tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25644546230397728452024-02-18T18:49:59.325-08:00Treasures from the Cherry TreeGemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-41661560424680328072018-06-01T14:49:00.001-07:002018-06-01T14:56:52.636-07:00If we took a holiday...<span style="font-family: inherit;">Half term and I haven't half been driven round the bleedin' bend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone else seems to have jetted off and are sunning themselves in far flung distant lands. If you're stuck at home with three children at half term (with no husband or car because the pair have eloped to London....to work admittedly but that's beside the point) then it's not a good time to be hitting the Facebook button.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because everyone on Facebook (and Instagram for that matter) is having a maaaaaaarvellous time abroad, slurping cocktails in the blistering heat and reading a gazillion books because their children are in kids club. They're napping (the adults not the kids) because the peace and quiet makes them awfully tired and page turning the latest suspense novel is very hard work don't you know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There's no holiday for us at all this year. There wasn't last year either. And it's making me grumpy. Meh. Now don't get me wrong, we live in a seaside town so when the weather is top notch, it's almost<i> exactly </i>like being on holiday. But it's been a funny old week weather wise, a bit grim and cold today and I haven't seen the sea. I need a daily dose of vitamin sea to stop me getting so crabby, pardon the pun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The highlights of this week according to Facebook, involves my friends enjoying indulgent weekends in London and fine dining in Paris, staying in a villa on a Greek island with the sea literally lapping at your toes as you wake up and dining on fried fish which was caught about five minutes before. Being gently roused from slumbers in Italy to be offered fresh coffee, hitting the golden beaches in America and having surfing lessons and strolling round markets in Morocco before returning to the all-inclusive buffet (drinks are free too, just like George Michael and his 80s tresses promised). Oh bless those well-rested, de-stressed friends of mine. They better not moan about being tired or harassed by their children when they next see me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now I'm not being bitter or anything (ahem...) but here are the highlights of MY half term week:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. My husband managed to leave me the car one day (this is rare, therefore I was rejoicing) so the kids and I enjoyed a full 50 minutes on our local beach before the mother of all thunderstorms charged in and wrecked havoc. If it hadn't taken me a full 4 hours to peel the kids away from the X Box, get them slathered in sun cream, pack the picnic (including at least one item everyone will eat), locate the bodyboards, dust off the wetsuits and find a place to park, we'd have had more sun time, but alas, we were sodden and cold and the picnic was damp. And then the youngest cut her chin on the rocks when she slipped on seaweed. Blood and sand is never a great combo, believe me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This photo was taken yesterday, waiting for another storm to roll in.</span><br />
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2. I cleaned out the rabbit hutch.You know, for the rabbit the teenager has definitely lost interest in (and I quote...) "He is the rabbit of my dreams. Mum I'll do anything if you buy him for me. I'll feed him every day, groom him, love him and clean out his hutch twice a day if I need to." Let's all be grateful that I love that bunny so much, he's become my fourth child. He's also the only one not to answer me back, which is nice.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. I took the kids to the dentist. I know! Who needs island hopping when you can watch the dentist scrape tartar from the back of a child's tooth. And spend what seems like forever helping them to choose the sticker afterwards for being so brave. SOMEBODY couldn't decide between Frozen or Cinderella. There was a hell of a lot of deliberating. (The sticker fell off five minutes after applying, as standard).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. I washed a kingsize duvet at the laundrette. I've never done this before. I felt very thick. I couldn't understand the instructions for operating the machine. It took three children to sort it out for me. Dot Cotton I ain't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. I watched Thelma and Louise with my eldest. This was after a day of fighting and bickering so I decided to pour a glass of wine and watch Brad Pitt when he was a young cowboy and y'know, just reminisce. My daughter loved the film, and wanted to discuss the ending in great depth. NO spoilers as there must be somebody out there who hasn't watched this film? I, for example haven't watched Top Gun (or Gremlins or Back to the Future). People often wonder where I was in the 80s. Then I heard the eldest daughter tell my husband what we'd watched. It went something like this: "Oh yeah Dad, Mum and I watched a cool programme last night about Thelma and What's Her Name." And then strolled off to claim the X Box for herself. My husband looked clueless. Teens eh?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. I took the three kids into town. I spent most of the time looking for toilets for at least one of them each time. Then the youngest hid in H&M in among the clothes rails and sent my heart rate racing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. I've only been to charity shops to merely drop stuff off. No chance of mooching for very long as the younger two want every cuddly toy they see. There's also the danger they will see what I've been clearing from the house so I've had to be very cloak and dagger in Scope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. I've hung out and brought the same washing in three times in one day, thanks to our crazy weather. I've also had too much sun and then felt freezing cold all in the same day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. I've broken a new purse while hanging out at the beach arcade and having to constantly rummage for more coppers for the 2p slot machine,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. I have lost pounds in money because entertaining three kids in rubbish weather is very costly, but elsewhere I've gained pounds. And not the monetary kind either.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm done in. I'm not rested, or de-stressed, but I haven't done a single school run and for me, that is a holiday in itself. I hate the school run. HATE IT. The mornings have been leisurely, but then no one is going to be when they should be,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And in the week before half term, I bought this dress from a charity shop for a fiver! Brand new and usually retailing at £40. It is so ruffly and fabulous!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also bought this little wooden sailing boat, which is very cute and priced at just 50p.</span><br />
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New dress, new boat? Actually, that sounds like I'm totally living the high life, baby! I'm just too tired to actually try the dress on. I need to sleep all next week to recover from half term. However, it's just dawned on me that my youngest is also off next week too as they have two weeks' holiday for half term...</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-57923599512594549532018-03-19T05:46:00.000-07:002018-03-19T05:49:24.942-07:00Spring, where for art thou?<span style="color: black;">So there's a pathetic amount of snow by the coast. And I'm feeling irked. I wanted proper snow days for the children - you know, t<span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">hat glorious sound of muffled silence when you wake up and just </span><i style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">know </i><span style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">that snow has fallen in gargantuan amounts.</span> Deep, crunchy, powdery snow.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">We would have fun snowball fighting sessions in the mornings, the rosy-cheeked children gazing at me with sheer happiness at school being cancelled, then we would be sledging down steep hills which glisten and sparkle in their snow-clad blankets. The afternoon would be spent indulgently thawing out by a roaring log fire while dozing and semi-watching a cosy old-fashioned film through one eye vaguely open, and a cashmere throw hugs us all. Fairy lights would twinkle and it would feel<i> almost</i> Christmassy.</span><br />
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<i></i><span style="color: black;">That's obviously my fantasy world which flairs up from time to time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">The truth is this. We had a miniscule amount of snow. School carried on as normal. There was no muffled silence when I woke up, I just heard yelling children asking me where their uniform was and whether they could go and watch TV rather than clean their teeth.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">There are no rosy cheeks. Everyone looks tired and pale (probably because everyone refuses to eat my meals. I don't always burn it. Sometimes there's success (like, you know, baked beans) but they still don't trust me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Oh, and there's no roaring log fire either. There's a naff gas fire which we pretend is real but the rabbit has eaten most of the fake coal because he has a charcoal obsession. He's also eaten through the fairy lights cable so there's not much twinkling happening either (more of an "it's electrifying!" moment). And I can't afford cashmere. We huddle under a crochet blanket I made but the kids have pulled it apart (cos crochet isn't my forte) so there's a gaping hole in the centre. I can't often watch nice films as the kids want the TV for their X Box. This is why I fantasise.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Anyway, I want spring now. Proper spring.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Snow (even hopeless amounts) brings lethargy and hunger (or is it just me?). I just want to sleep and eat. A sort of hibernation if you will. Lots of hot buttered toast and mugs of steaming tea.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">But in reality, spring should be here. We should be waking up and feeling alive. ALIVE! Where are the blue skies, and gentle frosts which melt under a warming sun. Where are the lambs? It's Easter in a couple of weeks and I for one am concerned.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I always go lambing at Easter and I haven't seen one woolly blighter. Go away now snow we don't require your services anymore. And I'm not just saying this because all my family in Somerset have a snow day today and are sledging and guzzling hot chocolate, honest.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Look at the feeble snow. Charity shops items here include my daughter's red hat, her coat and my skirt. The faux fur coat was donated to me by my mother in law.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Making the most of half a centimetre...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9ABlrXJfyAm1HLT_g_HTwvDK3CRNVTFupo3JTntMNqevh_isBXYTLYo4C0kfrA_1J7FjrpH8xfpxrAvfpVwS1vxvOsRIz0hb1ZGZE72IpWc8dawHJYV_ZwyLXPZkOcVMma5E6DYtbFY/s1600/IMG_4726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9ABlrXJfyAm1HLT_g_HTwvDK3CRNVTFupo3JTntMNqevh_isBXYTLYo4C0kfrA_1J7FjrpH8xfpxrAvfpVwS1vxvOsRIz0hb1ZGZE72IpWc8dawHJYV_ZwyLXPZkOcVMma5E6DYtbFY/s400/IMG_4726.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Here's Sweet Child on Saturday morning, as the snowflakes slowly swept their way over to us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">This was a week ago and it really did feel marvellous and warm. Come back please sunshine, you're missed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"></span><br />Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-73890270857131539262018-02-21T13:46:00.000-08:002018-02-21T13:46:12.280-08:00The old ones are the best.Evening all. HOW cold is it tonight? Blimmin' arctic.<br />
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I've been a busy bee bumbling around the charity shops recently. I bought a pink coat originally from Boden for £4. It was one of those "I'm not sure" moments but I haven't worn anything else since and can't imagine life without it. I love charity shop purchases like that.<br />
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Only problem is that everything from the high street then seems so over priced when you are used to a bargain. I saw a dress today for £20 and I was like "Twenty quid? It's daylight robbery is that..." which of course it clearly isn't.<br />
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Here is my coat. Ooh, and the shoes are from the Scope charity shop, Bertie brogues, £5.<br />
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The sea is my happy place as you can clearly see above. Thank the good lord you can't also hear me shrieking! The waves do that to me.<br />
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I shrieked on Saturday when I stupidly turned my back on the ocean for a brief moment and got two brogues full of icy salty sea water.<br />
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I can't stop wearing my new (old) coat...<br />
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<i></i>In other<i> utterly boring</i> news, I feel so tired at the moment, I am seriously considering hibernation until late spring for future years. I don't do this weather, it makes me weary and grumpy. Meh. I haven't been running for over a week, I just can't muster the energy. I need to give myself a sharp talking to (alone, or otherwise I'll look like a right weirdo.)<br />
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I also think I'm having a midlife crisis. I've started watched The Inbetweeners and finding it <i>far </i>more hilarious than I should. I keep tittering and I think the Husband is finding it slightly irritating. He wants Question Time. I want to know when Will will finally get to bed a woman.<br />
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But on the flip side, I'm also maturing because on a Monday I hang out with a lovely group of people. The average age is 85. We have such a laugh but it's so refreshing that none of it is the smutty humour I get with some of the mums on the school run.<br />
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A few things I've learnt from my older friends, is that none of them are scared of death, they all drink very anaemic tea, they all believe in God, they are all exceptionally bright, they all feel 35 mentally and none of them drink alcohol. The downside of these firm friendships with a large age gap is that I am scared about them dying as I can't imagine my Mondays without them, and I can't discuss the merits of Bon Jovi or gin cocktails. But you know what? I'm happy with that. These men and women are a breath of fresh air!<br />
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Right, I am so tired I'm going to sign off now and go to bed but I'll be back soon.<br />
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In the meantime, support the circular economy, keep things out of landfill and buy more items from charity shops. I'd love to hear about your fab purchases.Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-29355587872763367062018-02-18T14:07:00.000-08:002018-02-18T14:07:11.474-08:00I got busy, innitHonestly, I had the best intentions to get my blog alive and breathing with regular updates, but then I discovered Instagram. And First Dates. And the charity shops have kept me pretty busy if I'm honest.<br />
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But now I've discovered two lovely readers have recently left me comments, asking where I am. How nice is that?<br />
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So I'm back! Cooeeeeee! This will have to be brief as I'm tired from a hectic but wonderful weekend with my sister, who came to stay. Both of us woke up from a late night out feeling rather fragile but good fun!<br />
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Right what's been occurring since my last blog post....well, I'm older, not wiser, more haggard, more tired, trying to get fitter (midlife crisis = attempting to run...badly...think Phoebe in Friends), I'm obsessed with blueberry muffin flavoured Naked bars, I gave up refined sugar in June last year (but have lost ZERO weight, prob due to the Naked bars), and we have our first family pet. A semi-house rabbit. Who fancies me. Big time.<br />
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I think the pom pom on my slippers gave it the wrong impression as he now thinks I am his mate for life and that I have a fluffy rabbit tail.<br />
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First the butterfly, Paul, and now another creature has charmed his way into my life. I never thought I was a rabbit lover. Sure, Thumper was cute, but Milo is more puppy than bunny. Come on, look at him. Feast your eyes! He is just recovering from being castrated which I hope will calm his hormones down. He was way too horny and I love him, just not in that way, y'know. Those Freddie Mercury teeth just don't appeal.<br />
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So it's like having a fourth child in the house (and I have a teenager and a tot, and an eight-year-old boy in the middle) so its all rather hectic.<br />
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But I will get back into blogging, it was so nice to be missed.<br />
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I'll be back again soon with charity shop purchases, woeful tales of naughty children, oooh and I'll tell you about my new bunch of friends...half are in their mid 80's and we have a bit of banter every Monday!<br />
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Right, I'd better stop rabbiting on...<br />
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<br />Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-14286560070068982702016-09-09T13:31:00.001-07:002016-09-09T13:36:01.460-07:00I believed he could fly....So, the Butterfly Affair. Or what my kids refer to as Mum's Weird Moment.<div><br></div><div>We got one of those Butterfly Garden sets where you buy a butterfly netted enclosure, send the included <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">voucher off to the company and within days you receive a pot of five tiny caterpillars. To be honest, I wasn't all that impressed. We've done the butterfly project before, it's sweet, but it's not life affirming.</span></div><div><br></div><div>This time we watched those teeny creepy crawlies transform into ....well, hairy beasts really. They got huge. After a good few days they turn into chrysalides and then it got boring for a few days.</div><div><br></div><div>But then, the magic happened and a new relationship formed between me and one of the butterflies. This was my Weird Moment. Gradually each one shed its skin and transformed into a beautiful butterfly.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW102b4WulynA2kOb3g2BxXn8exCpywThWZ20TEVmmJBUrVPIEzumUAqpTXiVEoqOP5y7mZyw8AeuFmzC4Fyj_vFoN60AFdsrdS8FoTxZ2YipvDWqlDL5QyS19kGwc7o-iwSKyHIf0mk/s640/blogger-image--460184574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisW102b4WulynA2kOb3g2BxXn8exCpywThWZ20TEVmmJBUrVPIEzumUAqpTXiVEoqOP5y7mZyw8AeuFmzC4Fyj_vFoN60AFdsrdS8FoTxZ2YipvDWqlDL5QyS19kGwc7o-iwSKyHIf0mk/s640/blogger-image--460184574.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>All were perfect except Paul. Paul had a damaged wing. I called him Paul after Paul McCartney, who was in Wings. (Naff aren't I?!)</div><div><br></div><div>Now this disabled butterfly and his Painted Lady siblings were soon freed into our warm sunny garden. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnoOn6lnXbwNYXGQFfOKQ8nzca_LYE_rA5zTvT8-A7PH90UiPtku8yBmZhUcBmMqlE0cy_wW9OSCKEBgRE4StJujbzjw-rfyxirkJqTAC0Zpr_-7b99k0SwQ7cdI1haDh5MNFo94nipI/s640/blogger-image--692000815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnoOn6lnXbwNYXGQFfOKQ8nzca_LYE_rA5zTvT8-A7PH90UiPtku8yBmZhUcBmMqlE0cy_wW9OSCKEBgRE4StJujbzjw-rfyxirkJqTAC0Zpr_-7b99k0SwQ7cdI1haDh5MNFo94nipI/s640/blogger-image--692000815.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Four of them took off happily, after fluttering around my children and gently landing on their faces. All except Paul.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLk8m7U4beIx2ICFMUhyphenhyphennCU1lqOIKgHfDzZJuXpvPPu4JzSIckCjT1GLDk9tb8IsxXmZop2Oo57h9zKhNb95-z0YpK5viI47ZFE7yhP_QGLMUAurS6Kpkn7v8DTYJgSwLQ61uut82KAs/s640/blogger-image--933436435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLk8m7U4beIx2ICFMUhyphenhyphennCU1lqOIKgHfDzZJuXpvPPu4JzSIckCjT1GLDk9tb8IsxXmZop2Oo57h9zKhNb95-z0YpK5viI47ZFE7yhP_QGLMUAurS6Kpkn7v8DTYJgSwLQ61uut82KAs/s640/blogger-image--933436435.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>His disability meant he couldn't fly far. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGd8HpM1PEVwx9qGa95g-FerCpMycqa1v7xKfNTi9YSjWz-cumm7I7XdBcFLiAaGk-EcjW57oSAVJDgtBgs_zzTBWdvTpnyeRexpjRZoHNtF_iF6FPXMdngjGQdps1ozV7apERtZWbnI/s640/blogger-image--1533354723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGd8HpM1PEVwx9qGa95g-FerCpMycqa1v7xKfNTi9YSjWz-cumm7I7XdBcFLiAaGk-EcjW57oSAVJDgtBgs_zzTBWdvTpnyeRexpjRZoHNtF_iF6FPXMdngjGQdps1ozV7apERtZWbnI/s640/blogger-image--1533354723.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>He stayed put on my hydrangea for a full hour. I helped him on his way again but he didn't get far. Eventually I realised he wasn't going to survive for long in our garden, so I decided to bring him into our home and he became a house butterfly. He joined in with most things:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv19arhNFsmFOZIM2jTJxtwzmW8zA74p1M8WFNG6y2AiPeUUV4nO-n6_gsSV-dB4O3EDOvU8BAYKvXfc0oRcYqPPpDnhPPj-6LmauIT2uZpbePy7uFoC4Pk6Kz5b0R_ZQNkGF83jWZMzc/s640/blogger-image--1255668010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv19arhNFsmFOZIM2jTJxtwzmW8zA74p1M8WFNG6y2AiPeUUV4nO-n6_gsSV-dB4O3EDOvU8BAYKvXfc0oRcYqPPpDnhPPj-6LmauIT2uZpbePy7uFoC4Pk6Kz5b0R_ZQNkGF83jWZMzc/s640/blogger-image--1255668010.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I became rather attached to him. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycL6Tnb4pOICRmM_2mq_6TgNHfsulcGuf87G2K5LjvLQHQJVgP21MqYwvxiBZmExyKIfPf9mQZ1BS2mobxR8RxvkeyxdsspY6qjIF_cFEEbMHPCMqChoj7w0hjMw0aModY9s-LAPRoGk/s640/blogger-image-444937128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycL6Tnb4pOICRmM_2mq_6TgNHfsulcGuf87G2K5LjvLQHQJVgP21MqYwvxiBZmExyKIfPf9mQZ1BS2mobxR8RxvkeyxdsspY6qjIF_cFEEbMHPCMqChoj7w0hjMw0aModY9s-LAPRoGk/s640/blogger-image-444937128.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But I think I realised I was slightly losing the plot when Paul joined me and my friends for lunch one day and then sat on my finger and watched old Ab Fab re-runs one Friday night. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>There I was, glass of wine in one hand, Paul on the other. He was my actual pet. One that didn't have fur to trigger my asthma. Didn't make a mess, noise or bite. I didn't even see him poo. He was beautiful, I saved his life, we had a blast. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXp0KYBsGRWKuoO7g73X_7XCR8Dz6gg_pRDCTuYgCQs0SMpDyps81EJkY4_Yx0gzDJg_CItOkTZeyaghEBy_i4mtBKC4W2wAZhAIQzZsqSC_RYdKzkjcUCuAZLx-IG6Vm_S2pU3OQTjw/s640/blogger-image-2079043463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXp0KYBsGRWKuoO7g73X_7XCR8Dz6gg_pRDCTuYgCQs0SMpDyps81EJkY4_Yx0gzDJg_CItOkTZeyaghEBy_i4mtBKC4W2wAZhAIQzZsqSC_RYdKzkjcUCuAZLx-IG6Vm_S2pU3OQTjw/s640/blogger-image-2079043463.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-tox3D9sZd7niB1oTpSOQ25Ra4R0RIRZV52VTfT9xZQf1igv0-slbjEDRb44t2GRh6kNk7luQiSsgXqbni1A-jdWF-GdT0cAGxxXKfWeoPGYXgYC0CS_qgCQ-91LKKhcmWqDrHLYt_4/s640/blogger-image-1789107155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-tox3D9sZd7niB1oTpSOQ25Ra4R0RIRZV52VTfT9xZQf1igv0-slbjEDRb44t2GRh6kNk7luQiSsgXqbni1A-jdWF-GdT0cAGxxXKfWeoPGYXgYC0CS_qgCQ-91LKKhcmWqDrHLYt_4/s640/blogger-image-1789107155.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Here we are ACTUALLY watching Ab Fab...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnEfFkAaYe6kM2QBtU5B3E8RnNi4mM_fo1jqbtk7gm8CSffct-cvnn7pwjm1-S9wtnG-CNF76sRE3Ab9SryDO22Zuf4q61Xs05FnTqmpMVdEu58S86zuVRN_s5p5Lwkej4tVepo4O5pk/s640/blogger-image-14458660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnEfFkAaYe6kM2QBtU5B3E8RnNi4mM_fo1jqbtk7gm8CSffct-cvnn7pwjm1-S9wtnG-CNF76sRE3Ab9SryDO22Zuf4q61Xs05FnTqmpMVdEu58S86zuVRN_s5p5Lwkej4tVepo4O5pk/s640/blogger-image-14458660.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The husband thought I was a loony. But to be fair, Paul was probably just making him jealous. </div><div><br></div><div>See?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnLKEy-IJbZJ0J8BTO9sNFSFg9aS0rN5uzb6iqDUIXds1G8B4rodENBHLCygQDAx8B7Uf2v7cvFi6fJs3UWNh1WL4O1gjrw6XKL4yRzk9XiadvAW_i9Mw77Oyup6DIxy2x4s6oobOjzQ/s640/blogger-image-896515015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnLKEy-IJbZJ0J8BTO9sNFSFg9aS0rN5uzb6iqDUIXds1G8B4rodENBHLCygQDAx8B7Uf2v7cvFi6fJs3UWNh1WL4O1gjrw6XKL4yRzk9XiadvAW_i9Mw77Oyup6DIxy2x4s6oobOjzQ/s640/blogger-image-896515015.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Sadly Paul died a week later. Ants got to him after I tucked him up in bed in his netted enclosure and put him under shelter in the garden one balmy night.</div><div><br></div><div>I raced down the next morning (like the boy in The Snowman when he discovered his icy friend has melted) to feed Paul his daily nectar, and............</div><div><br></div><div>It wasn't so much Walking in the Air. Poor thing wasn't even Flying in the Air. I now hate ants. HATE them, I tell thee.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But Paul, if you are reading this, you were loved. Even if the conversation wasn't all that great. I guess sometimes looks ARE everything.</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-20562007572065674762016-08-30T09:27:00.001-07:002016-08-30T09:27:02.797-07:00Life is like a butterflyI am back on the blog baby! Too much time has passed, nine months, really? REALLY?<div><br><div>I'll be back wittering on about charity shop bargains, my love of the sea, the daily craziness of life (my brief love affair with a butterfly that had a damaged wing being one ) and how my tiny baby Sweet Child O'Mine will be three at Christmas.</div><div><br></div><div>How? Just how?</div><div><br></div><div>Laters (school holidays mean I'm not allowed to do anything for me for more than two minutes, which means time is up then...)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8LR3NjddVBAeBpLioOGJ4y4dh4hOfSvqOxiJI3vl8epaXnLOmw9WW1QIgtHlAOh7Oyn5tG_phCkxOz1Uh72mizbxx50Vx3EF72sPEpdd9c2mhUfGxQWPlwU_Z4v43srO7EwHl3ZhlLQ/s640/blogger-image-1253257295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8LR3NjddVBAeBpLioOGJ4y4dh4hOfSvqOxiJI3vl8epaXnLOmw9WW1QIgtHlAOh7Oyn5tG_phCkxOz1Uh72mizbxx50Vx3EF72sPEpdd9c2mhUfGxQWPlwU_Z4v43srO7EwHl3ZhlLQ/s640/blogger-image-1253257295.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Psst, this is not the butterfly with the damaged wing. Oh no. This is my Italian holiday romance butterfly Paolo...and he was equally lush.</div><div><br></div><div>I'll tell you all about it in my next blog...bear with me, it will tug at your heart strings 😂</div><div><br></div></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-78909536281656928452015-11-28T00:13:00.001-08:002015-11-29T00:13:35.849-08:00Charity, birthdays and a performanceSee this heavenly festive jug?<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTG7mZfpjLhq_GsFuKRp2xjLCciP3UEzpfLj_HEwwzhz63twK1Y058mcGJKmOXFMwp2wPWBfYj7qN_492MTEcCPdp4VYZe3VWrBUA7SD5zeNOrm4npfgYHoiIsfjNG396DNO3SfI2bEIY/s640/blogger-image-978482040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTG7mZfpjLhq_GsFuKRp2xjLCciP3UEzpfLj_HEwwzhz63twK1Y058mcGJKmOXFMwp2wPWBfYj7qN_492MTEcCPdp4VYZe3VWrBUA7SD5zeNOrm4npfgYHoiIsfjNG396DNO3SfI2bEIY/s640/blogger-image-978482040.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>T<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">his splendid Father Christmas is a 1950's vintage Bird's Eye custard jug. My parents have an identical one passed down from my sadly departed grandparents, which ONLY comes out at Christmas.</span></div><div><div>And guess what?! I have picked up an identical one from the Scope charity shop for £1.50. I can't tell you how excited I was when I unearthed it. I have always loved this little Toby jug since I was a young child.</div></div><div><br></div><div>He was, I believe, a limited edition Toby jug and my father can remember going shopping with his mother and buying the jug in Woolworths at a very young age. I have seen copious amounts of custard poured from the top of his jolly head. Cream for our mince pies and Christmas pudding. Possibly a cheeky beer once as a teenager, which was guzzled straight from Santa's bonce, but I won't linger on that in case my parents read this. It is a treasured jug.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWrmv3T__TZzeSMJ-z9vZPt87XgNBj8x_y44u7KH6GL7VNT4glJra4J8f0_e5n3rFc2xyMCAvUdQ42ZE2IX5JuKBKxBU3BkqOD9qJoKTOMAiW52EimzOqfqugu9kb8HjiShP4tg-L3VI/s640/blogger-image--704835134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWrmv3T__TZzeSMJ-z9vZPt87XgNBj8x_y44u7KH6GL7VNT4glJra4J8f0_e5n3rFc2xyMCAvUdQ42ZE2IX5JuKBKxBU3BkqOD9qJoKTOMAiW52EimzOqfqugu9kb8HjiShP4tg-L3VI/s640/blogger-image--704835134.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>You can keep your Black Friday shenanigans, spending very little but giving something back at the same time is where I am still at. Keeping things out of landfill, being grateful for small things, re-loving items that others no longer like. It makes me happy.</div><div><br></div><div>This is something else that keeps me happy; reading Christmassy books to the biggest bookworm I know. She will be two in three weeks time, I can't quite believe it.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0J-qMlp3wIP-tFtvM0mGm08apXSRBh7ZQRZXldkG0Ys2lDxjUZqYtHuGQwDuWfrWPC5NVN1YpI6J1CkRPucrwe3RcsgBgLz6H1k4OZmLUc8rJDDyO3zzjVmvcd1Rvy8WJmrCIHg-SFE/s640/blogger-image-1147925198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0J-qMlp3wIP-tFtvM0mGm08apXSRBh7ZQRZXldkG0Ys2lDxjUZqYtHuGQwDuWfrWPC5NVN1YpI6J1CkRPucrwe3RcsgBgLz6H1k4OZmLUc8rJDDyO3zzjVmvcd1Rvy8WJmrCIHg-SFE/s640/blogger-image-1147925198.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It wasn't so long ago that she looked like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pSdVWThUabU7niN_zPQUTQDkmsGXfRm9JSGXK1AP9EuI0lZBykHxJnMiurt8QbiARkHYmtUVs-h4VNOtOVAjL1nwbKlqHTL4em2EXp-GBv2uHlgp8oijmybvHquNOfmMciT1H4iNk0A/s640/blogger-image--129140274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pSdVWThUabU7niN_zPQUTQDkmsGXfRm9JSGXK1AP9EuI0lZBykHxJnMiurt8QbiARkHYmtUVs-h4VNOtOVAjL1nwbKlqHTL4em2EXp-GBv2uHlgp8oijmybvHquNOfmMciT1H4iNk0A/s640/blogger-image--129140274.jpg"></a></div><br></div>She has been the most precious, unexpected gift to us and brings us masses of joy daily. She slots in well and the other two love her to bits. It's kind of hard not to.</div><div><br></div><div>In other news, the Princess has turned 12. How?!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DYOJIE5x-rwR7fHuhegFKOhBH9g_Qce9M5_7_q5itC8rJWWMjCyg7aS7fjGJa0wR6SFHtnjoY_p93vB5uc02Etm03cGXQf6ZsDVy0DQD6Z2JG_KyNVQbM0MwnUapNhYnBlfJPDznDN4/s640/blogger-image-90020179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DYOJIE5x-rwR7fHuhegFKOhBH9g_Qce9M5_7_q5itC8rJWWMjCyg7aS7fjGJa0wR6SFHtnjoY_p93vB5uc02Etm03cGXQf6ZsDVy0DQD6Z2JG_KyNVQbM0MwnUapNhYnBlfJPDznDN4/s640/blogger-image-90020179.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She was also a very beautiful baby;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR3xQjuoT5A55b2ly9e0uFOHYWbM-aAFcIaDvndTt57JpJdGO9138Dz8r0sDlU3MdmCxtMgCVp0WcsZ80DY9Ch4OcEaCOQ6y7rCqLOkq6z-a5hiR8O5aeyNtaeD1OpiQmkcGiZ4orPgg/s640/blogger-image-1247285674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR3xQjuoT5A55b2ly9e0uFOHYWbM-aAFcIaDvndTt57JpJdGO9138Dz8r0sDlU3MdmCxtMgCVp0WcsZ80DY9Ch4OcEaCOQ6y7rCqLOkq6z-a5hiR8O5aeyNtaeD1OpiQmkcGiZ4orPgg/s640/blogger-image-1247285674.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Her birth was hideous and traumatic and we still count our lucky stars that she is with us. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw54EAwAHL8Z06SIHwViacsT_0gQz6vBZd8ycqliWET2zXPsFN5cgkQTQ1t6MFoev6deURJt3evpt5_21277r-73ARVQ7YG7GcB4tAr4r-pinRuaEwZ5zFelwsiNkzWNkJz6u6zrTWEFg/s640/blogger-image-1944254993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw54EAwAHL8Z06SIHwViacsT_0gQz6vBZd8ycqliWET2zXPsFN5cgkQTQ1t6MFoev6deURJt3evpt5_21277r-73ARVQ7YG7GcB4tAr4r-pinRuaEwZ5zFelwsiNkzWNkJz6u6zrTWEFg/s640/blogger-image-1944254993.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Christmas is rushing closer and I am feeling a little stressed. Nowhere NEAR completing my Christmas shopping, I have written many Christmas cards but not addressed them. Not planned much at all. It isn't helped by Sweet Child turning two on December 23. Eek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And on a final note, the Prince came rushing out of school the other day and proudly announced he is a leopard in the school nativity play. A leopard, I thought to myself. Why do schools have to make it so complicated for parents? Why an exotic animal? Hardly festive is it? How on earth would I source a costume? I can't sew. I lack imagination when put under pressure. I can't exactly Bet Lynch him up in a leopardprint catsuit, although it would have made a great laugh on his 18th birthday in terms of photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Are you sure?" I asked. "Are you definitely going to be a leopard?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He nodded vigorously.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Definitely a leopard."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So I stressed silently within and unpacked his school bag once we got home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I found the letter containing details about the nativity play.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And of course, he is going to be.....a shepherd.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#defleppard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPY3WfXymA2SPMZu7yUB3bRkcJWhPNmFI-3w6AZwjFUYgFuv9vf7aE1uCrBIjjTVhyphenhyphenHhMgjmByJ34i____hyphenhyphen6V-L5uGiAWdt0afOizQf7SA7SQrJOV4bwUy56b3TJratSX7fehg9tQNQ/s640/blogger-image-1475467376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPY3WfXymA2SPMZu7yUB3bRkcJWhPNmFI-3w6AZwjFUYgFuv9vf7aE1uCrBIjjTVhyphenhyphenHhMgjmByJ34i____hyphenhyphen6V-L5uGiAWdt0afOizQf7SA7SQrJOV4bwUy56b3TJratSX7fehg9tQNQ/s640/blogger-image-1475467376.jpg"></a></div><br></div>(I got this book from a charity shop recently too!)</div></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-84882352920778192722015-10-28T02:49:00.001-07:002015-10-28T02:53:34.170-07:00Bye bye booby, booby bye byeSo, last week I found the toddler, Sweet Child, attempting to breastfeed her WELLY. Yup. And having had no more than two hours of broken sleep a night and feeling on the brink of utter exhaustion, I decided to finally call time at the bra. After 22 months.<div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTEVlwlM5Uy3IywOyh-TVdtii9lHSw05R-5xiLzlaHuqlmWJH-mCtcR4Nxe73PWmK7a5MMEigKtK5vH5wFwxBr3yOjTfTMlgrgyQRiDCwfo5M06H9KD4NSkT279kQp6aCaopvC8BucH0/s640/blogger-image--2022868455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTEVlwlM5Uy3IywOyh-TVdtii9lHSw05R-5xiLzlaHuqlmWJH-mCtcR4Nxe73PWmK7a5MMEigKtK5vH5wFwxBr3yOjTfTMlgrgyQRiDCwfo5M06H9KD4NSkT279kQp6aCaopvC8BucH0/s640/blogger-image--2022868455.jpg"></font></a><br><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I used a method I never thought I would. Vinegar. I literally doused my golden globes in lashings of Sarson's finest malt. True, I smelt like a chip shop but the Husband said it was an appetising aroma.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, Sweet Child was no longer keen to nurse so instead we had plenty of cuddles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here we are a week later, my boobs are a little Jordan-esque so I have to express a bit off from time to time, but ever so slowly, my body is getting the message. My breasts are now mine, and no longer mauled in the middle of the night by a tiny, over-enthusiastic person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Onto other things, I can't believe I haven't blogged for three months, I shall have to do something about that. Like write more blog posts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cherry tree time. I bought this lovely John Rocha dress:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfdyY1aXCF_0xxruAjkK1F8vVd-x-Cag4-7wPezfOsvoegBRrX1QselmrPrO7HTF6a8kTWTfCJryR3ocSHGNNxt61_NYCvDW-OkiAX3zPMNjGPifxK1cdq-3CAtTQMDmDlIbaqn3OXEI/s640/blogger-image-906877673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfdyY1aXCF_0xxruAjkK1F8vVd-x-Cag4-7wPezfOsvoegBRrX1QselmrPrO7HTF6a8kTWTfCJryR3ocSHGNNxt61_NYCvDW-OkiAX3zPMNjGPifxK1cdq-3CAtTQMDmDlIbaqn3OXEI/s640/blogger-image-906877673.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I made this for my sister's brand new baby. Wool from the charity shop, natch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37qJlsk9xKmSep6Pg_MHujAlnTjxPIRoxtpqeABuY_KZW_gf9jroUw7LgJhVGhfJjI2eisIzc1_eagQ5CeAtV7Fgm6-bkLfvB1GxF0_k3w3DkQA5vKxRbnm0zs9qe0kVZJ4oioe_xF6c/s640/blogger-image-1286658922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37qJlsk9xKmSep6Pg_MHujAlnTjxPIRoxtpqeABuY_KZW_gf9jroUw7LgJhVGhfJjI2eisIzc1_eagQ5CeAtV7Fgm6-bkLfvB1GxF0_k3w3DkQA5vKxRbnm0zs9qe0kVZJ4oioe_xF6c/s640/blogger-image-1286658922.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>This entire outfit cost £3 from various cherry tree shops:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIPTZWoK8ovyHSzrm2XyS65MoxJEYSohAlRRMFbRkExLYP0ALMDodpl-aVzAhva8zadZSqOwWdyQvJm0jGU0bqyRDGFeU4LLI1q2Gcz22wHOFRoKDU8pYKSOH9jcBBoiQiaaHbnl8J2A/s640/blogger-image--1000865837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIPTZWoK8ovyHSzrm2XyS65MoxJEYSohAlRRMFbRkExLYP0ALMDodpl-aVzAhva8zadZSqOwWdyQvJm0jGU0bqyRDGFeU4LLI1q2Gcz22wHOFRoKDU8pYKSOH9jcBBoiQiaaHbnl8J2A/s640/blogger-image--1000865837.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The hat is worn a lot. Here is a gorgeous dress below from a cherry tree shop w<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">hich cost me 50p. Boots are second hand from my next door neighbour. Cardie also 50p. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc0phjG7UOgVdqlsjK2omRgWmO7ijg-AMraddMz2ztcuPEVAD5o8H5st6W2jLosZVBZWC5Unsp3es2KjGdvJ076uV6jgwBppm7FqtLx9xUbbKZQ_I8Yw3Q-p8Or6OIt5QFWw_MamROvA/s640/blogger-image-2050821021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc0phjG7UOgVdqlsjK2omRgWmO7ijg-AMraddMz2ztcuPEVAD5o8H5st6W2jLosZVBZWC5Unsp3es2KjGdvJ076uV6jgwBppm7FqtLx9xUbbKZQ_I8Yw3Q-p8Or6OIt5QFWw_MamROvA/s640/blogger-image-2050821021.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>And this skirt was 50p and I love it a bit too much.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbD8fkw6snaHcZGHLyTEf9hpPlciy_W1h2Z4jtog5XuyD6TW_UOzUM8dNnUjpHQp8H_1swxQ9jWmtFDOTmat3gRRcZumbthU98oAdQbIx00VuQzi6BtkXyCgtJVzhyhsu4KSqC2fTJs8/s640/blogger-image--1388603000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbD8fkw6snaHcZGHLyTEf9hpPlciy_W1h2Z4jtog5XuyD6TW_UOzUM8dNnUjpHQp8H_1swxQ9jWmtFDOTmat3gRRcZumbthU98oAdQbIx00VuQzi6BtkXyCgtJVzhyhsu4KSqC2fTJs8/s640/blogger-image--1388603000.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div> I have a similar one which I bought from a cherry tree shop years ago and I wore on the day I turned 40, last month:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43J2v19DMhtmSo34B1wvxBdgC8goStYqDpOTmqSnvdyaxZFDD_nXZAiPwREFb_zWbaj3w0RQqfoY2JBAYtMo4NWecio4c4UUDrqxVBdFIAm4NVbQTgBkTn52QR2JjuSju0cY7uofgKko/s640/blogger-image-755757758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43J2v19DMhtmSo34B1wvxBdgC8goStYqDpOTmqSnvdyaxZFDD_nXZAiPwREFb_zWbaj3w0RQqfoY2JBAYtMo4NWecio4c4UUDrqxVBdFIAm4NVbQTgBkTn52QR2JjuSju0cY7uofgKko/s640/blogger-image-755757758.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I had a wonderful birthday. It involved a small surprise gathering, a weekend away with the Husband (kid free, get in!), a surprise lunch with my family and a surprise day in London with one of my best friends:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VYuMlMrCi2J4n547H2sJVIDIGeBZ5sWzT3ObtJoisdK5hCuDV_T583VfJMhBhc0Zw8pD8cL7IFMPMrWd7QCCLGqfjGlrxbO5KFNwRhMiCGpr1N0wx61vrhxWUnzAUohZjq5U6b_97pU/s640/blogger-image--1678759568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VYuMlMrCi2J4n547H2sJVIDIGeBZ5sWzT3ObtJoisdK5hCuDV_T583VfJMhBhc0Zw8pD8cL7IFMPMrWd7QCCLGqfjGlrxbO5KFNwRhMiCGpr1N0wx61vrhxWUnzAUohZjq5U6b_97pU/s640/blogger-image--1678759568.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The epic birthday cake made by my good friend.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZzl6oBRNOkA0F_i8qI9vIePxAMTwzTbPUNiDirI6EM1QLJ9-D-ioeHpoZc-wMgb0QMSFCsnyhSOscCQ9Bkhai8mb2aCLrPCmSRJOUevRWrJqcdcvu1WEJk4afP4GwK4yGLETdQcaDKQ/s640/blogger-image--464301614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZzl6oBRNOkA0F_i8qI9vIePxAMTwzTbPUNiDirI6EM1QLJ9-D-ioeHpoZc-wMgb0QMSFCsnyhSOscCQ9Bkhai8mb2aCLrPCmSRJOUevRWrJqcdcvu1WEJk4afP4GwK4yGLETdQcaDKQ/s640/blogger-image--464301614.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We spent my actual birthday on the beach having lunch and soaking up the sun.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGezwDTJu6MEpvgTV_ZYjpVCiPXfw_GQbcYC4dWHBJeb_xfqLtJ4BENu7M7LtLy7W8FiCobmGlWV2s82Mo3n2qca3stDB8qeIPfJMxCngatZi9igAg1I8lQkuG6Yx9esR1A0IeqlKfXY/s640/blogger-image-875151318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGezwDTJu6MEpvgTV_ZYjpVCiPXfw_GQbcYC4dWHBJeb_xfqLtJ4BENu7M7LtLy7W8FiCobmGlWV2s82Mo3n2qca3stDB8qeIPfJMxCngatZi9igAg1I8lQkuG6Yx9esR1A0IeqlKfXY/s640/blogger-image-875151318.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We went to Bath for the weekend to celebrate:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-yZWyEKMLaDZn9s5ohM3KCgS5RPhFYqpg2H5Pvz586J4MFzZxuxyYcV6gIAgSXvo2rmeFD-PWWGwrQJMIig70ewyuuCNv27nH2WpbNBDiWPfzcwgjlOhCIpXfJFoFyPCpAK62NK9SGI/s640/blogger-image--1825474350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-yZWyEKMLaDZn9s5ohM3KCgS5RPhFYqpg2H5Pvz586J4MFzZxuxyYcV6gIAgSXvo2rmeFD-PWWGwrQJMIig70ewyuuCNv27nH2WpbNBDiWPfzcwgjlOhCIpXfJFoFyPCpAK62NK9SGI/s640/blogger-image--1825474350.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JrvAqiuSAApaxMxV3-1nJg-FdJjiNZQN5JvjwvJlA33mqX0fC9bJCJ-tLxqz9ggDQXS5I8NxDBWp_E_1TI3eAWC5UIpX7RLm5zkEqhwdwUmTm3iwstdlUplYmBGDFXa1WhI-oqE2nZk/s640/blogger-image-261543605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JrvAqiuSAApaxMxV3-1nJg-FdJjiNZQN5JvjwvJlA33mqX0fC9bJCJ-tLxqz9ggDQXS5I8NxDBWp_E_1TI3eAWC5UIpX7RLm5zkEqhwdwUmTm3iwstdlUplYmBGDFXa1WhI-oqE2nZk/s640/blogger-image-261543605.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Then one of my besties took me to London. We ate and drank at the Sky Garden, hung out in The Savoy, went shopping, went to a caberet show in the Oscar Wilde bar at Hotel Cafe Royal. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxR6l-rZpP8OAEcnzVI_rIEHyZ5JJcm3XoRYVTEiTqp45Ux5XQqj-rgSdOdFIDgAyMBM63T3VSmEWhMxiofYiAbt1XHHCKPI5uZOibDStM3-YXHaOFdqwmxVBGYLe3GLxB5f5BpggCjQ/s640/blogger-image--1078421259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxR6l-rZpP8OAEcnzVI_rIEHyZ5JJcm3XoRYVTEiTqp45Ux5XQqj-rgSdOdFIDgAyMBM63T3VSmEWhMxiofYiAbt1XHHCKPI5uZOibDStM3-YXHaOFdqwmxVBGYLe3GLxB5f5BpggCjQ/s640/blogger-image--1078421259.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiE7qX4VChaD1xs6ZnwKrvR7nwddcdmFm9li1T6ggpgGgaxchadBXAhp_SlLTBlmI7abKsu_BRY_-9WbWy3dRA7XonJj1_jWwboLwYwNbsSagUWy0ixbTQV8bll6PWL1X6gX5q8xd4Fk/s640/blogger-image-380490937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiE7qX4VChaD1xs6ZnwKrvR7nwddcdmFm9li1T6ggpgGgaxchadBXAhp_SlLTBlmI7abKsu_BRY_-9WbWy3dRA7XonJj1_jWwboLwYwNbsSagUWy0ixbTQV8bll6PWL1X6gX5q8xd4Fk/s640/blogger-image-380490937.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEeAN0qZQPnU43EGC3AjtLsqSQCymwgvKdAxu9q61CqXiDBsCWPoYj22qBP_I9B2_l-4Kgbl9AN1SS8Xw_-3s80gGIm2K1leA9kJz19JwLc94g5Z1nECOMBw3KmWQZKaGU5Cujz5SwaM/s640/blogger-image--1352509332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEeAN0qZQPnU43EGC3AjtLsqSQCymwgvKdAxu9q61CqXiDBsCWPoYj22qBP_I9B2_l-4Kgbl9AN1SS8Xw_-3s80gGIm2K1leA9kJz19JwLc94g5Z1nECOMBw3KmWQZKaGU5Cujz5SwaM/s640/blogger-image--1352509332.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gl-qb02OlvDwB7YWir8oxRjcC5jyxaAvAc4CXhCqQ6OsDRXa-sfbcF5W6NM_rk8dUiYPfWohuswCVcQLjLw-0iltcEVZTXXbCeyYPB4UjDQHegoFly4TzBl7Bac6Dvjj7pnQPby0UQ/s640/blogger-image--827660670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gl-qb02OlvDwB7YWir8oxRjcC5jyxaAvAc4CXhCqQ6OsDRXa-sfbcF5W6NM_rk8dUiYPfWohuswCVcQLjLw-0iltcEVZTXXbCeyYPB4UjDQHegoFly4TzBl7Bac6Dvjj7pnQPby0UQ/s640/blogger-image--827660670.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I was thoroughly spoilt and turning 40 has been far better than I expected.</div><div><br></div><div>Ooh I forgot, I also bought these from the cherry tree shop since my last post:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99_x-ut8rRnLHc-7P_LiJbWEY4gPGj9y-iUc-08O_zokBvFc7oJiMELkjSbLxoscilieaF5Ppu5RNTxg3cO48_MzhtxJw_Bo8orAAU6l5p3oHjhcpqzYq_z_0Z9X8rfZqu2HmxZBlMmI/s640/blogger-image--846840460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99_x-ut8rRnLHc-7P_LiJbWEY4gPGj9y-iUc-08O_zokBvFc7oJiMELkjSbLxoscilieaF5Ppu5RNTxg3cO48_MzhtxJw_Bo8orAAU6l5p3oHjhcpqzYq_z_0Z9X8rfZqu2HmxZBlMmI/s640/blogger-image--846840460.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A fab Gisela Graham purse:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dqAneagNjMxzGBVTZA_PFr-VvOhMimKRcME8l5Ld1O26HHCptkL2UXThT9nCkJV1cKQ2x9-56QQ0mxoVhWFcCsvEswLqw0aIqpeM6onG1i2fgt_ydaN2ooui_sufCnGVmypapNiwnXs/s640/blogger-image--1028502866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dqAneagNjMxzGBVTZA_PFr-VvOhMimKRcME8l5Ld1O26HHCptkL2UXThT9nCkJV1cKQ2x9-56QQ0mxoVhWFcCsvEswLqw0aIqpeM6onG1i2fgt_ydaN2ooui_sufCnGVmypapNiwnXs/s640/blogger-image--1028502866.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And this gorgeous writing paper which is very apt as I live by the sea:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE0hDrv66kv10Itn-nDRxhznEhvbYWj5IrL6PiO4IO2h5D5xJ9-I0wm8rxHyns757vsHaEFu-pyRE2whnFiYdRRBbfZqTn-Rp6ps1DKEC4TR0YBnKyqkTRt64F27D1pqrD-JlHUb1id0/s640/blogger-image-1939061488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE0hDrv66kv10Itn-nDRxhznEhvbYWj5IrL6PiO4IO2h5D5xJ9-I0wm8rxHyns757vsHaEFu-pyRE2whnFiYdRRBbfZqTn-Rp6ps1DKEC4TR0YBnKyqkTRt64F27D1pqrD-JlHUb1id0/s640/blogger-image-1939061488.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Right, I am now heading out for my weekly volunteering position at a breastfeeding group. I love helping new mums feed their babies, but I am feeling relieved I don't have to go through the initial struggle myself. I have breastfed for a total of just over five years. It's enough.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-47389439095546208962015-07-24T05:47:00.001-07:002015-07-27T11:37:39.049-07:00Summer holiday...The Beginning<div><br></div>Cripes, this blog writing seems nigh on impossible these days. If I'm not wiping juvenile snot from my shoulders or picking up endless amounts of dried peas from under the kitchen table, then I am trying to decrease my frown line (which seems to be increasing, rather annoyingly) or find where the toddler has toddled off to (usually a forbidden place).<div>Anyway, here I am, surviving day three of the summer holidays. It's bad today weather wise and making me feel groggy.</div><div>All I want to do is take to my bed like a Victorian heroine and curl up under a duvet and read my book. But alas.</div><div>I have this trio of giblets to care for:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l3qF2gJzcpf3XLgjkU5Sq6zFwWx4Hcct-M7RUD7nq03_vjNxDtgXSHppmD-9aN9pCRyUNSF5wGslQ1XPeXlvdQ3GOCI_IX3i3hT1JlZTVTdE1Xpr56MRkEKKZo_dD0WF5KT2-1p8AzI/s640/blogger-image--584533797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l3qF2gJzcpf3XLgjkU5Sq6zFwWx4Hcct-M7RUD7nq03_vjNxDtgXSHppmD-9aN9pCRyUNSF5wGslQ1XPeXlvdQ3GOCI_IX3i3hT1JlZTVTdE1Xpr56MRkEKKZo_dD0WF5KT2-1p8AzI/s640/blogger-image--584533797.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The toddler is currently snoozing and snoring like an old man, the older two have been bribed with a few sweets and a magazine (OMG, I had no idea kids magazines were so pricey) so I can blog and wash up and attempt to get back into that book.</div><div>Then I might bake. A few weeks ago I made these for a friend to celebrate her birthday:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuT3XxYHU_0TpDwuOlCcMOxgob8X3qaBrU0CnRlgSd7xozTAIeAf8Te3woihQqfiEmgvbJkof3mBbw9WmkdcbsWAxhxCz7_etYJ3AbLCXm8khihaw12B6zq65mfglGWm3RQfjXaO0UjE/s640/blogger-image-1514110976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuT3XxYHU_0TpDwuOlCcMOxgob8X3qaBrU0CnRlgSd7xozTAIeAf8Te3woihQqfiEmgvbJkof3mBbw9WmkdcbsWAxhxCz7_etYJ3AbLCXm8khihaw12B6zq65mfglGWm3RQfjXaO0UjE/s640/blogger-image-1514110976.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I love cupcakes and I know these have been done to death but I love them. They were so delicious and vanilla-filled, it was worth every calorie.</div><div><br></div><div>Exciting things have happened. Firstly, my bro and <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">his wife have brought into the world the sweetest twins!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We went to visit last weekend and I had my fair share of cuddles:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n1-B6v2EjnhicnTpqW33QqgQ4eIJAn0z5RKCdRNWBB911dr-ERortT0OVFabQpc6XQe-a1lkJZIZ8pKpTdSbCh6k8DbPCIecUcU8PSeQ7SsTPSFWifhdcm73uil6997JPSbbtj0zt9g/s640/blogger-image--714680372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n1-B6v2EjnhicnTpqW33QqgQ4eIJAn0z5RKCdRNWBB911dr-ERortT0OVFabQpc6XQe-a1lkJZIZ8pKpTdSbCh6k8DbPCIecUcU8PSeQ7SsTPSFWifhdcm73uil6997JPSbbtj0zt9g/s640/blogger-image--714680372.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Ooh and I am wearing my Gabrielle Parker floral wrap dress which I bought from the cherry tree shop for less than a fiver!! Think the babies approved.</div><div><br></div><div>The twins are like tiny kittens, I am smitten. </div><div><br></div><div>We chilled out in Henley on Thames and visited friends the day before seeing the twins.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxMOkjpMbtiwfs4jeXvITCwqZ9Uc5LIrHvrT8X1ZUjKIfmCdlNUabsOtAjnRTKsTbyICDLI0SYv2ClOegcHL1Y69zErapLHKUbXcabnULx2wd-dpR7T2YD2-3e39CBIxEfJXIQCotbVs/s640/blogger-image-1471112980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxMOkjpMbtiwfs4jeXvITCwqZ9Uc5LIrHvrT8X1ZUjKIfmCdlNUabsOtAjnRTKsTbyICDLI0SYv2ClOegcHL1Y69zErapLHKUbXcabnULx2wd-dpR7T2YD2-3e39CBIxEfJXIQCotbVs/s640/blogger-image-1471112980.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqLH4ZTGAoOgh_cGWfbAK8wnper2gQvJ2lu5T4O5s1TOHEpSH7N0v_CBNpCc_t4ITkkSWo4s10pv7bvPSiFf9v3IDXclRM070dbT1cI9AtaL7s_cXz-_PtH7V4HVJ-5bxtntaJp2bf0M/s640/blogger-image--16228959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqLH4ZTGAoOgh_cGWfbAK8wnper2gQvJ2lu5T4O5s1TOHEpSH7N0v_CBNpCc_t4ITkkSWo4s10pv7bvPSiFf9v3IDXclRM070dbT1cI9AtaL7s_cXz-_PtH7V4HVJ-5bxtntaJp2bf0M/s640/blogger-image--16228959.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can't see it in the below photo but I also have a lovely new cherry tree skirt, it's navy, A line and lacy. I am not pregnant in this pic, just bloated, for the record......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgvOhvujb44iip3o6co2IBoDLlxCWATdj8vXSsfcy_pq7fFGdsq8qskx-MXT6ogossDB-T1s1YvdEFaNyDqykzuJ_hm6ksbC8ip4DTQcSXTltdDLyLWWp7Q1H9woiZ3fyDrsD8o6eCro/s640/blogger-image--1271403075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgvOhvujb44iip3o6co2IBoDLlxCWATdj8vXSsfcy_pq7fFGdsq8qskx-MXT6ogossDB-T1s1YvdEFaNyDqykzuJ_hm6ksbC8ip4DTQcSXTltdDLyLWWp7Q1H9woiZ3fyDrsD8o6eCro/s640/blogger-image--1271403075.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have been to the sea a lot recently, mainly just Sweet Child O'Mine and me. We love the sound of the waves and looking for tiny crabs in the rock pools.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxunYfsW9Ry5xW0GZsPxIV52xQTMCavLu0vwn-Lh98boaZ2jRNAML4oUMLsI_NicR3OlGtW2hWhlkPUm-NTP1ZeXnA5tVIcmQXnvZI7k1L4qMq_oygPW4ojS6lw_g6Fd0dGu7EoLGB0s/s640/blogger-image-2097278992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxunYfsW9Ry5xW0GZsPxIV52xQTMCavLu0vwn-Lh98boaZ2jRNAML4oUMLsI_NicR3OlGtW2hWhlkPUm-NTP1ZeXnA5tVIcmQXnvZI7k1L4qMq_oygPW4ojS6lw_g6Fd0dGu7EoLGB0s/s640/blogger-image-2097278992.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh and this is replacing my chocolate obsession. Not sure what I will do when the watermelon season is over. Sob, probs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh988Tge8n5mkZ4AK99e-gyIRElA4AdB-kh3S6DjAarq9Ti3UiZTxlG-Q9rS39ttkVI4Ixu9JgGWV4SCXyb_yCORdSushpyuM22GCHgkguBgONFG0ECImq0rcFjU1TBQfZnKD_8hwmSgJc/s640/blogger-image--1596595525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh988Tge8n5mkZ4AK99e-gyIRElA4AdB-kh3S6DjAarq9Ti3UiZTxlG-Q9rS39ttkVI4Ixu9JgGWV4SCXyb_yCORdSushpyuM22GCHgkguBgONFG0ECImq0rcFjU1TBQfZnKD_8hwmSgJc/s640/blogger-image--1596595525.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have bought two new Ladybird books but can't find them in all the mess these three kids are creating daily but I shall scour around for them and try to blog again soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ha! There's more chance of Jon Bon Jovi knocking on my door. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And if that should happen, I really would insist on a duvet day (with no intention of reading my book). If only I could find a babysitter.......</div></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-50657807712328671112015-06-05T16:13:00.001-07:002015-06-05T16:13:23.589-07:00Jean genieSo the news this week is that I spent an incredible amount of time removing a piece of Special K from the Prince's ear. He somehow managed to wedge a piece of the cereal right inside while watching Superman.<div>This is him before Cereal Ear Saga.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcblFj_5asshUUHdl4hbkXCfkb78E4LzzUsbGLiPr-RzwHdpEaDxgCdPXs-6q5jOqXMN7BpbIbg7hDO06QN36glKWyPSe7plXqyJYkIJ1dEpvu_mkipAvUnmdDJzJNxpwuRnnTrIYWIv8/s640/blogger-image-1195553241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcblFj_5asshUUHdl4hbkXCfkb78E4LzzUsbGLiPr-RzwHdpEaDxgCdPXs-6q5jOqXMN7BpbIbg7hDO06QN36glKWyPSe7plXqyJYkIJ1dEpvu_mkipAvUnmdDJzJNxpwuRnnTrIYWIv8/s640/blogger-image-1195553241.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I thought about tweezers for swift removal of said brittle flake but decided against it. I am, after all, the girl who was taken into hospital at the age of ten after sticking a plastic bead in her ear and having an operation to remove it from her ear drum.</span><div><div><div>I couldn't work how to get the cereal out without pushing it in further, but then I remembered my brother getting a beetle in his ear as a kid and me pouring a massive jug of water into his lughole and the beetle swimming out in the torrid tsunami.</div><div>It worked a treat. Said Special K whooshed out, the Prince could hear again. And I could relax. Until Sweet Child fell off a wooden cart in the garden and grazed her chin. With never ending blood.</div><div>Half term.</div><div>Such sweet words.</div><div>End of half term. </div><div>Even sweeter.</div><div>Don't get me wrong, we have actually had a blast as the Husband had the whole week off.</div><div>But the house was trashed when the kids returned to school. So the first day back, I decided to thoroughly clean the house. As in deep clean. I decided to wear the husband' old jeans to do this.</div><div>Now, I haven't worn my own jeans for 26 months. They just don't fit from the moment I got pregnant til now. So I donned male jeans and cleaned all day. Bleached meself happy, so I did.</div><div>Then I threw a coat on and dashed to do the school run.</div><div>One mum at the school gate nodded to the fact I was wearing jeans. I explained why. She said she had never seen me in jeans before. I let it go. Was my attire really that noticeable?</div><div>Then another mum came up to me and over egged the pudding on the whole "Oh! You are wearing jeans" spiel.</div><div>I again pointed out they were my husband's denim slacks which I was wearing as I had been grafting all day.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">She then said "It doesn't look right, you wearing jeans. You usually wear pretty dresses or skirts. It doesn't really suit you does it?"</span></div><div>Speechless. Did Levi Strauss ever have to put up with this crap?</div><div>I then collected the kids and slouched home in my obviously unflattering kecks and soon forgot about it.</div><div>Three hours later a friend dropped by, wanting me to tighten the back of her baby sling while her toddler slept on her back. We were on the doorstep, chatting and I told her about my jeans saga after <i>SHE </i>also noted I was wearing jeans.</div><div>I told her why I was wearing them and what the other mums had said and how it made me feel.</div><div>And she said "I think it's because you usually look so glam with nice clothes and make up on."</div><div>Which didn't really help my mood!</div><div>So I may well go another 26 months without wearing jeans...</div><div>Moving on, the Prince is six today.</div><div>He has gone from this:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoMpUCtlmOzzM2MedyU80ARL60aPZ9gJRrw0QdJJchm5kI0WYe2y1ay1Ijq6cb8d059hLHOkf21GTlQ8CcFMZXXiIZV2hGPzp2OrgG_yONmF-xIJ-Tme9hDTtreyH1-1jXwr5oO15NKY/s640/blogger-image--620984912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoMpUCtlmOzzM2MedyU80ARL60aPZ9gJRrw0QdJJchm5kI0WYe2y1ay1Ijq6cb8d059hLHOkf21GTlQ8CcFMZXXiIZV2hGPzp2OrgG_yONmF-xIJ-Tme9hDTtreyH1-1jXwr5oO15NKY/s640/blogger-image--620984912.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>To this:</div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94sAMDXqWBuVkjn0B1dDzfKdu7ZmsO2gX1rKJgB6PMTbo5NOBSX8C1DrkSM_i6AxrUyFo4Wp6EUqmU_WdMgIIn9DeUeJyM2kj6YCC1713oNfhTaHdT0dW0mjcVQ0yuk1jAvcskpvHfcw/s640/blogger-image--1209347794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94sAMDXqWBuVkjn0B1dDzfKdu7ZmsO2gX1rKJgB6PMTbo5NOBSX8C1DrkSM_i6AxrUyFo4Wp6EUqmU_WdMgIIn9DeUeJyM2kj6YCC1713oNfhTaHdT0dW0mjcVQ0yuk1jAvcskpvHfcw/s640/blogger-image--1209347794.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>He ate birthday cake for breakfast and told us he felt at least seven years old.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ0OJUPwIbLU_1eWNNiWJWWYjbaDpwhDfixT8l4sAX-5d0n3w8k6OsI7xNKIM2wcuUci81mnsh2vcjFpK9CNYYlxnEWgwPFJSpvAvjLZM_e1kD699uURhBuMhk85CO59zgdtg0dMBh2A/s640/blogger-image--1089810869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ0OJUPwIbLU_1eWNNiWJWWYjbaDpwhDfixT8l4sAX-5d0n3w8k6OsI7xNKIM2wcuUci81mnsh2vcjFpK9CNYYlxnEWgwPFJSpvAvjLZM_e1kD699uURhBuMhk85CO59zgdtg0dMBh2A/s640/blogger-image--1089810869.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I love this boy so much and am very proud of him.</div><div><br></div><div>Right, next blog post, charity finds, I promise....</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-79883227402114604592015-05-25T04:28:00.001-07:002015-05-25T04:28:38.708-07:00I'm Only Sleeping<div>As I write this blog post, I am watching the Prince eat the weirdest snack ever. He is stirring Pom-Bear crisps into pilau rice and scoffing it.........vile.</div>In today's news, I have scraped the scuzzy hardened brown bitty stuff off the table, which might well have been Weetabix but really there's no way to know for sure. In a bid to spring clean. Even though spring cleaning should have happened yonks ago really.<div>I'm a bit behind.<br><div>But the thing is, Sweet Child takes up time. A lot of time. If she isn't trying to hurl herself off the Weetabix-encrusted kitchen table, then she is dangling precariously off the back of the sofa. Or throwing books down the toilet. Or eating soap. Or finding a way of opening packets of chewing gum. Honestly, I feel I have aged dreadfully and am skipping with glee that I am reading more features about how grey hair is the new big deal in the world of glossy tresses. Thank The Lord, I am finally bang on trend.</div><div>Three hours sleep is not part of my plan and so instead of cleaning Weetabix and other unidentifiable matter off the table and doing a full Kim and Aggy clean-up in the house, I have been either dazed and glazed while trying to keep up with the washing or I have tried to do an afternoon nap.</div><div>Napping has caused me problems though. I ended up sleeping through the alarm last week and slept through the school run. Oh dear god, I have never felt so stressed.</div><div>I woke at 2.50pm which is precisely the time the Prince comes out of his class, then dumps his bag/lunch box/PE kit/drinking bottle/crazy art work and school letters onto me and demands he is hungry and WHY aren't we going to the park. Normally that is stressful enough, but imagine actually sleeping through all that.</div><div>With a racing heart, I leapt out of bed, woke Sweet Child, dressed her, crammed her into the sling, tried to find my front door key and phoned the school to say I was on my way...without trying to sound too panicky.</div><div>Then as I eventually opened the front door to leave, the phone rang and I had to dash back in and answer it, assuming it was my son's teacher.</div><div>But it wasn't. It was the receptionist at the Princess's school to tell me my daughter had been hit hard in the head by a rugby ball. Honestly, beads of sweat were rolling down my forehead by this point and the husband wouldn't be home til gone midnight. It was going to be a long afternoon/evening/night.</div><div>Things like this stop me from blogging regularly. Sweet Child ripping her nappy off and weeing through the entire house keeps me from blogging. At first I thought we had a ceiling leak.....then I realised what she had done.</div><div>So, sleeping through the alarm, thus failing to make the school run, having the feeling I am NEVER top of the housework, trying to be an adult among three very busy children, all of whom are not known for their Shrinking Violet personas, are all the excuses you need to know why I only make a rare appearance these days.</div><div>But I know that when the kids grow up, move out and I am kicking my heels around a quiet, calm, clean house, I shall weep. Mourn for what I had.</div><div>This is a good life. It's hectic and I probably wouldn't have it any other way.</div><div>In other news though, I did eventually finish the pram blanket for Sweet Child. It has taken me months and months.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIje-HwDBgyet0HlbWpt-fvYl1z3jDiW3fYyKYVhpxxvjZSxjpzPm2ssBC29w_wH8xYf-QEXdmT8a-UDoSc5tsLNSqGChADZT5_3kXv27a6AAws4KrfpZCXa5pctzYJAlgBawMmwNdK0/s640/blogger-image--1877390494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIje-HwDBgyet0HlbWpt-fvYl1z3jDiW3fYyKYVhpxxvjZSxjpzPm2ssBC29w_wH8xYf-QEXdmT8a-UDoSc5tsLNSqGChADZT5_3kXv27a6AAws4KrfpZCXa5pctzYJAlgBawMmwNdK0/s640/blogger-image--1877390494.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Sweet Child is now 17 months old and I miss the newborn stage but love how she has developed. She adores hats, bags and shoes. A proper girl!!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHueNsMEpgix9DXuhkCxILPq_fc5eGcopd834K_sFpygZfJiqEf2c41ueCjAVTUM990xiPdWkmlo3xsIJjJ6aVD4R3FOdo1I3t6gTfzDiCKyDn-gcWQHQDX_vRiItsFYvlN_zeMkAJ48/s640/blogger-image-1272081866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHueNsMEpgix9DXuhkCxILPq_fc5eGcopd834K_sFpygZfJiqEf2c41ueCjAVTUM990xiPdWkmlo3xsIJjJ6aVD4R3FOdo1I3t6gTfzDiCKyDn-gcWQHQDX_vRiItsFYvlN_zeMkAJ48/s640/blogger-image-1272081866.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I was godmother at my nephew's christening. This church is where we married 13 years ago. My parents and grandparents were also married here. Now my grandparents are buried here. It is very special.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXLol2SxBOJIw0s4ur1PtdKIAafAXdfC7UF7MCAHeDkGz0OFkP69vfB8Z-2LX3lhKOjOl709S7ZHvX_9C01akjWDO9RS6SlRw9eqkGRp9yN17VvoLFzuTLJ424__n7RUbuxJCeTsA50s/s640/blogger-image--1086095929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXLol2SxBOJIw0s4ur1PtdKIAafAXdfC7UF7MCAHeDkGz0OFkP69vfB8Z-2LX3lhKOjOl709S7ZHvX_9C01akjWDO9RS6SlRw9eqkGRp9yN17VvoLFzuTLJ424__n7RUbuxJCeTsA50s/s640/blogger-image--1086095929.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>We have had picnics galore...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6CivoVeyeMXZM6r7xZy0K8YvE_aVBJMINjiJtZbyTvY-mqxiyTTdtzS9jVxcmEN3icfq-bjKmPod5F0gUa14Xk5dPEtiS6KomcF4EZzNX468Pp69sjsYeKVZa4xW9eqgyQgjaLgOLhU/s640/blogger-image-1046701883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6CivoVeyeMXZM6r7xZy0K8YvE_aVBJMINjiJtZbyTvY-mqxiyTTdtzS9jVxcmEN3icfq-bjKmPod5F0gUa14Xk5dPEtiS6KomcF4EZzNX468Pp69sjsYeKVZa4xW9eqgyQgjaLgOLhU/s640/blogger-image-1046701883.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>One of my besties came to stay and we went out for dinner and had cocktails and had quality time. We NEVER get time together like that usually.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ojaVp-PPxFX-Rdf3JKAAjDou-OZdPhCnWctXFExzWwhyy4PAgI1ykaMAXFioza0eZ1TRVfOSguBbbmVyp8NupNPnGgXk_fgVoDJa4f2nI7BZjjOb4Lh0OEt4r8d1glQPVcNcgyZMsyA/s640/blogger-image--384554292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ojaVp-PPxFX-Rdf3JKAAjDou-OZdPhCnWctXFExzWwhyy4PAgI1ykaMAXFioza0eZ1TRVfOSguBbbmVyp8NupNPnGgXk_fgVoDJa4f2nI7BZjjOb4Lh0OEt4r8d1glQPVcNcgyZMsyA/s640/blogger-image--384554292.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The husband is due back at any time and we are planning a BBQ later although the sun has gone in and it looks cold. As standard when we plan a BBQ...Ho hum.</div><div><br></div><div>I have bought some lush things from cherry tree shops recently so I hope to blog about those sometime soon, perhaps before Sweet Child is 18.</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-72371239116290148372015-04-19T04:42:00.001-07:002015-04-19T04:42:11.966-07:00Aftermath of the Chocolate HazeSo Easter came in a typical whirl of crazy calorie consumption and hyper kids who thought eating chocolate for breakfast was the Best Thing Ever.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5tkCF3AV_njVohiDNilu1MXkIgBi-3yMZ5ItvDLgGC2298JZNTPsC7j7bEd8SEUZ5T8wChJpYgVq95XkivWMBmXG6EjokGLiyeYQW5SOkal89z2Y92AMUiAi23w8Wun84N1XE9hs1XE/s640/blogger-image-1132636622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5tkCF3AV_njVohiDNilu1MXkIgBi-3yMZ5ItvDLgGC2298JZNTPsC7j7bEd8SEUZ5T8wChJpYgVq95XkivWMBmXG6EjokGLiyeYQW5SOkal89z2Y92AMUiAi23w8Wun84N1XE9hs1XE/s640/blogger-image-1132636622.jpg"></a></div><br><div>It was like Willy Wonka's factory and then some. I look like an Oompa Loompa too, come to think of it, as a result of over indulging. I can't blame the baby for my weight anymore, it's a pure chockywockydoodah belly and I need to sort it fast.</div><div>The Husband worked all Easter except Easter Monday so it was fraught in parts (mainly Foxpoogate which I can't talk about for fear of coming up in hives and naughty children who may have driven me to tears at one point).</div><div>The Easter hols were fab on the whole although I couldn't really enjoy charity shop perusing as three kids tend to prevent me doing things to indulge myself. My time will come, probably.</div><div>But I did buy a gorgeous bonbon dish just before school broke up, which I kept filling with Mini Eggs.....and scoffing and then refilling. HEAVENLY.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfguBFSXNfa03t5fCcJrvcydWrVt6_yfWbjpDDwab3SuFSVn7O623bKf06mMWl6cV_xNgygJa_0EbNtwdPyl2ILXYuRgqditbO_z9YDOkCLnPtXunotPB3W85LAyGrFC94BLFhd1OnoWA/s640/blogger-image--2107651701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfguBFSXNfa03t5fCcJrvcydWrVt6_yfWbjpDDwab3SuFSVn7O623bKf06mMWl6cV_xNgygJa_0EbNtwdPyl2ILXYuRgqditbO_z9YDOkCLnPtXunotPB3W85LAyGrFC94BLFhd1OnoWA/s640/blogger-image--2107651701.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>The Trio of Terror have been keeping me on my toes. Sweet Child has been a pickle and I have been sleep training her for the sake of my own sanity. Friday night was hard as I don't agree with leaving children to cry but things are changing for the better.</div><div>She is a wonderful, gorgeous little girl with the most hilarious personality. She is obsessed with Batman and also loves knitted dollies and smelling daffodils. </div><div>But man I need to sleep more than three hours a night!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzai5G0euWJoR3ZGDelQRlDhVy3F9lf65GpoEsm8Rtv2BmKoyYNsZbvAmbhwLLo1wnu810NosJnw0X-JHcqJ_YOqR7B8YJYKhzTChiU3qdv6leRHkGhKQF6OWcFuE7jgrXFcqU2DkDDvA/s640/blogger-image-1413159414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzai5G0euWJoR3ZGDelQRlDhVy3F9lf65GpoEsm8Rtv2BmKoyYNsZbvAmbhwLLo1wnu810NosJnw0X-JHcqJ_YOqR7B8YJYKhzTChiU3qdv6leRHkGhKQF6OWcFuE7jgrXFcqU2DkDDvA/s640/blogger-image-1413159414.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This below pic was at 6.30am today, she was full of beans and far too noisy while the rest of the household tried to sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w50Qfidhnxn7axxUF2GjNfcq7Obkrv7sb3rF77VFbwfZHq_lXzm3WaG16xp6ydGOv3DpZ9EEXlP1w1ObJKH1eNGPd9V66bVUj3WwtlHy14HTOz3OTgXup_WDRBW1T_7IG5CFPnJS7kA/s640/blogger-image-753494653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-w50Qfidhnxn7axxUF2GjNfcq7Obkrv7sb3rF77VFbwfZHq_lXzm3WaG16xp6ydGOv3DpZ9EEXlP1w1ObJKH1eNGPd9V66bVUj3WwtlHy14HTOz3OTgXup_WDRBW1T_7IG5CFPnJS7kA/s640/blogger-image-753494653.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3FE2eRCRzL-_QB_-a46nT5KBHLHwSLeo17NHe7uVZXLxi7npZvjUO2EwSARU50-Itx7Drz4KyKdCKr8eqwCnKcx88MDPOeX8QHgAIVj1eJeakz5XiKXigWip-yOHXn9Aa_02JnSKMvs/s640/blogger-image--1161127477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3FE2eRCRzL-_QB_-a46nT5KBHLHwSLeo17NHe7uVZXLxi7npZvjUO2EwSARU50-Itx7Drz4KyKdCKr8eqwCnKcx88MDPOeX8QHgAIVj1eJeakz5XiKXigWip-yOHXn9Aa_02JnSKMvs/s640/blogger-image--1161127477.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Now the other two junior villains are back at school, I am working hard as a freelancer, juggling that with ensuring Sweet Child doesn't hurl herself off the kitchen table or try to eat fridge magnets and also trying to stay away from the kids' Easter eggs. And let me tell you, the latter is the hardest part.</div><div>Hoping to hit cherry tree shops this week!</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-43705967182482567072015-03-21T07:08:00.001-07:002015-03-21T07:08:10.323-07:00Sweet Child and the weary muvva. Sweet Child keeps revealing my breasts in public. She has also started ramming her hands down my top to have a quick shuffle and check the food is still there, should she want it. In the same way I open the fridge to check no one has eaten my Double Decker, I guess.<div>She is also climbing on the kitchen table and it's driving me utterly mad.</div><div>And when she isn't doing all that, she is slamming the toilet lid down, taking out the coal from the gas fire and rubbing it all over her face and refusing to let me sleep more than an hour at a time.</div><div>So, this post is brief, because all has gone quiet in the living room and I am in the kitchen. I shall brace myself for what she may have done.</div><div>And I can't even begin to start telling you about the Chewing Gum Episode but all I shall say is this; she had very minty drool and a shocked face...</div><div>Here she is in her £1 cherry tree skirt.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8USDTyfc9uMndS9f-pYHbGGMZTLQZCfXT5HsLhyUG2bxLKVZnkSXRCIYEYM4SDAHHPaqGKZAg0-RjMq3b-hm3BLyKiekeI29LTsBYML8KRBZb6g5tP3o01atslQAu3ESu58fRq7dUkYY/s640/blogger-image-900572368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8USDTyfc9uMndS9f-pYHbGGMZTLQZCfXT5HsLhyUG2bxLKVZnkSXRCIYEYM4SDAHHPaqGKZAg0-RjMq3b-hm3BLyKiekeI29LTsBYML8KRBZb6g5tP3o01atslQAu3ESu58fRq7dUkYY/s640/blogger-image-900572368.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>and here she is about to climb Everest again.......</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAdAF_s5mWjzD9pjS3aPig9iL3n7UPZv6iWATnEAdiOQ7MlNOpatSTNcn7YGcocziY02KM39tDTI3rvUxUJ6yhIIDXha0o95a-PODtUSzcMj4aIMsxvuyjzGzbSIhHfHfstrtf2LpGFw/s640/blogger-image-111813198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAdAF_s5mWjzD9pjS3aPig9iL3n7UPZv6iWATnEAdiOQ7MlNOpatSTNcn7YGcocziY02KM39tDTI3rvUxUJ6yhIIDXha0o95a-PODtUSzcMj4aIMsxvuyjzGzbSIhHfHfstrtf2LpGFw/s640/blogger-image-111813198.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I must locate Sweet Child. Whom I really should rename Wild Child. Well, she sends me flipping wild at times in any case.</div><br></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-25316815133998998082015-03-14T13:41:00.001-07:002015-03-14T14:01:10.104-07:00Sofa So GoodIt's been a while my chums. How's it hanging?<div>Remember me? Here I am, trying to look coy in a bid to look less...well....knackered really.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4OMC8N5pYHBP48_jGACrGf2NeVGkUBum6Cg5MxHjzQbxCy8mZNAZN9OUVo5ayNu8_0aDp4cgQ8w3uoEhk9d_AIqax5nv_dUoD_s8qKJG5QWafH6Xr-jrXXW47PqcLBPw3grfbwTfGAo/s640/blogger-image-1015858852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4OMC8N5pYHBP48_jGACrGf2NeVGkUBum6Cg5MxHjzQbxCy8mZNAZN9OUVo5ayNu8_0aDp4cgQ8w3uoEhk9d_AIqax5nv_dUoD_s8qKJG5QWafH6Xr-jrXXW47PqcLBPw3grfbwTfGAo/s640/blogger-image-1015858852.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> It's true, I haven't blogged in ages.</span></div><div><div>Right, I have been all whirled up like a Walnut Whip of late and can't seem to slow any aspect of life down, but busy times are good and it keeps me from loafing around on the sofa watching Jeremy Kyle.</div><div>Not that I fancy the sofa much as it harbours filth. I hoovered underneath the sofa recently on a rare whim and under all the seat cushions. Well, there was enough dry cereal under there to feed a family of ten for a week. Hideous. I also unearthed: four hair grips, three Lego men...one missing a head (which I hope Sweet Child hasn't eaten), a whole ball of fluff resembling a grey kitten, two segments of satsuma, seven raisins, three children's books, a rice cake, a Harry Potter wand, white feathers, a keyring, two pens, a lipstick, a ruler and a dried slice of cucumber. Vile. Domestic sluttery at its best.</div><div>I am juggling freelance work with raising three children, trying..and failing it seems...to keep a clean house, and keeping on top of all the school letters that demand the kids to dress up as World Book Day characters and remembering school trip money and raffle ticket purchases and homework diaries to be signed and after school club info and Comic Relief mufti day where kids must wear red and one had to donate a hamper item for the spring fair and the other had to take money for donation. Then there are toddler groups. A garden to sort, endless washing and all on such little sleep it makes me shudder.</div><div>So I fell into a cherry tree shop and treated myself to these pretty Victorian plates. Oh I love them!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I9pewgqLedLqRxHlIrPmccOWXE9v3t1T22t51JW37Sdh8o0ExaUgZuHo8jriTS_RfE_1oQssGT_W9XnYtpPS4eKZdn2TTqWUlsY9W_eyjNzot9A28Ep9saftYjtZowTaXAHMZPpfEJI/s640/blogger-image--610852633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_I9pewgqLedLqRxHlIrPmccOWXE9v3t1T22t51JW37Sdh8o0ExaUgZuHo8jriTS_RfE_1oQssGT_W9XnYtpPS4eKZdn2TTqWUlsY9W_eyjNzot9A28Ep9saftYjtZowTaXAHMZPpfEJI/s640/blogger-image--610852633.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dear Sweet Child is nearly 15 months and a total dolly:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQAIA45-wU_oPhCKii84ReZnlKxVhdpH0ZU7hGWHKcticfCA3EvEJ6Q_9cejhwSsiVNQ_WFCUlV-wiCJQm-FTy90utjwEeod8UhUmKIt05Pt8ihQ1TB1qCKLHPrVMHHJu7h2DLrLraEA/s640/blogger-image-1060091594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQAIA45-wU_oPhCKii84ReZnlKxVhdpH0ZU7hGWHKcticfCA3EvEJ6Q_9cejhwSsiVNQ_WFCUlV-wiCJQm-FTy90utjwEeod8UhUmKIt05Pt8ihQ1TB1qCKLHPrVMHHJu7h2DLrLraEA/s640/blogger-image-1060091594.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here she is showing off my new Ladybird book...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5A06Zs0H49bu6Pj8cuhFAXOBN1ORbEUrSvSBuTVWVS8TDFR-3M3IwjSjMYmVM0zykO1o26AnfxHKNZihG9K5JNJZxa5LnZgwPEbW-xrKl7Ad69Iv8oDAMUs9aJMf5a3IjnqfyktFabts/s640/blogger-image--1347474379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5A06Zs0H49bu6Pj8cuhFAXOBN1ORbEUrSvSBuTVWVS8TDFR-3M3IwjSjMYmVM0zykO1o26AnfxHKNZihG9K5JNJZxa5LnZgwPEbW-xrKl7Ad69Iv8oDAMUs9aJMf5a3IjnqfyktFabts/s640/blogger-image--1347474379.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have been baking cheese scones:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVzoNwSGLBXRbfZlybIe6z6gkSaJhhkLkcnp09JYTqZ_3EADfzQck_Xjc2NA9HYhT5jd2WAS6UP_4Rx5EwcCGqMbeexSIKOkLLCv8pTCbgTOC4JDKKsLUsD39QHbAXBkAgSB3BfzycRE/s640/blogger-image--879876676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVzoNwSGLBXRbfZlybIe6z6gkSaJhhkLkcnp09JYTqZ_3EADfzQck_Xjc2NA9HYhT5jd2WAS6UP_4Rx5EwcCGqMbeexSIKOkLLCv8pTCbgTOC4JDKKsLUsD39QHbAXBkAgSB3BfzycRE/s640/blogger-image--879876676.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enjoing a VERY rare night out with the Husband:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmaqD_HSB_SDfdOWs39PxCvv8F4p3j7dIhZ-41shZEz-o0XJxkpUzwvQthQlFQmkfhImXuYMZtv5Z4Yoce6Id2XNKwq1a7bTNTTZQ0Hk0_C0md405_5bdvZ8mZBo8yjW0H6Xs9HC3G3E/s640/blogger-image-1228214419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmaqD_HSB_SDfdOWs39PxCvv8F4p3j7dIhZ-41shZEz-o0XJxkpUzwvQthQlFQmkfhImXuYMZtv5Z4Yoce6Id2XNKwq1a7bTNTTZQ0Hk0_C0md405_5bdvZ8mZBo8yjW0H6Xs9HC3G3E/s640/blogger-image-1228214419.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enjoying sandy walks with the Trio of Terror</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWeSs-rUs0SX1EgSFtgCJ_pxU6gZlyBSlilb-s9ppCRuaqjJqtKFtMFQgkMOcsWjAYXcfCjBnsjGJT-d8qGsbHY6WoIm7aqQNWUJcYdy2PYUQRWUzzz9meiLZcC6ne11Wgz5Zp8hOIsA/s640/blogger-image-787008424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWeSs-rUs0SX1EgSFtgCJ_pxU6gZlyBSlilb-s9ppCRuaqjJqtKFtMFQgkMOcsWjAYXcfCjBnsjGJT-d8qGsbHY6WoIm7aqQNWUJcYdy2PYUQRWUzzz9meiLZcC6ne11Wgz5Zp8hOIsA/s640/blogger-image-787008424.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Trying not to chuckle at the World Book Day efforts:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD9yKB-FeJ4ZgE_qN3uQ5mKvq0sO1cUWyjXOCcfamLhGmH-kYWyv1i9Z1fleEloW1sjq8Yym2C0gbdlNQFdr63aVR9p8Vc8G7py62X_MgYynr5kd9AAZZLdPIF8-3hqaf-LYxWoY4gbM/s640/blogger-image-970941330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdD9yKB-FeJ4ZgE_qN3uQ5mKvq0sO1cUWyjXOCcfamLhGmH-kYWyv1i9Z1fleEloW1sjq8Yym2C0gbdlNQFdr63aVR9p8Vc8G7py62X_MgYynr5kd9AAZZLdPIF8-3hqaf-LYxWoY4gbM/s640/blogger-image-970941330.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Puss was without (muddy) boots in the house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj61Pc3mzcAwnINNVMAKUAw1d7Mg1jIcbmjfverisLkXr5SWO5JNiMF6RltqF_LNGoecRdHEItK1zkOCakTShNtj6-Cbt7TryuWFLtDXcVLmAcs3SV0_jMuhR4nLPNKI10g_KxzIsUcA/s640/blogger-image--1007334362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj61Pc3mzcAwnINNVMAKUAw1d7Mg1jIcbmjfverisLkXr5SWO5JNiMF6RltqF_LNGoecRdHEItK1zkOCakTShNtj6-Cbt7TryuWFLtDXcVLmAcs3SV0_jMuhR4nLPNKI10g_KxzIsUcA/s640/blogger-image--1007334362.jpg"></a></div></div>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then Red Nose Day happened:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-HSRPykKzOu7clgUU93PF4NHknKD9_TXhEB-h8W_cIf24w8zU_Tr2LQoTyt6YJBP07NrufYZ7rJUNZ8Z0Qt_va7lvv3rjfKr1N0tnueiXy_2qAZ_ounqKp93fv-_e1QmRwqHhqj0vio/s640/blogger-image-419966661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-HSRPykKzOu7clgUU93PF4NHknKD9_TXhEB-h8W_cIf24w8zU_Tr2LQoTyt6YJBP07NrufYZ7rJUNZ8Z0Qt_va7lvv3rjfKr1N0tnueiXy_2qAZ_ounqKp93fv-_e1QmRwqHhqj0vio/s640/blogger-image-419966661.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Superheros made me laugh:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrdRZxp0UL1rNhJo1vuP7QetsJNXadw7A1NSuTIxtIMKksphT3xLkzx0RNrgzfkwHnTJFwDllOMQQhPTX8lPXJAnTHxkX4ocm11h7zyTUVciSqrIg4RDuDuNr0WxoRek3FNOOGWLrHBs/s640/blogger-image--1087249267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrdRZxp0UL1rNhJo1vuP7QetsJNXadw7A1NSuTIxtIMKksphT3xLkzx0RNrgzfkwHnTJFwDllOMQQhPTX8lPXJAnTHxkX4ocm11h7zyTUVciSqrIg4RDuDuNr0WxoRek3FNOOGWLrHBs/s640/blogger-image--1087249267.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Saw one of my best friends:</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuRs8B4PHAtV4FvyQKcn4lha-GG_7BnyKG31AmnsOur-5blHV7tB-crrn7W4FlHuM1xIGTw_HzJoM-QWEMot2kECq7DgkjQ_JmZcTcruwlMPvkzXC5HK72Hh6ABTeITCmgpoi5De3E-A/s640/blogger-image-1272975329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuRs8B4PHAtV4FvyQKcn4lha-GG_7BnyKG31AmnsOur-5blHV7tB-crrn7W4FlHuM1xIGTw_HzJoM-QWEMot2kECq7DgkjQ_JmZcTcruwlMPvkzXC5HK72Hh6ABTeITCmgpoi5De3E-A/s640/blogger-image-1272975329.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And just look at the Ladybird collection growing!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8gNFg8DBsOfaTBG7LFOc1nf5xDXXDG3HsWJctPdtiFqytXE2Rjxto4uMtbGWRXN3nhUZ3s9mS_E4DuSVppzNyNxxi5OWmaNkYYAEUmR0DaANEWAsemqakKmRcq-_GlRt0EVb7c2snU0/s640/blogger-image-1322464493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8gNFg8DBsOfaTBG7LFOc1nf5xDXXDG3HsWJctPdtiFqytXE2Rjxto4uMtbGWRXN3nhUZ3s9mS_E4DuSVppzNyNxxi5OWmaNkYYAEUmR0DaANEWAsemqakKmRcq-_GlRt0EVb7c2snU0/s640/blogger-image-1322464493.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And Spring is on its way, it's a lovely time of year!</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmfh0KhPSASZ_T5A47gM9sFZzjWE5lDfuqD5JYeveWoegze8iT9khsPSilCk0xao6zhZerLGGtaztvPA9vxvMoXF6tcnMnznssoH-tAcuVJVxhfGK7x-ADR6JyKW4LGrwSUPn-6-RGpw/s640/blogger-image--2121631991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmfh0KhPSASZ_T5A47gM9sFZzjWE5lDfuqD5JYeveWoegze8iT9khsPSilCk0xao6zhZerLGGtaztvPA9vxvMoXF6tcnMnznssoH-tAcuVJVxhfGK7x-ADR6JyKW4LGrwSUPn-6-RGpw/s640/blogger-image--2121631991.jpg"></a></div><br></div>So spring cleaning will now commence. Mind you, if I found that mucky lot under the sofa, imagine what I will find under the kids beds......gulp..........at least they aren't teens yet.</div><br></div><br></div></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-23725371158507341142015-01-29T14:17:00.001-08:002015-01-29T14:21:32.683-08:00The kids are alrightSo Shingles is in da house. <div>And like a truly unwelcome Celebrity Big Brother contestant, I want Shingles evicted now please. Enough of your larger than life presence.</div><div>Oh and have no sympathy for me please, because while I am fully aware that it affects older people, it's actually the dear sweet Princess who is suffering. She of 11 years and two months of age. We spent most of Saturday morning in A&E and she's now knocking back anti viral tablets like there's no tomorrow. </div><div>What with that and the Prince being investigated in hospital for tummy problemos and the Sweet Child giving me heart tremors every time she runs so fast she almost ricochets off the laminate flooring, it's fair to say I am ageing rapidly.</div><div>It's been a month since I last blogged. Totally shocking but time is not my own. It will be one day, but not at the moment.</div><div>Apart from two trips with Sweet Child into a cherry tree shop where I firstly picked up a Ladybird book to add to my vast collection.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix-UYdOKsss6vYpGsPaVGlu-I-9MgB6A73mkPJ-KVGsi2DTQVJRHOoFHBC6q7XGmmfdcid8FYv6UCkkpgK1VDVdm9TYp3VQSgSZbu1qcru8SJX0n5DVVWsqW1Ur7JfraX1mtbFsjvqnY/s640/blogger-image-2075157770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix-UYdOKsss6vYpGsPaVGlu-I-9MgB6A73mkPJ-KVGsi2DTQVJRHOoFHBC6q7XGmmfdcid8FYv6UCkkpgK1VDVdm9TYp3VQSgSZbu1qcru8SJX0n5DVVWsqW1Ur7JfraX1mtbFsjvqnY/s640/blogger-image-2075157770.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And secondly, I found a mate for this:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngFD20TuvjzfSMsrejBGs76EhQDGCgFxfUDsi_dlD1xe6AWUAshk-_e5dW5cxn5wu7aB7av36yetSz0eaIqHcqEStiUQrslvjMaQwNJCjU51B97H8VowFBAe01ckiykY07pY20oLJNoE/s640/blogger-image--255083485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngFD20TuvjzfSMsrejBGs76EhQDGCgFxfUDsi_dlD1xe6AWUAshk-_e5dW5cxn5wu7aB7av36yetSz0eaIqHcqEStiUQrslvjMaQwNJCjU51B97H8VowFBAe01ckiykY07pY20oLJNoE/s640/blogger-image--255083485.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Look!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB9brRGWxzetlhEXfgtw3NglrrTnpuQAXCpiBbkx9TUxkVOR4UoJTTbp30BeHA3g6hv-J2NWeZaiAUzgLZKvWjBQPAzw60YfnvZTInBtCRGr7eaQtBi81RHUhdfIMyRGwu1nijssA_v0/s640/blogger-image--1649341449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB9brRGWxzetlhEXfgtw3NglrrTnpuQAXCpiBbkx9TUxkVOR4UoJTTbp30BeHA3g6hv-J2NWeZaiAUzgLZKvWjBQPAzw60YfnvZTInBtCRGr7eaQtBi81RHUhdfIMyRGwu1nijssA_v0/s640/blogger-image--1649341449.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The first is a 50s Babycham glass and the second is a 60s beauty. So pleased and they seem to love one another.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYrDRxs9lQQmWoZ_qEjsca5xyTVtVb9_NlJS1Kp0_Ru39b3ZGmPnJtcE8vPOJ_WUwKY2t_dFBGlWWRcJ3CPSv4w0P-UPy6PLYMWF6plUi7ZhtiSYbM9rDaQi5kIC6clgLZOM2BBGxhfg/s640/blogger-image-1671396740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYrDRxs9lQQmWoZ_qEjsca5xyTVtVb9_NlJS1Kp0_Ru39b3ZGmPnJtcE8vPOJ_WUwKY2t_dFBGlWWRcJ3CPSv4w0P-UPy6PLYMWF6plUi7ZhtiSYbM9rDaQi5kIC6clgLZOM2BBGxhfg/s640/blogger-image-1671396740.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>A couple of quid each and now I want a collection of them like my jelly moulds. I am definitely getting old.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyway I am thinking about spring and Easter at the moment. I hate this gloomy weather, I want the warm sun on my face and I want Sweet Child to toddle on the sand when it's low tide.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EYNrT_yv_8mdlSq11dC-K8OxT0xS8k1mLLWfxpgyIlJNrFX70OxlPpMfL1rlYPzrTd1FWiDZSBikUeZOLL9QDwaNF0Em-OjRtkSyu2Om7nnM2oojXzztLmhrv9g3WmUN0KHlhxL_4xs/s640/blogger-image--46231002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EYNrT_yv_8mdlSq11dC-K8OxT0xS8k1mLLWfxpgyIlJNrFX70OxlPpMfL1rlYPzrTd1FWiDZSBikUeZOLL9QDwaNF0Em-OjRtkSyu2Om7nnM2oojXzztLmhrv9g3WmUN0KHlhxL_4xs/s640/blogger-image--46231002.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am loving every second with Sweet Child who is now 13 months. Even when she occasionally starts the day at 4am and I am forced to watch reruns of Jeremy Kyle, if only to remind myself that our life is a very good one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXPA5OAxeJKjV1vXazGrGlC66gswNrDDReJJ4Ji0GlwqE9ChEF3VLHVAEpBaGDc5gUkVmvbT1d1WxsAhEBWMXgHpPKUM-tYXrfeBU0BsPlOtwgV8RV4rgJ1FMFRpdPXSxeM9uQAOhPA4/s640/blogger-image-28350669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXPA5OAxeJKjV1vXazGrGlC66gswNrDDReJJ4Ji0GlwqE9ChEF3VLHVAEpBaGDc5gUkVmvbT1d1WxsAhEBWMXgHpPKUM-tYXrfeBU0BsPlOtwgV8RV4rgJ1FMFRpdPXSxeM9uQAOhPA4/s640/blogger-image-28350669.jpg"></a></div><br></div>In other news we celebrated the Husband's birthday with an age appropriate Breaking Bad breakfast:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcI0eRk1k_z1pH4rugCt0xx4qK1MaLDObbDE3zULVkJOj9W6XfqM-4eQgeDMo86gqhdq2nmOOk8sSKgeA14goKWkBDczxNR1bDzKULXQq0-tLhP0vPOIqjRG61J1sTJ2QlAxRz4PdcqlM/s640/blogger-image--578267051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcI0eRk1k_z1pH4rugCt0xx4qK1MaLDObbDE3zULVkJOj9W6XfqM-4eQgeDMo86gqhdq2nmOOk8sSKgeA14goKWkBDczxNR1bDzKULXQq0-tLhP0vPOIqjRG61J1sTJ2QlAxRz4PdcqlM/s640/blogger-image--578267051.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And...darn it, now I hear a night terror erupting from the Prince.......I shall return in less than a month. Eek, he's really going for it tonight. LOUD. Gah!</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-4000713180081329222014-12-29T13:59:00.001-08:002014-12-29T14:02:40.792-08:00Christmas Cheer and what to call the New YearRight, can I just get something off my ample chest? Something that really bugs me?<div>What year are we in? What year will it be on January 1st?</div><div>It's now 2014 and then it will be 2015, of course. But how do you say those years?</div><div>I guess you say two thousand and fourteen and will then welcome the New Year by saying "Happy two thousand and fifteen" over a glass or two of champers.</div><div>Right?</div><div>But is it right? Really?</div><div>We all used to call 1999 "nineteen ninety nine".....as did Prince or AFKAP or whatever the heck he is now known as.</div><div>Then we kinda had to refer to 2000 as two thousand as it wouldn't sound right to say "twenty hundred". But once you get to 2009 and have called it two thousand and nine, you should then leap to "twenty ten" and "twenty eleven" and so on.</div><div>Because I was born in 1975 (I know, an utter spring chicken), it was "nineteen seventy five" and never ever "one thousand nine hundred and seventy five".</div><div>OK, what are your thoughts? Let me know. But I am calling the new year "twenty fifteen" cos that's what it is.</div><div>Moving on, cos my brain is getting a little addled with numbers now, how was Christmas?</div><div>Ours was wonderful, once again spent at my parents. We went to Christmas carols at the church where we married, tucked the children up in bed and then tucked into gin and cheese and then Christmas Day was wonderful. It zoomed by. We were Merry, games were played, the children's happy faces warmed my heart and I thought of those who were no longer with us, and silently raised a glass in honour of them all.</div><div>Here are the highlights and hey, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Merry Twenty Fifteen darlings.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Firstly, Sweet Child turned one on December 23rd. We enjoyed a sweet little birthday tea party at my sister's on Christmas Eve but I don't have photos of her to show off yet. She wore a Rose pink floral frock and looked adorable. I shall show you in a future blog post.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnf2QpXxwPn23YeW-ZgLCzQb4vxGwMrjQ0kR4NC1XNGTR-u6RAljPSpc1F7iDqhQtwC4VPe2YzL4txRIZj8JaD8RQ4TQJcwy9bjHD5QQ62XS9Hp-tazE5qD33eGAzBHuEPRTireft9aw/s640/blogger-image--1183526917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnf2QpXxwPn23YeW-ZgLCzQb4vxGwMrjQ0kR4NC1XNGTR-u6RAljPSpc1F7iDqhQtwC4VPe2YzL4txRIZj8JaD8RQ4TQJcwy9bjHD5QQ62XS9Hp-tazE5qD33eGAzBHuEPRTireft9aw/s640/blogger-image--1183526917.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She has been walking for a few weeks and struts around in these little darlings:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xjNbqD50iW13Xvji5AnNnBjUeccmCFkC1rrt9czqkTDvwWg4SA_gAH1DhLP9Skz-1WZzVj_F5lnVwTFv-SOu0ybifxXE4N1lALdMu9ZfV4JtWLqQ_7z5rW2zv7A2xPkumIKXgqx0q1E/s640/blogger-image--278412740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xjNbqD50iW13Xvji5AnNnBjUeccmCFkC1rrt9czqkTDvwWg4SA_gAH1DhLP9Skz-1WZzVj_F5lnVwTFv-SOu0ybifxXE4N1lALdMu9ZfV4JtWLqQ_7z5rW2zv7A2xPkumIKXgqx0q1E/s640/blogger-image--278412740.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And here was our Christmas.</font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W_RiEnxNeUEID2ovFNiA9QyZAg11WGf3sQBnypu8ni3wZxnPMCL7bwFrvXGA-8rbVIGMbpfQS4VVPY50q4uEYktiVtJTDRMTKgkcP_g9W8f4gCLofOuoUKVbAJIvL0FHEvjA3gIFKs8/s640/blogger-image--248348830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W_RiEnxNeUEID2ovFNiA9QyZAg11WGf3sQBnypu8ni3wZxnPMCL7bwFrvXGA-8rbVIGMbpfQS4VVPY50q4uEYktiVtJTDRMTKgkcP_g9W8f4gCLofOuoUKVbAJIvL0FHEvjA3gIFKs8/s640/blogger-image--248348830.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdQx4VvnfTuvtK_zbA7vXWAfmNXiDpTwX-yq14YbdsMXhrmB8581tictso2FxnCVLcyMj5riGPJP6Q3P3LY1axcej3GKDGAYMu5_74tCLo4gKHID1l-Zs7YA3rQZ6soWkMOnysAUFi44/s640/blogger-image--2600929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdQx4VvnfTuvtK_zbA7vXWAfmNXiDpTwX-yq14YbdsMXhrmB8581tictso2FxnCVLcyMj5riGPJP6Q3P3LY1axcej3GKDGAYMu5_74tCLo4gKHID1l-Zs7YA3rQZ6soWkMOnysAUFi44/s640/blogger-image--2600929.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXcbHY_uz3FGaRdnfZxOw-wmuWZZMXlbf2HUH0e5CINkPTiJQRCR4Ah0i8_25WuJ-KnVULiRU5BLCA-SWYeNXY6bLJNubOoHmYepGWUyqjg-BF_DqxP6FlaXIQrB6WjnYytRqTalkQog/s640/blogger-image--1657947144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXcbHY_uz3FGaRdnfZxOw-wmuWZZMXlbf2HUH0e5CINkPTiJQRCR4Ah0i8_25WuJ-KnVULiRU5BLCA-SWYeNXY6bLJNubOoHmYepGWUyqjg-BF_DqxP6FlaXIQrB6WjnYytRqTalkQog/s640/blogger-image--1657947144.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g_hypZw2qEf8Vt2HBhbjiut7dyo2PAJFZuPhwz7LGPAAUEahVVJCtjXRNQQgagfKZuLusv243yvXfSjCmqVGvZNlKIEd61g9F2L2kL_fRowLAcBGEcTVTM0Rsi-_EWRHk-MKXxrINuk/s640/blogger-image-818452194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g_hypZw2qEf8Vt2HBhbjiut7dyo2PAJFZuPhwz7LGPAAUEahVVJCtjXRNQQgagfKZuLusv243yvXfSjCmqVGvZNlKIEd61g9F2L2kL_fRowLAcBGEcTVTM0Rsi-_EWRHk-MKXxrINuk/s640/blogger-image-818452194.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4yDCzHJcpC7nYc0ASdVVUOe0khyphenhyphenHlXdM2J_WJ-zRD-G2ZzHcyqzM5vxFxPjp4rRJG-ICOXuDhpQ3uZdjHEWjBdQZObVvWOXMiQkrR8rQdVG6n7wz2c96gPBRheJtTCeXVIYlWVP5vN4/s640/blogger-image--1300271468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4yDCzHJcpC7nYc0ASdVVUOe0khyphenhyphenHlXdM2J_WJ-zRD-G2ZzHcyqzM5vxFxPjp4rRJG-ICOXuDhpQ3uZdjHEWjBdQZObVvWOXMiQkrR8rQdVG6n7wz2c96gPBRheJtTCeXVIYlWVP5vN4/s640/blogger-image--1300271468.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQIDpdL6Ki3xzpFBAYB23LJUZSQfPv6eAZoQQkdzd56T10rmS_g5ugVrIVFtCa681xkT26BJK7FfDbZfyYykAPr-65Z0pkkbGd9kY8as2vfqyuZ1A3fd2jfa-BKhAPXr0BqcMe_M-xn8/s640/blogger-image--1514533742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQIDpdL6Ki3xzpFBAYB23LJUZSQfPv6eAZoQQkdzd56T10rmS_g5ugVrIVFtCa681xkT26BJK7FfDbZfyYykAPr-65Z0pkkbGd9kY8as2vfqyuZ1A3fd2jfa-BKhAPXr0BqcMe_M-xn8/s640/blogger-image--1514533742.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9CwNm9OoJ2ORpRIbTxcuAo-COa0sZBkjrSjFbglvN1kMx-LlPHm8gF39ghORc3ErA0uyH4Aww4JoqwNTKDgZaL3ralLtNNxl-BKsBOQ_uO7nV2wrR8Fr8OFTNBlz-tzBixk61zOTGB0/s640/blogger-image-1898008767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9CwNm9OoJ2ORpRIbTxcuAo-COa0sZBkjrSjFbglvN1kMx-LlPHm8gF39ghORc3ErA0uyH4Aww4JoqwNTKDgZaL3ralLtNNxl-BKsBOQ_uO7nV2wrR8Fr8OFTNBlz-tzBixk61zOTGB0/s640/blogger-image-1898008767.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Now, where did I put that final tub of Quality Street?</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-12508707167782917842014-12-12T04:40:00.001-08:002014-12-12T04:43:54.119-08:00News in briefAnd so here I am on this cheery Friday morning, washing my husband's pants and wondering how life got to be this good...<div>Actually it's an improvement on yesterday. Yesterday was a slog. I had three ill children, all whinging for Calpol, or wiping their noses on their sleeves and spluttering in my face.....which<i> really </i>bugs me and I had to boil my husband's football socks for half an hour in the same saucepan I needed to cook dinner in. Gah!</div><div>The boiling socks saga was totally my fault, but I shall blame him a little. He comes home from football with a billion tiny black particles of rubber attached to his socks, from the all weather pitch they play on. I tend to go mad because they all end up all over the floors in every room in the house and I end up finding them in our bed, in the washing machine, in the loo (how?) and under the table.</div><div>And so this time I chucked them out in the garden to deal with at Another Time.</div><div>Another Time didn't happen as soon as I had hoped because every child got ill with the high temp virus. The one I am trying to fight but feel it may be a losing battle.</div><div>But yesterday the time came; a small window of opportunity to wash the football socks. And then I saw them....slugs all over them from where they had been in the garden all week. Leeches. Baby wood lice. Dead spiders. And scary creatures I can't even identify, that wouldn't have been out of place in I'm a Celebrity.</div><div>So I carried them in with chopsticks, while the baby watched me as if I was completely mad, and boiled them to death. The socks and the creatures. I think a lot of creatures were semi dead anyway, from living in his sweaty socks for a week.</div><div>Then I carefully picked off all creatures with the chopsticks and put them on the bird table to cheer my poor feathered birds up in this gloomy weather and washed the socks in the machine.</div><div>Think I prefer all the black rubber particles everywhere to be honest. Slimy, wriggly things ain't my bag.</div><div>And so the husband pant washing event is actually a damn sight nicer and there are no chopsticks involved.</div><div>Because the kids have been ill for weeks, I haven't been to many cherry tree shops, however, I was DELIGHTED when I spotted this Gabrielle Parker floral wrap dress.....in my size......for £4. I love it. It's a true bargain.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc5ILJhvbcrCXsdcjtjvQkCzXDlykc9WiejEJ7aA1mBNuojw9ni_XEuiqrkzYU1yPZVEnB4vtCUtl5I_pPAeja5QsnEOnW3YwjjJv6T6EkR9M40CluG06kP7s7ATA4Glfa1w60EOppYg/s640/blogger-image--1883130241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc5ILJhvbcrCXsdcjtjvQkCzXDlykc9WiejEJ7aA1mBNuojw9ni_XEuiqrkzYU1yPZVEnB4vtCUtl5I_pPAeja5QsnEOnW3YwjjJv6T6EkR9M40CluG06kP7s7ATA4Glfa1w60EOppYg/s640/blogger-image--1883130241.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nvpILRFUCKOgOu2JZ8wuoKWUZWk696wUl4decSJNefF90D2M2Ep0X8BhWV91mgrABrec2hyphenhyphenIqv0xKAbxrFAtEgcjFmVdoezAAFHeVVhbicQNK9ep53aQnQLviq-xseKwCk4PAaNcdmI/s640/blogger-image--1644330993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nvpILRFUCKOgOu2JZ8wuoKWUZWk696wUl4decSJNefF90D2M2Ep0X8BhWV91mgrABrec2hyphenhyphenIqv0xKAbxrFAtEgcjFmVdoezAAFHeVVhbicQNK9ep53aQnQLviq-xseKwCk4PAaNcdmI/s640/blogger-image--1644330993.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In other news, the baby, she who is better known as Sweet Child, is walking and trying to run and trying to open doors and escape...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVDtQyrwAogyU-_DNTEjXtedkxB4I0_4n4nrkw3OeENK5P7E166CI_SKrUtiZungorSJVsCzMborSNWg6U_bd_naIr1tkrSleIq6cqq48EBTbQoR-2qdKm6UG07WkouTNPG5Lms2-ZEA/s640/blogger-image--1910510233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVDtQyrwAogyU-_DNTEjXtedkxB4I0_4n4nrkw3OeENK5P7E166CI_SKrUtiZungorSJVsCzMborSNWg6U_bd_naIr1tkrSleIq6cqq48EBTbQoR-2qdKm6UG07WkouTNPG5Lms2-ZEA/s640/blogger-image--1910510233.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>The other two are slowly recovering. This was taken before heading to the beach, the week before they fell ill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10pDHFE6N6SmstU7CEUjeN0o4A2msWBndbaAw1kMQ3BhqIVMYptvUDjyRg2_xR9iO7k_KISURr7RG4Fhl-wY-disPkr9awOGnAuovUDkttW0BRR8ti76OsOVuIQty9Vi-V43BP0IFi44/s640/blogger-image-1326191878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10pDHFE6N6SmstU7CEUjeN0o4A2msWBndbaAw1kMQ3BhqIVMYptvUDjyRg2_xR9iO7k_KISURr7RG4Fhl-wY-disPkr9awOGnAuovUDkttW0BRR8ti76OsOVuIQty9Vi-V43BP0IFi44/s640/blogger-image-1326191878.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>And the dear Sweet Child has had her first Christmas party at a toddler group which she loved.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t3niyOESF_GmK0mmXe2SOeFfAbPYlr4sYuFXr9BXI2FfAlWZkJD5vrdhEZcTX5uYsSIDnrHtp016ui15olK3HssnVu_BkDBQSzz3Y2UauKEzJO-yzKeHnCKIqNutAlTXcvqpAtW_iAk/s640/blogger-image--2073596344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t3niyOESF_GmK0mmXe2SOeFfAbPYlr4sYuFXr9BXI2FfAlWZkJD5vrdhEZcTX5uYsSIDnrHtp016ui15olK3HssnVu_BkDBQSzz3Y2UauKEzJO-yzKeHnCKIqNutAlTXcvqpAtW_iAk/s640/blogger-image--2073596344.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I want to end this by apologising to those who kindly emailed me and I haven't had the chance to reply yet, but I will. </div><div>Once I have tackled the pants.</div><div>Then I will email you briefly.</div><div>BRIEFly.........</div><div>Geddit?</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-37923700985969153132014-11-08T00:34:00.001-08:002014-11-08T00:34:06.525-08:00More of a BOG post this week.......(shudder)So, my lovely follower from Istanbul gave me a kick up the sizeable derrière to write another blog post. Seriously, it's been a madly busy time but yes it's definitely worthy of a blog. However, one needs to keep it all brief or else you will end up weeping in despair like I did on Sunday and Monday. I fondly refer to those days as Poo Gate.<div><br></div><div>Firstly, on a brighter note, there has been cherry tree shopping in epic proportions, compared to recent times when I haven't really found the time to scour for second hand bargains.</div><div><br></div><div>Sweet Child is the one to really benefit from this as baby clothes are usually in amazing condition as not worn much....unless you feed them bolognaise sauce while they wear crisp, white clothes. Then those garments become mere dusters. and I weep....again.</div><div><br></div><div>OK, the dress, top and head scarf (after the strawberry hat pics) are second hand. The dotty Jasper Conran dress cost just £1.50 from Dorothy House. I love it too much.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUNVyL4TN74KN1Xfty4EMN19b1GbeAwXxnhyphenhyphen1v9a4KCRwaGzY9lqcJfQRn_sJNPGuuQBkS5YtqHKSEm92OU8tCzXbhyPF6QZ2YLS4CYRZtnv1Q-YyC0SJSwoieYiqfjuPW0DNVJ3PMbU/s640/blogger-image-1906717506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUNVyL4TN74KN1Xfty4EMN19b1GbeAwXxnhyphenhyphen1v9a4KCRwaGzY9lqcJfQRn_sJNPGuuQBkS5YtqHKSEm92OU8tCzXbhyPF6QZ2YLS4CYRZtnv1Q-YyC0SJSwoieYiqfjuPW0DNVJ3PMbU/s640/blogger-image-1906717506.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl85fLWpwj2GitfL6HhZ8y0gePSigyHRNnenUe-QjPOHTBz-G_QUpPHIZ2xTQZwhM9ZiA7HkD3s_X_L47851ewztZDDWTq_Z4i-uiHhs1E1s5yOnCyNIKJ3eYHtoiiVocx1TI8KyQuOI/s640/blogger-image--1686503457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl85fLWpwj2GitfL6HhZ8y0gePSigyHRNnenUe-QjPOHTBz-G_QUpPHIZ2xTQZwhM9ZiA7HkD3s_X_L47851ewztZDDWTq_Z4i-uiHhs1E1s5yOnCyNIKJ3eYHtoiiVocx1TI8KyQuOI/s640/blogger-image--1686503457.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggggkGXLbYALJ1DQcv5idcg6odiSkUYhaM_VKX6ZlwWnln6v1aYrdhEfH4i4f6gRcyUIQJsKH3fn6puMlUlTqo3z_DP6P4Aca2hmqqpxNAnYeDtncfDbO0ognpj-3pEZJrhnTmniVDqjU/s640/blogger-image-2028468472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggggkGXLbYALJ1DQcv5idcg6odiSkUYhaM_VKX6ZlwWnln6v1aYrdhEfH4i4f6gRcyUIQJsKH3fn6puMlUlTqo3z_DP6P4Aca2hmqqpxNAnYeDtncfDbO0ognpj-3pEZJrhnTmniVDqjU/s640/blogger-image-2028468472.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The dotty head scarf was 50p from Oxfam and I think we will be sharing it as I love a 50s look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also bought this Laura Ashley dress from Scope for £2.50. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25vwaiDwdC80WYzoMthyatqEzqNXtNKta6nJHY-BVSiDg_ZrB0iAiQBZeH_mUF4XI9wnsXjzqQfLqdYeA0JIjtRFkp1iAHq2iTR-QFWjzet_szboit50Z1QtzfO7w2RBjjBWlAS70mdg/s640/blogger-image--1744620348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25vwaiDwdC80WYzoMthyatqEzqNXtNKta6nJHY-BVSiDg_ZrB0iAiQBZeH_mUF4XI9wnsXjzqQfLqdYeA0JIjtRFkp1iAHq2iTR-QFWjzet_szboit50Z1QtzfO7w2RBjjBWlAS70mdg/s640/blogger-image--1744620348.jpg"></a></div><br></div>I love the detail on little girls clothes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jmQe9I9XHHn_h4vRMPhUI8Ja68S0FqjcZ44RMvg7raY5O4zpg9F1TzqkM9mJ_Z9Eg0TjH1c1kjDVt_MpJYMk1ofqrOjo3zbHLiTQG6vddx0tCNFA0JL3PsUKrijWwkFSydcVujjdMu8/s640/blogger-image--488439655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jmQe9I9XHHn_h4vRMPhUI8Ja68S0FqjcZ44RMvg7raY5O4zpg9F1TzqkM9mJ_Z9Eg0TjH1c1kjDVt_MpJYMk1ofqrOjo3zbHLiTQG6vddx0tCNFA0JL3PsUKrijWwkFSydcVujjdMu8/s640/blogger-image--488439655.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also bought this gorgeous knitted dress but she would NOT pose in it at all. It was £1 from Help the Aged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrxTDPQC57-7lPxc5dYQGBAJYdo4rokL1rH9yY699NOcLXAqzfVlgk7JS_O-iE8nTjR0vlzXV523yhbpJFaI0nK8lmmzqdzkMgoYOfiQTqRGH3_2A5RVK3R4jsihcLuvBO7Sh9E0zRhY/s640/blogger-image-1735630303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrxTDPQC57-7lPxc5dYQGBAJYdo4rokL1rH9yY699NOcLXAqzfVlgk7JS_O-iE8nTjR0vlzXV523yhbpJFaI0nK8lmmzqdzkMgoYOfiQTqRGH3_2A5RVK3R4jsihcLuvBO7Sh9E0zRhY/s640/blogger-image-1735630303.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is also this fab babygro from H&M, snug velour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfyQZOsfoQAoSiSIhFPQ6r1RT8x3518Q41yEt8Pj6jDwU7kDTmLK5ngYEtYBq2EOwZkS8nktJuwfzbflUe1JxBddFR3372oM5gsl1y7rMDb5tVIn-4vOEcNqE-3eXiopfk-OJdxYBzW0/s640/blogger-image-1079141276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKfyQZOsfoQAoSiSIhFPQ6r1RT8x3518Q41yEt8Pj6jDwU7kDTmLK5ngYEtYBq2EOwZkS8nktJuwfzbflUe1JxBddFR3372oM5gsl1y7rMDb5tVIn-4vOEcNqE-3eXiopfk-OJdxYBzW0/s640/blogger-image-1079141276.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Oh, with a cute matching heart on the bottom!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOoEcrgzBO94d3IBXMD8lUAgA4siTdocWfnsMTfTCIZTt1v5TREc9lhQ8DN9bB27CqpWvZ-70uqrgB8SoG6jPFv90wBlMZM-zK8fx_x2p7LOqkOyLvgAGbPEn1O47tYLY2hv2pltp4fQ/s640/blogger-image--2067851010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOoEcrgzBO94d3IBXMD8lUAgA4siTdocWfnsMTfTCIZTt1v5TREc9lhQ8DN9bB27CqpWvZ-70uqrgB8SoG6jPFv90wBlMZM-zK8fx_x2p7LOqkOyLvgAGbPEn1O47tYLY2hv2pltp4fQ/s640/blogger-image--2067851010.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>There has also been the purchase of this Blue Zoo frock for £1.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn7VnaflhwrSKZMc7QjtgBdeVE8iyi_ksp6hoIJ-0Jv3ZYeYueH3XwmhD2dHbh3U95bNcwvW90v0ycf2uBMJ6MiBqlueyJFgaErHBAFNpTZchNMPUf0DT8uF3PLg2BFMBNEbpPV_yi-o/s640/blogger-image-1102887359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn7VnaflhwrSKZMc7QjtgBdeVE8iyi_ksp6hoIJ-0Jv3ZYeYueH3XwmhD2dHbh3U95bNcwvW90v0ycf2uBMJ6MiBqlueyJFgaErHBAFNpTZchNMPUf0DT8uF3PLg2BFMBNEbpPV_yi-o/s640/blogger-image-1102887359.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXEgGF6qIFhyphenhyphenBhngo4bww_rkExmSc2RiHDcff94rU9KSOlFJfDSU-C4gTctC8a4u6UPdsRuHT4bM0FxC_i__qoKUJXbsxKlBOnddYmorEO7z_FDR42bVQelh27_zZVTnfYp6Gox3o5pI/s640/blogger-image-844613345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXEgGF6qIFhyphenhyphenBhngo4bww_rkExmSc2RiHDcff94rU9KSOlFJfDSU-C4gTctC8a4u6UPdsRuHT4bM0FxC_i__qoKUJXbsxKlBOnddYmorEO7z_FDR42bVQelh27_zZVTnfYp6Gox3o5pI/s640/blogger-image-844613345.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROpp9AAdxteHDBx_G_H9qFC59eoNlTv2rO-6D5d3tabwiRg3RpOLZ2APGSvR5WGvv02baOh8yLs3nsmPzzkCYU6iM1JLT-k-dAeECovd8dtbYWd25aBTdNueO3Guvo-JDjWuHXb-quCo/s640/blogger-image--49657758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROpp9AAdxteHDBx_G_H9qFC59eoNlTv2rO-6D5d3tabwiRg3RpOLZ2APGSvR5WGvv02baOh8yLs3nsmPzzkCYU6iM1JLT-k-dAeECovd8dtbYWd25aBTdNueO3Guvo-JDjWuHXb-quCo/s640/blogger-image--49657758.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Then I picked this up for me.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfMtVnHqH03NSIa52k92sBfpDxjrIciyOT2BBDXB5ivX2BsMi_lLg-4sjTKRHCQCZJRX7VEVzIkap26PsYXadm5deSB-4zCSYf3LcDrNp9SCMItF8DtFnxs8lE-FAOUbMrMvO2Uw5ka0/s640/blogger-image-1707200719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfMtVnHqH03NSIa52k92sBfpDxjrIciyOT2BBDXB5ivX2BsMi_lLg-4sjTKRHCQCZJRX7VEVzIkap26PsYXadm5deSB-4zCSYf3LcDrNp9SCMItF8DtFnxs8lE-FAOUbMrMvO2Uw5ka0/s640/blogger-image-1707200719.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMbtxjtrdAUZ81k-YpqijMRYzdio3i7ylJrzHGwGclnvrGhwn4CLsEBgMgWFoWYgH0jX-iC_ZQhNEd65pSZtCL746KwLXzO31P-_PESIU6z9NIO_mb8iJuyCXeAaQeC07lIT-_LSj8Ig/s640/blogger-image-610448644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMbtxjtrdAUZ81k-YpqijMRYzdio3i7ylJrzHGwGclnvrGhwn4CLsEBgMgWFoWYgH0jX-iC_ZQhNEd65pSZtCL746KwLXzO31P-_PESIU6z9NIO_mb8iJuyCXeAaQeC07lIT-_LSj8Ig/s640/blogger-image-610448644.jpg"></a></div><br></div>It's a really heavy ornate bird cage for a whole £1.50 from Scope. I think I love it too much. I have named her Verity. </div><div><br></div><div>So, in other news there have been some very early starts....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTsnEAUlMrm_VLmOUFOilXfBms6GwUQoaPA1ZOvOmmMFf71WkbGXc1x_Cajc616OVgeuX9WIPbca3iaLnQcJ1x08Mpk9jWLben-jh6TTZbNyUOut9AciWBqrArI8Qm8zZJF2EEMzCoW8/s640/blogger-image--389396456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTsnEAUlMrm_VLmOUFOilXfBms6GwUQoaPA1ZOvOmmMFf71WkbGXc1x_Cajc616OVgeuX9WIPbca3iaLnQcJ1x08Mpk9jWLben-jh6TTZbNyUOut9AciWBqrArI8Qm8zZJF2EEMzCoW8/s640/blogger-image--389396456.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>and there has been a very cute baby....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEccpaZOy1wzuEug9BIJVRjoHhEsEJLu18N7AqMm2mXx8cAmd_X3_S77Kf17PdXIdYJTr-5BKB4yVkFOshI1jz7lpmbVrLo1cPOUaRqxlDHy85L2OGYr_h-lWzSfBEHecvLvJYA5lwGD8/s640/blogger-image--1466760136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEccpaZOy1wzuEug9BIJVRjoHhEsEJLu18N7AqMm2mXx8cAmd_X3_S77Kf17PdXIdYJTr-5BKB4yVkFOshI1jz7lpmbVrLo1cPOUaRqxlDHy85L2OGYr_h-lWzSfBEHecvLvJYA5lwGD8/s640/blogger-image--1466760136.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>There has also been the christening of Sweet Childe...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-xS0HzXnp0wzwgEFA0MujKsk9eTNJqeXotJzoB3xrV54anRZO3IHZuDmZTmaJFBY81K6UMO6yMoogkWx-Dukys1fhKzBpdHMWrpt6bUNQb0lM2IHcY0ImsAQ0I5SiFcVYNGJrDklrq4/s640/blogger-image-1440055391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-xS0HzXnp0wzwgEFA0MujKsk9eTNJqeXotJzoB3xrV54anRZO3IHZuDmZTmaJFBY81K6UMO6yMoogkWx-Dukys1fhKzBpdHMWrpt6bUNQb0lM2IHcY0ImsAQ0I5SiFcVYNGJrDklrq4/s640/blogger-image-1440055391.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And after a roast lunch in our lovely local, I put on traditional afternoon tea with 1940s music. It was fabulous. Oh and everything except the frosted cake stand is from the cherry tree shop, including a whole tea set from Oxfam.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiCd_7tCNIDyxiOPYqjZJEJQyHNfABmiXQxH0nohS3qP3Y0A7sy47XCw7bh967gMwmCHFqBo7EgZxLtNqgValmoXJ4_JgmAEkcZSN1y3caBSdIf6X2kd_YnjXV_ILOqBxAI04-Ovm4ps/s640/blogger-image--1255301164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiCd_7tCNIDyxiOPYqjZJEJQyHNfABmiXQxH0nohS3qP3Y0A7sy47XCw7bh967gMwmCHFqBo7EgZxLtNqgValmoXJ4_JgmAEkcZSN1y3caBSdIf6X2kd_YnjXV_ILOqBxAI04-Ovm4ps/s640/blogger-image--1255301164.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzspgpekatkXqjh7te-pMvOK0OhS730vCsnuJrkS8O6PMmjIO5AJa3dxpk5UH8bw0sJ1FZujPrnDnSSUCG3L1yrd9aXBeSlSEC0exirSWglNgjXWAU4jx9hypuxx3rVx53V7oyyefTpc/s640/blogger-image-136406257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzspgpekatkXqjh7te-pMvOK0OhS730vCsnuJrkS8O6PMmjIO5AJa3dxpk5UH8bw0sJ1FZujPrnDnSSUCG3L1yrd9aXBeSlSEC0exirSWglNgjXWAU4jx9hypuxx3rVx53V7oyyefTpc/s640/blogger-image-136406257.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>And the reason for my weeping this week????</div><div><br></div><div>On the same day as the christening, our house decided to have a major blocked drain and toilet problem. Nothing quite like raw sewage seeping through your downstairs loo while guests mingle in their Sunday best. It didn't ruin the magic of the day, but it made things a little shite to say the least.</div><div><br></div><div>It got quite a lot worse on Monday which tipped my OCD about poo over the edge, quite frankly.</div><div><br></div><div>You would have though Ebola had come to my seaside town if you had seen me during the clean up...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_aQYNVdJnmcPsmfNDg2vyDJyl-zXup122uhsV510mUY8QuusSTtBGEVOARXSQzp9Dx5HIJhAmXixnMYR3iEsO-RRRbViPKBeBbkVWAefPbnay_dBd0rXIl3gyMq79Oc_fAieLfoSl20/s640/blogger-image--1030065433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_aQYNVdJnmcPsmfNDg2vyDJyl-zXup122uhsV510mUY8QuusSTtBGEVOARXSQzp9Dx5HIJhAmXixnMYR3iEsO-RRRbViPKBeBbkVWAefPbnay_dBd0rXIl3gyMq79Oc_fAieLfoSl20/s640/blogger-image--1030065433.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>But £300 poorer and no longer feeling contaminated after watching two drain men walk raw sewage in and out of my house as they Ummed and Ahhhed about the drains outside and loo inside, I now feel cleansed and at peace with the world again.</div><div><br></div><div>Oh and on a final note and show casing my cherry tree plate, can I show you the cheese crisps I have been making?</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGUvPcsQfbr8TAKbPEvt0mIB3yloJBDLBv4rIHOFDCGaE0_5qXUgykH848xOaHr1s-UjX58Nf-sVD7WmrGQhiTRej4AS86BM8JFFg0I80Wl0jVZZaItvHrQh6QG8doyr92RiGOsoldwc/s640/blogger-image-2063423727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGUvPcsQfbr8TAKbPEvt0mIB3yloJBDLBv4rIHOFDCGaE0_5qXUgykH848xOaHr1s-UjX58Nf-sVD7WmrGQhiTRej4AS86BM8JFFg0I80Wl0jVZZaItvHrQh6QG8doyr92RiGOsoldwc/s640/blogger-image-2063423727.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Totally gorgeous as Sweet Child will demonstrate, although she then choked so I will wait a little longer before dishing them up again.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAX8pdQvVyAIh1MPK4gTpHusUWXqr0J0s_vXKXQDc3qhGUt1ynGlPI7ik9TsEnwq578ocU7_v4gNmioVSF6_0hA98ghYDLlC1HdY_V2vCU3CD7FyU7p19Mn-RFtvmHgz-QxB_J6WAQXQ/s640/blogger-image-1053197210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAX8pdQvVyAIh1MPK4gTpHusUWXqr0J0s_vXKXQDc3qhGUt1ynGlPI7ik9TsEnwq578ocU7_v4gNmioVSF6_0hA98ghYDLlC1HdY_V2vCU3CD7FyU7p19Mn-RFtvmHgz-QxB_J6WAQXQ/s640/blogger-image-1053197210.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>But you basically dry fry slices of cheese and watch for three mins. It's the flipping future I tell thee...</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-33551647291840782452014-10-13T01:24:00.001-07:002014-10-13T01:24:52.560-07:00Chicken Licken GoodI had a delightful surprise last week. One of the lovely readers of my blog, Ellie, sent a copy of the vintage Ladybird book Chicken Licken to me, complete with a pretty greetings card. So full of thought, that lovely Ellie, and she's now completed my collection in that particular series.<div>Whoop whoop, I am one step closer to owning 'em all.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qY82LYhdfEcmRPPPGr7aMy-B03X4TWdJW9YkauHb4oCs74QLRXE6RpvrVLuzbAgqg1H5uBjx48BrkYqhRg_07QJw3TKj3rOzTXXtdU7-o2M_JC4gIVxE1LX25HFh-r_WEf44zBpCnE4/s640/blogger-image-1997380407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qY82LYhdfEcmRPPPGr7aMy-B03X4TWdJW9YkauHb4oCs74QLRXE6RpvrVLuzbAgqg1H5uBjx48BrkYqhRg_07QJw3TKj3rOzTXXtdU7-o2M_JC4gIVxE1LX25HFh-r_WEf44zBpCnE4/s640/blogger-image-1997380407.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In other news, I have had the inlaws staying for three nights. A lot of cake has been eaten, it has to be said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhXBL9ufCCZdUW3REU-DcvBYMDQMFd16aUf-2L5U7W-iKCFDPF7J0GrkYqPFRqHDAJufZXKn7Uh2ARGoV7Gp12C47iO7Y4CT_n7TgnJErkRG4ceYXXSTWeNkzN5cu9Gs9aoDLDfXlb9o/s640/blogger-image--293627861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhXBL9ufCCZdUW3REU-DcvBYMDQMFd16aUf-2L5U7W-iKCFDPF7J0GrkYqPFRqHDAJufZXKn7Uh2ARGoV7Gp12C47iO7Y4CT_n7TgnJErkRG4ceYXXSTWeNkzN5cu9Gs9aoDLDfXlb9o/s640/blogger-image--293627861.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See the plate with roses on in the above pic? My latest cherry tree purchase...six for £3.50 and I love them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuBI65h-NBJsBYO7qHtWSAFwC89KNLUb2Yh7tgAbBsYiB3BUqOCn3BEPbCfaGpdID0QATn-CtsJk0sU9SiMHRQXaQLQRfSbZaTxNVIhCWFPoItOin9YPZCFMn4vaz7fEPU1jBrnVWe4k/s640/blogger-image-1605264995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuBI65h-NBJsBYO7qHtWSAFwC89KNLUb2Yh7tgAbBsYiB3BUqOCn3BEPbCfaGpdID0QATn-CtsJk0sU9SiMHRQXaQLQRfSbZaTxNVIhCWFPoItOin9YPZCFMn4vaz7fEPU1jBrnVWe4k/s640/blogger-image-1605264995.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather is utter misery but I am beating the blues by dreaming of a white Christmas and snuggling up with the girls...the Prince was out when we took this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAfIGRkyg8ZB2GaU5n85YfFIwm_T6LHHZ9kOXCj2kQbsqVPvSwx4KOR_lRg0HOvjR61oNPCK4zJaWVxuNZCgmGxczVxJjg8oiBJZXfWx6kUfaMDsWFwfm91sC5Jkj0jJaUXyH4HrAFfA/s640/blogger-image-1661634108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAfIGRkyg8ZB2GaU5n85YfFIwm_T6LHHZ9kOXCj2kQbsqVPvSwx4KOR_lRg0HOvjR61oNPCK4zJaWVxuNZCgmGxczVxJjg8oiBJZXfWx6kUfaMDsWFwfm91sC5Jkj0jJaUXyH4HrAFfA/s640/blogger-image-1661634108.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg0UYqrq8cYOm8jzJaoo54TO8lhBcgBlmVuIJrkudL4Bvi7oN7Bvn5z4m3XUMNM7WnCx5yh63EfEsjEu-Gc-ufUoJlHA5J2VJBUACNbg43Bjz0kvcCuxne1eLKQXEGrdi5-CV81jDBXs/s640/blogger-image-953924559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg0UYqrq8cYOm8jzJaoo54TO8lhBcgBlmVuIJrkudL4Bvi7oN7Bvn5z4m3XUMNM7WnCx5yh63EfEsjEu-Gc-ufUoJlHA5J2VJBUACNbg43Bjz0kvcCuxne1eLKQXEGrdi5-CV81jDBXs/s640/blogger-image-953924559.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwQhpryyTdqhCaBepEYNPcNVqH7UUxMRmydpBEi1FsN9zeskVq4kJnY5NLkBbzvaBggeOlh5p-aSqv7T-jDyFiVOjiJIa-B5bZTfdGD9LP34ClLuZDUjPoiOW9cs-3RMI3-8CQijfY1A/s640/blogger-image--1248229201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwQhpryyTdqhCaBepEYNPcNVqH7UUxMRmydpBEi1FsN9zeskVq4kJnY5NLkBbzvaBggeOlh5p-aSqv7T-jDyFiVOjiJIa-B5bZTfdGD9LP34ClLuZDUjPoiOW9cs-3RMI3-8CQijfY1A/s640/blogger-image--1248229201.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Baby led weaning continues to create havoc in the kitchen......</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGna9nFEmJGu62cuCJmbTJK1cJmFRUaXOIsyRQzkYoyIejyD7OY1OfZbU-0H8tesCi2PQFr14qaOHxkZ-Aor5DmiEGSYuAjTno2jFM7l6VREwYPmyPtoRj7dPU0IGZPLVtaws9Llbl_2k/s640/blogger-image-371757032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGna9nFEmJGu62cuCJmbTJK1cJmFRUaXOIsyRQzkYoyIejyD7OY1OfZbU-0H8tesCi2PQFr14qaOHxkZ-Aor5DmiEGSYuAjTno2jFM7l6VREwYPmyPtoRj7dPU0IGZPLVtaws9Llbl_2k/s640/blogger-image-371757032.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTmDTg_4VokhyJHQDkmyb6h9obygXh3EsSa7-oIheWSjEseuGlnHqESq-wigOv1sjKUj0VTaKZ7tbB3dgvytSTVwr8EL7xywGNpnW09xZcgUzc91NXoKpbgNkGGl4op-J6zYR9lgad50/s640/blogger-image--554912355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTmDTg_4VokhyJHQDkmyb6h9obygXh3EsSa7-oIheWSjEseuGlnHqESq-wigOv1sjKUj0VTaKZ7tbB3dgvytSTVwr8EL7xywGNpnW09xZcgUzc91NXoKpbgNkGGl4op-J6zYR9lgad50/s640/blogger-image--554912355.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My mornings are still very early but someone is full of beans......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CeMF0_5kuEgCxNHsAiwQVU63REtupUz5wwCFIDac-_-noZLGXqcRGs_vv7g_a490lxljpc60yJzj2Dawgzr7XJ48FXNLN7LonAGHxTW0BXJEMPqOUIbNVdSv_0f3pFDYXTk7QOm8ouw/s640/blogger-image--1486055241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CeMF0_5kuEgCxNHsAiwQVU63REtupUz5wwCFIDac-_-noZLGXqcRGs_vv7g_a490lxljpc60yJzj2Dawgzr7XJ48FXNLN7LonAGHxTW0BXJEMPqOUIbNVdSv_0f3pFDYXTk7QOm8ouw/s640/blogger-image--1486055241.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">is it time for a snooze yet?</div></div></div></div><br></div></div></div><br></div><br></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-71007727114754985842014-10-03T23:51:00.001-07:002014-10-04T01:08:18.079-07:00Time for a little whine (but not actual wine)So while the Husband finished his shift in the Big Smoke last night and swaggered off to some glitzy trendy bar to meet up with his London friends...AND stay the night...my Friday night was typically nuts in the land of domesticity.<div><br></div><div>While he supped copious amounts of beer and spoke to real adults about proper things, without being interrupted every ten seconds by a child needing a wee, poo or food, and no doubt ending the fabulous evening on a high with shots of Sambuca, I walked around the house with my hands held up to my face in pure Edvard Munch Style. I felt like screaming only I was too shattered from a 5am start.</div><div><br></div><div>Every room was trashed, except our bedroom which is always a haven of calm, it's the law.</div><div><br></div><div>Even though this little madam shares our bedroom.....and quite often our bed. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SV3npA-t3DM-pASralHRCm5OlQZFn6vwYybQeJ4rfHseS8bbHnRWjm0ag6C-rnGhCL2Up9dVHaRthlXtK5NkCevSBn8Hx-ScRT86MBx8vWvuwVryMq-Gr0Fa0Us0WAG6kkzllEhKkG0/s640/blogger-image-847865081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SV3npA-t3DM-pASralHRCm5OlQZFn6vwYybQeJ4rfHseS8bbHnRWjm0ag6C-rnGhCL2Up9dVHaRthlXtK5NkCevSBn8Hx-ScRT86MBx8vWvuwVryMq-Gr0Fa0Us0WAG6kkzllEhKkG0/s640/blogger-image-847865081.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKhJ4qyXW_A7vzcV5AoGornivQdr1GWM48DFRadLW-PCGypDs6gVIkLj4nSQSTo3RXDXl2cyE9w36joCkYWrBgFC0Tf8lRMmcDsUZ-QT4wCczwvgtKQk6JXbd9-m8orvnXSXVxtNth0s/s640/blogger-image--241095283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKhJ4qyXW_A7vzcV5AoGornivQdr1GWM48DFRadLW-PCGypDs6gVIkLj4nSQSTo3RXDXl2cyE9w36joCkYWrBgFC0Tf8lRMmcDsUZ-QT4wCczwvgtKQk6JXbd9-m8orvnXSXVxtNth0s/s640/blogger-image--241095283.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Prince had pulled out every single pair of pants and chucked them on the floor of his bedroom. There were about 47 pairs of primary coloured Y fronts. Every single drawer was pulled out with a mass of clothing spilling out, toys all over the place, Lego all over the floor. It was like a down market charity shop. You know the ones. The ones that smell a bit funny and are more like a jumble sale and have weird ornaments like owls covered in the world's tiniest sea shells.</div><div><br></div><div>He didn't have weird ornaments everywhere but the place was littered with Play Mobil and Star Wars tat. Five light sabers just ready to trip me up and teeny tiny plastic bits on the carpet that flipping hurt your bare feet.</div><div><br></div><div>Then the baby, the Sweet Child, started climbing the stairs with a breadstick wedged in each clammy little fist, which was an accident just waiting to happen so I dashed back down to scoop her up, just as she dropped both breadsticks and the Prince ran out and demolished them both into micro crumbs.</div><div><br></div><div>Then I looked in the bathroom. If there hadn't been a bath and toilet in there, it would have been hard to guess what sort of room it was. The Princess had just dumped loads of clothes in there, and there were books and toys strewn everywhere. I could feel my stress levels rising just ever so slightly as I am a tidy freak, it's the Virgo in me.</div><div><br></div><div>I opened the cupboard on the landing and five towels and a duvet fell on my head. Then I set foot in the Princess's room but one look around made me step away immediately. It was carnage in there.</div><div><br></div><div>Downstairs wasn't much better. There was food all over the kitchen floor, plus hair, as I am still shedding loads post pregnancy. The highchair was covered in Weetabix which had congealed and hardened like concrete, the washing up was practically falling out of the bowl and there was still washing on the line.</div><div><br></div><div>In the living room, the Prince and Princess were fighting over who was playing Minecraft on the iPad and suddenly I felt overwhelmed.</div><div><br></div><div>It was safe to say I wasn't exactly on top of things as I had chosen to spend the day enjoying the last of the summer by the sea. This was my punishment for taking time out from chores.</div><div><br></div><div>And so I set about sorting it all out, with my small army of helpers. Who gave up after three minutes because "they were ever so tired after working all day at school and their feet hurt and they might have a headache."</div><div><br></div><div>By 11.30pm, the house was gleaming, all three children were bathed and snoring, and I collapsed in an exhausted heap on the sofa with an Ovaltine, reflecting on how different my Friday nights were before having kids.</div><div><br></div><div>We used to live in Bath city centre and would leave work, hit the cool bar just yards from our flat and drink gin and tonics til the bar closed and we moved on to a club. </div><div><br></div><div>But as I dragged myself up to bed and kissed each child on their marshmallow soft cheeks, I knew I wouldn't swap it for Friday nights in fancy bars.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This was my life now, it wouldn't be for ever, and socialising will happen again at a time I will be wishing my children were still young. Probably.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBk6jWMJixbd2cAcxK3MvnvCUbLJy9NFcoiCaShNNOe8XMcqd4VbdkzDcN3dTAVDjmmGInPsarUsBDctGHcluEtWSapAzJeUOqvVpK0gqjZdA_WCI8ehHsC89ff94xHVldQ-K_h1GVhg/s640/blogger-image-1495428102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBk6jWMJixbd2cAcxK3MvnvCUbLJy9NFcoiCaShNNOe8XMcqd4VbdkzDcN3dTAVDjmmGInPsarUsBDctGHcluEtWSapAzJeUOqvVpK0gqjZdA_WCI8ehHsC89ff94xHVldQ-K_h1GVhg/s640/blogger-image-1495428102.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Look at the difference in a few months!!!!</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5VkDgCEvUjSkLB2JsDMZ7oP2avhC79VRJa7I-CQIwke-Z1oDP6_LVodTy4HX_vJlsnRjZf8hKqmO9uWgI05cSjMrFu9Rv2uwo8mR-FGBkSULNf3NWTNdVZ0LtlYWU1jJWsaxhXjw_nU/s640/blogger-image--671224407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5VkDgCEvUjSkLB2JsDMZ7oP2avhC79VRJa7I-CQIwke-Z1oDP6_LVodTy4HX_vJlsnRjZf8hKqmO9uWgI05cSjMrFu9Rv2uwo8mR-FGBkSULNf3NWTNdVZ0LtlYWU1jJWsaxhXjw_nU/s640/blogger-image--671224407.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VSt8DMEOG3nUgt1C1XoMcZ5h9w0kiukEwV1tyESgkcAmgy6yUN2RNMqe9oNFoBmCNRU8KnUklN9z7Winz2lInpGLStbWWlQCmDcWDCVEZo3G9Jhe5dTQtngO2z5hQnlRN1a3i2bwZek/s640/blogger-image--1023552314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VSt8DMEOG3nUgt1C1XoMcZ5h9w0kiukEwV1tyESgkcAmgy6yUN2RNMqe9oNFoBmCNRU8KnUklN9z7Winz2lInpGLStbWWlQCmDcWDCVEZo3G9Jhe5dTQtngO2z5hQnlRN1a3i2bwZek/s640/blogger-image--1023552314.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iugcMwbT1S0Hw7NckWqPB2kxPdU0HlYcHJUwbEPPyZvXMtyrXAwMHAcsUczTvZSdQwfe8tblX8hNyXMMTzG41Sia0DwfbTdIOwAu2VFAqJJxaUuc3ZwEpRNj7KcCz3v-iBYqwVE82KI/s640/blogger-image-1991410555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iugcMwbT1S0Hw7NckWqPB2kxPdU0HlYcHJUwbEPPyZvXMtyrXAwMHAcsUczTvZSdQwfe8tblX8hNyXMMTzG41Sia0DwfbTdIOwAu2VFAqJJxaUuc3ZwEpRNj7KcCz3v-iBYqwVE82KI/s640/blogger-image-1991410555.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">AND I bet the husband will wake up with one hell of a hangover today, ha!</span></div><div><br></div><div>Mind you, I feel mightily hungover on three hours sleep and there wasn't a drop of alcohol consumed. Hate that.</div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-39991480268962243922014-10-01T23:11:00.001-07:002014-10-01T23:11:17.126-07:00When you were young and your heart was an open book...<div><br></div>So I stupidly let the Prince watch my favourite Bond film Live and Let Die.<div><br></div><div>A slight error because he is utterly obsessed with it now, like he was with Harry Potter and Star Wars. It's the first thing he watches when he comes home from school, and this is what he drew at school this week:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OYJh9F4DzOj-3pPwylFaKCyli0XcT4tBSZSnKdkt86lbUNEZbg1Vy4e3cnX_vZL-Gmhr2X5Q0xsMMUOVkJrFM9bPhCX1JWb1aMQmcR_EmKiWyIfoiZQFzxdPZxHNL2MGSfykfHeXZ2Y/s640/blogger-image--827854305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OYJh9F4DzOj-3pPwylFaKCyli0XcT4tBSZSnKdkt86lbUNEZbg1Vy4e3cnX_vZL-Gmhr2X5Q0xsMMUOVkJrFM9bPhCX1JWb1aMQmcR_EmKiWyIfoiZQFzxdPZxHNL2MGSfykfHeXZ2Y/s640/blogger-image--827854305.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is indeed a gun. Of sorts. And that says "death", don't you know?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The proofreader in me is itching to amend it in red pen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He even knows some of the words from the film. I picked him up from school yesterday and hugged him. He greeted me with "Hey man, for twenty bucks, I'll take you to a Ku Klux Klan cook-out." in a proper American accent, drawl and all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Time to dig out The Sound of Music tonight, methinks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Speaking of which, the Princess has landed a part in The Sound of Music at one of the schools nearby, I am so proud, it's one of my faves. I seriously have to restrain myself from belting out the numbers and twirling myself around like Maria on the mountain, each time I go along to watch the rehearsal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And Sweet Child continues to keep me on my toes, a true mountain goat, she climbs and explores everything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uZ8stu7ilSopLBOFHYrqKfBFrTkDX7tXryLlj_0fYF_BuZCJO4JIfkXvvCn5UM-_9tqViPg5SrnUgTWaIwmUN2UoKrxiCBhIXZrf_79SRqaGnMD29QBMi1e2zDw9XCSbp2TtNzCKJvI/s640/blogger-image--1481476688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uZ8stu7ilSopLBOFHYrqKfBFrTkDX7tXryLlj_0fYF_BuZCJO4JIfkXvvCn5UM-_9tqViPg5SrnUgTWaIwmUN2UoKrxiCBhIXZrf_79SRqaGnMD29QBMi1e2zDw9XCSbp2TtNzCKJvI/s640/blogger-image--1481476688.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdXk0gat5KvGcQd1qXvSIYVxhFQtxq91gFd5fbm94JGo1qS3afvnGI-LJo0lbQJsPF2q8AvL2ppriwWzDQyrFGG03wme3Jzh8ZvG5Rer9kNYHLFxx6ypDVeoSXtjKNKVPcS-FJBqBrM8/s640/blogger-image-98569917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdXk0gat5KvGcQd1qXvSIYVxhFQtxq91gFd5fbm94JGo1qS3afvnGI-LJo0lbQJsPF2q8AvL2ppriwWzDQyrFGG03wme3Jzh8ZvG5Rer9kNYHLFxx6ypDVeoSXtjKNKVPcS-FJBqBrM8/s640/blogger-image-98569917.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-FlHB9P0KnO1UCysAg2f3sQw9Nf6bgoBYhFYVRkEqzg3PNju_wXjpJCL-g4-0fSIRzS8lEKmXZfB1IBORyNh29i747KISmv_5TQhavPJnC0ssGe_Jo0wRC3caM7MbHiPvWtQ37ngv9o/s640/blogger-image--1303371359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-FlHB9P0KnO1UCysAg2f3sQw9Nf6bgoBYhFYVRkEqzg3PNju_wXjpJCL-g4-0fSIRzS8lEKmXZfB1IBORyNh29i747KISmv_5TQhavPJnC0ssGe_Jo0wRC3caM7MbHiPvWtQ37ngv9o/s640/blogger-image--1303371359.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GGayCD3gIE0-2kihgf93fPpLNbB56H1-uZKx73YDeejJ2eFJIqqgysyr_4i8-2sSZy9DC0TRLacRFINsUIo8KXZuz-BXi1Uf2G_baoscIbUUaVZ7bsmVYZyGKWQg9daoeUZSMmkZqYw/s640/blogger-image-1836388087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GGayCD3gIE0-2kihgf93fPpLNbB56H1-uZKx73YDeejJ2eFJIqqgysyr_4i8-2sSZy9DC0TRLacRFINsUIo8KXZuz-BXi1Uf2G_baoscIbUUaVZ7bsmVYZyGKWQg9daoeUZSMmkZqYw/s640/blogger-image-1836388087.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Onto cherry tree shops, I bought my sister a gorgeous navy silk blouse originally from The White Company but totally forgot to take a photo. She was thrilled though. £3.50, bargainous!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Right I must go. I have been up since 5am and I have a gorgeous gummy babbling baby to snuggle up with before the other two wake for school.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hoping to hit more charity shops on Friday, watch this space.</div></div><br></div></div><br></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-91086858558143474952014-09-22T13:49:00.001-07:002014-09-22T13:57:37.198-07:00Hickies and HeisenbergIt's looking rather awkward in the neck department at present.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRt8r9DDh_6OA7aCBwb_Oc7ye84sq8yFwcYp_1aX5FoRdEh7Q2ogWJJDNz_g5aRNig_Qh_29552KBnqvg74GFcDJk_wBkXnOb72AUGOhEpCxOoh7RbSURxKWpsMqsID7Pw1IYWrzyqo8/s640/blogger-image-887079371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRt8r9DDh_6OA7aCBwb_Oc7ye84sq8yFwcYp_1aX5FoRdEh7Q2ogWJJDNz_g5aRNig_Qh_29552KBnqvg74GFcDJk_wBkXnOb72AUGOhEpCxOoh7RbSURxKWpsMqsID7Pw1IYWrzyqo8/s640/blogger-image-887079371.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sweet Child has given me the mother of all love bites. There she was, a-sucking on my neck, and I indulged her. It was warm and nice and I felt we were having a moment. We have lots of moments because she is a very cuddly, tactile, loving baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But there's loving, and there is serious bruising. The above pic was taken two hours after it happened. Now the bruise is black and I look....well, rough as chuff, for want of a better word.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is now a hideous hickey in an 80s teenager kind of way. Something I never had or wanted in my youth. How ironic that I get one now and it is TOTALLY in yer face. I am wearing a lot of scarves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I don't think she was trying to latch on for a feed because she knows my boobs are barely up at the top end of my body these days. She would have had more luck if she had latched onto my kneecap...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Anyway, other than giving Dracula a run for his money, Sweet Child has become a mountain goat. She walks around furniture, climbs the stairs, tries to get out of her highchair and is into everything. It's exhausting! She is nine months old tomorrow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ULIXsXwKGoT-Yeh1t9DF8IoJ1g3RpU8LQn7k7Nfnr_9toXMAUKprzyuVgR2oi0yx6tbfz-1kqDs5PGvLREySD6ZqkOWNnHLRkqdWsk5vDSdgCdLm1L-B0p6cc53X0uw0ygCwTu9OtW8/s640/blogger-image--1928424212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ULIXsXwKGoT-Yeh1t9DF8IoJ1g3RpU8LQn7k7Nfnr_9toXMAUKprzyuVgR2oi0yx6tbfz-1kqDs5PGvLREySD6ZqkOWNnHLRkqdWsk5vDSdgCdLm1L-B0p6cc53X0uw0ygCwTu9OtW8/s640/blogger-image--1928424212.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdC-ajJlGH6PYuYT_jgtT_LNhpC7Gv5bx_DY5Tj2UJzI06n0DvezElONqo4DLFHVelHCM9e1l_7GJGaNZ9aeO3tBwkPwSYWVt7Pz56yvKvbO38nQ98Jw5UDSZPCjqEgGSLIpxj0YIAvA/s640/blogger-image--1485612117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdC-ajJlGH6PYuYT_jgtT_LNhpC7Gv5bx_DY5Tj2UJzI06n0DvezElONqo4DLFHVelHCM9e1l_7GJGaNZ9aeO3tBwkPwSYWVt7Pz56yvKvbO38nQ98Jw5UDSZPCjqEgGSLIpxj0YIAvA/s640/blogger-image--1485612117.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOCEOusUtVqhu4lb2UFOMj6q_DDxmxUQMTuS5Qm3y1ol_FIgZ0EoJ-RsEM3U6xxy8LHBJYj3w9ricMBXDPN6dZMgiFAa5rZoOetJka0KgY3ZA4ZhTHo__LO6DHWeW2GAy1CpMBnG4yYg/s640/blogger-image--2005763934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOCEOusUtVqhu4lb2UFOMj6q_DDxmxUQMTuS5Qm3y1ol_FIgZ0EoJ-RsEM3U6xxy8LHBJYj3w9ricMBXDPN6dZMgiFAa5rZoOetJka0KgY3ZA4ZhTHo__LO6DHWeW2GAy1CpMBnG4yYg/s640/blogger-image--2005763934.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wwUxKIVsvbA3cSQ3BFY4uVlXOXQtrEKeceZ3o_6sPh0iOGhACjgdjVi45HUjQWcwze0Rp8n0i1e1ja4b8nCOWMaz_3McbiPLXDsMK-jcq5tI3d9dIyGSLovG-LGzKMP7hwN2Ldpe-8/s640/blogger-image-382992968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7wwUxKIVsvbA3cSQ3BFY4uVlXOXQtrEKeceZ3o_6sPh0iOGhACjgdjVi45HUjQWcwze0Rp8n0i1e1ja4b8nCOWMaz_3McbiPLXDsMK-jcq5tI3d9dIyGSLovG-LGzKMP7hwN2Ldpe-8/s640/blogger-image-382992968.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When she has gone for a nap, I pack all <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">the chores in or do a spot of baking. Here is a Spanish Apple cake which is a Baby Led Weaning recipe. It is LUSH!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGIzBxy6z8bl-U9BqcDkNLxaRYH0D9y8XU0_MKSp4l64yY5_X7CUjZCfa5HIeEQqMbCjpIPk9lAP4aso6NUMYaDxO5IKviucxVhgfISueuOfZfMOqj-lklowSSiAWijGFSoGftMDyf9o/s640/blogger-image--159094046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGIzBxy6z8bl-U9BqcDkNLxaRYH0D9y8XU0_MKSp4l64yY5_X7CUjZCfa5HIeEQqMbCjpIPk9lAP4aso6NUMYaDxO5IKviucxVhgfISueuOfZfMOqj-lklowSSiAWijGFSoGftMDyf9o/s640/blogger-image--159094046.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I am still churning out these spinach and cheese muffins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3KHDQuY0aG13iu23YTyXdLZxg2A4hyCNzVZVpViMc0ipDp2s_Oz2CuaarlU4IRxY7LvdigHZpP_VGCmdfJ4lY-CHZo7pLXDxQTu8fRiU5JPk4MdlaOT3GgHEKjII0bx2gebsapHZ7Z0/s640/blogger-image--1490384459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3KHDQuY0aG13iu23YTyXdLZxg2A4hyCNzVZVpViMc0ipDp2s_Oz2CuaarlU4IRxY7LvdigHZpP_VGCmdfJ4lY-CHZo7pLXDxQTu8fRiU5JPk4MdlaOT3GgHEKjII0bx2gebsapHZ7Z0/s640/blogger-image--1490384459.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>It was my birthday last week, I had a wonderful time and enjoyed summer weather on my big day<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. I was sent these books to add to my collection, by my lovely friend Kerry.</span></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXCJVYCqia8MdDQNjSm7Ibgv3XVZpyYu44tZJ6EbI3G51VmeoSRmCsLMzsZaLJuSaxqO6gRWLz9Cfqg6BehcKL2YEgw3LC-JYjHggYCHHZc4GLosI7KQBmNGRz-33u-zxkP4_6R975-E/s640/blogger-image--1398181226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXCJVYCqia8MdDQNjSm7Ibgv3XVZpyYu44tZJ6EbI3G51VmeoSRmCsLMzsZaLJuSaxqO6gRWLz9Cfqg6BehcKL2YEgw3LC-JYjHggYCHHZc4GLosI7KQBmNGRz-33u-zxkP4_6R975-E/s640/blogger-image--1398181226.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>The husband spoiled me and we had a lovely day together, pottering by the sea with the baby, sipping Prosecco, indulging in coffee and cake, lunch in the sun. It was lovely. He took me out for dinner a few nights beforehand, which was our first night out in ten months! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took a bag that didn't have wet wipes or spare nappies in. I wore perfume and not Eau de Mashed Breadstick. I felt semi human and I ordered gin at the bar, without a small person tugging at my sleeves and announcing they need a poo.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh, the husband and I are both feeling bereft after watching the final episode of Breaking Bad. No spoilers here, yo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But I wonder if we were addicted to it, in a crystal meth kinda way. We are lost without it. We used to sneak off to watch an episode when Sweet Child dozed, absolutely genius show.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we are toying with what to watch next. I can't tell you how much I want to watch it all over again from the very first episode.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But in the meantime, I need to find some good concealer for the monstrosity on my neck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Til the next time...</div></div></div></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-32279894222944929532014-09-16T14:21:00.001-07:002014-09-16T14:28:29.819-07:00Sleeping bagsI have been up since 5am and am possibly ever so slightly delirious, so do bear with.<div><br></div><div>I tootled off to bed at midnight which was ridiculously late but I had been busy scoffing buttery sweets from France that I had forgotten about (bit like Wurthers Original but weirder) and wasn't that tired. But <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">then Sweet Child fed twice in the night for half an hour each time before standing up in her cot at 5am and then giving me the cheeky smile that she knows will win me over.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Of course it worked but, man, there is nothing more depressing than coming downstairs when it is still dark and kids' TV hasn't even started. It was just me and Jeremy Kyle. Like a nightmare......if only I had been asleep.</div><div><br></div><div>After ten minutes with Jezza and realising that actually, my life isn't all that bad and there ARE people who look worse than me in tracksuit bottoms, I couldn't take it anymore. I was Tattooed Out and sick of all the moronic shouting.</div><div><br></div><div>Then I was ready for lunch. But it was only 6am. I hate that.</div><div><br></div><div>By the time the morning school run was done, I actually fancied fish fingers, chips and beans and just knew it was going to be a loooooooong day.</div><div><br></div><div>But I had success in the cherry tree shop.</div><div><br></div><div>Look at this little beauty I got for 20p.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsus0zAEr8A4Q4BWX3qJYEpQTbwnOlh5aRw6e5nWdMm6Bvwbif0APmQzRiU43jAdwJQFFqC4wn5_f6JVl-5N8J840ABl6gEnrCqriHgIt5dg9ufX_Qehei35EcMgX0M71Mpl_RUpSF5U/s640/blogger-image-371999550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsus0zAEr8A4Q4BWX3qJYEpQTbwnOlh5aRw6e5nWdMm6Bvwbif0APmQzRiU43jAdwJQFFqC4wn5_f6JVl-5N8J840ABl6gEnrCqriHgIt5dg9ufX_Qehei35EcMgX0M71Mpl_RUpSF5U/s640/blogger-image-371999550.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My favourite page is below...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJ_5B_4JZ2PzWg0mfSKnulEysHTfwfs2Fa3gSOyU2mKJnlrEti0Hjl2JR6KFUygE0Yy6LpVkOwJFgT1KIj43lRwd8t0V0QejgEvUNvY5iJxeoq8YqVOA0jDupn9nxDhNRcEBVwVhiWug/s640/blogger-image-479017252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJ_5B_4JZ2PzWg0mfSKnulEysHTfwfs2Fa3gSOyU2mKJnlrEti0Hjl2JR6KFUygE0Yy6LpVkOwJFgT1KIj43lRwd8t0V0QejgEvUNvY5iJxeoq8YqVOA0jDupn9nxDhNRcEBVwVhiWug/s640/blogger-image-479017252.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>And two days ago I had success.....</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRvl2xqU3WgrWte1OdeKjBUl3vhEHNpp2v9heOE9QIc3AaFTslH1skTWvwJvwqgvUZtJv0aUBOy2bKCKcyHcS14Q5De0sbGPmM_qSgIluNfNYAHpEVTSFVgpfR-ArGxZsC1dKwlKaQOs/s640/blogger-image--2119225940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRvl2xqU3WgrWte1OdeKjBUl3vhEHNpp2v9heOE9QIc3AaFTslH1skTWvwJvwqgvUZtJv0aUBOy2bKCKcyHcS14Q5De0sbGPmM_qSgIluNfNYAHpEVTSFVgpfR-ArGxZsC1dKwlKaQOs/s640/blogger-image--2119225940.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The Princess was thrilled. "Oh, it's so....like....so like...<i>totally </i>me," she proclaimed! </div><div><br></div><div>I was chuffed to have bought her the below shirt too as it's still in H&M at full price. For me, it cost £1.50.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzohEeRVymI4xKUbDPK9Abj16UYsrBCi3d0o1MgR2_WP7Owt4py1Ht6mDDTwUqIEAYJPwn9YIZtMhOhizmEN-bdVKML9FtlQ5k07oqNyPVqFZFq3qsz1awmZTesMx4RTKX38WdfGYYcMQ/s640/blogger-image-1394287003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzohEeRVymI4xKUbDPK9Abj16UYsrBCi3d0o1MgR2_WP7Owt4py1Ht6mDDTwUqIEAYJPwn9YIZtMhOhizmEN-bdVKML9FtlQ5k07oqNyPVqFZFq3qsz1awmZTesMx4RTKX38WdfGYYcMQ/s640/blogger-image-1394287003.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She got this too. I am back in her "Mum is Trendy After All" book. Yo!</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioG9pmR8siJiXMdTvgPt7LJf4lLNmXk-I3CZSgXklwk0-FTMDdSaBgCQ8MKguK6pN3ZB3s-oLfI__eplN9lnysfEnt3o16TSF2uVnOA__ssbFISzZJnx2dmYNe-vx5E3ewd6cHesh8vI/s640/blogger-image--1310688251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioG9pmR8siJiXMdTvgPt7LJf4lLNmXk-I3CZSgXklwk0-FTMDdSaBgCQ8MKguK6pN3ZB3s-oLfI__eplN9lnysfEnt3o16TSF2uVnOA__ssbFISzZJnx2dmYNe-vx5E3ewd6cHesh8vI/s640/blogger-image--1310688251.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I picked up the below for Sweet Childe:</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt32QrL5TAzYuB93SBam3skwya_x4m1yMn7pdxjQB9mQOXyEA2hdgDdYMpl1YMwIfYLfrv64gZJJbjySSDBW1waANTgattuMYxf1dn2erEP6N8RxDlWmyBkmiyPqKvCjRKEEfQ4OQh-18/s640/blogger-image--1833981360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt32QrL5TAzYuB93SBam3skwya_x4m1yMn7pdxjQB9mQOXyEA2hdgDdYMpl1YMwIfYLfrv64gZJJbjySSDBW1waANTgattuMYxf1dn2erEP6N8RxDlWmyBkmiyPqKvCjRKEEfQ4OQh-18/s640/blogger-image--1833981360.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcdvgoyzE-XG4iriqD9Ew2kPjmkdinCpITNB_DXSvBAYd9YGLawFL5yRQU3cOTfKFgXByHK-Z3bBb2OH2ozsLtbcVGcFwwntG8F-Yh4RKmD4LzgRT5c1i9ZiM5U7dVgwaSJkVv21O91o/s640/blogger-image-774973559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcdvgoyzE-XG4iriqD9Ew2kPjmkdinCpITNB_DXSvBAYd9YGLawFL5yRQU3cOTfKFgXByHK-Z3bBb2OH2ozsLtbcVGcFwwntG8F-Yh4RKmD4LzgRT5c1i9ZiM5U7dVgwaSJkVv21O91o/s640/blogger-image-774973559.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo_c4LWTMfhl1pWixI1ij3h8_PJm4ajQTYPF-gn-ka4UbzCRhkotCV9h7p45YFkzugIknX7a7Tu7MeGB5HHudbZIpp9R1Kn1sLP0yEN96tXscplQi1Kf8jvlb4KMTRl96OY_3JvQm7EU/s640/blogger-image-1159505651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo_c4LWTMfhl1pWixI1ij3h8_PJm4ajQTYPF-gn-ka4UbzCRhkotCV9h7p45YFkzugIknX7a7Tu7MeGB5HHudbZIpp9R1Kn1sLP0yEN96tXscplQi1Kf8jvlb4KMTRl96OY_3JvQm7EU/s640/blogger-image-1159505651.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And here she is rocking her cherry tree skirt I bought recently. Aw, I love the baby. She smells of biscuits and porridge and honey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ninWFH1yo-t-U-wwP8vzPWkkVpBK__tJekhSVfEuLJhqCC-LhePtz4qOOaf7Bl8tM9z1U-jFrdNVLyycKlADNVvzlBff0AU61t4zAqa5gfoHLZFlADSXsOCbifXzgFRQpdlPMIUMvoI/s640/blogger-image-1525424883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ninWFH1yo-t-U-wwP8vzPWkkVpBK__tJekhSVfEuLJhqCC-LhePtz4qOOaf7Bl8tM9z1U-jFrdNVLyycKlADNVvzlBff0AU61t4zAqa5gfoHLZFlADSXsOCbifXzgFRQpdlPMIUMvoI/s640/blogger-image-1525424883.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I still carry Sweet Child in the wrap sling thing even though she is nine months old next week. This is my view. Look at those lashes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC6qH15bV7cSzUiKf2sYcsDC6lNzdIutxsDSrgwd-38DPlCCBeYpksNo70BwXsRBgFjCvdHtmJWpyjtF7BRyxMen-qyLqx1IuHMJcE0rnYaIzv0ma256_0ZEBsth4EmCwGtsGDoycp9E/s640/blogger-image-578502651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbC6qH15bV7cSzUiKf2sYcsDC6lNzdIutxsDSrgwd-38DPlCCBeYpksNo70BwXsRBgFjCvdHtmJWpyjtF7BRyxMen-qyLqx1IuHMJcE0rnYaIzv0ma256_0ZEBsth4EmCwGtsGDoycp9E/s640/blogger-image-578502651.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I mustn't forget the Prince. The funniest kid like, ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yesterday he told me he had big news for me. I had to wait until bedtime for him to tell me. He looked at me earnestly and with wide eyed excitement and said "Today, I found something out. I found out that a chicken is <i>actually </i>a bird..."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And there we have it. Fascinating. He told me today he had chicken korma for lunch but his friend Ray had chicken pork.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Um....what's chicken pork exactly?" I asked with interest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He looked at me with intense irritation and said: "You know exactly what chicken pork is. Everyone knows. It's what you order instead of chicken korma, for goodness sake."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Okay.</div><br></div>So, I have been on the go for 17 hours and one must get one's beauty sleep before the randomness of tomorrow greets me rudely from 5am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Although I am a year older tomorrow so I hope to get a slight lie in and let the Husband get it on with Jeremy Kyle instead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the Morrow, my friends. And with less eye bags one hopes...</div></div></div></div><br></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-3299325401007703402014-09-11T13:52:00.001-07:002014-09-11T13:52:08.145-07:00Totes driven round the bendSo here I am, wrung out like the Pip Studio hand towel my eldest "accidentally" dropped in the bath tonight. <div><br><div>It has been a looooooong evening and a glass of wine has made a grand entrance into my hand. I never drink in the week usually. The whole Wine O'clock for mums thing has never been my bag.</div><div><br></div><div>Until tonight.</div><div><br></div><div>Sheesh.</div><div><br></div><div>There have been tantrums galore, door slamming spectaculaire, hideous nappies, major dinner clear up time (the downside to baby led weaning) baby screams....it's all been kicking off round my gaff.</div><div><br></div><div>But tomorrow I shall pass three cherry tree shops after toddler group (the group that gets old ladies to bake the most amazing cakes which you can scoff while they cuddle your baby. Yep, cake in peace. C.I.P.)</div><div><br></div><div>And I hope to show you my second hand wares.</div><div><br></div><div>(It wasn't all bad today, after the school run I skulked back to bed when Sweet Child dozed off, and then woke two hours later, and watched Breaking Bad with the husband before he went to work. No spoilers please. We won't know what to do with ourselves when it's over. JESSE! Swoon)</div><div><br></div><div>This is how tired and wrung out I am. Over tired dot com me thinks....</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNinSadPo4ud6MWZuW_tRdgOJLtZzOCwMeN2AnCtt3o_U-NIYxVG3yTsO3e8tA0wyt-xAWIGpou5jhdMIAzFOlkbySWknRaDy1p9SAuzXiNxD-ldCVTzQ60v80grSBlfKGIpgRuUwOQrs/s640/blogger-image-488660911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNinSadPo4ud6MWZuW_tRdgOJLtZzOCwMeN2AnCtt3o_U-NIYxVG3yTsO3e8tA0wyt-xAWIGpou5jhdMIAzFOlkbySWknRaDy1p9SAuzXiNxD-ldCVTzQ60v80grSBlfKGIpgRuUwOQrs/s640/blogger-image-488660911.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564454623039772845.post-78793017337206590132014-09-02T06:16:00.001-07:002014-09-02T06:16:27.594-07:00(Beyoncé)..... QUESTIONI just blogged but it's gone onto an older date of sometime in July.<div>why?</div><div>WHHHHHHYYYYYYYY?</div><div><br></div>Gemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16131918878618386683noreply@blogger.com6