My Little Life

Waiting…

2012-02-14T23:01:00.001Z

Yesterday I had the day off to sit in and wait for a parcel to be delivered. After getting home from my sleepover job in the morning, I promptly put my PJ’s on. This is where I will confess that my PJ’s can pass as lounging around outfits. Just in case anyone pops by unexpected at 2pm, I can pretend that no, I’m not wearing PJ’s, I’m just wearing my casual clothes.

Lucky for me I had the March (eeeek….March!) edition of 25 beautiful homes, and the second of the Charlaine Harris Lily Bard series to read.

It’s a lot milder here this week, but that just means I can turn the heating off, and still have the log fire going.

Lunch was a cuppa soup which I found in the cupboard. It was surprisingly tasty.

I may have eaten too many of these..but they have lasted since Christmas….so…their days were definitely numbered.

I did have visitors in the shape of my littlest Niece and her pooch while sis & hubbie went to town, but for some reason I didn’t have any photos of that!

I even looked through some paperwork for my new job.

And there it is…the delivery that came….eventually.

I did think long and hard about joining the I phone club, (the Instagram photos are pretty hard to resist) but in the end, I decided that I’m still a BB girl.

And look, she's purple, so you see my dilemma.

I could tell you about the delivery that came today, which included 180 boxes of tissues. But I’m gonna make you wait for that. You’ll just think I’m weird.

No one can confidently say that they will still be living tomorrow

2012-02-12T17:59:00.002Z

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

Learning to love yourself It is the greatest love of all

Share my life, Take me for what I am.

There's a boy I know, he's the one I dream of,,, Looks into my eyes, takes me to the clouds above

The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity.

R.I.P

Dr House

2012-02-09T21:36:00.001Z

Mr D & I have recently discovered House, and we are quickly becoming House addicts.

We’ve just started series 2, which means we are what? 247 series behind the rest of civilization? We always were a few steps behind the in-crowd.

Box sets are mine and Mr D’s favourite thing. We’re not very good at remembering to watch a series on TV even if it’s something we really like, but we are good at sitting with a box set and watching just one more episode after just another episode until we realise that it’s far too late to be up on a school night.

Go on then, what series are you on? Is it still fantabulous? (Actually I don’t want to know if it isn’t I just want to enjoy it now…and I probably wouldn’t believe you anyway..)

And look, he can sing too…

Friday tomorrow….Have a good one!

I think I’d like to live in Narnia forever please

2012-02-07T18:08:00.001Z

As promised, and just to make you all crazy jealous of our weekend frolics…or more likely to make you realise that this blogger is just a little on the crazy side, here is the evidence of camping in the snow.

The pic above is our home on wheels as is.

And here is how she looked the next morning when we woke up and found we had been transported to the snowy wilderness that is Narnia.

Oh how excited I was to see all that untouched snow to run around in like a five year old.

Lets just take a little pause to see what I’m wearing. That pink Weird Fish top was given to me second hand by my mother in law about 6 years ago, the Fat Face jeans were second hand from my Niece, and the wonderful infinity scarf was a Christmas gift from my lovely friend Jihee from The Soaktree.

I am modelling my new fabulous Hunters which I love almost more than Jelly Tots. Almost.

The scene was pretty special

The snow has mostly melted now which makes me sad, but they say it could be –12 here tonight which is certainly going to separate the men from the boys that’s for sure.

I hope you are all keeping toasty warm. I find long johns are good. And knee high fluffy socks. And a t shirt which ladies of a certain age would call a vest.

The above is how I passed the time while not dancing in the snow. You can’t see the bottle of cider, of which there was ~~much~~ some.

I’d just like to say hello to all my new followers whom I have noticed peeking out behind the side bar there, and as a special welcome I’m planning a little giveaway at the end of the week, so make sure you keep popping back cos you wouldn’t want to miss out now would you!

Happy Snowy Days

2012-02-06T19:34:00.001Z

Look what we got? In the middle of the night, whist we were sleeping. In the woods. Yes in the woods.

I love the snow. We were so happy that we had landed in Narnia.

I have many pictures, some of which you will have seen if you are a friend on FB.

Lucky for us our home on wheels is nice and toasty warm, we sat around the camp fire and talked and listened to music.

I’ll come back tomorrow and show you the rest of the photos, they are very magical, but right now Mr D is cooking me Fillet Steak for tea. Because the nice tax man gave me a refund today. I am sorry for moaning about him. Well just a bit sorry, mostly he takes too much money, but then it’s nice to get a surprise every now and again, and to buy a special tea.

So it’s steak and home made chips, bottle of wine (more expensive than the 5.00 I would normally pay) and the second series of House for us tonight.

Happy Days.

The Ugly Sister Jane Fallon Book Review No. 3!

2012-02-05T21:07:00.001Z

I got my wish for snow, on the weekend we decided to go camping, snow decided to fall. It was great, I have lots of photos for you of our winter wonderland, but if you cant wait I posted some over here.

Whilst I was keeping toasty warm by the fire, I read this..

When it comes to genes life's a lottery . . .

As Abi would the first to know. She has spent her life in the shadow of her stunningly beautiful, glamorous older sister Cleo.

Headhunted as model when she was sixteen, Cleo has been all but lost to Abi for the last twenty years, with only a fleeting visit or brief email to connect them. So when Abi is invited to spend the summer in Cleo's large London home with her sister's perfect family, she can't bring herself to say no. Despite serious misgivings. Maybe Cleo is finally as keen as Abi to regain the closeness they shared in their youth?

But Abi is in for a shock. Soon she is left caring for her two young, bored and very spoilt nieces and handsome, unhappy brother-in-law - while Cleo plainly has other things on her mind. As Abi moves into her sister's life, a cuckoo in the nest, she wrestles with uncomfortable feelings.

Could having beauty, wealth and fame lead to more unhappiness than not having them? Who in the family really is the ugly sister?

First five sentences… Genetics is a strange science. It’s imprecise. A jumble of random combinations that make a unique whole. It’s basically a lottery. So you can inherit the beautiful turned up nose of your mother, but the fact that it’s so big it takes up half your face from your paternal grandfather.

Where I got my hands on it.. This was in a pile given to me by a friend I do regular book swaps with

The cover.. It must be good as I chose to read this instead of any of the other 70 odd books in my to-be-read piles.

Made me.. Grateful for having such a close relationship with my own sister. I know not everyone gets along with their siblings, but that’s always been foreign to me, even when we were little and I was the pesky pain in the butt that copied her clothes and wanted to hang out with her and her friends, we always got along, so reading novels like this is always an eye opener.

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. This I haven't decided, I might put it in my Grannie’s book pile.

I liked this book a lot. I’ve read other Jane Fallon books, (Getting rid of Matthew, Foursome) and I loved This Life, which she produced. It’s easy to read, highly entertaining and actually believable. This is just right to cosy up by the fire with!

Hope you are all cosy warm, I have to go out to my sleep over job, the up side of which is that I have an electric blanket on my bed there…something which Mr D would never allow. We are one of those couples that alternately open (him) and shut (me) windows while the other isn’t looking…

Random pile of photos

2012-02-02T16:52:00.001Z

If all the photos that are on my computer were real life paper ones I would be one of those people that cannot walk in a straight line from the lounge to the kitchen to make a cuppa. Or they can’t find the kettle anyway even if they pole vaulted their way in. Due to the mountains of newspapers/magazines/photo albums stacked at regular intervals around the place. Oh. I am one of those people. ooooooooooookkkkkkkk.

So it’s no wonder that sometimes I come across some photos whilst looking through the computer files and I think I should share them with my friends. You are my friends….right? (Insert voice over from Mr D about here saying that ‘they aren’t real friends you know’…) Good job we know best eh?

These were taken the day after Boxing Day. A traditional Fancy Dress off road day at a friends. I didn't go to this but Niece and Mr D got dressed up and off they went in the jeep.

I think I will go to this next year. Hmm. What to go as?

This one was taken on Boxing day. We were trying to get a nice picture, and took this one….and…

This one! In exactly the same place just facing the other direction, amazing what a difference it makes to the light!

This was taken on the same night. But much later. Much much later. After the pub…

This was from our trip to London last year, I think it was off Mr D’s phone. Not that I go through his phone and steal photos…I would never look at his text messages and/or call list…now where is that copy of Fatal attraction I really identify with that movie…ahem…..

I’m pretty sure this was Christmas Day. Mr D is so happy in the kitchen I must let him take care of stuff in there more often…

There you go, I might share more random photos at a later date, now I have to go and get in the bath which I just very nearly flooded the house with whilst spending time with you, it literally was saved by the over flow. And I nearly burned the flesh off my arm putting my hand in to get the plug out. Hmmmm. Lets not tell Mr D that shall we? He may get all judgemental about my lack of attention.

It’s fweeeeeeezing here at the moment. Bath. Fire. Night in with Hubs. Movie. Wine. Oh, if you insist.

Hello February

2012-01-31T20:46:00.001Z

We are well and truly into 2012 now, there’s a lot to look forward to in February

February is the month of love and even more so in our house as it will be the 23rd anniversary of Mr D and I’s first date

Without Valentine's Day, February would be... well, January

We have had a very mild winter so far, but the last couple of days have seen little peeks of Joe Frost himself

Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while, nine out of ten people couldn't start a conversation

I for one am quite looking forward to some frosty days, as I have some new welly boots on their way to me to do some serious leaf crunching in.

You can read the post about my welly boot love here

February will be the last full month in my present job, and more training for my new one, so busy but exciting times ahead!

What are you looking forward to in February?

Oh, Mr D had a good birthday, even if he had to go to work, he did finish early which is the good thing about being your own boss I suppose, no one looking at the clock when you want to run home and drink Malt Whiskey!

Birthday Boy

2012-01-30T08:54:00.001Z

My Mr D is 41 today.

A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.

Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest

One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure.

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

Today he’s working (that’s what he tells me but I’m sure there will be a birthday breakfast/lunch/sticky bun stop), tonight we are going for a meal with his family.

It’s pretty bleak looking outside, hope it’s brighter where you are!

Book Review No.2.. Prophecy of the Sisters

2012-01-28T09:56:00.001Z

'Without the Keys, something terrible will happen. Something that cannot be undone. And with them, I might bring an end to the riddle of the Prophecy and my strange part in it. If Alice and I are on conflicting sides of the Prophecy, the Keys would be dangerous in her hands. Which means I have to find them. And I have to do it before my sister.' This is the story of sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe's quest to discover her role and her twin sister's in a powerful prophecy that has affected twin sisters for generations. But nothing can prepare her for what she discovers - about herself, about her family, and about the danger that goes from haunting her dreams to becoming her reality.

First five sentences… Perhaps because it seems so appropriate, I don’t notice the rain. It falls in sheets, a blanket of silvery thread rushing to the hard almost winter ground. Still, I stand without moving at the side of the coffin. I am on Alice’s right. I am always on her right, and I wonder if it was that way even in mothers womb, before we were pushes screaming into the world one right after the other.

Where I got my hands on it.. I had seen this book several times whilst browsing the bookstores….but had always resisted buying as it was in hardback and we know that’s against my religion to buy a hardback…then one day whilst out with sis, I spied it in the bargain section for 99p!! So being the thoughtful soul that I am, I put it in sis’s basket and said that she could wrap it up for me for Christmas. So she did. YeY!

The cover.. I have to say this is not the prettiest cover I’ve ever seen, the girls on the front not only look spooky…which I guess was the plan, but they just look a bit…well….not very attractive…

Made me want to… I immediately went on line to see if there was a follow up to this, and guess what? It’s actually a trilogy.

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. This will be going back to sis, as she wants to read it, which has got to be the best Christmas present to buy, it only costs 99p, you know it’s something they want, and then you get it back when they’re done with it!! ha!

So, was it worth the wait? I think it was. Although the story was pretty much what I had dreamt up every time I had looked at the book, it still kept my attention, especially towards the end. The story is set in the Victorian era, which lends itself nicely to the dark mysterious goings on. The story is told by Lia, and she learns of her part in a family prophecy of which her and her sister are the next links in the chain. A part she would rather not have, and threatens to endanger everyone around her.

This is YA and not exactly challenging in the literary department, but I think you must have realised by now I read for entertainment and not so that I can say I’ve read the latest Booker prize winner.

I will definitely buy the next two of these if I see them in the 99p section…

I hope you all are having a wonderful week.

Just to throw it out there….Last night was a charity do at our local Spa, and Matt Cardle sang a few songs. Such a good voice!

My Niece was Stage manager, and she may…or may not have ‘acquired’ his water bottle….

Ten years ago I was 30…

2012-01-24T17:26:00.002Z

This year is the year I will turn 40. (Aug…so you have plenty of time to hunt for my perfect pressie…)

I was looking back at pictures from my 30th…

We had lunch on a boat. I’m wearing what was my favourite top in the whole world.

See those jeans I’m wearing? I still have them. I wore them at the weekend.

So. What to do for the 40th birthday?

I wouldn’t say no to this….

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz.

Oh. Go on.

Unless anyone has any other ideas? I’m open to suggestions…

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.

Ps..if you want to see how to make the perfect cup of tea…Click Here….

A-Z of Meeeeee

2012-01-21T18:36:00.003Z

Looking through my folder of half started draft blog posts I found this one and decided to finish it…. I’d seen it a while ago on some blogs and thought it looked like fun.. enjoy!

Age:39. Yep, it’s the big 40 for me this year.

Bed Size: Double. Who has a house big enough for a king size bed?
Chore you Hate: Filling the car with Diesel. It’s not even about the money, I just hate petrol station forecourts, I would rather be anywhere else and frequently run around on the red until Mr D needs the car then he will fill her up!
Dogs: Love them, but think a good percentage of dog owners need a lesson or two in dog etiquette.
Essential start of your day: Cup of tea when I get out of bed. Straight away.
Favourite Colour: Blue & Purple
Gold or Silver: Silver definitely!
Height: At a guess, 5 ft 5
Instruments I play: I don’t play any, when I was in Primary school I played a bit of recorder..
Job Title: Manager of an Ice cream Parlour /Coffee shop….but as we all know now this will be coming to an end and my new job will be Support Worker at a Charity which gives daily support to people with disabilities.
Kids: None. Close you mouth. Yeah I know I’m 39. This deserves a whole post of its own sometime soon.

Live: East Coast of England.
Mum's name: Mary
Nickname: Bertie….ClaraB……CB
Overnight Hospital Stays: None!
Pet Peeve: Bad customer Service…(Helllooooooo I’m here!? I don’t give a rats arse how your date went last night, so stop gossiping with your co-worker and SERVE ME!! )
Quote from a movie: What do you think, Jimmy, they'll be eatin' chips out of our knickers? Natalie Murphy, The Commitments
Han Solo: May the Force be with you
Right or left handed: Right.
Siblings: A sister, 2 years older than me, my best friend, even though we fought when we were younger and I got on her nerves by copying her clothes..
Time you wake up: Depends what day it is and what I’m doing, the earliest is 6am (if I’m at my sleepover job) and the latest would be about 9am if I was off work and having a lie in..
Underwear: Cheap and cheerful. I have come to realise the good thing about having small boobs is the bras are cheap. And I can’t be doing with lace, I mean who wants that?
Vegetables you dislike: I can’t think of any….
What makes you run late: Blogging (see I’m blaming you…)
X-rays you've had done: My teeth, I have had a lot of dental work and have a dentist that seems to like taking xrays..My wrist..I broke it the first (and last) time I went ice skating.
Yummy food you make: I make a mean victoria sponge, and m sausage & pasta bake is Mr D’s fav :)
Zoo animals: Owls….do they live in a zoo?

Thanks for all your comments on my last post…I’m quite looking forward to my new role when I start it, and also if I’m being honest, looking forward to a summer of no stress…

Time to move..

2012-01-19T10:23:00.001Z

I found these quotes the other day.

This is your Life.

Do what you love and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it.

If you don’t like your job, quit it. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop. They will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analysing, all emotions are beautiful. Life is simple. Appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms and heart to new things and people. We are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself.

Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them. So go out and start creating. Life is short. Live and dream and share your passion.

So. I quit my job. I’m now working my notice at the job I’ve been doing and loving for 8 years. It’s a fairly big deal, but hopefully it means that I will be where I want to be in 2012.

It’s the Little Things

2012-01-17T18:51:00.001Z

Sometimes, all you want to do is go and run by the sea. Especially when the sun is shining and the water is still.

If someone would just take you there in the Land Rover. Which although a bit on the bumpy side is great for such activities..

It’s such a treat to be let off. To run and not have anything to think about but where the next treat will be coming from. Much better than looking at 4 walls.

And work. Well work can wait. There are far more important things on the to do list.

Like waiting for the fun to start.

Today we took Charlie to The Ferry again, where he can run to his little hearts content. Charlie spent 4 months in the RSPCA before my sisters family rescued him. He thinks it was worth the wait.

Christmas at Tiffany’s. Book review No.1

2012-01-15T18:09:00.001Z

It’s taken me a while to get my first book review of 2012 done, but that is not an omen for the rest of the year believe me. At last count I had about 70 books in my to-be-read piles which are breeding all over my house, and I am determined to read every single one of them. Before I buy any more. Yes you read that right. If you hear that I’ve been spotted buying any new books, feel free to call the book police. Or Mr D. Which would probably be worse, as the police don’t have to live with me.

Cassie settled down too young, marrying her first serious boyfriend. Now, ten years later, she is betrayed and broken. With her marriage in tatters and no career or home of her own, she needs to work out where she belongs in the world and who she really is. So begins a year-long trial as Cassie leaves her sheltered life in rural Scotland to stay with each of her best friends in the most glamorous cities in the world: New York, Paris and London. Exchanging grouse moor and mousy hair for low-carb diets and high-end highlights, Cassie tries on each city for size as she attempts to track down the life she was supposed to have been leading, and with it, the man who was supposed to love her all along.

First five sentences… Kelly Hartford looked out of the taxi window and scanned the horizon for a landmark-a loch or a folly or a particularly tall tree-that might give her some clue that they were heading in the right direction. It was exactly ten years to the day that she had visited, and she had forgotten how far beyond the back of beyond her friend lived. Apart from a few tiny crofters cottages on the moor, they’d not passed a house or car in over thirty miles. Kelly didn’t know how Cassie stuck it.

A sunbeam streamed through the window, dazzling her momentarily and she rooted around in her handbag for a pair of shades. She had aso forgotten how much longer the days were up here in the summer.

Where I got my hands on it.. Good ole Santa AKA Mum brought me this. It sat in my Christmas hamper along with several other books and I was excited to get a Christmassy book as I love them.

The cover.. I had spotted this cover on the shelves of WHS. It stood out to me due to it’s Christmassy feel, the fact that it had Tiffany’s in the title was another winner as what girl does not long for a little blue box with a white ribbon? The cover picture is a snowy Central Park. Exactly where I would like to be in the snow one year.

Made me want to… Cassie goes travelling to 3 cities after finding out her marriage of ten years is not as it seemed. Her 3 friends take it in turns to show them their cities so we get to go with Cassie to New York, Paris and London. She re-creates herself in each city, and her friends get to play with the ‘Cassie Doll’. This is supposed to enable Cassie to ‘find herself’ and see who she really is if not a wife. The travelling does seem quite appealing, to spend four months in each city. I could enjoy that, if I put my mind to it…

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. This is coming to a friends tonight where we are going for our annual post Christmas dinner

I did enjoy this book, but I have to admit I felt a bit diddled. The cover and the title had me thinking it was a Christmassy book, and so I read it first…but it turned out not to be the case. Even though I enjoyed going on Cassie’s adventures there was still a niggling feeling of having been robbed followed me..

It’s been a lazy Sunday here today, Mr D has been off teaching the eldest Niece to trials ride, while I’ve been sitting in front of my fire (the cold snap has arrived) with my littlest Niece. We shopped for shoes on line, ate far to many party rings, and I did a blog post over Here on the Vintage Bike Overhaul we did for eldest Nieces Christmas..go check it out, and tell me you’re not gonna zip tie flower garlands to your bike tomorrow!

It’s a new week, and I’m loving 2012 so far, I’ll tell you why next time.

Snapshots of Christmas

2012-01-11T19:21:00.001Z

I’m amazed it’s Wednesday already, this was not part of the plan. The plan that said I would be blogging more frequently. Just lets put that one behind us and move on.

Anyway, I know you’ve been dying to see some holiday snaps, so I thought tonight would be the night. Enjoy..

This was before Christmas. We were about to go to the Christmas dinner of the Estate that Mr D does a lot of work for. So we got all glammed up and put our wellies on to trudge across the field. There was transport at the other side of the field, which is needed when the bar is free all night… (in true fashion blogger style I will tell you my long purple velvet coat was from a charity shop 9.00, my floral wellies from the 75% off sale in accessorise, and my tights are indeed mustard colour)

A friend makes us a Christmas cake every year. I’m not even that keen on fruit cake. And Mr D is extremely fussy about his fruit cake. The work Moist is mentioned in the same breath as fruit cake rather a lot. But this. This is always worthy of a slice.

I got some books!!!! Rejoice! Because the girl…she does love a good book!

A friend bought me this Kirstie Allsopp stamp set which I blogged about Here.

We went to a friends for drinks…and I stayed away from the freaky layered drink with the rude name…because we are not 15 anymore. Just because everyone else is knocking it back doesn't mean we have to. We have learnt our limits in the drink department, and our stomach thanks us for that.

We had the obligatory walk along the prom on Boxing day, excuse the wind hair…found the pub…then made the mistake of going to the park on the way home. Oh but it was funny.

See that man? I married him. Bet you’re green.

Mr D & the niece took part in a friends off road day. It was fancy dress so of course Kirstin was a Land Girl in the jeep.

I have no pictures of New Year. Apparently I am not the professional photographer/blogger I like to think if I can’t carry my DLSR around and whip it out at the drop of a hat. But we really didn’t set the place alight, it was just nice and relaxed.

And there you have it. My holiday in snapshots.

Time to really get to grips with 2012.

Home town Tour Felixstowe Ferry Sunshine in January

2012-01-08T17:25:00.001Z

On Friday, the sun was shining and so sis and I took Charlie (sis’s new waggy tail) to Felixstowe Ferry, for a play on the beach, a chance to get salty water on the paws, and a nice cuppa outside the cafe.

Doesn't look like a Friday morning in January does it?

Are you having a sunny January where you are? (I’m pretty sure my friends in Australia are!)

The cafe has been there since Noah it seems, and actually talking (typing) of Noah, when the tide comes up, this is what the area around the Ferry looks like..

(image from Google images)

Not much fun for the poor homeowners down there, whose homes are actually pretty much just sheds on stilts..but I guess the owners of the Houseboats will be ok…

Charlie just knew there were sausages around…I think he could read the signs..

He sat and looked out for them, just in case one got astray..

Yes he likes his tartan blanket to go with him, just in case the concrete is a wee bit cold on his delicate behind..

The photo below is an old one I found on Google images, the Ferry takes you over to Bawdsey where you can sit on the little beach and picnic, or marvel at Bawsey Manor. In 1936 Bawdsey Manor became a top-secret research establishment for the MOD and it was here that Sir Robert Watson Watt and his team developed the new RADAR technology.

I think I need a trip over there sometime this year.

I’ll be sure to take my camera with me, so you can come too

The rest of my weekend has been one of organising..I now have a row of colourful folders housing all my boring office stuff. I have more to do, but I’m feeling like a rather suity-office-type right now.

I’ve also had a bit of a New Year clear out and have sold a lot of excess baggage that I don’t need on the delightful eBay. My office is looking a bit like a post office, but my bank account is thanking me.

Hope your weekend has been fun!

Fireplace Tour

2012-01-05T21:52:00.001Z

Mr D brought to my attention how much the fire place features on my blog.

When we bought our little house…many moons ago… the original fire places were still in the lounge, dining room & front bedroom.

There was a gas fire blocking the lounge chimney. And 437 (well it felt that much when we tried to get it off) layers of paint on the fire places. Once we got to the bottom of the paint we were thrilled to see the detail.

Luckily for us, Mr D does have a love for all things wood.

Here he is collecting the bounty for another cosy winter.

I thought you might like to have a wee fire place tour.

This is the small fireplace in our bedroom. This one is very small is never used, not least because I am not to be trusted not to pile up the wood and go to sleep which would probably result in some kind of 999 incident.

The living room fire place is the one which burns most of the wood, where we sit and have on occasion had to open the front door due to excessive heat….!

But then who would blame us it’s so lovely to watch.

Who needs a TV when you can get lost in the flames?

Lately the Dining room fire place has housed my little fairy lights amongst a little wood pile. The reason for this is the fireplace doesn’t draw all that well, which means the house gets a bit smoke smelly…but….we have now purchased a wood burning stove that will fit nicely into it….after Mr D makes the hole bigger and extracts the fire surround (insert sad face here). See that rather large saw on the wall? That belonged to Grandad Day.

Last summer I put fairy lights in the lounge fire place too, just so it looked cosy.

It must be time for Mr D to go and collect some more dontcha think? We wouldn’t want to run out now would we…

I would never ever live in a house without a fire place now. When I see people with no fire place I do often wonder what they look at at night? Where is the focal point? (ummm yeah I know it’s usually a flipping great flat screen…)

Do you have a fire place?

BTW The film was fabulous! Michelle was so good at playing Marilyn. Go see it!! Now!!

Date Night

2012-01-04T15:23:00.001Z

Tonight is the our first Date Night of 2012

We are going for a stroll along the prom to our little cinema. Where the sound will probably be ‘not the best’ and the nice ladies from the Bingo Hall next door will bring us cups of tea..or even burgers if that’s our pleasure. Or maybe we will sneak in a wee bottle of wine & plastic tumblers to sip when the nice ladies aren’t looking. (I would of course deny that if ever questioned)

I’ve been wanting to see this film, but of course being at the end of civilisation it takes a while for films to get to us…

Who isn’t a teeny bit fascinated by the life and loves of Miss Monroe?

Has everyone seen this yet?

I’m looking forward to it, but first we have Pork & Apple Cider Casserole on this chilly January evening.

I haven't taken my Decorations down yet. I’m clinging onto the last strains of Christmas till the very last second.

Book Reviews of 2011

2012-01-02T13:09:00.002Z

At the beginning of 2011 I decided that I would review all the books I read. I always thought I read a lot. Always have since I was little, and I was curious to know just how much.

Well here you have it. I read 29! books this year. And reviewed them all.

This is a huge achievement for me, I’m so glad I did as now I have a record. When you read a lot of books, they can sometimes blur into one another. Especially the ‘easy reading’ or ‘chic flick’ ones. These days, some bright spark has decided it would be a good idea to re publish books with new modern covers. I’m made the mistake once this year of buying a book then realising a couple of chapters in that I’ve read it and they’ve changed the cover. Annoying.

Remember the first book of 2011?

Read the review here

If you are interested, I am planning on trying to make a page for all my reviews to sit on, just to keep it all neat and tidy.

My favourite books of 2011?

I loved this book. I heard about it through blog land and had to search for it, but eventually tracked it down. It’s so informative and I could relate it to my day job, my dream job, and my experiences as a consumer. It really is a book everyone should read you will never think of shopping in the same light again!

Read the review here

This book was a favourite due to it being so different to anything I had read before. In a world saturated with teenage vampires this book enters the world beyond ours in a much more adult way.

Read the review here

This book is actually the one that took me the longest to finish, it took me months to read, and I read lots of others in between finishing this. Yet it was one of my absolute favourites. The reason I took so long was that it is such a big heavy hardback, so was not very portable, I usually like to have a book with me at all times but this one had to stay at home, meaning I read a few other books in between the pages of this.

Read the review here

Then there was this book.

Read the review here

Just that. Read it.

Santa was good to me in the book department, and I can’t wait to see what’s waiting for me between the pages this year.

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T18:55:00.001Z

The last few hours of 2011 are here.

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

Happy New Year.

Or as my Scottish family would say

Lang may yer lum reek

Merry Christmas from our house to yours

2011-12-25T15:49:00.001Z

I hope you are all having a fantastic time. What ever you are doing. Where ever you are.

Mr D and I are having Ham from the local butcher. Turkey is not for us. Christmas however. Christmas is for us. We love it.

Well. I think I love it enough for the both of us.

Enjoy! X

Book Review No. 29!!

2011-12-23T21:14:00.001Z

Ever dreamed of starting over?Issy Randall can bake. No, more than that - Issy can create stunning, mouth-wateringly divine cakes. After a childhood spent in her beloved Grampa Joe’s bakery she has undoubtedly inherited his talent. So when she’s made redundant from her safe but dull City job, Issy decides to seize the moment and open up her own café. It should be a piece of cake, right?Wrong. As her friends point out, she has trouble remembering where she left her house keys, let alone trying to run her own business. But Issy is determined. Armed with recipes posted to her from Grampa, and with her local bank manager fighting her corner, Issy attempts to prove everyone wrong. Following your dreams is never easy and this is no exception. Can Issy do it?

First five sentences (insert Drop scone recipe here ..which I didn't want….(read…couldn’t be arsed…) to type out!)

Issy Randall refolded the piece of paper and smiled, ‘Are you absolutely sure about this?’ she said to the figure in the easy chair. ‘This is the recipe?’ The old man nodded vehemently. He held up one finger, which Issy recognised immediately as his cue for a lecture. ‘Well, the thing is,’ Grampa Joe began, ‘baking is…..’

‘Life’, filled in Issy patiently.

Where I got my hands on it I had seen this book on the shelves of the book shops and had resisted the temptation to buy it, and it payed off as I ended up paying the bargain price of 50pence in a charity shop!!

The cover oh my, well this is a cover that appeals to the girl in me. Pink cup cakes, tea cups, what's not to love?

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next? This is going on my pile for swapping with a fellow book lover.

This is everything I love in a book. you know I dream of having my own tea shop one day, and this book did nothing to put me off.

Issy creates the cafe of fairy tales, you can almost smell the coffee every time you open the pages, and the characters are people you will want to make friends with. (Except the ex. He’s bad. Insert Booooooo Hissssssss here)

If you’re looking for a bit of escapism over the Christmas break, this book is the one to read.

Hope you’re all ready for the big day. I am going to spend the day baking and giving out goodies to friends.

Tis the Season..

2011-12-21T19:27:00.001Z

For giving.

This year, instead of doing my bit to contribute to this…

I have cut down on my Christmas card sending. Do I really need to send cards to people I see everyday? No I didn't think so either.

Or, worse to the couple that live in the same town, but can hardly be bothered to even say hello when I pass them on the street? Seriously, next time say hello, or don’t bother sending me a card, I'll live. I don’t even like you that much.

So instead, I gave a little donation to these furry friends..

The Donkey Sanctuary

And yes. I feel good.

Libertys of London

2011-12-19T21:23:00.001Z

I love Libertys. And I love Christmas.

So. It;s a win win.

Book Review no.28!

2011-12-18T19:07:00.000Z

'I can imagine you at forty,' she said, a hint of malice in her voice. 'I can picture it right now.' He smiled without opening his eyes. 'Go on then.' 15th July 1988. Emma and Dexter meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year that follows? Twenty years, two people, ONE DAY

Hands up anyone that hasn’t read this book.

Anyone?

Quite. Well I was a bit slow on the uptake with this, but then that’s actually quite normal for me with books that ‘everyone should read’ Actually the only reason I buckled and bought it was that everyone started raving about the movie and I knew I couldn’t watch the movie without having read the book first!

And no, I haven’t seen the movie yet. But I will when it comes out on DVD.

First five sentences… ‘I suppose the important thing is to make some sort of difference’, she said. ‘You know, actually change something’.

‘What, like “change the world”, you mean?’

‘Not the whole entire world, just the little bit around you.’

They lay in silence for a moment, bodies curled around each other in the single bed, then both began to laugh in low, pre-dawn voices.

Where I got my hands on it.. This cost me a pound. Yes you read that right. It was on a buy one and get one for a pound deal. Don’t you just love those?!

The cover.. tbh the cover at first glance didn't cry out to me from the shelf, then when you look in the little squares, it’s a lovely romantic sight….sigh….

Made me want to… This is a real ‘seize the moment’ kind of book. Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today and all that..

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. Actually I don’t think I know anyone that hasn’t read this!

Well, this book didn’t disappoint, even after all the hype surrounding it. What happened on page 385 floored me. Totally was not expecting it, which doesn't happen often in novels for me. I’m usually quite good at seeing what's coming. And all the reviews.. Facebook status’s and blog posts I read about this book didn’t even hint at anything which is a bit of an achievement!

Oh. And can I just share an absolute favourite sentence?

‘Sometimes, when it’s going badly, she wonders if what she believes to be a love of the written word is really just a fetish for stationary.

Hands up who this could be about!! Ha!

Hope your weekend was a good one. It was monumental for us as we (i) caved and put the heating on. So now we have the heating on and the log fire burning. Really all or nothing around here.

We camped out last night in our home on wheels. I slept with 5 layers of clothing on, 3 pairs of socks, and the wood burner lit inside the truck! Cold? Ummmmmm NO!!

Rainy Rainy Rattle Stones

2011-12-16T09:25:00.001Z

Well the rain seems to have settled in for the day. After working at my sleep over last night, and another one tonight, I’m just up for a day in by the fire, looking at my new colourful fairy lights, wrapping more presents and eating mince pies.

I must show you the gift wrapping goodies I received through Gracie and Jasmine's swap.

Loved. Loved these tags that my swap partner Natasha made.

There were also these super cute cookie cutters that made me laugh

And look, I’ve even used the wrapping!

These parcels have been sent off to some of my lovely blog friends.

At this point I will share that on seeing all my parcels ready for the trip to the post office, Mr D made the comment…’You know they will just be returned to sender’ he always says that my bloggy friends aren’t ‘real’ like they are a figment of my imagination. I think he’s joking. Mostly.

So. Time for tea, and to throw another log on. NO expense spared here.

Hope you’re all warm & cosy.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-09T17:29:00.001Z

I’ve been spending a lot of time with this view lately.

We haven’t yet broken and switched the central heating on. It’s becoming a challenge to see how long we can go without. The wood pile is certainly depleting. Lucky I married a man with a chainsaw.

Now, I have some other pretty things to look at

I must have been fairy light shopping in the sales last year as they seem to have been breeding under my bed…

I love unwrapping my tree ornaments from the tissue paper every year..

Most of my ornaments have been bought for me, or made by my mum. The teddy below I’ve had the longest of all my decorations.

Mum usually buys me angels & fairies which is fine by me.

Apart from decorating, I’ve been writing Christmas cards. Now I just need to write the letters to go with them.

Remember THIS POST I wrote last year about the dreaded round robin letters?

Who’s guilty then? Not me….

I hope you are all getting into the Christmas spirit.

Book Review No. 27!

2011-12-05T19:07:00.001Z

I can’t believe how quickly the end of the year is arriving, and I have a few books to review before Jan!

This book was a Christmas prezzie from Mr D last year. It’s such a big thick heavy book that I saved it for our sitting-in-a-field holiday in July. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get around to sharing it with you because it was without doubt one of my favourite reads of 2010.

Alan Sugar was born in 1947 and brought up on a council estate in Clapton, in Hackney. As a kid he watched his dad struggle to support the family, never knowing from one week to the next if he'd have a job. It had a huge impact on him, fuelling a drive to succeed that was to earn him a sizeable personal fortune. Now he describes his amazing journey, from schoolboy enterprises like making and selling his own ginger beer to setting up his own company at nineteen; from Amstrad's ground breaking ventures in hi-fi and computers, which made him the darling of the stock exchange, to the dark days when he nearly lost it all; from his pioneering deal with Rupert Murdoch to his boardroom battles at Tottenham Hotspur FC. He takes us into the world of The Apprentice, and describes his appointment as advisor to the government and elevation to the peerage. Like the man himself, this autobiography is forthright, funny and sometimes controversial.

First five sentences… There are three reasons why you may never have got the opportunity to read this book. The first is that maybe I wasn’t planned to be in this world, the second is that when I did arrive I was abandoned, the third is that when I did arrive, my mum –accidently- nearly killed me! Being twelve years younger than my closest sibling twins, I often joke that I think (well, I’m sure) that I was a mistake,maybe the result of a good night out during the post war euphoria. In the late forties it was normal for babies to be left outside shops in their plans while their mothers went inside shops. That in itself gives you an idea of what times were like back then, mothers were not worried about weirdo's abducting babies.

Where I got my hands on it.. As I mentioned above my very own Santa bought me this. Big. Heavy. Hardback. Of which I would never buy myself due to the very expensive price!

The cover.. It’s the man himself, of course. I love the line ‘What you see is what you get’ It totally sums up everything i love about Mr Sugar.

Made me want to… If you have ever thought about starting up your own business, this book will inspire you. You’ll be bundling up sticks before you know it and selling them for kindling to your neighbours. Hell….I’ve got my eye on the wood pile next to our fire right now!!

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. I’m just going to keep this. I think Mr D may be persuaded to read it!

Everyone who is a fan of the Apprentice TV shows should read this, it’s written in such a way that even if it wasn’t actually Mr Sugar (Sorry…Sir..) that wrote it, it’s totally his voice that comes through. It starts from his first money making schemes when he was just a school boy, and takes you through the Amstrad years, even names and shames people and companies that tried to take the ‘p’ out of him.

You get an insight into his family life, how he looked after his father, what his wife thinks of his career, and how he made his son start at the bottom like everybody else.

I had wanted to read this, and was chuffed to get it with my Christmas parcels, an I wasn't disappointed.

Hope you are all keeping warm! It’s turned very chilly here today….Dec weather has finally hit us on the coast!

Hello December

2011-12-02T19:42:00.001Z

Cosy nights beside the Log fire.

Mulled Cider..

Thick Tights.

Hunters Wellies

Twinkling Fairy Lights.

Shopping for special presents.

Baking.

Another excuse to send some Happy Mail.

December. What’s not to love?

Book Review No. 26!!

2011-11-26T19:32:00.001Z

I’m seriously on a roll with the books at the moment, which is a good thing as my house is sometimes in danger of becoming televised ala ‘the secret hoarder’ or some such programme meant to embarrass you (i?) into having a book/teacup/whatever you’re guilty of hoarding cull.

So. I digress.

Here’s what I read lately. Actually..I read this a while ago I’m just a bit behind in the reviews…..

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

From New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty comes a strikingly original look at friendship, love, and sisterhood—in a future that is eerily believable.

First five sentences… I’m sixteen and pregnant, the most important person on the planet. According to the Babies R Us ad, anyway. ‘Your knocked up’ sings the girlie chorus. ‘Ready to pop, due to drop.’ The sixty second jingle loops continuously in the dressing room.

Where I got my hands on it.. This came with my stash from The Book People. But I actually first heard about it over on Krysten's Blog. Krysten has quite similar reading tastes to me and so I always like her reviews!

The cover.. I liked the cover of this book, it’s quite futuristic looking.

Made me want to… I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen a second book to this. Am I right or did I dream it? Anyone seen it? Let me know what it’s called as I would love to read it!

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. Hmm haven’t really decided, probably my niece? Not sure if she will like it…

I read this book a while ago, it didn’t take me long, being the YA easy reading type…and at the time of reading I really enjoyed it. Now that I’m thinking back on it though, I’m not sure that it’s as good as I was thinking at the time? When I think back on it it comes across as very young, and I’m not sure why that is..and dare I say it….a lot of it dosn’t stick in my mind.. I reemeber the basic story but I don’t remember the characters in any depth.

I’d still like to read the next book if indeed it exists, the story is different and quite entertaining.

One to look out for if you would like a fast easy read.

Hope all my American readers are having a wonderful long weekend. I have work all weekend which is pretty pants..but there ya go life can’t be all Sloe Gin and fruit pastilles. Although now I come to mention it..Mr D’s home made Sloe Gin is pretty darn drinkable this year!

Thanks

2011-11-24T13:24:00.001Z

A perfect sister I am not, but thankful for the one I've got.”

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?"

Gratitude is the best attitude

Happy Thanks giving to all my American friends & family

While you are all eating Turkey & Pumpkin Pie, and dashing out at midnight for the Black Friday Sales….(i really want someone to explain Black Friday…what is it all about? And why is it called Black Friday?!) I am stuck in the house all day waiting for a parcel collection.

This would be worse if I didn’t have a roaring log fire, blogs to entertain, and a box of fruit pastilles.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

A Vintage Giveaway

2011-11-20T19:50:00.001Z

You know how they say that nothing in life comes free?

Well I have come to realise that this is never truer than in Blog Land.

When I see those three words in the title of a blog post ‘It’s a Giveaway!’ I can pretty much tell what the format is going to be.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that people make money from their blogs, and in order to keep sponsors paying their way they need something in return.

I just like people to find a balance. Is that wrong?

So. Back to this post. I have never asked anyone to do this before. For past giveaways all I’ve asked for is for you to leave a comment.

But, people. Now's payback time.

In order to win my November giveaway you have to go and show my Niece some love.

Kirstin has a couple of shows on a local radio station. Her Saturday show is a Vintage Mix, where she plays old songs, and covers of old songs by new artists.

She would love for you to go and ‘like’ her face book page

Click here to show Kirstin some Love

When you have done that, leave a comment on this post telling me you have, and you will be entered into the giveaway.

If you fancy a bit of a Vintage mixture on a Saturday evening you can log on to

www.felixstoweradio.org.uk

and click on the Listen Live button. Saturdays from 5-6. (UK Time!)

Go on. You know you want to.

What is the prize? I hear you thinking. Well It’s a surprise. But surprises are always good. All I will tell you is that it will be of a Vintage Feel.

Oh, and if you go along to my Other Blog and leave a comment on there too, you will have two entries! I KNOW!! How cool is THAT!!

(Is there some kind of un written rule about posting of the same thing on both ones blogs? ) I never did care much for rules.

Here’s to a happy week for everyone!!

Church’s

2011-11-17T17:02:00.001Z

You may or may not know this, but I was brought up a good Catholic girl. I attended Catholic schools, where ever we lived (dad was in the Army) and I took my Holy Communion and made my Confession.

At high school age, we (sis & i) had moved to a new town where the nearest Catholic School was about 10 miles away, so we attended the local high school. I suddenly didn’t have to go to confession every week. Wow. Did that mean I could be bad?

I fell off the wagon and fell in love with Mr D.

Mr D is not religious in any way, & I can take it or leave it.

We had a civil ceremony for our wedding, in a hotel..not a church.

But. We both love Church buildings.

These photos are of St Mary’s Church, near Chester. I went to Chester a couple of weeks ago with my mum, sister and a friend for a girlie trip.

Mr D loves buildings in general, and Church’s are always so beautiful.

It’s always nice to find a church open, to go in and look around, as some are closed up now due to vandals and thieves. (spit…go-and-get-a-job)

The other thing we like is walking around the graveyard and reading the Grave stones, all the history of the village is there.

The light is always nice too.

Do you visit the church when you find yourself in a new town?

Twinings Love

2011-11-12T18:30:00.001Z

Adverts. Just when you’re getting into your favourite TV programme the blinking adverts come on so we moan, get uup and go to the loo..check Facebook, blog, or…if you’re lucky enough o have Sky Plus, you just forward them….

But, then, sometimes, once in a blue moon, some bright spark comes up with an advert that makes you want to sit and watch it.

Someone definitely needs a pay rise.

Mr D and I Googled the song, Which is by The Calling. The CD is on it’s way to our letter box as i type

Have you got a favourite advert?

11.11.11

2011-11-11T09:54:00.001Z

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. ~Author unknown,

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

Freedom is never free

The London Eye

2011-11-09T18:32:00.001Z

Remember when we went to London Town?

We decided to go on The London Eye, as it really is a bit daft when you live so close and haven't been on. We have tried to go on in the past. The first time our coach we booked was cancelled…and the second time it was closed for maintenance would you believe.

So third time lucky it was indeed!

The view from the Embankment. You can see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in the distance

Top Tip. It was half term the day we went and we hadn’t booked on line as we were unsure of the good old British weather, so we went early…as soon as we had stuffed down breakfast at the B&B.

It seemed we got there just in time, as the minute we joined the queue to get our tickets, the ticket hall filled up with families.

The queue to get on The Eye only took about 15mins, it was very organised, I was pretty impressed at how they got us all on there.

This is the point where I could share the story about the security men checking the bags and finding my Teddy Bear, which unfortunately for Mr D he was carrying in his bag at the time

But we wont go into that, or you may think we’re all a bit odd.

Lets admire the lovely view instead.

Forgive the slight roughness in our faces. We had been rocking and rolling the night before.

If you ever find yourself in London, this is a must do.

Book Review No. 25!!

2011-11-07T10:14:00.001Z

Remember when I went on holiday? seems like many moons ago..

Well here’s what I read.

Evie Flynn has always been the black sheep of her family - a dreamer and a drifter, unlike her over-achieving elder sisters. She's tried making a name for herself as an actress, a photographer and a singer, but nothing has ever worked out. Now she's stuck in temp hell, with a sensible, pension-planning boyfriend. Somehow life seems to be passing her by.

Then her beloved aunt Jo dies suddenly in a car crash, leaving Evie an unusual legacy - her precious beach cafe in Cornwall. Determined to make a success of something for the first time in her life, Evie heads off to Cornwall to get the cafe and her life back on track - and gets more than she bargained for, both in work and in love...

First five sentences… Family legend has it that on the day that I was born, when my elder sisters, Ruth and Louise, came tiptoeing in hand-in-hand to see me for the very first time, my mum said to them, ‘This is your new baby sister. What do you think we should call her?’ Ruth, the oldest twin, thought hard, with all the wisdom she’d gained in her mighty three years of life. ‘We should call her….Baby Jesus’, she pronounced eventually, no doubt with a lisping piety. Ruth had taken the Goody Two-Shoes role to heart from an early age. Either that or she was angling for extra Christmas presents.

Where I got my hands on it.. WHS buy one get one half price. I have a thing where if I’m going on holiday I’m allowed to buy a book. The same as when I buy myself something on holiday it seems like it’s different as we’re not really in the real world where such items would be deemed too expensive. This holiday I bought some new walking boots…

The cover.. Loved it. It did it’s job and jumped out at me from the shelves full of books. That’s what a book cover should do right? Loved the colour, they style, well just loved it really!

Made me want to… Open up a beach cafe and have the locals come in for regular meetings…craft nights..book clubs…Yeah. As if I didn’t want that enough already!

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. This is going in the bag for a friend

I loved this, it’s just the kind of book you can curl up with on holiday with a cup of tea. I was transported to the beach cafe by the sea, and could just picture myself making scones, getting to know the locals…in theory this is what I do anyway (as well as ice cream!) but for some reason it all seemed much more romantic in the novel

I don’t think I’ve ever read Lucy Diamond before but will look out for other novels!

PS. The Murder Mystery weekend was fabulous! And wouldn’t you know we won! We were the only team to guess both murderers correctly. The town we stayed in was really great, more on that to come! Hope you all had a fab weekend…it was sunny where we were but I hear it rained a lot in most parts of the UK!

Mail Love

2011-11-03T23:25:00.001Z

So, I took part in a Keep Warm Look Snazzy Scarf swap organised by the wonderful Krysten at Why Girls are Weird.

I was paired up with the lovely Mrs Pancakes at Adventures of Team Pancakes.

My parcel came, which excited me as you know how I love mail..

The scarf is lovely and Autumnal.. and the label said Scotland! Which made me smile..what also made me smile were the lovely soft fluffy socks which were included in the parcel…

The cute wooden sign, and the book of cookie recipes!

I also need to show you the fab mail I’ve received through being part in The Happy Mail Project. If you don’t know about this, then you should go and see Gracie as she is the wonderful organiser of the group.

One of the projects was to make an ‘about me’ booklet and send it to your partner. I was paired with Karina and i received the most wonderful note book stuffed full of ‘about me’

She included pictures of her family, little bits and pieces like chewing gum, (still wrapped I hasten to type lol) (did I just type lol on here? I think one doth text too much…)

My favourite thing was a CD of music she made up for me..I’ve been listening to it, while doing the housework.

Thank you Karina I love it all

The latest Happy Mail project consists of posting a total of 4 postcards to you partner, we are just in the middle of it, and I have a new fab partner so I will post pics of all the cards when we come to the end.

If you love mail like I do, get your ass over to Gracie.

Or..if you fancy a Christmas ornament Swap, Micaela as she is organising..

I cant wait for that one, I am such.a.child. when it comes to Christmas.

I’m off on a Murder Mystery Weekend in the morning, my dear mummy paid for me and my sis to go, and another friend is coming too. Two nights in a hotel with a bit of murder mystery thrown in. I’m intrigued as I really don’t know what to expect!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend…

Didn’t We Have A Luverrrly Time

2011-11-01T14:48:00.001Z

The day we went to London!

We caught the National Express Coach which is by far the cheapest way of getting to London from our home, 6.40am saw us waiting at the bus stop with our rucksacks and Scooby snacks & happy smiley faces

We arrived in London by 10am having made several stops on the way to pick up more passengers.

The area we were heading for, Shepherds Bush is somewhere we have never explored, and we had a lovely walk through Hyde Park, up Kensington High Street, along Notting Hill, Portobello Road, and to our little B&B.

Mr D was the photographer..

A funny little tree in Hyde park..

It was drizzly that day, hence the hat! We saw the Diana Memorial Fountain, which I will show you another day..

The graffiti is everywhere, but it is so pretty!! This one was on Portobello. Unfortunately, the market wasn’t on that day, but all the shops had lots of treasures outside on the pavements.

Heard of The Hummingbird Bakery? There’s a book….This is the shop on Portobello…

I’m thinking the book may be on my Christmas list..

This was our nice little ‘local’ Where we had eats, and waited for the gig to start across the road.

Inside The Shepherds Bush Empire. A venue we will definitely go to again.

We went for a ‘night cap’ at our local before heading off to bed.

The next morning after a big breakfast, we headed off on the tube to the Embankment, we have tried to go on The London Eye several times but for various reasons it’s never worked out. This time we did it! There are lots of pic so I’ll save them for another post.

Of course I have to check out the competition. This ice cream parlour in Covent garden is well worth a look. The ice creams are gi-nor-mous.

Just a tad top heavy…no?

We came away thinking we should definitely do that more often.

Holiday Snaps #2 Our Little Place

2011-10-29T17:59:00.001+01:00

Home from a wonderful two days in London! We had such a fantastic time, but the pics are on Mr D’s camera, which he has gone off with so I thought I’d show you some other pics!

Following on from My First Holiday Snaps Post, here’s some pictures of the Cottage & village we stayed in.

Here is Chapel Stile. If you can see the church, our cottage was right next door.

You can just see the church on the left behind the cottages here, and the big hill behind was one we went over to find Grasmere. Where there was My New Favourite Tea Shop.

The lounge area. How cosy was that fire after a long day walking.

We always have a Open fire or wood burner in the cottage when we go away, it’s one of the Must Haves.

This is the dining area off the kitchen. I loved that window seat, I sat on it and watched the walkers setting off for the day, or stood in the street looking puzzled over their maps!

That sign says No Parking. Lilly Landy thinks she can park anywhere. We were asked (politely) by the vicar to move her on the Monday for a wedding that was taking place in the church. We saw no sign of the wedding. Do vicars tell little white lies??

The view from the kitchen out to the front garden and the nice little bench, which didn't get much sitting on due to wetness!

As the cottage is on a hill there were some steps leading up to a nice little sitting out area, and what a lovely view we had from there!

Mr D and I have been together for 22 yrs and we have only ever been abroad together once, when we went to NYC for our 10th wedding anniversary. With places like Chapel Stile at our fingertips, can you blame us!?

Do you go abroad for your holidays or do you like to explore your own country?

I can’t wait for the next holiday!

Turn your speakers up

2011-10-26T14:42:00.001+01:00

I’m feeling better, thanks. Apart from the cracker of a headache I had earlier, but the drugs soon told that who’s boss.

Half term. Busy.

Tomorrow, though, I’m leaving them all to it and skipping off to London with Mr D. Good old National Express coach is the only way to travel to London. Cheap, and guaranteed a seat!

We’re going to see these boys in Shepherds Bush.

Feel free to turn your speakers up. Loud. Cos apparently that’s how it should be heard.

We’ve decided to blow the budget and booked a B&B near the venue for the night. So two days to peruse the streets of London. (read-two days of Tea Room hopping)

While on the music subject, I’ve been meaning to post this video for you all to see.

Ed was born in Halifax, England, but he moved to Framlingham which is about a half hour drive from my little town, and our very own Mr D did do the sound for him way back when he was a little known youngster gigging in local venues.

I can’t say the music is hugely my kind of thing, but the video is well worth a look right to the end.

Just while we’re on a roll..we went to Colchester Arts centre last week and saw these boys. Really good.

Stage Presence anyone??

Well I have a list to get done for work before I head off and I’ve only got half way through it, ice cream delivery, cash and carry, butchers, bank………..see ya at the weekend!

Remember When..

2011-10-23T16:39:00.001+01:00

You were younger & if you got ill you could stay in bed all day. No responsibilities, no-one expected you to drag your poorly ass out of bed and go and run around after anyone else.

You didn’t have a job to go to, or if you did, well your mum could just ring them up and tell them you were too ill to turn up that day and it wouldn’t matter if you missed some days of work because the money you earned was just pocket money really, and not counted on to pay the bills that month and the responsibilities you had at work really weren’t that great, so they could certainly do without you.

Someone else would sort it all out while you could just concentrate on snuggling under your duvet in your germ infested bed and get better, and a glass of Lucazade would appear at regular intervals on your bedside table from ‘The Get Well Fairy’.

Your friends didn’t stay away as if you had a red cross on the door, they didn't have responsibilities either, so they really didn't think about what would happen if they ‘got the bug’ too.

If only we knew then what we know now. We wouldn't be wishing we were all grown up so much.

I’m feeling better today, but yesterday was pretty crap I can tell you.

Pumpkin….Anyone??

2011-10-21T08:31:00.001+01:00

It’s that time of year. Lets talk about Pumpkins.

I just made some Pumpkin Ice cream for work, There is Pumpkin soup on the menu too….and I I feel pretty bad for admitting it….but as we are all amongst friends I know you won’t hold it against me.

I don’t like it

There I said it.

I love looking at Pumpkins, carved or un carved.

This year I’ve bought some more Halloween decorations, to get in the spirit of things.

Reading Blogs I love seeing you all going skipping off to the Pumpkin Patch for the annual choosing of the perfect one for you. (We don’t do that over here, we go and buy them from the supermarket. Booo.) I love the thought of Pumpkin flavoured and all things Halloweeny.

But, the reality is…..I just don’t like the flavour.

Does anyone like the flavour?

Do you carve your Pumpkins?

Do you decorate and/or send Halloween related mail?

Answers on a postcard…….or the comments section

What are you up to this weekend? (carving pumpkins?) I have lots of work to do but I also have a ton of mail to catch up on, and a swap parcel to create (yey!)

Sat night out :)

2011-10-17T20:56:00.001+01:00

Saturday night (actually about 2pm as Mr D has all the setting up to do…) we set off to Norfolk to a village hall where the boys were playing to raise funds for a bowls club. :)

I took my big girls camera to play with

If you ever take pictures of bands you will feel my pain. The boys have the annoying habit of jumping around a lot, so that gives the age old problem. Slow shutter speed for low light….versus fast shutter speed for hyperactive band members.

It can however give some interesting effects…

The case of the ghostly guitarist…

Or the case of the ghostly guitarist & front man!

Does anyone have any secrets for taking pictures of moving things…(people!) in low light…bearing in mind I hate flash!!

(yeah i know i can be an awkward little thing when i want…)

It was a good night….even though I was Kerrrrrrnackered when we got home at about 1.30 am and I had to be up at 6.30 on Sun morning to get to the Vintage Market where I had a stall..(yes it was worth it!)

I just thought I would include a pic of the drummer, as he always (mostly) has a symbol in front of his face when I take photos….

Then of course, I decided that I was worthy of a backstage pass…

I mean really, don;t they know who I am!!!?

So that’s my excuse for being ready for my bed right about now…..you?

Book Review No. 24!

2011-10-12T18:11:00.001+01:00

Thank you for the comments on my holiday snaps. I have more for you, but until then, you can always hop on over to my

other blog

To check out my new favourite Tea Room in the Lake District!

It’s come hard, this going back to work lark, and I have much to do for the Stall I have on Sunday at a local ‘Up Market’ Yeah, like a market….but posher haha!! But i have Friday & Sat off to sort out my treasures.

I’ve got a bit of a back log of book reviews to do, so here’s one for ya!

Imagine losing the most important ten years of your life …

Alice is twenty-nine.She adores sleep, chocolate, and her ramshackle new house.She’s newly engaged to the wonderful Nick and is pregnant with her first baby.

There’s just one problem.All that was ten years ago …

Alice has slipped in a step-aerobics class, hit her head and lost a decade.Now she’s a grown-up, bossy mother of three in the middle of a nasty divorce and her beloved sister Elisabeth isn’t speaking to her.This is her life but not as she knows it.

Clearly Alice has made some terrible mistakes.Just how much can happen in a decade?

Can she ever get back to the woman she used to be?

First five sentences… She was floating, arms outspread, water lapping her body, breathing in a summery fragrance of salt and coconut. There was a pleasantly satisfied breakfast taste in her mouth of bacon and coffee and possibly croissants. She lifted her chin and the morning sun shone so brightly on the water she had to squint through spangles of light to see her feet in front of her. Her toenails were painted a different colour. Purple. Funny.

Where I got my hands on it.. Ever heard of The Book People? Well they are so cheap. Every now and again I order a pile from them. And its free delivery with orders over 25.00. So it has to be done. Cos you don’t want to be charged for postage do you?

The cover.. Pretty. Nice and dreamy & kind of floaty, which is quite fitting for the subject.

Made me want to… While I was reading this book I spent a lot of time thinking back ten years ago. When you sit and think about all the things you’ve achieved in the last ten years you will be amazed. And how you’ve changed….or not!

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. This is going to my book swap friend, I think she will love it!

This book reminded me in a lot of ways of Sophie Kinsella’s novel ‘Remember Me’

I am a sucker for these types of books and I’m not really sure why. They are very light reading but really entertaining.

Poor Alice can’t figure out how it’s come that her husband hates her so much, and it’s weird when you see how much she has changed in ten years without realising it. She’s almost a completely different person, and one whom she doesn't even like!

Ten years ago, I had never made ice cream before. I didn’t know the difference between a Cappuccino and a Latte, let alone made any, I certainly didn’t think I would be in charge of a shop with a staff of about 10. But here I am.

Holiday Snaps #1 The Day I stayed Home Alone

2011-10-09T21:12:00.001+01:00

As promised….a few snaps of my own from our week away.

Welcome to Priest End Cottage, Chapel Stile, The Lake District.

We have never stayed in a village in The Lakes before, preferring to stay in the middle of a hill, no neighbours barring sheep (pun intended) no phone reception, & sometimes even no TV.

This time we opted for a wee bit of civilisation.

In Chapel Stile, we had neighbours (the whole village was pretty much holiday lets apart from the nice little 90yr old lady we found down the street) We had a village shop, a Church, and a pub! Happy Days!

My Nikon didn’t come out much as it rained so much I didn't want to get it wet, and the old point and shoot was just handier for climbing the hills with. (there just aren't enough hands available to cling onto the rocks, sort the clothing out …waterproofs are on and off constantly…. and hold on to the prized DLSR)

This day however, I was home alone so I took it out to play.

I took a little visit to the church next door. I like looking at church’s. I had heard on the grapevine that there was a coffee morning, but there was no one there when I went in. (I resisted helping myself to the tins of biccies that were on the table…in case HE was watching

See we did get a bit of sun light

Stained glass is so beautiful

The Church sat on a hill over looking the village. See that hill in the distance? We walked to the other side of that one day.

After I had been to church, I walked down to the village shop, bought some bottles of wine, then lit the fire and read my book, and waited on the return of The Adventurers.

More holiday snaps coming up.

I’ve spent the day catching up on laundry (bleuuuuuur), getting some stock ready for a stall I have at a market next weekend (excited!!!!) and visiting family.

How about you?

Honey I’m Home!!!

2011-10-08T20:43:00.001+01:00

What a lovely week we’ve had. 5 of us and a wee doggie in a cute village in the Lakes.

It has to be said the British weather was pretty crap. In the 15 years that we’ve been staying in the Lakes, this was the worst the weather has been for us. Hailstones. Gale force winds.

But, being British, we put a brave face on. (as well as waterproof leggings, neck warmers and new walking boots) and off we trudged to see the views.

I haven't sorted out my photo’s, so I got some from Google images just so you get the picture (see what I did there) The pic above is the village, our cottage is next door to the church.

We saw a lot of these wee pals on our wanders.. the sky was not always this blue. I stayed in on the worst day while the others climbed a hill in a hail storm. Well someone has to get the fire going eh?

So home it is, the weather down South is definitely cooler than when we left, I have a lot of catching up to do, and getting ready for forthcoming projects which I will tell you all about soon. And Thank yous to make, I’ve had some pretty fabulous mail lately.

I’m on a mission to be more organised. Just so I can fit it all in. Now. Where’s my note pad? And my glass of wine? mmmmmmmm.

There will now be a short interlude…

2011-09-30T21:44:00.001+01:00

While I have a rest.

I hope you all are well, and i will be round for tea and cake when I have rested

Who knows, there may be a few adventures to tell you about.

Oh you know there will be.

Autumn Loves

2011-09-26T21:13:00.001+01:00

image www.weheartit.com

Apparently Autumn is upon us.

I know this because I just got my 2 magazine subscriptions through my door and they are November issues. November. In September.

I know this because all the other ice cream places along the prom are shut. There are no more donkey rides. I’m not sure if I’m sad about this. Where do the donkeys go? Do they have a nice winter holiday? Are they lonely for all the little children?

I also know this because the nights are drawing in, and Mr D has been madly stocking up the woodshed in anticipation for the cosy evenings by the fire.

(My fire. I know. Be jealous.)

Oh, and we just had casserole for tea.

However…somebody up there does not know this about Autumn. My bedroom window is open. Wide open.

I wore tights out on Sat night. In as least gross way as I can explain. I was hot. (read, wet).

image www.weheartit.com (i did not look this cool)

We are still selling ice cream, & I even made Sorbets on Sat.

I can get two loads of washing out on the line. And they dry on the same day.

Mr D and I had a cup of tea in the garden this evening.

Oh Autumn, how I look forward to you visiting.

My Hunters are itching to be worn again.

image.. www.weheartit.com (i like to think I look this cool in mine)

Then there’s the cosy cuddly stuff.

Just so we are clear. I won’t be buying this from Anthropologie. As much as I love it, I could buy enough mulled wine to last till Jan with the money that this costs. And I can drink some mulled wine.

Has Autumn visited you yet?

Incubus. Book Review No. 23

2011-09-23T17:31:00.001+01:00

This is what I read a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been itching to do the review so that I can pass it on…

I didn't realise until I’d read it but this is the first novel in The Fairwick Chronicles, a new urban fantasy series by author Carole Goodman. An Author I have never read before, but would again.

'This is where all stories start, on the edge of a dark wood...'

Ever since moving to Fairwick to take up a teaching post at the local college, Callie has been having vivid, erotic dreams about a man made out of moonlight and shadows. Dreams she begins to fear as well as anticipate...

She learns that her home – a Victorian cottage at the edge of a wood she bought on a whim – is supposedly haunted. And then her new – and rather strange – colleagues tell her a local legend about an incubus demon with a human past who was enchanted by a fairy queen...

First five sentences… ‘So, Professor McFay, can you tell us how you first became interested in the sex lives of demon lovers?’

The question was a bit jarring, coming as it did from a silver-chignoned matron in pearls and a pink tweed Chanel suit. But i’d gotten used to questions like these. Since i’d written the best selling book Sex Lives of the Demon Lovers (the title adapted from my thesis, The Demon Lover in Gothic Literature: Vampires, Beasts and Incubi. I’d been on a round of readings, lectures and now, job interviews, that focused on the sex in the title.

Where I got my hands on it.. I bought this in WHS. It was one of those moments when the cover totally grabbed me and i just had to have it. Cos sometimes that happens to me. (Mr D would argue that this happens a lot.)

The cover.. As I said, this cover was the thing that sold the book to me, I will not admit to reading the first 5 sentences in the shop and thinking I would love to read a book about erotic demon lover dreams.

The cover is really fitting to the story, and the tag line ‘This is where all stories start, on the edge of a dark wood’….got me intrigued.

Made me want to… This book made me think about subjects at my high school. Why couldn’t I have had the chance to take a class entitled ‘Vampires and the Gothic Imagination’ Which is the subject that Callie teaches in the book (no wonder she has dreams of Demon Lovers teaching that all day, you will be forgiven for thinking)

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. I’m giving this to a friend I book swap a lot with, I think her other half will like it too!

I loved this book. It was different to anything I had read before. It was set in New York State (always a winner)

The town, Fairwick is soon revealed to be on the edge of the borderlands between Fairy and the modern, human world. The last doorway to Fairy is hidden in the woods. Callie seems to be able to open the door to Fairy, and she soon has to decide which staff members at the school are Witches, Fairies, or Vampires.

She also has to figure out who to trust.

I would highly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the next in the series to come out!

The weekend is here! The sun is shining!

Hope you all are having a fabulous time

Fun (& Danger!) at The Fair

2011-09-20T17:09:00.001+01:00

Thankyou for our Annniversary wishes, we had a lovely meal out with some friends in an oldy worldy pub.

Wow, it’s a week since I last posted. I haven't been sitting around eating Bon Bon's though, no. I have been a busy girlie.

Then again, depends on your definition of busy.

I’ve been busy ordering and swapping my stash of Autumn Reading Matter. Because I’m like the Squirrel of readers. I need to have a little stash ready for when the cold nights come and I can cosy up by the fire. Can’t actually wait for that.

That’s what the pile that came through the post looks like.

Then their was the Steam Fair at the weekend. And I just know you want to see the danger.

Welcome to The Wall of Death.

Where for the bargain price of £2 you can watch men & women riding motorcycles up and around what can only be described as a big wooden tube.

The pictures aren’t great, they were going too fast (feelsickmuch?) even for my sport and drive mode…but you get the gist.

Hmmm. Not really my idea of a Sunday Afternoon bike ride.

We watch the Wall of Death every time it’s at a fair. They really should be supported dontcha think? I often think to myself, how do you learn something like this? ‘ok so off you go, just ride vertically up that wooden structure that we only just put together half an hour ago, and then go around as fast as you can. Try not to fall off or throw up’

Other fun rides were there like this caravan on a spit construction.

I did not partake, even though we were told you don’t actually go all the way around, you sit in the middle and the caravan rotates around you.

I knew my brain would not be sophisticated enough to know this, so I let Mr D go in and do the reckie. I was right. I would have hated it.

Amazing, when you think about it. Some of us spend our spare time Blogging. Whilst others are thinking of 101 ways to save the caravan from the scrapper.

Now I have some serious visiting to do. What are you waiting for? Get the kettle on.

Wedding Anniversary 14th Sept

2011-09-13T21:38:00.001+01:00

(these pictures are photos of photos due to lack of digital-ness way back when!)

A long long time ago, (well 12 years to be exact) ..before the time when digital photography was of the everyday.. a 27yr old Princess (in her mind anyway) married her 28 yr old Prince (again…her mind..)

They were married next to a pretty lake in The Lake District, with 25 of their closest friends & family in attendance.

They stayed in their favourite holiday place in the week before the wedding, with 10 friends and a springer named Fern.

Mr D, (Prince) spent the morning of his wedding playing on the hills in front of his holiday home

While the soon to become Mrs D spent the morning in a nearby village sipping champagne and gathering flowers from the hills for her wedding bouquet. (confession….it may have been her Grandmother who actually gathered the flowers after insisting that no Grand Daughter of hers was getting married bouquet-less).

Off the Prince trundled though the windy roads alongside the lake in his chariot.

The Princess had other means of transportation, by way of the Steamer, across the water.

A little ceremony took place in the library of the hotel by the lake (did we mention the Princess has a love for books?)

And then they were Mr & Mrs.

Photos, and food followed. A swim in the hotel pool..(of which alas there are no photos!

The newly married Prince & Princess took their chariot to the wild west cost of Scotland, & stayed at a lighthouse (did we mention the Prince has a love for lighthouses?) where they frolicked and played along the rugged coastline.

And, ladies and gentlemen, then they went home to their little house by the sea, to live Happily Ever After.

Happy 12th Wedding Anniversary to my very own Mr D.

St Paul’s NYC

2011-09-11T14:55:00.001+01:00

source.

How quickly time goes by. It doesn't seem like 10 years ago that I rang my Mother-in-Law after watching the news. Mr D has family in the US & his cousin works for United Airlines.

I remember breathing out on hearing she wasn’t on any flights that day.

2 years ago on our visit to NYC Mr D & our friends went to Ground Zero. We found St Pauls.

Built in 1766, St. Paul's is New York City's oldest continuously used public building.

Saint Paul's is directly across the street from the former World Trade Center site. Amazingly, the church did not sustain even a broken window when the seven enormous buildings collapsed on September 11, 2001. A huge sycamore tree which stood in the graveyard bore the brunt of the debris which rained down from the fallen buildings, protecting St Pauls.

For eight months after the World Trade Center disaster, hundreds of volunteers at Saint Paul's worked 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, tending to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the rescue, construction and security workers on the site. From around the world, thousands of well-wishers sent cards and banners to Saint Paul's to express their condolences to the families of the victims, their appreciation of the Ground Zero workers and their support for the people of New York City.

The picture above is the only one we took at St Pauls that day, although we did take many more of the Ground Zero site.

Being inside the church amongst the many memorials to the fallen & the rescuers, taking photo’s just didn’t seem ok to me.

Take a moment and go Here to read more about the wonderful role played by St Paul’s in the months that followed Sept 11th.

For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.

Catching up

2011-09-10T08:58:00.001+01:00

I’ve been abandoned for the weekend. He’s gone and left me for a field of Land Rovers.

I’ve just got back from my sleep in. I actually slept quite well, which is a good job as my bed is piled high with crap…aka stuff out of the spare room/office.

Yep. While he’s away, I’m getting to it with the decorating :)

This is good as I can throw things out without him telling me he needs to keep it. (even though it’ll be stuff he hasn’t used in 20 years)

I never did show any pictures of the bathroom. Well it’s not that exciting but here you go..

This may look like just a wooden heart to you, but you have no idea how happy my new makeshift light pull makes me. (it’s the little things) The old one was a little lighthouse made from metal & every time it swung back & forth it left a horrible silver-ish mark on the wall.

My new photo which is above the bath (no I didn’t take it, I bought it from a very nice man on Rougham Air Field.

This lantern is hanging next to the shower cubicle. The hook has been there for years with nothing on it as the lantern that used to hang there was too big & Mr D banged his head on it once too often.

I bought these two postcards from Paper chase & framed them. As i told Jasmine when I sent her a copy of the bottom one, It could be a portrait of ones self….no? (because birds follow me around and dance with me ala Cinderella)

In other news we went to a lovely wedding reception last weekend, Mr D & I spent the whole night (apart from when I broke free to dance to Footloose..) fiddling with the shutter speeds on my camera..

Ahhh it was lovely.

Now I have to go and decorate some more. If I’m really good, I will allow myself a trip into town this afternoon to spend money on frivolous items, go in all the girly shops, then tonight you can think of me sat with a bottle of white, a bag of Cadburys Nibbles, whilst watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. (without Mr D moaning that ‘oh has this started again!)

That’s me sorted how about you? I’ll come by in my break form paint later and you can tell me alll about it.

The Baseballs

2011-09-08T08:46:00.001+01:00

You know we like a bit of Rock and Roll

Absolutely love these.

The Baseballs

Fabulous covers of modern/old songs, with a Rockabilly twist

Really, buy their cd. put it on in the car when your all dressed up and off to a vintage tea room. You’ll arrive there in a flash.

Or, put it on your stereo at home, and have a little dance. Go on, no ones looking.

Really. Buy the cd. Dance. Wherever you are.

It’s a real autumn day here by the coast, I may even have to get my thicker cardigan out :0)

Book Review No. 22!

2011-09-05T20:28:00.001+01:00

It’s a book with a difference this time.

In an effort to determine why people buy, Paco Underhill and his detailed- orientated band of retail researchers have camped out in stores for over 20 years, dedicating their efforts to the "science of shopping." Armed with an array of video equipment, store maps, and customer profile sheets, Underhill and his consulting firm Envirosell have observed over 900 aspects of shopper/store interaction. They've discovered that men who take jeans into the fitting room are more likely to buy then females (65 percent to 25 percent). They've learned how the "butt-brush factor" (bumped from behind, shoppers become irritated and move elsewhere) makes women avoid narrow aisles. They've quantified the importance of shopping baskets, employees/shopper contact, the "transition zone" (the area just inside the store's entrance), and "circulation patterns" (how shoppers move throughout a store). And they've explored the relationship between a customer's amenability and profitability, learning how good stores capitalise on a shopper's unspoken inclinations and desires.

First five sentences… Okay, stroll,stroll,stroll, stop. Shhhhhhh, stay behind the potted palm. Get out your clipboard and pen. Our subject is the fortyish woman in the tan trench coat and blue skirt. She’s in the bath section.

Where I got my hands on it.. Amazon. brand new. Well it was my birthday….

The cover.. Looks like a text book. Almost is. I’ve learnt so much!

Made me want to… Open my own shop and put all I’ve learnt into practice! Failing that….I could totally work for Paco and stalk/track people all day!!

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. No one is getting this, cos sometimes I can be a selfish bitch and I want to keep it.

I bought this book on a bit of a whim as I was just in the mood for something a bit different.

I’m so glad I did. It’s a must read for shoppers or retailers. It’s so informative it could be like a text book, but the way it is written is so readable and entertaining.

I found myself quoting bits to Mr D…..’oh that’s why they stack jumpers on a table when you’ve taken 6 steps into a Gap store!!’

As an avid people watcher myself, (Mr D quite often tells me off for staring at people) I find it fascinating that Paco Underhill has made a successful business out of tracking people.

Much of the things he writes about are common sense, but it’s a kind of common sense that you only become aware off when someone points out the obvious.

Read it. You’ll never go shopping in the same light again!

It’s been a bit fresher on the coast today, i found myself thinking about open fires this evening. Luckily while I was in Yorkshire Mr D stocked up the woodshed. Oh Happy Autumn Days ahead!!

Testing

2011-09-04T17:41:00.001+01:00

I did a post on Saturday & it’s been gobbled into the black hole of lost blog posts!! The odd thing is that I even got some emails that some people had commented on it…..so how come they can see it and I cant.

If anyone can shed any light on where the missing posts go then please do share. And. Is that also where the odd socks are? And the tea spoons?

Edit......so how weird is it that I just thought i would look through some old posts...i sometimes do that...and look what I found....??http://icecreambird.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-awards.html

The only explanation I have is that this post was one in a draft folder I found the other day that I had forgotten about, so I finished it and posted it. My Blog seems to have a mind of its own and decided it sould go in on the date I started the draft.

Gee, these blogs really are taking over the world. I'm a bit freaked by it tbh.

August & a winner!!

2011-08-29T18:13:00.001+01:00

August was a busy month for my mail man and me. What with it being my Birthday month and all..

Wanna see some goodies I got?

Ok, so not all the cards came in the post, but a lot of them did..

I couldn’t believe it when I received a package that contained these chocolates from some good friends, they got to me in one piece and can you believe I haven't even eaten them yet! Well in my defence I did get a lot of chocolate, cos you know I love it..

You may or may not know that Jihee has become a wonderful friend of mine through blogging. We met through a swap we took part in, and have been exchanging notes and emails ever since.

She sent me this lovely little trinket. A jewellery keeper. I love it. Love her.

What’s a birthday without a bit of Cath Kidston?

Another parcel came from Jasmine all the way from Australia. Jasmine is such a love, she took inspiration from This post I did about my birthday. How cool is that??

This is another reason to love Etsy, you can get the lovely shop owners to send a present straight to the lucky friend, complete with cute note.

Talking (typing) of Etsy, I did treat myself to a parcel from Gracie's shop!

She makes teeny cute note cards, and head bands, & she even threw in some pretty earrings!!

The other treat to myself was this book.

We’ll talk about this another day. But. Fac.in.at.ing.

Oh yes, i may or may not have bought some china with some money I received….. wanna see? Oh go on then..

Royal Dalton. August cup. Love.

Can’t believe August is over.

My good friend came to visit last week for the day with my God daughter…who is 15 and looks about 20 btw. We had fish and chips by the sea, and of course ice cream for dessert! They brought me the CK goodies above :)

I really hope i get to wear my new-to-me- maxi dress more than the once…..

We just had a bank holiday weekend and I just finished 2 sleep ins. I’ve had a fabulous day by by desk, playing with pretty things. I did take a break to go to a garage sale, and I fear if I bring in the china I brought from the car, Mr D may divorce me. Or throw my dinner in the bin, whichever would not be cool.

Tomorrow I get to work…oooo….prob about 12 hours straight, then I’m off to Yorkshire to visit my Gran for a couple of days with my sister. Grannie’s need visits. So if I don’t get back before the weekend, hope everyone has a happy week!!

PS… I must tell you the winner of the giveaway was Ellouise

Yey for her!

Book Review No. 21!!

2011-08-26T21:46:00.001+01:00

January 1946: Writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literacy and Potato Peel Pie Society. And so begins a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.

First five sentences… Dear Sidney, Susan Scott is a wonder. We sold over forty copies of the book, which was very pleasant, but much more thrilling from my standpoint was the food. Susan managed to procure ration coupons for icing sugar and real eggs for the meringue. If all her literary luncheons are going to achieve these heights, I won’t mind touring the country. Do you suppose that a lavish bonus could spur her on to butter? Lets try it, you may deduct the money from my royalties.

Where I got my hands on it.. I received this in a fabulous swap package from the lovely Elisse.

Made me want to….. Seriously, this made me want my own book club.

The cover.. The cover of this book is quite beautiful, I love everything about it, the colours, the whimsical feel, not only that but how the book actually feels is lovely. It’s kind of soft and floppy, and just feels right every time I picked it up. Yeah I know I’m probably talking squit, but hey I know what I mean.

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. I’m not sure who’s getting this, I may keep it on my book shelf for a while and look at it’s loveliness.

I loved this book. I could kiss Elisse for sending it to me. I took it with me to the field in Kent and read it from the comfort of my home on wheels.

Starting in 1946 and written in letter form, this book is about the German occupation of the Channel Islands, the people in it, and how they lived amongst the enemy. There are two main characters, Juliet who wrote a war-time magazine column to boost morale, and Elizabeth, one of the founders of the society. The society itself was invented late one night when a group of friends are about to be caught breaking curfew, but from there it grows..

It’s a lovely whimsical book, full of characters you will love, but it’s so much more than that, and there is a lot of substance beneath the seemingly light-hearted story.

The books author Mary Ann Shaffer passed away before the book was published and her Niece, Annie Barrows got it out there.

I read somewhere that this book if a book for booklovers. Oh how true!!

Hope the weekend is fabulous. Here, it’s a Bank Holiday. I’m working one day in the shop and 2 sleep overs. Mr D is chasing his plane.

Retro Yummies

2011-08-23T13:54:00.001+01:00

So you all know I’m ‘That Girl who works in the ice cream shop’

I’ve been seeing vintage ice cream vans on the interweb lately.

I may or may not have been caught by Mr D looking at old Bedford vans on ebay.

Hey we can all dream can’t we?

How cool would it be exactly to dress up, get behind the wheel and go to the local village fate?

Ps. I painted the bathroom. Classic cream, nothing exciting, but fresh with new pictures on the walls. I should take photos.

The office is next in line.

The one in which I turned 39 & celebrated with a Cream Tea, A very loud noise & a Hovercraft Ride!

2011-08-20T11:09:00.001+01:00

So you remember it was my Birthday last week right?

Thought you may like to see some pics of our day. Mr D drove Kirstin & I to Bury St Edmunds for a fun day of charity shopping & Tea Shop visiting.

Of course there was much browsing in pretty little shops…Do you like my hair? (on the right) Kirstin made it pretty for me

Here we are at Harriet Tea rooms. Oh my lordy. How fab. Waitresses with little black & white pinny’s and hats.

I will definitely be going back here. Mr D was so impressed with the Earl Grey (he’s usually strictly a Twinning's man) that he bought himself some loose tea & a strainer, and has been trying to achieve the same perfection at home. From one of my one cup floral tea pots. But we won’t laugh. Not in front of him anyway..

Even Brunty came along for the ride

After all that, we had more tea at mum’s (she got the Royal Albert out special), then Mr D cooked me a dinner of Fillet Steak.

The next day we went off on our travels. From our home for the Weekend at Rougham Air Show, we went back into Bury for a gig.

The Jim Jones Review. Note to self : Take Earplugs next time, or don’t let Mr D give all his spare ones away!)

During the weekend, we were parked right next to the man giving Hovercraft rides.

Well. It was my Birthday weekend. It would be rude not too.

There is a little video for your amusement…but I can’t seem to find it in the bowels of my computer. I will have a look and see for next time.

Happy weekend all!! Hope all is fun. I, myself am about to paint!!!!!

Office Chic

2011-08-18T10:02:00.001+01:00

Thank you for all my lovely Bday messages & mail. I love you all.

I’m on the verge. I’ve been thinking about it for weeks/months and now I actually have the paint.

It’s going to happen very soon. Painting the Spare room-cum-cum-Mr D’s dressing room-cum- office.

I started having a huge clear out last night, which included my wardrobe (yikes) and bathroom. Which is a good thing as now I realise that I will never have to buy any bath products till the year 2020.

We don’t have a TV upstairs, so if I’m poodling about I like to find something on i-player to watch. Last nights choice was ‘My Mother the Secret Hoarder’ Oh what a good idea that was. One look at the state she was in and the bag for the rubbish bin was getting full rather quickly!

So. Here is what I’ve been looking at to get me in the mood.

I’ve never really been a fan of white. All of my walls upstairs are ‘classic cream’ (yeah i know it’s just another way of saying Magnolia but i like it) But i like the look of this one.

Does anyone actually own a craft desk this tidy? Really? And if so, do they ever actually use it??

This one is probably more like me. On the verge of junk..but cosy with lots of ‘stuff’

Our office desk does actually sit in front of a window that looks out to the back gardens. Doesn't look quite the same though…

So. What do you use your spare room for? Ours is a small two bed terrace so that's why our spare room has multi function. How many spare rooms do you have? I would like more. But then I suppose I would just fill it with more stuff.

PS Did you enter the giveaways? Here & Here.

A bit late but a Giveaway all the same (or Two)

2011-08-15T21:48:00.001+01:00

Oh my goodness. I am 4 days into my 39th year and I feel like it is whizzing by already!

I’m sure you are all fed up with me going on about my Birthday. The celebrations. They have.not.stopped. A day out for the day to Bury St Edmunds to visit the best Tea Shop ever, a night out at a gig to see the loudest band ever. A weekend away in my Home on Wheels. Tomorrow there is another meal out with friends, and the mail has not stopped coming.

Photos will be shown. Promise.

But for now I know this is all you want to see. What am I going to give you by way of sharing some of the Birthday Love?

Well this little package will contain..

A copy of Sept issue Country Living, So you can dream of that white picket fence….A copy of Sept issue Coast, so you can see what it’s like to live at the sea side…A set of cute notelets, so you can give some mail love to someone… and a set of magnetic pegs to make your fridge look cute!

There that’s it. Fancy that? Course you do. Why wouldn’t you? It’s FREE after all!

All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me what your favourite magazine is.

AND here’s a little heads up for you. There’s a whole other separate Giveaway going on at

Our Favourite Things

Where you can win these vintagie (is that even a word? the red squiggle says not, but i kind of like it) goodies.

There. So you see. It’s not all about me. As much as I would like it to be!

I have to go and do some work now. (Yeh, I know, you thought I never did much of that didn’t ya!?) It’s a bit late to visit you all now, I’ll be round tomorrow.

Happy Birthday to Me, (& Book Review No. 20!)

2011-08-11T08:52:00.001+01:00

Pssssssssst…..it’s someone’s Birthday today!!

Would you like to join me for my party? I’m having it over at

My Other Blog

So hop on over, but remember, the dress code is of the Vintage/Tea Dress variety. And please do not come empty handed. Bring your favourite tea cup, some Lady Grey, or maybe a gooey cake?

If you don’t fancy a party, (ummmmm remind me why we are friends….?) you can stay here and have a read of my book review.

If you are really rock & roll, you could do both.

Spoiler alert…….

So here it is. The third and final in the series…

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

First five sentences… I stare down at my shoes, watching as a fine layer of ash settles on the worn leather. This is where the bed i shared with my sister Primm stood. Over there was the kitchen table. The bricks of the chimney, which collapsed in a charred heap, provide a point of reference for the rest of the house. How else could I orient myself in this sea of grey? Almost nothing remains of District 12. A month ago the Capitols firebombs obliterated the poor coal miners houses in the Seam, the shops in the town, even the Justice Building.

Where I got my hands on it.. I admitted last review that I bought this along with Catching Fire from Amazon. EEEEEEEEK

The cover.. Like I said before. Not feeling the covers of any of these books.

Made me want to… definitely would look out for this Author again. And Young Adult books in general. Ones that aren’t about Vampires lol (can’t believe i just typed lol on my blog, one doth text too much)

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. My niece has got this now, she’s just finished The Hunger Games after me going on and on at her to read it…..yes she loved it.

I found this the weakest of all three books, although it was just as un-put-down-able because I wanted to know what happens in the end.

This book is about war, what it means and what becomes of the people who come back from it. How people become Pawn’s either for the enemy or their own people. How people change and families are torn apart. And people die.

It’s darker than the others,… will be interesting when the movie comes out..The ending left me slightly disappointed, with an epilogue that far into the future I expected more. At the same time, it’s a bit of fresh air that it’s not all happy & roses in the garden as everyone would expect.

But, it has to be said, this Trilogy was pretty darn good.

Go read it.

Ps. I’m off again on my travels in my Home on Wheels, so have to come back on Mon for the giveaway!

If I’d Known You Were Coming..

2011-08-09T16:11:00.001+01:00

I’d have baked a cake….or at the very least I may have tidied up a bit. But maybe not. In fact lets face it. I probably wouldn’t.

Who wants to live in a show home anyway?

At least you get to see my bargain dress of the year. 10.00 from Peacocks. And the cardigan. 6.00 from Primark.

Shops I don’t spend often in. But I caved. My halo is indeed cracked.

The Birthday week is going very nicely. Weekend fun has been had (you can see more about that on my Other Blog) And there will be more weekend fun this coming weekend.

I know. I am one spoiled girlie.

But don’t worry I will share the goodness and there will be a giveaway to brighten up your lives later in the week

Anyhoooo. I have to go to make ice cream now. See? it’s not all about me. I get to keep all the tourists happy too:)

I will be back later to visit you all. Get the kettle on.

Are you Dancing?

2011-08-05T08:46:00.001+01:00

Bet you are now

Hope the weekend is fabulous. I’m off to an Aerodrome for a couple of days, where there will be much fun

Three smileys in one post….wow it’s a happy place here!

My Birthday Month & Iced Tea success!!

2011-08-02T19:13:00.001+01:00

In case you didn’t know, August is my Birthday month. Next week I will turn the grand old age of 39.

I haven't any planes for my actual Birthday at the moment, but the month is filled with nice things to do, catching up with friends, weekends away in my home on wheels…

I may have a little vintage Birthday party here on my blog so be sure to stop by next week and join in the fun

I’ve been looking at nice things I might like the bday bunny to bring me…would you like to see them? You know….just to give you ideas….

This lovely pendant. Love.

Stationary like this

This sketch. Oh how i love this!!

So now you have no excuse, there will be no need to come along to the party empty handed

Just have to tell you about the iced tea success.

I used this recipe…

Pour 500ml boiling water over 4 teabags and 4 sprigs mint

In another jug, pour 500ml boiling water over 40z caster sugar and a juice of 1 lemon stir well

Leave these for 15mins

Take out the teabags and pour the mixtures together

Add another 2 pints cold water

Leave to cool, and serve over ice, with a slice lemon and some mint. Or any other fruit you fancy!!

I am a convert. And I have converted a friend and Mr D both of whom were very reluctant to taste. But my powers of persuasion were too much for them. And they loved it.

AND you can now buy some in the shop, its not all ice cream you know! ! See we do treat you. That's why I get to be manager. I'm full of it. Bright Idea's that is.

Oh and about the hen night. I’m not sure I can talk about it. I’m still in shock. Lets just say it’s amazing what you can do with an elastic band and some baby oil. In all my (nearly) 39 years….I’ve never known a night like it heh heh.

Tea. Iced.

2011-07-31T22:16:00.001+01:00

I have a confession.

I’ve never had it. Iced Tea that is. I’ve just never fancied it.

But. I came across a recipe the other day, which got me thinking.

Put 8 redbush (Rooibos) teabags in a measuring jug and add 500ml boiling water. Leave to stand for 4 to 5 minutes then remove the tea bags. Add a further 500ml chilled water then 3-4 tbsps caster sugar to taste. Chill until thoroughly cold. Put some mint leaves and 2 lemons or limes, thinly sliced, in a serving jug and stir lightly before serving dressed with more fresh mint.

It’s been hot today & sunny at last! And I’m thinking if the weather stays, I may well make a jug up to try.

I can just imagine sitting in the garden sipping some.

I could wear a Tea Dress like this one

From This Etsy Store, which I just happened to stumble across whilst ‘window shopping’ you know…like you do n a Sunday evening.

Quite liking these de canters….anyone know what they are called?

So. For and against Iced Tea? Any special recipes or tips for a first timer?

Hope you all had a great weekend. We had the busiest day of the year so far today. My feet hurt. Not to mention my scooping wrist.

Oh….remind me to tell you about Friday night. Oh. My. Lordy. I definitely need a trip to the confessional after the hen night I went to. I’m not even sure the Hail Mary’s will cover it this time

Too much time..

2011-07-29T18:59:00.001+01:00

See what happens when I leave Mr D alone for too long?

A while ago he bought me a set of these word fridge magnets. He, however can spend hours thinking up sentences.

I suppose there are worse things he could write….

It’s a good job I’ve got red hair. Or I’d be worried

In case you were wondering….I too have been known to have a play….

See? Sometimes it’s just that exciting around here

Book Review No. 19!

2011-07-28T08:35:00.001+01:00

I know that everyone and their dog has read this book so you probably could care less about this review, but it’s like this. I’m doing it anyway. This is my challenge to myself to review all the books I read in 2011 so that I can look back on them in the future.

Feel free to press the little x at the top of your screen. Really I won’t be offended..I’m tougher than I look. (mostly)

After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns to her district, hoping for a peaceful future. But Katniss starts to hear rumours of a deadly rebellion against the Capitol. A rebellion that she and Peeta have helped to create. As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless Katniss and Peeta can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying... The terrifying sequel to The Hunger Games.

First 5 sentences…I clasp the flask between my hands even though the warmth from the tea has long since leached into the frozen air. My muscles are clenched tight against the cold. If a pack of wild dogs were to appear at this moment, the odds of scaling the tree before they attacked me are not in my favour. I should get up, move around, and work the stiffness from my limbs. But instead I sit, as motionless as the rock beneath me, while the dawn begins to lighten the woods.

Where I got my hands on it.. Ok so I confess. I bought this and the third in the trilogy from Amazon. New. eeeeeeek

The cover.. I have to admit to not loving the covers of these books. A bit…computerised…? I bet when the films come out and they change the covers (probably have a cute couple on the front) they will be better!

Made me want to… Read the third book straight away. So I did.

Who’s the lucky duck that’s getting it next?.. My niece will be getting it as she has just started The Hunger Games..(yeah I know…and I thought I was late..lol)

I couldn’t wait to read this! Hence the buying it new from Amazon extravagance.

Katniss, Peeta, Gale and Haymitch are back! and who knew they would have to go through it all again. Bad President Snow. You will root for Katniss from start to finish, and the people of the districts…who have now started to stir..(hellllooooooo what were you waiting for? a teenager to show you how?)

It’s as fast paced as the first, and I read it just as quickly as The Hunger Games. Now that I know there’s going to be films, I’m imagining all the way through how it will be…and Katniss in my head now is nothing like the Katniss of The Hunger Games.

The ending of this book threw me, but luckily for me….Mockingjay was awaiting

I hear that USA is having a heat wave! It’s so cloudy here at the moment,b ut that doesn't mean they aren't all buying ice cream now the schools are out. So I should go and get ready to sell some.

Ps. Have you checked out my other blog yet?

Pps. Just a funny. I went to Tesco yesterday, and picked up a watermelon and dropped it. Splat. Right there, at my feet. I was sooo embarrassed. I put it on the side, and crept away....(but not before selecting another one) I did notice however other watermelons that were cracked....so I'm not the only one, am i!?

Reasons to love the mail man

2011-07-26T18:19:00.001+01:00

Before I begin waffling about my mail man love…I would like to invite you all to hop on over to my other blog.

I do a lot of treasure hunting in charity shops, car boots etc, which I never get around to posting..so I thought a separate space would be good. I won’t be posting as often over there, maybe once a week or so, but it will be in line with my Etsy Shop. The other reason is that I don’t want this blog to be cluttered up with my shop stuff. There will be posts to inspire, things I’ve made, treasures I’ve found to sell on..

So (after you’ve read this post of course) come on over for a gossip!

our favourite things

I love it when I come home from work and there’s interesting mail

The past week has brought me these goodies

Letter from the lovely Jasmine. All the way from down under. Her letters always come bright and cheerful, and are a pleasure to open.

A while ago I won a giveaway from After Nine to Five…and look what came

A lovely pouch and pair of squirrel earrings. I might use the pouch to keep my jewellery treasures in for my Gypsy travels

Another letter came from my friend much closer to home than Jasmine. The truth is, Lisa only lives an hour or so drive away, but we have written letters to each other since meeting in college. which is about 20 years ago……yikes….

I received my lovely package from Gracie's The Happy Mail Project. I was paired with Katyha, and the project was My Life in Lists.

Her cute little pictures in the booklet she made, made me smile and she even included little extra note paper and lip gloss

Put my effort to shame, but I will be more prepared for the next project!

Then there came the magazine…I confess to treating myself to this subscription as I saw a special offer for half the normal price..

Oh how I love these magazines…..sigh…

Got any lovely mail lately? Maybe you should send some. Make someone smile

Musical Heaven

2011-07-25T14:26:00.001+01:00

I’m Hommmmmmmeeee!!!

We had a good week, even though it rained the first 3 days straight, this is a bit of a good thing as it keeps the dust down on the tracks. We were on our annual trip to The War & Peace Show.

So many photos to show and tell. But for now, while I go have a shower…I thought I’d let you have a listen to the band that plays there every year. While the boys are looking at green stuff, I can usually be found in the main marquee, & this is the kind of thing i see.

The Jive Aces.

Have a look at their new single…which I found on you tube. The dancing is fab.

Takes a couple of minutes to get into..but worth it

You know I love this kind of music. And so just for your (or my) entertainment…I found these. Sigh.

You know I had a great time. I hope you did too, whatever you got up to last week …which I will be round to catch up later…

Getting ready

2011-07-13T21:49:00.001+01:00

Things are happening. Trips are being made to the end of the road where my Home on Wheels lives. A big field in Kent awaits. 20 or so friends will be joining us throughout the week, children, dogs, new friends and old, all sleeping in their own home’s on wheels, and some under canvas.

The magazines have been saved for such a time…it’s been hard…but I’ve resisted reading them, and now there’s a very respectable pile. (This reminded me of when I gave up sweets for lent but I would still buy some and save them for when lent was over and I could binge.) Now I don’t even give anything up. I am a bad Catholic.

Journal, Notepads and Books are at the ready. This book is the one I’m about to start reading..remember I got it from this lovely lady in a swap a while ago.

I’m planning on taking this book to read…

And my new sunhat is coming with me, in the hope that the British weather will do me proud. (Yes I will be taking some of that pile of books too…just have to make the choice…!)

Rubbish photo…but thought I would model my hat for you. I feel….kind of….old fashioned in it haha

Other things that will be making the list? Pimms. Lots of. My bicycle, so that I can cycle to the nearest village to buy provisions…sun cream. (Please let me need it). Oh and a Dongle. The wonders of modern technology that means I should be able to keep in touch with civilisation from a field.

Can you feel it in the air? That’s excitement that is…

Book Awards?

2011-07-12T22:17:00.000+01:00

Does anyone take notice of these?

I read a lot. I read because I want to imagine. I read to escape for a few minutes. Sometimes I read to learn something.

Rarely do I read the books with the stickers on. You know the ones. They say things like ‘Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction’.

I know people that will buy the books with the stickers. They are usually the people that tell me to go see a film because it is going to get loads of Oscars. Usually I can’t see what all the fuss is about. (watched Slumdog Millionaire and seriously? It was…ok.)

I guess for Authors it’s a great honour to have one of these stickers on your book. I get that. It’s like an Actor receiving an Oscar. Means that ‘those that matter’ (who are they anyway?) have given your book their seal of approval.

Well. This book apparently won the Orange Prize 2011.

Judged by these ladies.

Bettany Hughes, (Chair), Broadcaster, Author and Historian

Helen Lederer, Actress and Writer

Liz Calder, founder-director of Bloomsbury Publishing and Full Circle Editions

Susanna Reid, Journalist and Broadcaster

Tracy Chevalier, Novelist

I’m not slating this book… I couldn’t without reading it..I’m just saying..I have never seen or heard of this book before now. I only recognise one of these lady judges. I have never noticed this book on the book shelves of any of the bookstores I’ve been in. It is not a book that screams at me to pick it up, (probably why I’ve never noticed it). So. Would you go and buy a book that you have never heard of. On the basis that it now will have one of those stickers?

I am not a book snob. I am drawn to a book first by it’s cover. Shallow? Yes. But it’s my time that I will be spending reading, so I don’t feel like I have to justify myself. Then I will read the back, then the first page. If I want to, I will buy it. And I have to admit, those stickers put me off. I don’t want people that I don’t know telling me I should read something. (Probably why I never got on with my English teacher at high school, when English was always my favourite subject!)

I will read books that are recommended by friends/family, in fact…I actually love it when a friend gives me a gift of a book because it means they have thought about they type of book I would like.. or if I see it being talked about on a TV show. I liked The Time Travellers Wife. But apart from that? I can’t think of a book with a sticker that I have enjoyed.

I love when bloggers recommend books, if it’s a recommendation from a blogger I ‘know’ then it’s a friend recommending I read it and that’s good. But. A bunch of people I don’t know (& therefore have no clue if they like to read the Oxford dictionary on the train..) is just odd.

So. What about you? Have you read any ‘books with stickers’ lately? Including the one above..Should I give any a go?

PS. Back from Yorkshire! Had a great time with Granny! Now though, after a 4 1/2 hour journey turned into 6 hours. Now I have to get my backside to work for most of the day.

Ho Hum.

A treat awaiting…

2011-07-12T17:24:00.001+01:00

So..everyone needs a bit of feather in their life. And lucky for you there’s a giveaway going on that I just have to tell you about.

All you have to do is hop over to Micheala's Blog. Where you can win a fab.. .u.. lous pair of feather earrings of your choice. I’m liking these…

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72322446/honeysuckle

They are made by the lovely Jihee, who is one of my most favouritist (is that a word? my computer thinks not judging by the red squiggly line underneath it) people in the blog world.

And if you don’t fancy your luck, there’s a 15% discount for you, if you just grab the code from here. So you could enter the giveaway AND buy your friend a present. See? It’s a win win.

So there you go. What are you still doing here? Off you go….