Thank the lord for lovely friends!

I am eating a sausage while writing this blog post and really regretting the fact I have tuned into Embarrassing Bodies. A dodgy willy shown in all its (non existant) glory, is not looking unlike my bit of saucisse that I was hoping to enjoy and I am feeling rather...pigged off, quite frankly.

Ah well, I won't starve. Not after the amount I've consumed today.

I have had such a lovely day today. I invited three bloggy friends over for lunch as we all live in the same neck of the woods. In the past I have been a little hesitant about meeting up, in case bubbles burst and it's not the same in "real life".

Oh how wrong I was. HOW wrong.

Left to right: Sarah, Ashley, Sarah and me!

I had met up with Sarah at Annaboo's House a couple of weeks ago and we had a laugh. So I invited her over to mine for lunch today, along with the extremely wonderful Sarah at Shabby Chic Sarah and the ever so divine Ashley at Country Rose.

Yes the gorgeous shabby chic one and her country bumpkin friend turned up about a zillion hours later than planned due to traffic trouble but we made up for lost time.

These situations are always met with a little trepidation. What if we don't gel like we do in Blogland? What if they had higher expectations than I could live up to? Well, I needn't have worried. The girls arrived, there were "gert" (I am from Somerset, this means  "massive") hugs all round and then we scoffed our way through lunch.

The Prince fell for Rose. Tonight he told me "I love that boy Rose".....I had to correct him, but I knew what he meant. She is adorable. And rather cheeky!

Up to no good. Again!

Sarah (of the shabby chic variety) had brought me these cheery daffs with a lovely hand-made brooch.

She also requested I made my Trifle Crawford desserts which I did.

I was worried we wouldn't have room, but let me tell you, we are HARD CORE at the dining table. Don't invite us four anywhere if you were hoping to keep some left overs for the next day...

I'd made a lemon drizzle cake too but we ran out of time (ho hum, I'll have to eat that tomorrow) as I had to scoot off for the school run and parents' evening.

Sarah (Annaboo) brought me some lovely tulips and these two Ladybird books. Praise the Lord for my lovely new friends. It was like we'd all known each other for years.

Apparently only 30p each! Bargainous.

Look at this sweet drawing found at the back!

Do not invite us to an All You Can Eat. Because we will EAT IT ALL...

And now I shall look once more at that sausage, get the horrid Embarrassing Bodies willy image out of my mind, and continue with my meal at 10.35pm. That programme really is TMI at any time of day.

The Kids are Alright

My poor little Princess. She needs to stop playing like a Prince. I am trying to teach her to be demure. Gentle.   And to slow down. 

I don't want any dramas this week. We also had a level crossing moment a few days ago. We have to cross one every day to get to school. The Prince loves choo choos so is happy as Larry (who WAS Larry by the way?) but the Princess gets scared when the bell rings to warn everyone. And last week we'd just started walking across and the alarm went off, which is quite a scary noise if you are a kid (or me).

As we'd only just set one foot on there, I stepped backwards as decided it was the safer option with a loaded up pushchair. She on the other hand had sprinted across like Linford Christie on Red Bull so I then had to get over with the pushchair. ALMOST heart failure but still here to tell the tale...we have a rule now. She does NOT let go of my hand.

Been cherry tree shopping again. This time I got this fab Monsoon skirt for £4.99 from YMCA (on this occasion I would say it really IS fun to stay at the YMCA as I saw loads of stuff but the Prince was having none of it, sadly).

On Saturday we went to Arundel for the afternoon. We arrived and found out we'd not only left the pushchair at home, but also the Prince's shoes. Please don't ask. I swear we aren't usually this crap.

So we drove all the way home and started again. Arriving in Arundel later than planned, with gritted teeth and a few sharp words with each other (I still say it's the Husband's fault).


 Anyway, this historical town is gorgeous.

 There are some gorgeous shops.

Then I went to the antique and craft centre and guess what I came across:

Yay, it's my very lovely bloggy friend Sarah from Annaboo's House. Look at her work, she has been a busy bee.

Then I saw a very silly model in a shop window. Tut tut. I blame the parents.

And yes they are cherry tree boots 

 I then came across this fab "itty bitty" junk shop. Couldn't call it junk though, total treasure darlings, total treasure.

Had to keep someone sweet during the day when he got a little tired.

I think he looks a bit like George Michael
with the icecream tash and goatee

 Went for a lovely walk the other day with a new friend. She showed me some pretty gardens and we took our boys. It was lovely and the Prince loved looking around for the Gruffalo.

Oh my dear little children never fail to make me laugh. They love entertaining me. Yesterday they did a performance of One Direction's Beautiful, which was beautiful. And hilarious. They dressed up for the occasion too. Oh my, how I love my little creations. Most of the time...

Complete with chocolate mousse round the Prince's mouth

Nigel Kennedy? Whatever.

Very Dexey's Midnight Runners

Oh and spring has sprung good and proper here in West Sussex. Bring on a little more sunshine please.

PS. Thanks for all your comments re one of my favourite books The Wonderful Weekend Book by the amazing Elspeth Thompson. I was shocked when Heather at Pink Milk told me Elspeth died two years ago. I had no idea. Her death makes for sad reflection. How someone with a lovely husband and young daughter, a fabulous home and successful career as a writer can end their life so suddenly is beyond me. I often read her book when I need a pick me up and inspiration. How tragic that her book wasn't enough to lift her own soul. I am thrilled that so many of you are buying\have read the book.

Friday night update

Thanks very much to the lovely Gem who writes  http://dreamsofalifeinthecountry.blogspot.com/ for thinking me worthy of this award. I've followed her blog for quite so time now and wrote a guest post over there at Christmas which was fun. Hop on over and see what she's been up to recently.

I'd like to pass this award on and will do so over the next couple of days.

In the meantime, here's my latest cherry tree purchase. A French Connection skirt from YMCA for £4.99.

Net and velvet ribbon. Lush

Can I tell you about a brilliant book that I keep dipping into? My copy is so well thumbed, although not helped by the fact I dropped it in the bath last week. It's all about bringing life back to basics, picnics on the beach, places to go, gift ideas and how to relax and oh I just love it. My friend bought it for me when we relocated and I urge you all to read it.

I am also reading this again, as I love it. Found this in a cherry tree shop for £1.50.

And this is the book club choice this month. I have til March 28th to finish it, and am currently on page 26. I take an age to read a book and the library tells me I can only have it for a week. Great. Pressure! Really enjoying it though.

Tomorrow the weather is meant to be wet and not nice. I feel sad about that, it's the husband's weekend off and we had plans to get out and about.

Ah well, I shall still sneak out in waterproofs to see my true love.

Zooming around and swimming

I bought this little number from the charity shop yesterday for £3.99. FYI, for my new followers, I refer to charity shops as cherry tree shops. It's just something my mum and I call them. Makes it sound quaint. Or something.

Moving on from cheap retail therapy, the Princess has one hell of a shiner on her cheek/eye after falling in her wooden playhouse late this afternoon. There I was, having a leisurely chat with my neighbour who popped over, and we heard muchos dramatic screaming that only the Princess can pull off.

"Here we go again", I sighed. Then immediately felt guilty when I saw her face. She has a very pretty little face so I was rather shocked to see a rapidly swelling eyelid and red bruise forming over her eye and cheek. "Mum, do not take even ONE photo for your blog. I mean it. I know you too well. I don't want anyone to see me like this" she said, while looking at me sternly with one eye closed.

Poor girl. She really does need to slow down though. Bull in a china shop springs to mind. She is a tomboy, she climbs trees, plays a mean game of football and loves dead frogs, Harry Potter and Horrid Henry. But she also looks gorgeous in pretty dresses, has lovely long hair and plays elaborate games with all her teddies who all have names like Ian and Stephen (with a 'ph' not a 'v'). She's unique I'll give her that (this is the girl who owns a baby doll called Derek-Tom).

So that was today's drama. Along with the fact I overslept and literally RAN the 20 mins walk to school. I left the Prince with the Husband and the Princess and I belted it all the way. Sort of like a poor man's Paula Radcliffe (without stopping to "relieve one's self" on the pavement half way through the race.....)

Talking of running, there's such a eclectic mix of mums at school, it's unreal. One mum apparently runs for eight hours a day. No, really. EIGHT HOURS. I just assumed she worked in a gym, hence all the running gear but apparently she just runs a lot at various points of the day. Complete with full make up and coiffured hair. How she maintains this look is a mystery. To balance it out though, I have seen another mum who shuffles to school in her pyjamas (and not in a cool ironic Slummy Mummy type way).

After checking out jogging mum and PJ mum, I walked the five minutes further to the beach. It was a gloriously warm morning but the cool sea breeze made my cheeks tingly and I hugged myself with excited glee for moving here (must have looked like some self-loving freak show).

But look at it! The sea was far out and it was slightly hazy.

Total "cherry tree" outfit - (except tights which were £1.50 from Primark)
Skirt  (White Stuff £4.99), boots (originally Gap £4) and bag (M&S £2.50)

Love this fabric

I can see for miles and miles 

 Had to get my camera out yesterday. Look what I spied in the sea yesterday morning.........

It would have been rude not to

The sea was FREEZING. I tested it.
But doesn't it look peaceful and serene?

Even some random dog was impressed by this man's actions

 I discovered he swims in the sea every morning in all weathers (even snow storms) - that's more impressive than someone who merely jogs for eight hours a day.

While he swam in the tranquil waters, I watched the morning sky slowly wake up.

Two hours later the skies were blue and sunny. I love watching it try to burn through.

I also made two new friends yesterday on the pier. May I introduce the young whippersnapper Nora who is 97. Yes really.

Love it!

Here she is with Michael who is less than 97, by several years. They took a shine to the Prince (who wouldn't?!) and took him for a joyride.

The hooligans revving it up on the pier.
Boy racers, eat your hearts out

Hanging out with the Homies

And as I watched them trundle home, I had a warm feeling in my heart.

People seem to be friendly here, always willing to stop and talk. A mum at school (who I haven't seen before) flung her business card into my hand this morning and said "I know you are new, come over for a coffee." She has the same Doc Marten's as me but green and wears a funky pink lipstick.

Another one has invited me to her book club. Can't wait. We've started reading Pigeon English and meet at hers in a month's time. Apparently they talk about the book for half an hour and then drink wine and have a laugh. Sounds good to me!