. Comedy stars like Micky Flanagan, Russell Brand and Michael McIntyre have been playing to sold out venues around the country. I guess stand up comedians are almost today's rock stars!

I adore stand-up, one of my favourite trips last year was to the Edinburgh festival. I went with my son and had an amazing time, we saw Tim Vine, Marcus Brigstocke and many more.

I am a fan of the local stand up circuit too and I have been to The Glee Club in Cardiff on numerous occasions. One of my favourite visits was when I was lucky enough to see Michael Macintyre there,  I was in touching distance and he was great, playing to a crowd that were so pleased that he was trying out new gags for a completely new show. I couldn't stop myself commenting to my husband what a bargain we had paying only £10 to see him there, as often his shows  sell out in big arenas and go for £50 plus a ticket. Imagine our laughter when one of his first comments was "Hands up, who told their friends that you were going to see Michael Macintyre and IT WAS ONLY £10?!". 

That's what I like about the Glee Club. You never know who you will see practising for the Edinburgh festival or a new arena show. Often you will see a comedian that you think will be a star in the making and then you will be smug in the knowledge you saw them before anyone else!

So last Friday I went to see the latest offering from The Glee Club in Cardiff, which is perfectly situated in Cardiff Bay.  Surrounded by some great bars and restaurants it is easy to go for a drink or meal before the show with the club on your doorstep.

So onto the club. The Glee is a well oiled machine, the organisation is spot on every time I go there. Firstly The Glee Club has a ticketless booking system which means you just give your name on the door, no faffing around with printing off emails and the like. The lady greeter at the door was very cheery which is great to see as so often staff couldn't care about their customers. Then we were taken to our table by a member of staff who asked if we had been before and explained how it all worked. So far so good. It was quiet for a Friday night when we arrived but it had only just opened. and as time went on the place filled up nicely. Another plus point for the Glee Club Cardiff is that they had plenty of bar staff on, drinks were reasonably priced and food is also available.

The line up for October the 11th was a great mix. 





First off was Bethany Black, there is no mistaking Bethany as an emo-styled lesbian comic. In fact her show embraces all the differences she has and the important part - was she funny - hell yes! So often female comedians have a rough ride but she was great getting the audience warmed up, and her cracking set whilst certainly not for the those without an open mind, was a great laugh.

The first act Jimmy Mchghie was my favourite. Jimmy's comedy pokes fun at the middle classes. Jokes about Iphones, mix with adult humour and observational comedy where the audience is the star. Luckily although we were close to the front, Jimmy's wit avoided us, instead a body builder in a suitable shade of orange took his jokes well and gave us many laughs throughout the routine. 

Tanya Lee-Davis came on next. Tanya is 3ft 6inches but packs many a punch a 6ft comedian could not. Her show emphasises her sexuality and made even that 6ft body builder blush. Thoroughly enjoyable another female comedian that pushes the boundaries but also makes you laugh. 

We rounded the show off with Charlie Baker. A good natured comedian his quick easy wit and cheeky gags mixed with the odd jazz number makes for an entertaining set.  Charlie has appeared on "Never Mind The Buzzcocks", and "Rob Brydon's Christmas Special" and is a warm up for "Mock The Week". 

An eclectic mix of comedians certainly but that's what I like about the Glee Club you never know what you're going to get! 

If you fancy a trip soon they have some great Christmas Party Nights with most dates including a disco and some food in with the price of the ticket. You can follow The Glee Club Cardiff on Facebook and Twitter too to keep in touch for the latest info and sneak previews of up and coming shows.




Besides the Glee Club, Cardiff  there are also Glee Clubs in Nottingham, Oxford and Birmingham, and I forgot to tell you they also have live music too.

So if conclusion, If you like stand up comedy, why don't you take a chance on the Glee Club, it's a great night out - go on your know you want to!

*I was given tickets to the show for an honest review.

sleep (Photo credit: Sean MacEntee)

Do you have a good nights sleep? I mean really?

Most people experience sleep problems at some point in their life. Did you know that it's thought that a third of people in the UK have episodes of insomnia, but what is insomnia? Insomnia is difficulty in getting off to sleep or the inability to sleep for long enough periods without feeling refreshed.


Symptoms of insomnia can include:-

difficulty falling asleep
waking up during the night
waking up early in the morning
feeling irritable and tired and finding it difficult to function during the day

Insomnia is more common in women and is more likely to occur with age.

There are many reasons for insomnia including stress and depression or something as simple as having too much caffeine late at night. Having a wind-down routine, a dark environment and supportive mattress all can help. When a bed is no longer providing support and comfort it can be to the detriment of your sleep.

How long have you had your mattress? I know mine is at least 10 years old and is in desperate need of a change. I keep waking up at night as I feel I can no longer get comfortable. So I have been looking online for a new mattress.

Have you ever thought of a pocket sprung mattress with memory foam? Pocket sprung mattresses are known for offering a responsive and supportive surface. Memory foam mattresses stand out for ensuring pain relief against so many agonising conditions. Now you can get the best of both world's with a pocket sprung mattress with memory foam.

Zsleeps have mattresses to suit everyone whether you are on a tight budget or can afford a more expensive mattress with double memory foam mattress from only £129.

Classic 4ft 6" double sprung mattress £209 was £529

Size: Double 4ft6 x 6ft3" / 135cm x 190cm
Total Depth: 12 inch / 30 cm
Memory Foam Layer: 3 inch / 7.5cm
Density: 75KG
Spring Count: 432 Pocket Springs
Comfort Rating: Medium-Firm
Availability: Delivery in 12 weeks

If you are seriously watching the pennies they also sell memory foam toppers from £49. Memory foam mattress toppers create an extra layer of cushioning on a bed that feels too firm.

They also say on their website that they give a No Quibble 60-night trial money back guarantee. They ask you to try their products for at least 45 out of 6- nights. More information is available on the no quibble guarantee on their on their website.

With free delivery and a 10-year guarantee what have you got to lose and you can only gain a good night's sleep!

Do you suffer from insomnia? Are you in the market for a new mattress?

This simple recipe is easy to whip up at a moments notice.

I am in desperate need of a new sofa. Don't believe me? Check out my sofa below.



I normally have it covered with a throw. This makes is comfy and hides the ripped leather. But I think you will agree with me I certainly could do with a new one.

I have been recently looking around for a reputable company that sell leather sofas and I came across SCS.

What appealed to me is that they have a wide range of sofas and many designs are exclusive to them. In store they have over 200 sofas and also carpets, rugs and other accessories. I've been in my local store in Bridgend, and I must say the sales person was quite cheery which took me by surprised! So often the customer service in big stores is not the best, but he couldn't do enough for me. SCS also have over 100 stores so there should be one near you. I didn't realise they have been around for over 100 years as well, that fact alone is reassuring.

Whilst I was there browsing the leather sofas I spotted a few bargains.





Classic and stylish I feel this leather sofa will fit into most modern houses. I liked the fact that this is made from 'Endurance' leather. As you can see from my old sofa, leather sofas don't always last as long as you think. The 'Endurance' composite leather has the look and feel of natural leather but a much improved resistance to scratching and marking. Particularly good if you have kids or there are pets in the house. They also state that no treatments are applied so it's kinder to the environment than treated leather. This sofa also comes in a range of colours to fit into your living room.





I liked the Santiago 3 seater leather sofa as it has a modern European style. Constructed with a hardwood frame and with great support from the pocket coil sprung foam I think this sofa would be extremely comfortable. Again this sofa is available in a range of colours from chilli red to black. I am certain chilli red would look great in a neutral living room.

SCS call themselves the sofa carpet specialist and they have a huge choice of leather, fabric and corner sofas. All sofas have 4 years interest free credit too. That is great to know in these times of recession and perfect if you are think of buying a sofa for delivery before Christmas.