Returned From A Few Days Away...

I'm Back!

We had a great time in London.

It looked amazing covered in snow, very pretty and not too cols as we were layered up incredibly well.

The biggest question after I blogged about our trip were all focused around out cheap hotel.

I have to say it was fine.

The reason we booked with Tune Hotels was that we had a discount code and got it incredibly cheap.

We had a basic room, no window....

But it was fine for the base that we wanted.

Situated within a 5 minute walk from Kings cross tube station the location was perfect for traveling too and from the city centre.

You do have to pay for any extras you need, £2.50 for towel/toiletries pack, wifi, tv and maid service also have a cost should you want these.

For us we weren't bothered as we went to spend time together.

Would I use it again?

At the offer price yes, but at the normal price no.

Only because I know we can stay in the a five star hotel (via priceline) for under what we they charge full price.

X x

Sunday.......

The day of rest.

Not totally true!

We are doing our last minute packing prior to leaving for London, at 1o'clock this afternoon.

That and ensuring ashleigh has everything she needs whilst we are away.

I promise I'll start to relax once I get on the train.....

Well I'll try at least.

See you in a few Days..

X x

Preparing For A Weekend Away....

Yeah we are off to spend a few days in London.

I love the excitement of spending a few days in the city.

We are staying here;

A cheap cheerful hotel, after all we are only going to sleeping here so no need for it to be really posh.

( plus at £14 a night you can't complain can you? )

We shall be going to all the free museums;

Eating cheaply and enjoying each others company.

The biggest issue will be what clothes to pack with this horrid weather!

So have you  anything you recommend we do whilst we are away?

X x

Snow What Are You Up To Today??.......

The whole country has gone into melt down (not literally mind) due to the snow.

I have to admit I didn't travel today and instead worked from the warmth of my own house, much to hubbies annoyance. He layered up to brave the snow and freezing roads. 

Even Ashleigh didn't have school, a rarity as her school never closes but as they felt couldn't guarantee the safety of the children to get home closed it stayed.

Our road looked cold but magical all in the same breath.

X x

So How's It Going So Far ?????

So its into the middle of Jan and a time when all the New Years resolutions fall by the way side.

Heres an update on mine.

Blogging

• To blog at least every other day. I kind of petered off a little this year. Due to ill health this one obviously didn't happen, but I 'm not admitting defeat just yet!
• Try to take outfit photos more often. Did you really want to see me in my slobs with a red nose? Thought not.
• Meet more fellow bloggers. Anyone else up for this? Time for this yet

Home

• To continue to meal plan and cook from scratch Working like a treat. Nothing beats a good home cooked meal.
• Set a better routine for housework I have a neat and tidy home so far for 2013, now if only I can get the rest of the family to follow my lead......
• Tackle the ironing more frequently. I HATE ironing. I still hate ironing but at least the pile isn't quite as bad as it used to be.
• De-clutter often. Little and often, adding to the slush fund too.

Financial

• Continue with "the plan". Its worked well for 2012. Well on track even after a rather large spend from our savings. All to be revealed soon.
• eBay more. (de-cluttering will help with this) Not really used it in 2013 yet. Facebook selling pages have however been used and pounds raised.
• Try to earn an extra £5 per day, I'd like to say £10 but I feel this may be pushing it a little. Doing really well with this, total so far for January is £300!
• List NSP and frugal and free more often as a reminder how well you can do. (blog) It must be a good sign that I have very little spend days and NSP are the norm right?
• No new clothes unless needed or gifts Only new item of clothing purchased so far has been a down jacket reduced in the sale and a gift from hubby. 

Me

• Exercise more Slowly is the word but at least it not a standstill, thats got to be a step in the right direction.
• Loose weight. I have a wedding to attend in July and want to be back to my normal size for then. A weigh in this week... Not looking forward to seeing what the scales say!
• Paint my nails weekly. A small thing but one that cheers me up. Amazing how a little thing can make you smile.
• Wear my heels. No more flat shoes unless necessary! 5 day a week so far. Mind you, don't think they will be used as much in the snow!
• Try my hand a sewing Does sewing a button back on count? Thought not!

So over all not brilliant but not too shocking either.

So how are you doing with yours?

X x

Meal Planning....

So what delights did/do I have planned to keep our rumbling tummies full this week?

Well.....

• Monday - Chicken fried rice, using up left over chicken from Sunday. Very yummy it was too!
• Tuesday - Gammon steaks and bubble and squeak. Used up the remaining left over veg from Sunday. Again a lovely frugal tea and very tasty too.
• Wednesday - Home made Pizza, so much nicer than shop brought. A family favourite.

Pizza pre cooking

Pizza post cooking

Paired with a glass of homemade red wine

• Thursday - Home made fish and chips.
• Friday - Home  made curry and naan breads.
• Saturday - 

It has been an extremely frugal meal plan this week with us not really needing any food shopping.

(Great on the bank balance)

Sandwiches have been taken by all of us for lunch and puddings has been  either home made or cereal and yogurt.

So frugal food and frugal travel too.
I have worked from hubbies store the past few days which has saved us petrol and parking costs.

As for work wear?
Even that has been frugal and I have "shopped" my wardrobe.

Get me!

 X x 

Chop!!!

Finally the hair has had the chop.

It was so in need of it as the ends were n such a bad condition it was untrue.

And I have to say I am rather pleased with it.

X x

It's "Snow" Joke........

Yes finally it's here...

The dreaded snow.

Well we have been warned for long enough that it was coming, but I can't say I enjoy it being here.

Especially after only just finally getting rid of a blasted cold!

But it does look beautiful doesn't it?

X x

The Flu And None Stop Work Don't Mix!!!

The past week or so I have slowly been getting the flu.

:(

Sad face

Coughing and sneezing, spluttering and sniffing yet not missing one day of work!

(Cause I is hard! Or is that stupid?!)

This week has included 3 5am starts and 8pm finishes, far from ideal for my ill body I can tell you.

I have been surviving on lots of tablets, fluids and soup.

So no photos of this red nose girly for you.

But in the word of Arnie...

"I'll be back!""

X x

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

The first of 2013.

So what features on the list to start us off?

The Good

Spending time with the family

Whilst you don't get the luxury of choosing your family, if I had I still would have chose mine.

Love them all to the moon and the stars, knickers and the bras.

(A young Ashleigh Mae said this many years ago and its stick ever since.)

Realising you had a good 2012

Whilst we had heart scares and arguments 2012 was a good one with many more happy memories than sad ones.

The Bad

Starting the year with a cold!

Ruddy typical.

I've done so well and then New Years Eve I get a sore throat and ear ache.

The Ugly

Missing mom.

Purely selfish reasons I know, as she is having a fabulous time in Italy.

Hope you've had a good start to the year so far.

X x

Think Twice Before You Say Yes...

"Come on it'll be fun!"

You know the phrase well, your mate says it with such conviction that you can't say no even if you want too.

The result is this;

A bunch of ladies, old enough to know better might I add, dressed up for kicks and giggles.

Cringe worthy!

However I have to say a good time was had by all,  even if I do now have to delete all the photographic evidence.

Lol

X x

Day Two In The Please May I Household....

Go on admit it...

You read the title in the voice of big brother too!

Well day two of 2013 sees two of us back at work, (bummer) and one of us revising lots!

And would you believe I am full of cold.
Well looking at this photo it is evident to see! I look awful, typical eh.
Oh well never mind.

Yes normal life kicks straight back in, even though Andy has been at work more than me over the Christmas period.

I have had to drive up to head office for a few meetings.

And as promised to myself heels were worn with pride!

But after a five minute walk from the back of beyond (the furthest parking space ever!) I remembered why I had been wearing flat shoes more.

But no, I shall not be reverting back to flat thank you.

Any tips on getting rid of the dreaded flus asap would be gratefully received.

X x

And A New Year Begins.....

Welcome 2013

I do hope you all had a good New Years Eve, what ever you did.

As for us we spent it with the inlaws.

A quite affair this year as both the eldest and youngest went to parties, scary to think the youngest is so grown up!

Mom is in Italy with my brother still, but a new year phone call was made.

Now wild nights out here, just a casual tipsy walk home watching the fireworks go off.

Today is yet another relaxing day.

Dress - H&M a few years old

Which of course calls for a casual outfit.

Shoes - Zara

But no day is complete with out a little sparkle!

And whilst this is such a comfy dress to wear, (even if it is a little like a sack) you have to wear something underneath as the holes in it become very see through!

Scarf - purchased in New York two years ago.

And a bit of colour is always good.

Well the years budgets have been looked at and plans made.

So what about the traditional New Years resolution then?

Well I have made a few basic ones:

Blogging

• To blog at least every other day. I kind of petered off a little this year.
• Try to take outfit photos more often.
• Meet more fellow bloggers. Anyone else up for this?

Home

• To continue to meal plan and cook from scratch
• Set a better routine for housework
• Tackle the ironing more frequently. I HATE ironing.
• De-clutter often. 

Financial

• Continue with "the plan". Its worked well for 2012.
• eBay more. (de-cluttering will help with this)
• Try to earn an extra £5 per day, I'd like to say £10 but I feel this may be pushing it a little. 
• List NSP and frugal and free more often as a reminder how well you can do. (blog)
• No new clothes unless needed or gifts

Me

• Exercise more
• Loose weight. I have a wedding to attend in July and want to be back to my normal size for then.
• Paint my nails weekly. A small thing but one that cheers me up.
• Wear my heels. No more flat shoes unless necessary!
• Try my hand a sewing.

So nothing too exciting I know but baby steps in the right direction.

How about you?

What hopes/dreams do you have for 2013?

X x