Friday 30 November 2012

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly....

How quickly do weeks off go?

And we haven't even done half what we intended to do, but never mind eh?!

The Good
A 17th Birthday To Celebrate


The smile says it all.

A First Driving Lesson


Scary thought, it doesn't seem five minutes ago I was changing her nappies.

The Bad
A Ruddy Grumpy Hubby


Enough said.

The Ugly
Time Passing Far Too Quickly


Typical week off.
Goes far too quickly and before you know it your due back to work.

Hope you've had a good one.

X x

Thursday 29 November 2012

Ruddy Men......

Ahhh...

Now don't get my wrong, I love my hubby loads.

But today he has drove me dotty.

He is full of cold and has been a poorly man and not just man flu either.
But today saw us having a blazing row over his missing wallet, which he has left at work since last week.

He always looses his wallet, it drives me crazy!

So no day out as planned instead I gutted the youngest room, gutted my room and wardrobe, cooked tea early and tided the garden, both front and back.

Plus I'm still cross.

I think a nice glass of wine and an early night may, just may calm me down.

And a look at a few photos from Ashleigh's birthday.

One of the two candle blowing sessions

Nothing beats a happy smile!
(excuse the silly tosh on my eldests fellas face, blame Movember! lol)


X x

Wednesday 28 November 2012

Stay Off The Roads.......

Cause Ashleigh's now driving!!!!!

My little baby girl is only 17!


Such a scary thought.

Yesterday saw her have her first driving lesson and she came home with a beaming smile on her face.
(Which consider ing her last words as she left for 6th form were "I hope I don't kill anyone" was a huge relief)

We had the entire family round for a takeaway and home made cake(s)




Such a lovely day.

X x

Monday 26 November 2012

So Where Have You Been Hiding?


Was a question I was asked this week.

Well, I've not was the answer.

I've actually been working - like a crazy thing to achieve dead lines before I had a week of rest this week.

And boy am I ready for it!

Whilst I am feeling a little better (thank you for your concern) I am still absolutely shattered and in need of a few early nights.

Even dressing up smart has been a challenge (which is a sure sign I'm not well) and my hair is as lank as can be.

But today I am beginning my much needed week off.

Up early but still I will have a day of completing odd jobs and shopping for Ashleigh's birthday tomorrow.

17! Scary only seems a few minutes since she was born.

Hope you are all well and I promise to catch up with all your blogs soon.

X x

Friday 23 November 2012

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly.

A quick round up of last  week.

The Good
The weekend!

I am looking forward to chilling with the family as I am shattered after this week.

A week off!


It seems like forever since I had any time off and I am sooooo looking forward to it.
Even if we do have painting and a wasps nest to tackle.

The Bad
Crazy working hours


In order to have said week off I have had to work like a crazy person to hit deadlines.

The Ugly
Mom announcing she will be away for Christmas


Totally selfish I know and I would never in a million years tell her how much I hate the idea of her not being around.  She is off to Italy to  spend Christmas with my brother and his family who are currently living there for his work.  I know she will have an amazing time and we will celebrate Christmas with her before she goes.

X x

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Monday Morning Feeling....

But on a Tuesday!

 I really did not want to get up this morning it has to be said.

I am well and truly whacked.

And for the rest of the day my head has felt like its been attacked with a baseball bat.
(I have not even had the luxury of having drink either!)

Sooo looking forward to putting my feet up with a good meal and crap tv.

It doesn't help that it is pitch black when you get up and pitch black when you drive home.

But the one nice thing is knowing that its not long till Christmas.
(Even if I a not at all organised this year)

I shall leave you with a picture of my two girlies all dressed up for a charity event in which they had a stall to help raise funds.

Two very silly Mrs Claus.

Posing pretty.
X x

Monday 12 November 2012

Pause......Then Continue......

What a lovely chilled out day we had yesterday, doing nothing at all.

To be fair this shows exactly how chilled we all were.


Other than a little housework and the dreaded ironing nothing was done.

Even our roast was cooked by the inlaws.
(meaning I actually didn't get properly dressed until nearly 4pm! Slob I know)

x x

Saturday 10 November 2012

Some Thing Old, Some Thing New.....

No I don't have a wedding to go to.

It just sums up my Saturday.

The removal of my old fridge.


I even got rid of the piece of history which was Ashleigh's art work!
(I do have plenty stashed away from over the years)

Feeling rather old and tired, 
Not that I am but I am extremely shattered.
But more on that another day.

As for new, 

Well my new fridge of course!

And a hair dye.

Whilst its not a new shade its made me feel brighter so thats done the trick.

As for tonight well I'm off out, not that feel like it and I intend to not surface tomorrow morning until I feel fully rested.
(You never know I might sleep in longer than the teenager!)

Hope you have had a good Saturday.

X x

Friday 9 November 2012

Nearly Home Time....

Yesterday comprised of a very long drive and a hotel stay.





Normally if I am in a hotel on my own I will eat in my room as you can get a few rather creapy fellas trying to chat you up.

However I was starving and braved being the sado loner and headed for the restaurant instead.

Tea consisted of:


Calamari which was yummy.

Lamb in red current gravy.

And crunchy caramel apple crumble with custard.


Not good for the figure at all but a nice treat.

As for this morning,


well a hearty breakfast to last the day.

I won't have chance to eat again until I finally arrive home late this evening.

TFIF eh!?

So what are your plans for the weekend?

Mine will be chilling, housework and the delivery of a new fridge.
Oh the rock and roll lifestyle I lead!

X x


Wednesday 7 November 2012

National Stress Awareness Day 7 November 2012




Did you know that today was national stress awareness day?

Well it is honest.

And for me its a time to reflect on how manic the past few weeks have been and more to the point how I have dealt with them!

As you know Ash was in hospital, but she also had to return last week due to breathing difficulties.
Then my eldest was admitted with dehydration due to a very nasty sickness bug and spent her birthday feeling rather ill, poor kid.

What else should a cake have on but shoes?!
And of course you still have to have a candle even at 25!
But due to her illness the candle had to be removed from the cake for her to blow out.

Even still she was still pleased.
And yes, we did sing happy birthday, very badly I might add! lol 

All the worry tend to put its mark on you and stressed out is exactly what I have been.

Add work to the mix and it really was pushing a little too much.

I feel very tried and am awaiting results of blood tests to find out why.

However this week is a new week and I am going to have a good one come what may.

So I leave you with a few tips on how to cope with that nasty little thing called stress!
(all taken from the web site linked above)

Top Ten Stress Busting Tips

Stress is perceived in the mind, suffered in the human spirit, experienced via the emotions, expressed in behaviour, and “held” in the body.
– Anon

1. Learn to manage your time more effectively

We waste a lot of time doing unimportant tasks, especially when stressed, so prioritise your day and do the important jobs first. The unimportant ones can wait, and often they will disappear completely leaving you time to do other things. Also, don’t put off the unpleasant tasks – avoidance causes a great deal of stress. Give unpleasant tasks a high priority and do them first.

2. Adopt a healthy lifestyle

If we eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and ensure we get adequate sleep & rest our body is better able to cope with stress should it occur. If any of these areas are not happening for you it is usually a warning sign, don’t ignore it, ask for some help.

3. Know your limitations and do not take on too much

We cause ourselves a great deal of stress because we like people to like us and don’t want to let people down. We then end up doing more than we should. Learn to delegate effectively & be assertive so that you can say no without upsetting or offending.

4. Find out what causes you stress

Take time to discover what is worrying you and try to change your thoughts & behaviour to reduce it. A stress assessment can help you to fully understand the causes, implications to your health & how to manage, cope & make those necessary changes.

5. Avoid unnecessary conflict

Do not be too argumentative. Is it really worth the stress? Look for win – win situations. Look for a resolution to a dispute where both parties can achieve a positive outcome. Find out what the real cause of the problem is & deal with it.

6. Accept the things you cannot change

Changing a difficult situation is not always possible. If this proves to be the case, recognise and accept things as they are & concentrate on all that you do have control over. Managing change effectively is essential or else performance will be reduced.

7. Take time out to relax and recharge your batteries

Alongside holidays, with at least one break of 10-14 continuous days recommended, you will perform more effectively during work after even a short 10/15minute break, easily making up the time you used relaxing.

8. Find time to meet friends

Friends can ease work troubles & help us see things in a different way. The activities we engage in with friends help us relax and we will often have a good laugh. It boosts the immune system that is often depleted during stress. If you do become stressed, engage in some form of physical activity. It works off the biochemical and physical changes that occur within your body due to stress. Relaxation also helps your body return to its normal healthy state. Good relaxation techniques include breathing exercises, massage and a variety of complimentary therapies.

9. Try to see things differently, develop a positive thinking style

If something is concerning you, try to see it differently. Talk over your problem with somebody before it gets out of proportion. Often, talking to a friend/colleague/family member will help you see things from a different and less stressful perspective. You may also need to consider professional help in order to achieve the desired outcome & prevent ill health &/or burnout.

10. Avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine as coping mechanisms

Long term, these faulty coping mechanisms will just add to the problem. For example, caffeine & nicotine are stimulants, too much & the body reacts to this with the stress response increasing or even causing anxiety symptoms. Alcohol is a depressant!

X x

Friday 2 November 2012

A Birthday Party....

One of Ashleigh's best friends celebrated her birthday with a fancy dress party.

And although she's still not 100% nothing was going to stop Ash attending.

So I had the task of creating a tutu for her pixie outfit.

An hour later and heres the result.

Basque - Mine (a gift from hubby)
Tutu - Cost a grand total of £6 to make.

I'm really pleased with it.

Long enough to cover her decency and no need to sugar water either as it flowed beautifully.

After copious amounts of pink body glitter were added she was ready to enjoy her evening.


I must admit they all looked fabulous.

X x