Chit Chat and All That

Send us a textAmanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! We are so happy to have had a little blast of sunshine - we hope it comes back soon - grey begone! We talk about retiring - are we looking forward to it, dreading it, are we going to do it? We both worry that if we retired we might keel over! Penny confesses to her love of B&Q and decides that might be her dream job - in the garden department of course! We get a seedling update - she's been busy and we talk about her chickens who are happy little cluckers. Penny gives us a top tip on getting rid of slugs - by encouraging birds to come to your flowerbeds and eat the slugs. And it's not too late to plant your sweetpeas... Mandy gives her most recent book reccs - there's some crackers. We touch on how lockdown changed us and how bizarre it was with hindsight. Mandy has stolen a book from Pen - will she ever get over it? We talk a film premier that Mandy went to but can't remember the name of the film!!!So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Send us a textAmanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! Welcome to our first week of a new studio experience - can you hear the difference? Do let us know what you think! Mandy arrives by cab and the driver says she looked like Stacey Dooley - Poor Stacey, Mandy was delighted! We talk jewellery - why do we stick to the same old favourites - we are not brave when it comes to our rings and things! We take a dive into the world of hand-fasting - not sure what it is? Us neither - but we have a good old goss about it! Mandy talks about attending a medieval banquet and sat opposite a couple who were hand fasting!!! It's a giggle. Yet again we return to the drama that is Adolescence and its continuing impact. Penny gives us insight into her youth club days - where she had her first kiss!!!! Aaaaaah. We talk Brownies and Beavers - what a lovely thing to do. Penny is still enjoying her Peleton and Mandy gets an education about the App. And we hint at all the lovely changes that are coming for our beloved Podcast - it's going to be WONDERFUL!!!!!!So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Send us a textAmanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! We start off with a giggle and talk being toasty, how lovely is this warm weather! It's been one of those weeks... Penny adopts a new one legged pose and goes full flamingo. We revisit "Inters" - Penny's made up Brownie pack. We talk the luck of being tall and how we can't do a darn thing about being very average in the height department. We discover that both Dommett and Prowse are names that originated in France - mais oui! The great Piers Brosnan debate rears its head - again. We discuss whether there is more than one way to put on your bra - we're not sure! This chat causes much giggles - you have been warned. We try and get our heads around vaping - which we can't say we are fans of, what damage does it do?We talk (like everyone else) about the drama on Netflix "Adolescence" which is creating ripples all over the media for all of the right reasons - as ever it's a spoiler free discussion! We talk toxic masculinity and the aspects of social media that worry us most - a familiar topic.So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Send us a textAmanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! We start off with a giggle and talk being chilly! Brrrr... We talk Penny's sultry tones and Mandy's squeak! We are decidedly giddy today and can't stop laughing - shocking horror! We are excited to see Twiggy's docu/film - a high recommend for an insight into this fabulous icon. Mandy admits to behaving like the character she is watching on whatever she is binge watching on Netflix - and having watched all of Grey's Anatomy went full emergency room hyper! It explains why she loves the Durrells. We talk about Penny's doppelganger from car share! Penny gives us an insight into her green-fingered life - always wonderful - she is currently seedlinging, (this is now a word). Are we drawn to books that have won awards or are we not swayed by them? Penny is reading Orbital... Chelsea this year are having a garden of farewell flowers - how lovely is that? Joel is on tour! Go see him - his show is fantastic! We learn about Penny's early brush with the world of publishing - who knew? We talk about some of our rubbish early jobs - so much fun and form your character - Penny worked for Benetton and is a champion jumper folder. So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Send us a textAmanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! We are one year old today!!!! Can you believe it? Feels like a few episodes ago we sat down for the first time and let our chit chat go wild, and here we are a whole year later!! Penny and Mandy love being the Chitchatterers, we love even more how many of our lovely listeners are on this fabulous journey with us. Today's episode is full of the usual shenanigans and chat - but we wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you for listening, thank you for taking a chance on us, thank you for all of your wonderful support, the messages, the love, the comments, the downloads, the likes... the SUBSCRIBES!!!! All of it THANK YOU!!! Without you listening, it would be any old morning in Mandy's kitchen having a cuppa and a goss, so thank you! We are humbled, delighted and love this podcast and the friends it has made us. Here's to the next year - let's do it!!! So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! Penny doesn't only talk to her plants, she sings to them too - poor things! She recommends we buy seeds and get planting - especially cornflowers and calendulas! Mandy gives tree update - sadly a deer has been chomping on her horse chestnut tree - naughty Bambi! Yet again Penny returns to the topic of weeing in her garden - we are spotting a theme... Joshy and Sara got married - the registry office bit done - here's looking forward to the big celebration in June - full steam ahead. But Mandy is officially a mother-in-law - i'll do my very best to be a good one! It's been an emotional old week. We have a discussion about coping on the outside and crying on the inside - are we the only ones that do that? We talk about the people who are the joy suckers of life and those that are little energisers! And are women the mood barometers of the house? We are in ours. Penny is on a scrolling restriction - has it cured her addiction? We talk our love of Charles Dickens - one of us likes him more than the other...  And who are our favourite actors? We have a good list, see if you agree!So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! We talk ballet - and Penny asks if Mandy was ever a ballerina!!!  We talk our love of Felicity Kendall and admit that Penny looks like the girl of Carshare - have you noticed that? Mandy has a fear of admin and forms to the point where it makes her panic - just her? Penny just might be the only person on the planet who likes doing surveys!!! We talk tubers and planting flowers - of course we do! We talk the horror that is train travel - crowded, delayed and too hot - not nice! Is it any wonder we prefer busses? Penny recommends the Merlin Bird App - wonderful for identifying bird song. And do you have the clear skies overhead that we are enjoying in the West Country? Such a treat to see the stars! We talk the joy of when our babies have babies... not that Mandy is a granny in waiting or anything! And in this day and age, do you too feel like your friends are family? We can choose the people we want in our lives every day - just wonderful! We wax nostalgic over the communities of our childhood and how supportive it felt when you needed it. We talk about the Covid wall - that is the most moving thing to read as you walk along the Albert Embankment, London. We reflect on the time of Covid - feels surreal doesn't it when we think about it now.So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a lovely chit chat! We talk about the fabulous dynamic of standing while we record - it's different and wonderful! We talk about Penny's obsession with butter - she loves the stuff, especially when it's slathered over her homemade sourdough - yum! We talk about the ease of living in a new build - easy and lovely! Mandy has been spent hours and hours on trains in recent weeks - hurrah for ear pods!!! The only way to travel - tuning out the world around her. We talk about the nostalgia of listening to tapes - just lovely. But what when you can't tune out the shouty passenger who insists on sharing their whole world very loudly when they make a million phone calls, one of our pet hates... One of Pen's pet hates is people who plant daffodils in straight lines -yep, really! She wants them in clumps or not at all! Mandy pushed her herself out of her comfort zones and went to an art objection - which was a bit.... pants. In her uneducated experience. Penny tells us about visiting art galleries in Madrid that were her safe and happy place - so lovely. We hear about Penny's experience with life drawing... yep! Are our phones too complicated or are we just bad at using them? Calculators too - help! Mandy struggles with Spreadsheets - no clue. Also Penny loves Mandy's new book cover for Ever After which was revealed last week - we are loving it! Mandy also messed up - there was a bit of a body guard incident - Ooops! She think she got away with it. We end with gardening tips, of course we do. So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a dollop of chatter! Reunited and it feels SOOOOOO GOOOOD!  A sunny chat today - and we do the whole podcast standing! Do we remember kneeling chairs and sitting on spacehoppers - anything other than sitting on a regular chair! Apparently you can now get a mini treadmill to go under your desk - okaaaay then. Mandy thinks she'd topple off a treadmill as she can't always walk straight. Penny has gone full Peleton! Whoop whoop! She's getting fit. Mandy talks about how hard her legs were working when she was very overweight. Mandy has lost the equivalent in weight of both of her dogs and she can't lift them up... seeing visual representation of the weight she has lost has really motivated her. We dip into Penny's competitive spirit. Go Pen! We discuss whether it's better to carry a bit of weight when it comes to illness? Penny is concerned that she is a bit of a scroller - and is trying to curb her habit. How much scrolling is too much? Is the answer leaving the phone outside of the bedroom? Do we remember the alarm clocks of our youth - the leather case travel clocks that were things of beauty! Mandy learns all about sleep modes on the phone - it's a revelation! Mandy is ashamed of how early she goes to bed! And we talk about Mandy's dyscalculia... it makes life tricky! Penny gives us a burst of latin.  And Mandy breaks into song!!! You have been warned. We share our views on Valentines Day... not fans. And Penny shares her passion for the right brush for every job. So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a dollop of chatter! A bit different this week as we are not actually around the table as we are in two different cities! Not sure we like it!!! We miss each other very much, but at least we have an episode!! Mandy is in London and we talk about how my city has changed! Lots of people seem to be cluttering up the streets to take selfies, how do they ever get anything done? School trips - how they have changed - and the poor teachers, a health and safety nightmare. Mandy tells a story about the time they, as a family, found an abandoned cub - the boy scout variety not the big cat kind. Can you microchip you kids? We think it might be a good idea. We talk about terrible, scary experiences and Mandy shares an awful tale that was a very lucky escape... We get Pen's usual gardening advice  - watch out for the cold snap! Our tv recommendation is The Cockfields, the most gentle comedy that is profoundly moving. And Pen's books recommendation is Northfields - it sounds lovely xSo, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a dollop of chatter! Penny is known for her tardiness and this morning she found a new way to arrive - by sneaking in and hiding in my house and trying to hide! Yep! Penny shares a rare dream - a scary one and Mandy was mortified even though it was just a dream! Mandy shares details of a rare night out at Tom Hambleton's fancy pants restaurant - what an amazing treat! Mandy spent the whole night with her dress on inside out - don't think anyone noticed. Penny makes a very good point for self-care and she is so right! Enjoy your pamper session Pen. We are looking forward to the warmer weather which means swimming season - hurrah! We talk about the idea of wild swimming - dare we brave it? Penny has just read Mandy's book Waiting to Begin - and it made her cry - sorry not sorry! We talk about Mandy's next novel Ever After - out in August. Mandy admits to Pen that she doesn't particularly like the smell of flowers - I know! We dissect Jo Malone fragrances - delightful! We talk about people nicking your ideas - is it a compliment? And we share our love of Ian Wilfred and his books!So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for a dollop of chatter! We set up the recording all by ourselves and are feeling technically smug. We reminisce about the times when the TV used to end for the day and they played the National Anthem! - we are OLD! Do you remember that? Penny talks about Grapenuts - we think she might have made this up. Who's had a Grapenut? We talk about the loveliest day where we planted a tree - it really was magical, knowing that tree will flourish for decades and has started out as this lil fella! What a treat. We suffer all the usual interruptions from Mandy's family pinging their messages... and phoning oops! We announce our plans to video the podcast so you can see us too - not sure it's a good thing, but watch this space. Dishwashers - are they a necessity? How often do you use yours? Penny is horrified that Mandy puts dog bowls in the dishwasher - is it wrong? We take a dum dum look at AI - trying to figure it out, help! How long will we be in a job? Should we be afraid or should we embrace it? And can we trust it? There's a new mixer in the house - Sara's present for her to start her micro bakery! How exciting.So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Join us for the usual shenanigans! We have our usual weather chat and Mandy is still bowled over as Penny bought her a tree!!! Yes! A tree! What a grand and beautiful present! We shall watch it bloom with excitement and talk about all things Cherry tree! We talk about our live event last weekend which was such a fabulous time for us all, so much fun and we met some wonderful people! And we are planning some more - would you like us to come to your town? Let us know! Northern Lights, have you been lucky enough to get a glimpse? We talk stargazing - when there's a clear enough sky! Just wish we knew what we were looking at. We get a bit giggly as Penny tries to make a point about history. Mandy has hurt her bum and Penny offers medical advice - thank goodness! We get in a tizz over sciatica and tapioca - much laughter! We go back to the bloody Shakti mat discussion. We talk TV and what we are watching. We are off to Lainston House for Simeon's birthday and can't wait!!! Fancy pants dinner here we come...So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  We start with a giggle - shock horror! And get straight into the weather - of course we do ! We talk about the lingering after effects of Christmas... Penny still has Christmas cake lurking in the kitchen! We lose it talking about our house guests and the joy of nightlights and candles... Mandy had a fright in the night and then swallowed some Deep Heat (not recommended!) - and Penny sounds like Aunt Josephine from A Series of Unfortunate Events - she's scared of everything!!!! How we laugh. Mandy had her own unfortunate incident in the night with a bowl of gummy bears - don't ask! Feeding the birds - what's best to give them? Penny's roof squirrel is back! We have a little insight into Penny's beautiful zoned garden and her bird life...  How many coats is it okay to own - Mandy has one, just one - whereas Penny's cloakroom looks like a rack at Go Outdoors!!!! Did you know many local libraries have a collect a coat scheme - check out to see if yours does - it's brilliant! We talk about the general brilliance of libraries... visit yours! We go large on outdoor picnics - what a treat on a cold day to have soup in a field ! And discuss the joy of a grazing board! Did you ever have a hot Bovril after swimming when you were at school? Ah... memories! We find out that Penny's dad had a governess - I knew she was posh! So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  We are the New Year Grinches!!! Both go to bed early without any fuss... neither of us are enamoured with the whole build up and it all feels a bit flat. Maybe we are old people!! Penny shares a terrible tale of New Year that went disastrously wrong many, many moons ago! We talk about our glorious trips to New York; cue snow! Romantic and wonderful, the great times we've had in that city that never sleeps... We compare Christmas presents - Mandy finally got her perfume - phew! We talk the weather, of course we do, and marvel at how little clothes the kids wear! We talk hypnotherapy and Mandy shares her surreal night out with Led Zeppelin - yes, really! Penny is afraid to get hypnotised incase they take over her brain!We are still working our way through leftovers... bit of Brie anyone? Penny has a nocturnal plant muncher - she might be setting up a camera to catch the culprit! We think it might be a squirrel which leads us to discuss the Tufty Club, anyone else a member? Mandy has a new book out on January 7th!!! We are excited for This One Life to be born. Our launch event is going to be LIVE on January 11th - see Tea Leaves and Reads on Instagram tickets and details XSo, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  We are in our post Christmas fug and neither of us can look at a Quality Street or a bit of cheese! Do we eat cheese with Christmas cake? Weird! Did we all have a lovely time? Penny and I discover we both dislike Christmas pud and mincemeat - at LAST something in common!!! Who makes there own pastry? Who has time for that?! Penny, apparently. Penny's recommendation for watching is - Black Doves - Mandy watched and agreed it was epic! Little bit throat cutty at times, so peer from behind a cushion, but SO good - Keira Knightley - she's marvellous! We talk gifts - we both got everything we wanted - Mandy got perfume (finally) and Penny did very well too. Bulb planting - yep, more good planting advice! We talk the wisdom and joy of spending time with older people - so much to love and learn! We talk about Mandy's book An Ordinary Life - Molly is 94 and has a fantastic story to tell. We take a deep dive and sudden turn into WWII - and the importance of sharing those stories and experiences, lest we forget! Including our own family experience.  We talk about our hopes for the coming year and the horror of January birthdays!!! The joy that is Snowdrops - something that heralds new beginnings. The value of close friends as get older - how lucky are we! ...we share a moment when Penny makes me howl with laughter - so what's new! And don't forget - January 11th - OUR LIVE EVENT at Weyhill near Andover - tickets from @TeaLeavesandReads save the DATE!!! XSo, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Have we noticed how Penny's voice gets higher when she gets excited - we love it! How lovely was it when we were read to as children, audiobooks are a lovely replica of that! We look at the process of reading and recording an audiobook - it's a lot! Mandy sings all the way to a recording to open up her pipes - it works! We get a ping from my dad, as usual and he's had a pasty - yay! We talk about the lovely people you meet in a waiting room - if you are brave enough to chat to them... Mandy met Norman and he was just wonderful! We think motion is the lotion and the more you move the younger you stay - right? Penny gives us good advice on bulb planting - now is the time apparently! We talk about being ready for Christmas and how we are both terrible at leaving things til the last minute for the festive season- let's hope there's still sprouts on the shelf. Penny hates coloured Christmas lights and anything too kitsch - Mandy is the opposite! We talk about the joy of houses decked in lights - it's wonderful that people do that for others. Neither of us are massive fans of Christmas and we are both asleep long before Midnight on New Year's Eve!!! Bah Humbug! Party animals we are not... Do we still send Christmas cards? Have we seen the price of postage?? We talk about the things you can do for free over the Festive season - and the starting of traditions - the lovely things we all remember! Penny had the joy of Monty's nativity - not a dry eye in the house! It reminds us of our own nativities of our childhood - which weren't always successful. Penny is flabbergasted by a Terry's chocolate orange - yes, really! Happy Christmas one and all, we send you love.And don't forget - January 11th - OUR LIVE EVENT save the DATE!!! XSo, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Are we looking forward/ready for Christmas? We talk about the fact that it isn't always fairy lights and fabulousness! How to deal with the commercialism when times are tough, is the answer making traditions that cost nothing? We talk about our favourite presents from our childhood. Penny misses the good old days of the toffee hammer! Did you know that deer love roses? Me either! Do we remember Heartbeat, The Royal, Z cars? - We show our age and spend a while trying to figure out the phonetic alphabet without much success. Mandy discovers that some people have more than one perfume - who knew? She only ever wears one! Do we remember the White Musk or Dewberry days of our teenage hood? Which were you? We talk about smoking... we aren't fans and remember all those years ago when everyone did it! So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Penny admits she's stopped saying the word SUBSCRIBE because she can now say it! We talk about Penny's wonderful wreath workshop - Mandy is panicking because she is artistically challenged! Real versus fake Christmas trees - what do we think? Which is actually the most sustainable? And are our trees up yet? We talk cut flowers and bulbs and how to decorate sustainably. Penny laughs at my beautiful crochet blanket which my beloved nanny made, until she knows the history of my favourite blanket. We talk home grown herbs and the lovely value of plucking something to use in your cooking! We take a deep dive into the collective experience of women who make things together -  the beautiful world of women crafting together - it's ace! Mandy's collects embroidered art and is very proud of it. We debate using salt in cooking - it's all about balance! How are we already in December - where has this year gone? We end on bus travel and we laugh a lot, welcome aboard. Penny gives Ocado a big old plug and we discover that Penny has never eaten a Monster Munch - how? But she does rather like a farm shop - who knew.And don't forget - January 11th - save the DATE!!! XSo, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  We keep the royal theme going and talk about Penny's fashion share with Lady Di! Mandy expresses her inability to take criticism, and Penny shares details of Monty's first Beaver parade! We talk remembrance Sunday and how moving we both find it. We talk about Penny's snoring - she could wake the dead! Did you know it was world kindness day - how did we celebrate? Mandy bought Walnut Whips and was most disappointed - they are now so tiny. We hear of Mandy's Gucci clog experience - they might have been knock offs... Penny too has succumbed to designer footwear and they've fixed her feet - hello Madam Birkenstok! We talk about Josh and Sara's wedding plans. SO exciting! Penny frowns as Mandy is going to wear her old dress that she's had for ten years. Penny has been busy making Christmas cakes and has enjoyed Stir Up Sunday!  - Never heard of it? Me either! Mandy's book Very Very Lucky is up for an award - whoop whoop! Fingers crossed! Penny makes Mandy feel sick talking about food yuks! And if that doesn't make you sick, you can hear all about a woman who sells her sweat... yes really. And January 11th - save the DATE!!! XSo, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Will our blanket dampen down the banging that interrupts our podcasts? We shall find out! Penny turns up looking fancy, dressed as Princess Anne circa 1974. Turns out she was named after Princess Anne! Who knew? We remember children's party games - like sleeping lions and musical chairs! And Mandy learns about wrapping small children in loo roll to make a mummy - sounds like fun... said no one ever. The great almond debate raises it's head again - Penny is learning to say it properly. Mandy is delighted to receive the gift of Chrysanthemums which she loves but Penny hates! Penny banged the table first - we keep score! We get insight into Joel on I'm A Celebrity Unpacked and Penny talks about his early days. Mandy has been Londonbound and is so glad to be back on the farm. Penny travelled to Stroud and is still jet lagged. We talk loo hygiene - we are very fussy and talk about our public loo habits - quite fascinating. We touch on good luck charms and superstitions. Penny reveals her love of a good crystal. We tell you all about our Chit Chat Christmas Wreath workshop!!!! DO come along! So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Are we sitting comfortably... here we go!  Quite a foodie episode! Mandy confesses she's never been to Nandos - shock horror! What is she missing? We try to understand and explain the world of "Influencers!" it's quite amazing! We talk award shows and the fabulous Pride of Britain. We take a deep dive into monsters under the bed, that universal fear. Is the age of fancy dinner parties over? Penny is thrown by Mandy's favourite "Breakfast for Dinner" menu! Is there a right or wrong way to poach an egg - stay tuned... Is lobster overrated? What's all the fuss about! Penny talks her favourite tapas, while Mandy is happy with beans on toast. Penny and Rob Fireman Finger celebrate their 30 year anniversary - whoop whoop! They had date night. We both confess to being last minute Christmas gifters - it's all bit of a rush. So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Here we go with another cracking episode! Penny arrives to record in shocking state, clutching her hip and her knee and her head - what's going on? Mandy has discovered the joy of cleaning with vinegar - if it stands still, it's getting sprayed! We look at the many uses for vinegar... it's not only for chips. We take a deep dive into laundry and hark back to the days of washing lines and a pole - how we love a good drying day. It turns out Penny is injured because she has been exercising - lunging specifically, I knew exercising was a trap - far safer not to bother! The old shakti mat gets a mention. And yet again, Penny has messed up with time telling and dates - we need help, does she even look at a clock? We don't even know why the clocks go back or forward - there's much debate around the reasons why! We get a run down on bulb planting -what, where and when! Neither of us are big on Halloween so it kind of passes us by, but Penny is all in for Elf on the bloody shelf. The great how to say 'almond' debate continues (Penny says it WRONG!) And please note we banished the dogs and this episode is relatively snort free...So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Another fab episode with standard dog snorts and snores as background music... Mandy confesses to feeling like her dogs are also her children, can you relate? We talk about the unconditional love of a pet and how much it means, even when your dogs are two part potato... Penny has her gast truly flabbered when she learns that Mandy is challenged by colourblindness! Mandy would be the worst florist in the world - you need your colours for that! We take a deep and scary dive into what colours look like to everyone else! We chitchat about the horror of online and telephone scams - it's the worst thing and can happen to the best of us, take care out there folks! Which raises the question, do we need landlines? Do we still use them? We touch on the recent story about suicide pods and talk a little bit about end of life choices... How do we feel about our right to die in the way we want? And finally - the joy of not doing anything in the face of drama - you don't have to blow your life up! Doing nothing is an option.So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Today we touch on Penny's butter habit - she over butters her toast to the extreme and even has tips on how to butter with a butter pat - it's a good life hack! Mandy is tired today - a little bit tired and in her tired state, makes a bit of an email gaff - Ooops! And for the first time ever - Penny loved all the names in Mandy's novel - yay for Swimming To Lundy! Penny talks gardening, of course she does and gives tips for bulb planting - she's a clever bunny and is already planning for spring. We talk about what happens when a book comes out - how it all works. And is there still a place for hardbacks in this world? Mandy tells all about one disappointed attendee at her talk who thought she had actually swam to Lundy... The joy of leaving books in hotel libraries and passing on the love. Penny talks her boy and The Masked Singer with a sneak peek into the process - so exciting! We think the standard of Bake Off this year is very high - don't you? We talk weight loss strategy, all about balance and is breakfast three times a day a winner? We have the usual dog chit chat - yes, they do like to join in. Have we all seen The Perfect Couple - Penny and Mandy rave about it! Wow, we loved it! And a couple of other what to watch recommends. So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. The usual dog interruptions and laughter as we talk about Pen's recent holiday to somewhere fabulous! (although she's happy to be back to be near her mate! And she's now moaning about the weather - what's new!) That lovely burst of joy when you arrive on holiday and it feels like an eternity and then you blink and you're home again! Finally, Pen and Mandy find they have something in common - they both hate surprises, even when Pen was whisked off to New York - how awful! We also both sweat the small stuff and is one of the best parts of a holiday looking forward to it? We go into great detail about Rob getting his finger stuck in a fire engine - well we've all done that right? Mandy has been chit chatting at literary festivals and loving it! The beauty of a name and Mandy's desire to decorate the moment the leaves fall - i'm thinking of colour drenching every room! The joy of having pants that fit and we discuss our autumn wardrobe - and of course, Penny's advice on garden jobs for right now...So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Our lack of medical knowledge is on full display - where are your kidneys and your lungs? I don't think they are where we are pointing! Similarly we are hopeless at all things geography related... We talk about Mandy's love of Bradford and Saltaire - well worth a visit! Trying to persuade Penny to leave the postcode. And when should we worry about being forgetful - just a natural part of ageing or something to worry about? We worry anyway...Is Alzheimers more prevalent now? Or were we just not aware of it when we younger? We look at the road we walk between doing what's good for us and making ourselves happy - BALANCE! Penny's dislike of winter and how Mandy loves it - they say opposites attract. The value of being social and how it can stave off loneliness and the shame of loneliness that Mandy sometimes feels. The importance of online communities and how we can feel supported just by a single message, it really is wonderful when you find your tribe. Penny gives us more lovely gardening advice - get outside! Mandy is totally on board with the happy pants movement. ...all we need to do now is sort out our brassieres. So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Today we are winging it in the best way possible! Penny arrived early - we have put up a plaque! Would we like to spend a day in Penny's head? Apparently it's full of butterflies - how lovely! The bands we want to go and see if we get the chance. Our mutual love of Duran Duran.  The whole fiasco of Oasis tickets - and the incredible amount people are paying!  Jeeez! We discuss the new show that is about naked dating - not for us thank you very much!! Penny gives us the lowdown on Love Is Blind - sounds marvellous. We talk about the laws of attraction and our emotional responses to meeting new people. Mandy's joy of now owning happy pants! Our love of all things that are mechanical and repetitious like shelling peas! Packing for holidays - how much do we really need? Mandy's mum's flying disasters! Mandy's desire to confess and Penny's fear of travelling in case someone puts something in her case!!!! Penny is savaged by the dogs on air... Sorry Pen X So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. We marvel at the wonder that is the Internet - do we think it will catch on??! We admit to our lack of car knowledge, can we change a tyre? Check the oil? Apparently not! Yet again Penny laughs at Mandy's pronunciation - while she explains that she can't even drive backwards (reverse) let alone look after her motor! Penny has been from suffering crinkly brakes - no Mandy didn't know what that was either. Penny's talks trees with great advice on tree planting - we are going to transform the paddock, and she knows her stuff! We discuss how quickly gardens go rogue if you don't look after them. Mandy's childhood memories of growing food at primary school, it was a wonder! We discuss the process of writing and what Mandy's favourite moment of the process is. So, if you fancy it, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. We ask if linoleum is still a thing? (It is in our house!) Mandy has her nose to the grindstone while Penny is planning for her holibobs! How dogs can help with so many of our emotional needs. Mandy's hatred of shopping, but love of a good bargain - leading to salmon month - no one wants to see a bit of salmon again! Memories of pie month! Penny's roast dinners for ten, even when they're just the two of them. Our shopping habits, are they changing, are we going back to specialist shops? Penny's brisket plans and cheap meat, neck of lamb anyone? Mandy's obsession with Masterchef! What is a sweetbread? There is some disagreement - Penny thinks they are testicles but Mandy is sure it's a gland! We talk tripe - literally and figuratively! Nose to tail eating and are we due for an Indian summer?  We end on our love of Wales - the animals, (although we do love the country too!) Goodness we get through a lot!So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Penny nails the word subscribe - and so she gets a fanfare! We are still stuck on pumpernickel! Penny talks about her appearance on This Morning - she was brilliant! How we feel now we're hurtling towards autumn! Mandy's love of dark nights and all things gloomy over these coming months - the opposite of SAD. What our plants want at this time of year, and how to care for them. Penny's off on holiday - lucky her, she's off to seek the sunshine. Mandy's diary is so busy she can only think about the day ahead, but can however write more than one book at the same time. Penny's perpetual lateness while Mandy is irritatingly early for everything. The pantomime of trying to leave Penny's house!The big discussion on HAPPY PANTS and an exploration into our knicker drawers. Plastic surgery - what would we have done? And do check out Solace in Devon - an amazing place! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random.  This week we talk about how our grief has moved forward, as if after time we have reframed our loss to something quite positive! We look at the comforting power of dreams, apparently Penny dreams of dog that aren't hers! While Mandy might just get signs from other side...  Have you seen The Fall - we have and are still going on about it! And we have a look at a couple of books that might be hard to read but so so worth it...So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random.  This week we talk about our favourite arboretum and Penny gives us her gardening tips as we hurtle towards autumnal days…. We look forward to real fires, hot chocolate, darker nights, cosy socks, and stews! But before that Mandy is off to India – and won't stop going on about it! We share our love of tea and the joy of visiting a tea plantation. Are we good or bad at receiving feedback? Is it good to grow a thick skin? Mandy's disastrous holiday when the kids were little at a 1 star hotel, that turned out to be one we will never forget!! And quite possibly the worst cockroach story I've ever heard - thank you Pen! XSo, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Sniffing! Penny's 30th anniversary with her partner – should they tie the knot? Breakfast in Texas – what do they eat? What do people all over the world have for breakfast? Mandy's breakfast choices and Penny's love of Kefir… How do you pronounce – Pumpernickel?? It made us laugh. A lot. Penny never got into trouble in school – we are not surprised! Penny has celebrated a birthday and can't remember what I bought her. How we feel about reaching milestone birthdays. The joy of life at fifty-plus and the permission it gives you to care less, it's time we own our wisdom! The mental age we stopped at. We both dislike New Years Eve and are tucked up asleep by nine p.m.... Our love of chocolate! And how Penny abandoned a bag of chips in my car for me to discover days later! Nice. The olden days of feeding the dog whatever you ate as a family. And a discussion about white dog poo. So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. The words we can't say – like subscribe and stertificate!  Book sales, how does it work? Mandy's been a bit poorly – under the weather, there's lots going around… Our phones pinging – with messages from Mandy's dad! Penny and her two acres – have we mentioned that? Watching TV – Penny offers to buy Mandy a telly! The Olympics – what have we loved? Do you become armchair an expert on whatever sport you are watching, like Pen? Is it bad manners to keep the telly on when guests arrive, even for the Olympics? We take a brief at martial arts and expose our ignorance on the subject. Good and bad manners – what riles us and what makes us swell with joy? Manners at school and how it used to be in the olden days when we were at school… Have driving manners gone out of the window - see what I did there? And Penny's audition for East Enders... not to be missed! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Penny's arrival wearing bugs!  When the kids get nits – how times have changed, remember the nit nurse? Is it true that nits only like clean hair? Do carrots really help you see in the dark? Penny's plum adventures with Pippin, and memories of Pippin as a pup eating the kitchen! Hear us improvise our own hold music… Mandy's love of Hey Dougie! (and Penny's hatred of it!) Swimming To Lundy – Mandy's new novel is out in the world. Penny's planting style and how she builds a garden. Did you know Penny's got two acres?? Advice on planting out your Hydrangeas and how and when to water your garden and plants! Penny's says ditch the spray head on your hose, who knew? And Mandy's weight loss journey…So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Today we talk about the beauty of Welsh names, how to deal with the neediest of pups (which Mandy's are post Covid!) Penny recommends an animal behaviourist, tips for calming dog anxiety. And do dogs have a sixth sense? Mandy's offer her comfort when she is grieving or sad. How we combat our own anxiety and why did it flare for us post menopause? Penny's experience of tapping to ease her nerves, does it work? Mandy's habit of catastrophising. Recommended books on Menopause. How has our experience changed since our gran's went quietly through ‘the change'! The great thing about being open about our ailments.So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Penny's stint on Lorraine, where she gave advice on container gardens! Mandy's sparkling windows, our love of Windolene! Penny siding with my husband when I'm moaning! The revelation that is an automatic window cleaner. Penny's open garden weekend in aid of Brain Tumour Support. Our love of a good book club! We talk about good and bad narration on audiobooks, Mandy's insight into recording her own books, and are book covers important? And what do we think about book smut? Penny has been shocking her neighbours! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. This week, we talk about modern weddings - Penny's favourite kind of bride, forest weddings! The joy that is a doughnut wall – yes please! What are hen parties all about? Mandy's dire hen party experience. The pressure of big weddings. Our flush of youth – is it behind us? And are we fans of true crime on TV or in a book – or do we shy away from it? And finally, books that make us laugh out loud.So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Scrolling, Compost, MI5, Booze!Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Penny the weather guru! Penny's ice road trucker wardrobe. Mandy's TIK TOK author house experience and talking all things social media. Penny's scrolling habits, her love of weeing in the compost bin, and planting fruit and veg. Reminiscing about stealing liqueur chocolates. The first time we got drunk! The acceptability of being teetotal, and the horror of alcoholism. The smoking culture when we were younger, and how we find love among nature…So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Elvis, Tractors, Spyclub, Olympics!Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Penny's childhood horseplay! How Penny stitched Mandy up with a surprise quiz! The great debate over the day Elvis died, and where is Arthur's Seat??? Mandy getting caught in a tractor trap, secret spy club, the village quiz shenanigans! Awkward loo visits and our build up to the Olympics! Sports we love and those we don't! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. Penny's weather report, her sweet pea update! How to prolong the life of your flowers, our breakfast of choice! Mandy's fancy ragu pasta, and cooking for those you love. The benefit of expressing gratitude and of going slowly…  The joy of the gardening cycle! The publishing cycle of a book! How and where Mandy writes, our lucky lives. Our ongoing grief journeys, and our love of life! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random. An update on Mandy's night time shout outs, what we are doing in the garden right now, rose growing, Penny getting mauled by Mandy's dog, spoon bending, novelty ice cube holders, shed life! Penny's vase collection, good uses of chicken wire, floral foam. Mandy's novel Waiting To Begin, how evocative is our favourite music… our love of Steve Wright and how Penny has never sang Karaoke! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random from our new Chit Chat mugs, Ranunculus growing, the lifespan of an avocado, Penny's love of a good tool, our Tesco experiences, self-care, the benefits of chatting and laughing, our sleep habits. What nationality would we be if we could choose? Penny's reluctance to share her food… and Mandy's love of all things Greek!  So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

 Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random from Penny's unfortunate earplug mishap, the benefit of yoga, retiring to the sunshine, instant gratification, Mary Poppins! Penny's fake Brownie troop and much, much more! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random – how often is it right to shower or bathe, wash our hair? Penny sharing her bath water, her hat obsession, swimming pools, hot tubs, things that turn your stomach, Penny's trotters, things that go bump in the night. And Mandy's inability to tell the time! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

 Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random – celebrating Mandy's wedding anniversary, the etiquette of sending cards, Mandy's accidental stamp collection, Penny's treasured things, gifts from our kids, Mint Imperials, the joy of grandparenting, pickles, snogging and date night! So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...

Amanda Prowse and Penny Dommett nattering around the kitchen table, chatting about all things random from our fabulous podcast stats, lovely listener messages, our first tattoos, the Star Wars connection, do we like Tik Tok? Air frying, Mrs Slocombe, kitchen contraptions, trips to The Golden Egg, sexy welding and bathroom habits!So, pull up a chair and join us for a delightfully irreverent chit chat about life and all its random tangents - bring a cuppa. Cake optional...