Lights Camera Action......

Yes its that time again!

Today has been full of filming.

Not a successful day either.

Most of the people who were down to do filming either didn't turn up on time or didn't turn up at all.

Sooooo frustrating, especially when you have had to pay for a film crew.

And yes I know they are all very busy with deadlines but even still.

Anyway enough moaning.

(Seems to be my favourite past time of late!)

Have you been enjoying the sunshine?

Its been beautiful and makes you feel so much better.

That said would you believe I had to defrost the car this morning?

(Well it was five o'clock)

I promise I will try to catch up with all your lovely blogs soon.

X x

Belated Birthday Wishes....

Yesterday was my moms 75th Birthday.

To celebrate she went to see phantom of the opera and have a slap up meal too.

Today we are spending a family day and extending the celebrations.

X x

Doing Our Bit.....

Today we did our bit for charity.

Andy's store cycled to raise money for Macmillan for the past two days.

Everyone had fun and gave pennies.

A huge thank you to all who took part and gave money.

Now if you'll excuse me I'm off for a well deserved glass of wine!

X x

Thursday Wonders?

As in  I wonder how quick the weekend will come?!

I just knew this week would be a tuff one and a tuff one it is proving to be!

Top - River Iskand
Skirt - Oasis
Shoes - New Look
Lilly white legs - all my own!

After a busy start on Monday with work as well as social life and not chilling till 10pm last night, today sees me with my only evening with nothing planned.

So chill, I will!

For tonight I intend to sit down with a very large glass of homemade wine and a snuggle with hubby.

X x

London College Of Fashion........

Oh my life!

I have turned into proud mommy at the moment.

My eldest has only got an interview at London College of Fashion.

Even to get an interview is such a big thing.

Its next Friday, so please keep everything crossed for her.

X x

Happy St Georges Day.....

For incase you live on another planet here in the UK it is St Georges day.

And the sun is shining even if its a little chilly.

Whilst we shan't be doing anything special for it, after all we were at work all day.

I have (eventually) cooked us a traditional English tea of bubble and squeak!

Followed by Rhubarb crumble, home grown of course.

Hope you've had a good one what ever you have been up to.

X x

Not Quite Ready For The Garbage Can Just yet!

By which I refer not to me....... But to my jeans.

Remember a while ago when I did my amazing knee skid in an Ikea car park?

Causing my poor knee to look like this?

Well these were the jeans I did it in.

And whilst Andy tell me to bin them, I refuse.

For a day of planting seeds and the odd spot of gardening these are perfect.

So no hubby dearest, they won't be heading for the bin anytime soon.

X x

Thrifty Friday.....

I haven't done a freebies and frugality post style post in a long while.

Not because I haven't been frugal but more because I do it without thinking.

(Or at least I hope I do)

So what have I been doing?

Well...

• Meal planning - so I only ever buy the food we need. (last weeks shopping bill was £28)
• Walk - where ever possible. Pop to the post office, doctors etc (all close to home) I walk.  Pay an extortionate parking rate or park a little further and walk a bit, no brainer.
• Use it up - be it food, toiletries or cleaning products. I buy what I need only.
• Clothing - I shop my wardrobe regularly. Of course I would love to be able to buy endless shoes and clothes but that is not possible. Instead I look at fashion images I like and see what I have to emulate that outfit.
• Up cycle - Again this works well with clothes and shoes. Well having a fashion student as a daughter is a bonus it has to be said!

As for my freebies etc this has been this weeks:

• £35 voucher from a friend to spend with her party plan business, for the help I have given her.
• 2 x £10 vouchers won on competitions
• £30 from my 30 ways to save a £1 post.
• Free lipstick and nail varnish, thank you boots points!
• Free book from work.

Wanting something Free todo this weekend?

Well how about visiting a National Trust property, as this week selected one are FREE to enter.

Jus down the voucher from the National Trust site and enjoy!

What savings or freebies have you guys had recently?

X x

No Need To Adjust Your Set...

After a comment saying I looked like I should be in the fifties, 

(I am hoping they meant the era not in age!)

Jumper - Next (thrifted)
Trousers - H&M (years old)
Shoes - Debenhams

You have black and white pic today.

 A comfy outfit even if it does make certain parts of me appear a little larger than they actually are.

 X x

Light And Shade....

It was nice to wake up to a bit of sunshine this morning, even if it was a little breezy.

And I know it is getting warmer as we slept with just the quilt last night, rather than the quilt and extra cover that we have been.

(I don't do cold)

So today, for a general days work my attire was this:

Dress - F&F (Tesco)

Very black and white.

It was nice to wear the shoes Ashleigh brought me for mothers day.

(my daughters know me so well)

Shoes - Top Shop
(mothers day gift)

This picture of my shoes really made me chuckle.

I think they look like a child has them on, as they look huge!
You know, like you used to totter around in your moms high heels?

They do fit me honest and are actually very comfy too.

X x

Sunny Days Are Here Again....

Gosh what a lovely day today has been.

Three loads of washing have dried on the line, the windows have all been opened and every room has been aired.

Finally it feels bright and breezy.

(in fact it was very breezy but I can live with that)

The lawn has been cut this evening, its first trim of the year.

And all the flowers are looking lovely,

Now I only need to get the fencing sorted and it will once more look like a garden we can enjoy.

In celebration of the sunshine out came the bright top, a favourite with anything from jeans to skirts at the moment.

Even the pasty white legs were out and about.

But I didn't have to venture too far thankfully.

And my killer heels, just because.

I call these my Dita shoes.

(you really do wiggle in them, lol)

After such horrific scenes in Boston yesterday, my heart goes out to them all.

With London having such a busy few days coming up, what with the funeral and the marathon lets pray no one is stupid enough to try anything here.

Hubby is off to London for a meeting tomorrow and I won't be able to settle until he gets back home safe and sound.

X x

30 Ways To Save a Pound.........

You may well have seen many of these posts appearing well their is a reason for this and its to do with Money super market......

To celebrate the anniversary of our most popular coin we’re going to give every blogger £1 for each money-saving tip they give us (up to £30).

As we’re looking for 1,000 ways to save money in total, one lucky blogger will be chosen at random to win£1,000! Not bad eh? But there’s a twist! If we receive over 1,000 money-saving tips, we’re going to double the prize fund to £2,000! So, once you’ve posted your tips, get as many friends as you can to do the same. We want to get everyone talking about their favourite frugal techniques

Anyway, if you’d like to take part and find out more about this then check out our 30 Ways to Save £1 page here – http://www.moneysupermarket.com/30-ways-to-save-1-pound/

If this is something you’d like to get involved with then make sure to read the Terms and Conditions first to make sure you provide all the details to claim your pounds for your money saving tips.

Well I like to save pennies as much as the next person so here are my 30 to add to the list, that is if they aren't already on yours!

1. Don't spend! Quite simple really, if you don't need it and I mean really need it then in the words of good old Zammo (Grange Hill reference folks) just say NO!

2. Most of us ladies like to look good but it doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune to do it.. Get your hair trimmed at the local college at a fraction of the price, if you can't do it yourself or know someone who can do if for you.  The same goes for manicures waxing etc.

3. Dye your own hair, rope in a friend if you need a helping hand.

4. Shop your own wardrobe. You know the phrase "I have nothing to wear?" well really you do, you just need to look at your wardrobe with fresh eyes. 

5. And if your really need new clothes why not organise a swop with friends. They are FREE to hold and a great reason to get together too.

6. Taking of get togethers, they too can be cheap and cheerful. Why not do a "come dine with me" style evening with each person bringing a dish?

7. Home cooking, from scratch will save you more than a few pennies. Not only is it so much more tasty you also know exactly what it is your eating. NO horse here thank you!

8. Meal plan. may sound boring but its far from it. You only buy the food you need and everyone knows what it is your having that evening.

9. Grow your own vegetables, even if its just a few. Not only do you have a great sense of achievement but home grown always tastes nicer.

10. Batch bake, fill the oven when its on. Its an expensive thing to run. Same goes for the freezer too.

11. Only wash clothes when the actually need it and when you have a full load.

12. Learn to declutter. I know this can be hard for many people but worth it if you can. Sell unwanted items on eBay to increase your funds or decrease your debt.

13. Give to charity shops. So hows this saving you £s? Well its giving something back to a worth while cause in a way that doesn't decrease your bank balance but will increase the charities.

14. Don't be  a brand snob. Be it in food, make up what ever. Many own brands are just as good, if not better in some cases.

15. Empty that boot! cause if not it will cost you £s in petrol and drive sensibly. Firstly its safer and secondly its cheaper.

16. Take lunches out with you and to work. I am always amazed how much my colleagues spend on lunches with out even batting an eyelid.

17. Remember the three Rs, reduce reuse and recycle. Simple but effective.

18. Never try to keep up with the Jones! Concentrate on being you. This will save you spending money you don't have.

19. If your feeling rather chilly whilst at home invest in a blanket or two. Ours get used all year long. Or better still snuggle up to the one you love, thats bound to get you feeling warmer.

20. When any renewal letters come in don't just simply renew, research and see if you can get a better price first.

21. Before you purchase something on line be sure to check for a discount code first, many companies have them available along with FREE delivery.

22. And always go through a saving site such as Quidco. Its amazing just how much you can save across a year on item you would have purchased anyway. 

23. Use charity shops and eBay when buying clothes. Not only is it cheaper but its also greener to.

24. Get into DIY. No I don't mean painting and decorating although doing your own is much cheaper. I refer more to crafting and upscaling items. Bored with a top? Don't chuck it out, change it. Add a few studs, remove the arms. Research on line and you can find lots of tutorials.

25. Love to check out the latest fashions or stores? Well save yourself the magazine cost and read it on line. 

26. If you have to have a book to read, then support your local library and loan one. 

27. Or download the free ones to your kindle/phone/computer.


28. Always use your points cards where you can and before you know it you will have FREE money to spend.

29. Get out and about in the fresh air. Its so much nicer than being stuck in a stinky gym yet you still feel the health benefits.

30. Finally remember to you can do most things for FREE. Be it a trip out, (check your local area) a cinema trip with previews or even a meal with things such as mystery shopping. 

So lovely people what are your tip tips?

X x

Has Spring Finally Sprung????

Well today has been beautiful!

Such a warm and sunny day, such a shame I had to go to work to be honest.

But those bills must be paid so off to work I went.

Even driving home this evening was a pleasure, traffic and all.

So how was your weekend? and what do you have planned nice for this week?

After the disaster that was last weekend (lets just leave it at that!) I have a full week.

Busy, busy in fact and then add in catching up with friends and I have no time for anything else.

(all in a nice way mind!)

X x

Lets Just Head For The Hills....

Yesterday evening we should have headed here for two nights:

Carsington Water, in the Peak District.

We were going to take the caravan away for a few days.

Firstly to let hubby get back into the swing of towing it prior to our France journey and also to just get away from the hustle and bustle.

However as with all best plans things didn't quite work out that way!

After my first meeting with my new line manager, which went ok, my journey home took forever meaning we wouldn't have made the camp site in time to be let in.

So plans were abandoned and hubby looked far from happy.

Then to add insult to injury we went shopping and after assuring him I had my purse (which I did) upon paying I didn't have my card! It had fell into my bag, so yet again a far from happy hubby.

Oops!

Lets hope the rest of the weekend goes a little better.

X x

A Mile Or Two In My Shoes......

Finally Friday is here, yeah!

My last day of the week will see me driving 260 miles for two seperate meetings.

And a fair bit of walking with heavy files, a laptop and a handbag!

Just two of the heavy bags I need to cart around.

I really, really need to get a pull along laptop bag to save me from a bad back.

Anyone know where I might find one thats stylish and functional?

It's not only me that needs one, most of the women at work now need them as the amount of kit we carry arround is gradually getting more and more.

And whilst head office will supply one, they are not very sturdy and horrid to look at!

So any advice on this would be greatfully recieved by me and my colleagues.

X x

Well Fiddle Dee Dee......

Yes, thats me trying hard not to say naughty words..

Why?

Well because of this:

Andy had a moment with a bollard which he just didn't see.

So our new shiny car is now a dented shiny car.

Oh well, it is only a car after all.

And no one was hurt, other than our bank balance to repair it that is.

Thank the lord its nearly the weekend.

And I for one intend to have a glass (or two!) of wine this evening to celebrate how close it is.

X x

A Kind Word Goes A Long Way....

Firstly thank you for your lovely comments on my last post, you really cheered me up.

I am sure all will be well and I have a meeting on Friday with my new line manager to smooth out my new role.

As for today its just been business as usual.

A casual day for work wear,

Top - Thrifted
Jeans - ASOS

but a comfy one.

Necklace - Primark

Shoes - Old Navy

Hope yours has been a good day what ever you have been up to.

X x

A Change Is As Good As A Rest.........Or So They Say!

Yesterday was a real start to the week!

I turned up to a normal day at work, a full day of meeting for an upcoming project and lots of jobs to add to my busy schedule.

Cardy - M&S
Top - H&M
Skirt - Oasis
Shoes - New Look

As I was ready to leave, I was pulled to one side and told I had changed department with immediate effect...

(Thankfully I was just moving department, I feel for people that must be told they have been laid off in such a way)

Now whilst I was aware something was in the pipe line I must admit I didn't expect it to happen quite the way it did.

My old boss never said a thing and looked quite sheepish when I spoke to her and my new line manager is, well lets just say a little challenging to handle.

So is a change as good as a rest?

Personally I'd rather have time off!

X x

Sometimes Its The Little Things.....

I'm not a flash kid of girl..

I know what I like and what I don't and it doesn't have to be the hight of fashion to float my boat.

But today I had to smile at what hubby has brought me for the caravan.

Two beautiful cushions.

Bless him, he knows me well.

X x

Sunday Snuggles And Chillaxin.....

I listen to many of my friends and they all moan about the children flying the nest, they hate spending time just them and hubby and sound incredibly miserable about it.

Now don't get me wrong I love my two girls with all my heart and still remember when Kassie first left home and shedding a tear, but in honesty it didn't last too long. Because I was so proud of what an independent woman she had become.

As for Ashleigh, she spends every evening in with us sharing a meal, talking about her day and watching telly during the week, but the weekends we hardly see her as she's aways off visiting friends.

Do I mope around missing her?

No! She off having fun just as it should be.

More snuggles and cuddles time for me and hubby!

Love them I do, but I also love time with hubby, just him and I.

According to some of my friend I am "well strange"!

I just think I am happy.

So today we shall enjoy a snuggle or two, a lovely day tottering and doing jobs then chilling with a family roast and a glass or two of wine.

X x

And Finally The Sun Makes Its Appearance....

What a difference a little bit of sun makes.

Instantly I feel happier and more full of energy.

(Perhaps its SAD i have not an under active thyroid!lol)

Cardy - M& S
Dress - H & M
Shoes - New Look
Necklace - Thrifted

As for my activities today?

Well I have visited mom for a much needed natter and copious cups of tea.

Finally gotten the car washed, I'd actually forgotten what the proper colour was, I kid you not!

And had a very quick (& I do mean very quick) tidy around the house.

As for tonight, I am out with a bunch of the ladies (used in its loosest terms) for a giggle or two.

Hope you enjoyed your day what ever you have been up to.

X x

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly...

It seems like ages since I did one of these so here goes for this week....

The Good

Visiting Kassie and Shaun's New home

We both felt incredibly proud being shown into the apartment they have waited so long for.

And whilst we aren't the best at decorating or DIY we shall be supporting as best we can.

And Andy couldn't wait to go and order a fridge/freezer and washer/tumble drier for them.

(His way of helping)

Moving properly onto our new allotment plots

Sad I know but its been one of those things that seems to have been weighing on both Andy and my mind. Because we want to be able to enjoy our weekends away this really has needed doing and the worst work has now been completed.

The Bad

Moving the shed etc!

Gosh I can't find the words to tell you just how hard this was, nor how cold I felt either.

But at least its now done.

The Ugly

Being shattered!

Not only am I so unfit but I am incredibly shattered and know that this is down to my thyroid being way to low.

(Horrid, as its so hard to shift any weight too)

So roll on the weekend when I will be cleaning the house, visiting family and friends and above all chill-axing!

Enjoy your weekend what ever you have planned.

X x

Miss Me Coming? No Way......

Ok so today I am still feeling a little shattered from the weekend.

(that and I think my thyroid is extremely low, check up next week me thinks)

So what better way to put a smile on your face than wearing the brightest clothes you can get your hands on!

Layers are the name of the game as whilst this to is bright and breezy, warm it isn't!

I know its a mix of colours but I like it and it makes me smile.

Which is just what is needed today.

So what are you are up to this week? 

Are you lucky enough to have week off?

I'm on count down till next weekend when we hope to take the caravan away for a few days and get some much needed practice before our France trip.

X x