Festive London Day Out

I love London! Regular readers may already know this from previous blog posts. It's that time of year when I visit London to soak up the festive atmosphere, have a cheeky little tipple and walk my little socks off despite having a travel card!! Year five of doing this now . . .  And it never gets boring.

 First things first, a cake and drink was needed as we waited at the station for friends to arrive. Fuel for the day ahead.

  

                                                                  

                                                                    Yummy Gingerbread muffin

 When we all met up, we headed off to Harrods, walking from Victoria. I love this walk. It takes you past pretty mews, great big white town houses and cute little shops as well as cars that would make Jeremy Clarkson drool.

Now, I love Harrods. Not because I used to work there. Not because I met my now hubby there. It's a place I visited as a child when I lived in Chelsea. It's a place I've always been in awe of. There Christmas department has always been a magical, twinkling place. But not this year. In fact, the past few years, the Christmas dept has slowly got worse, like no one really can be bothered with any more. It used to be themed; A Christmas Carol, The wizard of Oz have featured. But lately, it just seems like tat; over priced tat.

And they have this awful room, full of dead animal skin. I can't believe in the 21st century, people still find it acceptable to wear fur!!!! A bloodthirsty room that is far from beautiful.

Messi

Ronaldo

 We found these in one room, signed footballs by the two greatest footballers in the world (at the moment); Messi and Ronaldo. Taking the pics, the assistant asked if I needed any help to which I politely said, 'no'. He said that the balls would make great gifts. No doubt they would for those who have the cash. He then told me they had a 10% discount! On the one hand, I was rather smug to think he thought I had this type of money and on the other, I couldn't stop laughing. Even if the four of us clubbed together, we couldn't afford one of these footballs. Top marks for trying.



 After our little bimble round Harrods and buying some pastries in the bakery part of the Food Halls, we wondered over to Hyde Park where Winter Wonderland was in full festive fun.


                                                           

              Minion Madness in Winter Wonderland

Hot chocolate with Baileys and Mulled Cider were our tipples as we wandered around the stalls, soaking in all the festive fun, browsing the many stalls. 

Then on to Oxford Street for Selfridges and to see the lights.

Once we came out of Selfridges, it was dark and the lights were amazing. Photos do not do the lights justice.

                                                    Selfridges shop windows are just as fabulous! This one is Capricorn which is my star sign . . .Yay!! It's my birthday soon!!!!!!  

And to finish a fantastic festive day in London . . . 

Cheers xxx

How about sharing your festive outings/traditions. Be lovely to hear from you. xxxx

                                               

                               

My Friend Is Back At Last Six Word Sat

Six Word Saturday

Yummy, yummy, yummy in my tummy.

 Every summer my friend goes back home, visiting her friends and family in New York State. She has the best of times, sharing reunions and escapades on Facebook with fabulous photos. (There was a time when she had no internet access and relied on the neighbours unsecured internet access; she had to sit on the driveway for this). 

But she's back! Yay! And with her came gorgeous little thoughtful presents. And after all these years, she still manages to surprise me with a gift. 

This year, I received this cute little bottle of Canadian maple syrup from her envious visit to Niagara Falls, a place that's been on my bucket list since I watched Niagara with Marilyn Monroe when I was a teen. I love her but that's another story/post/six word Sat. 

I had no problem eating the jelly beans (my favourite sweet) or in wearing the cute bangle. I love it; purple is my favourite colour. As for the syrup? Not sure I can crack that cute bottle open despite the Canadian maple sticky goodness. It will have to be for something really special . . . Any ideas?  

The best bit will be catching up with my friend over a pizza next week after six weeks apart. 

PS: My cat, Indi, from last week's post? All is good. He's forgiven me and now accepts my presence. 

Written for Six Word Saturday hosted by Call Me Cate over at Show My Face

The Morning After the Night Before . . .

And breathe . . .

Yesterday, I had the most amazing experience as my debut novel, The Adventures of Katie Button, was released to the world ( or at least felt like it). My publishers, Crooked Cat, organised an online launch party, I organised a real party, I baked a cake and even had a short piece in the local newspaper. I appeared on a friend’s blog, another friend offered free copies, and of course there were the shares, the comments and cake. Plenty of cake. Funny how most of it appeared to be chocolate. And of course, lets not forget the boots; purple and glorious!

As successful and fun as the launch party sounds; and it really was amazing, there’s a few things I would do differently.

• Holding my own real party on the same night as my virtual party seemed a good idea. You only have one debut launch day after all. And this should be celebrated to the fullest! But my attention was split. I wanted to interact and join in the fun with my virtual launch as there were many people who made the effort to come, post and comment. I loved their enthusiasm. I loved their wit. I loved that everyone entered into the spirit of the event and got Katie Button. My interaction, into the evening was sporadic because I was interacting with real people at my party. They too got Katie Button. We had purple cocktails,
  
  Katie Button cakes and they kept asking me to do a reading! I ignored that one. I think I struck a balance between the two but I think it may have been even better if the events were on different nights so I could devote my all to each one. Which brings me on to . . .

• I should have been far more organised. In fact, I should be more organised in every aspect of my life. But that’s just me, living in the moment, day to day. Hardly plan ahead or think carefully about said plans (see #1). For example: I left it late to order my notebooks for launch.
  
  A little piece of me died as I pressed ‘confirm order’ when the P&P was more than the actual books! I hardly ever pay p&p. Hubby has Amazon Prime and if shopping anywhere else, I usually spend the required amount to get free p&p. And everytime I check my bank balance, I see that transaction, reminding me of the waste, the disorganisation. Grrrrr. Another example was the lack of thought for baking. I made a cake for work and wanted one for my party. Did I make two at the same time? Nope. I stupidly thought I’d have time on the actual day of the launch. Of course I didn’t. When I got home, I was responding to all the wonderful comments on my launch page. That took some time. And before I knew it, people were arriving. Which brings me to  . . .

• The next time I have a book release, I will try and fit it in during half term so I am not working. As much as I enjoyed sharing my news with my colleagues and the kids, I was missing out on all the fun of the launch. I felt I needed to be there, be part of my own party. interacting with the people who were making an effort. I saw all the  notifications building up onto my phone but was unable to do much about it until I had snatched moments called a break (which isn’t really a break when you’re preparing for the next lesson and marking). Work was brilliant! It kept my nerves at bay ( I lost it a few times, letting out the odd squeal of excitement) and loved the kids telling me their mum’s had already ordered it or were going to. But I was late to my own party (online). How much of a diva am I to be late to my own party!

Gee, this showbiz life style is catching already! Lot’s of love and thank you everyone for making my mixed up, busy, zanny awesome day so wonderful!! xxx

Links

The Last Krystallos, Lisa Shambrook  has an interview with me. She's a fantastic writer and dear friend. Visit her site for a read and to see her books and flash fiction. 

http://crookedcatpublishing.com/ My wonderful publisher where you'll find fantastic authors.

Amazon UK  for my novel, The Adventures of Katie Button

Facebook my author page is growing. Why not be a part of it. :-)

Amazon UK

Anniversary Blog Some Things Never Change

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me! It’s been two years since my first adventure into the blogging world. Two years since I stumbled into flash fiction and made some amazing friends as I continue my journey as a writer.

But some things do not change. My first blog entry was about a trip to Croydon on Valentine’s Day to see a special friend. It was such a disastrous journey, I had to write about it. Since that Valentine's, every trip to Croydon has been  taken by train after I vowed never to drive there again . . .Until New Year's Day this year.

New Year's Day would be quiet, the car that died on me on that Valentine’s night has been replaced.  What could possibly go wrong?

Enter teenage son and his idea of a chilled night with friends. At our house. I even managed to talk Hubby into it. Never again.

They kept us up all night with their chit chat, movies, laughter. Eventually, all was quiet as they buggered off to McDonald's for breakfast. Far too early of course,  but I didn’t tell them that as I wanted sleep.

The next thing I heard was hubby asking what time I’m leaving for Croydon. I wanted to be there for 10. It was now 10.30. My phone had a string of texts, asking what time I was arriving. I sleepily said 11, knowing any later, I wouldn’t go.

Easy peasy. half an hour to get ready. No problem. A quick shower, hair washed and dried, dressed  and ready to go bang on 11. It’s easy when there’s no slap involved or breakfast.

But the weather was awful. So much rain! But I persevered. Every now and then, I thought I’d turn round in the next available place but when I reached one, I carried on as it didn’t seem too bad. Famous last words.  .  .

After a lovely day with my friend, it was the dreaded drive home. Still, lashing down had it’s upside; no traffic. But the amount of water was incredible. Darkness descended quickly. And then I hit a queue of traffic. I couldn’t see what the hold up was. The traffic crept along slowly and then I saw it. I know I swore. I know I gripped the steering wheel for dear life. I had no other choice but to drive through the flood, like a lake across the road. It was seeing the breakdown van on the other side, rescuing a stranded motorist that I relaxed. He would save me. I watched the 4x4 go through, half up the curb. I waited until he cleared it then went, keeping a steady speed, chanting ‘Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God' continually, heart pounding wildly. I’d never driven through a flood before. And punched the air when I reached the other side. I was feeling epic!

The next obstacle was my imagination as I drove through a valley, looking up at the army of towering trees, standing guard. The news had been full of landslides, trees blown down; I’d driven past a few on my journey. Of course, there was nothing I could do if a tree did decide to fall at the time of my passing through but it didn't stop me looking up, making sure they didn’t move. I was terrifying myself. But so relieved I reached open space. Until the forest.

Puddles. Floods. Wind, stupid car drivers not knowing how to drive in floods who slowed right down, breaking?? I kept my distance from those people in their gorgeous, too good for them Mini.

And after an hour and a half, I was home. I was relieved. But I couldn’t wait to share my epic journey, surviving floods and gales (see how the wind is now a gale). I declared I could drive through anything. I was awesome!

Needless to say, I haven’t driven since. Other than my Hubby up the wall but that's another story entirely. xx

   

My Writing Process Blog Tour

So when Laura James over at Office Mango invited me to the Writing Process Blog Tour, I automatically said ‘yes’ not actually thinking about what I would have to produce about writing. Gulp! It’s hard enough thinking of the next line in a story let alone thinking how you go about it.

But Laura did  and her entertaining entry. And thanks Laura for the invite. xxx 

http://www.officemango.com/2014/02/my-writing-process-blog-tour/

My Writing Process

What Am I Working On?

   I wish the answer to this was a simple “I’m working on X” but the reality is, I’m also working on Y and Z too. Writing is like reading. I have three books on the go that I am reading and like wise with my writing. Last year’s Nano novel, which suddenly came to a halt due to a dead laptop, has now found new love/life and a few late nights which is great considering this week is half term. It’s a paranormal romance with a kick ass heroine. That is all I’m going to say on that one.

   Some lovely friends Beta read my Chick lit which I am also in the process of editing. One day, when I feel confident about sharing it with the big, wide, world, I will publish on Amazon.

   My very first attempt of a novel is also being revisited on occasion when I can face it due to the many errors I can’t believe I made!

    And of course there’s my blog I am working on with flash fiction. Often, a short story is the spark to something bigger.

How Does My Work Differ from Others of its  Genre?   

   That’s tricky. I can only go by what I have read. And there is not enough time in the world to have read every book in the genres I write. I guess it’s unusual to write in different genres and not stick to one. Whether this is a decision that will hinder me or enhance my writing, I do not yet know. But I do know I write because I enjoy it, love the characters and know there is a story there. I also know my female protagonists are not just there to be eye candy or fluff. They have purpose, are fun and can definitely look after themselves no matter the genre.

Why Do I Write What I do?

I would like to say ‘because the fairies in the bottom of the garden told me to.’ But it’s a lot less boring than that. Like I said, I always wanted to write but didn’t know how to start. Then, two years ago, a funny thing happened that I just had to share and on Feb 18th (two years tomorrow) my blog was born. It was then I stumbled into flash fiction and this is where ideas grow for feature length pieces of work. Flash enables you to experiment and go places I never thought possible. Only last week, due to the prompt, I wrote my first piece of erotica (very tame). It was well received so I may (when brave enough) expand on it. If I love the characters and there’s a story, I will write it. My venture into the  paranormal was inspired by my son wanting me to write for him, not sure I have fulfilled that though as it’s gone bit gushy. So I will be culling very soon.

How Does Your Writing Process Work?   

Sometimes it doesn’t! It completely leaves me with a blank page for days. So I walk away and enjoy life (usually a walk along the beach, or baking) until something hits me and I can’t wait to get back and write it, noting it down in case I forget (which does happen).  But I tend to be a rather chaotic writer. Too many things going on, notes everywhere. If it comes into my head, I write it. So where my story goes depends on the mood I’m in, the music I’m listening to and something I may have heard either on TV or spoken to me. I have a main plot written down in various places (too many notebooks) but any sub plots are victim to the time, mood and place. I make it up as I go along I guess. If I’m really excited, I will talk it out with close friends which inspires me even more. Often, ideas come into my head during the night. But can I remember them in the morning? I can't be the only one that happens to. There's probably loads of best sellers that have been born and died during the night somewhere in the world.

Thank you for reading and thanks again Laura for the tag. Now I have some people who would like to share their writing process with you. Here’s a little tease until next week ( Monday 24th Feb) for their story. . .

Rebecca Fyfe

An author with stories in several anthologies and collections, is a mother of seven children and, having lost 145 lbs. of excess weight, blogs about health and fitness at skinnydreaming.com. In keeping with her lifetime love of stories, she graduated with a degree in English Literature. She is a Californian who married an Englishman and now resides in Great Britain. Rebecca created and runs the chapter book challenge which runs every March, and, when not writing short stories or children’s stories, she’s busy creating urban fantasy novels, full of her own special blend of magic. She gets her inspiration from her five daughters and two sons. She is the founder of Melusine Muse Press and owns several online gift shops, one of which can be found online at moondusters.com. You can find her on facebook, Twitter and through her blog at Rebecca Fyfe.blogspot.co.uk/ and at maginecreatewrite.blogspot.com. 

M L Gammella 

M L Gammella has been writing on and off since hight school, where she was often found scribbling in her notebook instead of following along in class. Who knew you had to pay attention in Pre-Cal to understand it? To this day, she still doesn't. 

She put down her pen for several years as she got caught up with college and work, but finally found her muse again after graduating with a bachelors in business in 2010. Her day job as a mortgage laan processor pays the bills while she pursues her love of writing. M L Gammella is currently trying to finish her Nano novels from 2012 and 2013 (she won in 2012). She also participates i several flash fiction contests throughout the week, runs the Daily Picspiration blogspot., and freelances in content marketing. When not writing, M L enjoys travelling, football, cooking, reading and spending time with her husband and three pets.

http://mlgammella.blogspot.co.uk/

The Good, The Bad and The Catasphrophic

I have been pondering this blog post for a few days now; should I write it, would people find it interesting, am I wasting my time, no one is bothered about the the ups and downs of a writer. But the urge to write and celebrate a wonderful year took over and here I am.

It has been an amazing year where my writing is concerned and that's thanks to the fantastic writers I have 'met' on facebook who have become wonderful friends. Firstly, there was the Dark Fairy Queen Writerly Bridal Shower. Who can forget the crazy goings on in the process of a fairy wedding? Who can forget the excitement of creating a gorgeous story for the anthology? 

Two more anthologies followed (see above pic), both raising money for good charities and my stories were included. I'm in print! Yay!!! (I still look at my name in print and can't quite believe it). Both available on Amazon. 

It was on this high that I went full steam ahead into this years NanoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) with the support of the crazy community of writers. I was a Nano Rebel as my story had already started but I still had 50,000 in me as did the story. And that's when the catastrophe happened; my laptop just stopped working. I couldn't access any of my work as the little hole where the cable goes was broken or something like that. There wasn't even any power in the battery to boot it up. And do you know the worst of this sorry tale? Despite months of nagging from Hubby about backing up my work, I hadn't. So over 35k of words for my novel was locked along with all my other work. 

I cried.

I spat my dummy.

My writing career had only just started and had come to abrupt halt. Until Hubby's friend rescued my work which is now stored in various places; external hard drives, sky drive and now google cloud. I think my bases are covered. I just need to learn to use them properly.  

And the writing is back as Hubby bought me a Samsung Chromebook for Christmas/Birthday so happy, happy, happy although very different to what I am used to.  No excuses now for writing and joining in more on the flash fiction circuit. 

 That's where the bad comes in. I have been away for so long, I think I've forgotten how to write! I look at flash fiction prompts and have absolutely no clue. My Daily Picspiration pieces are so difficult and don't flow at all. I apologise for that and will up my game for 2014 especially as the calibre of writing is absolutely wonderful.

Looking to 2014, I am full of optimism. I intend to blog more, write more, share authors more. I also intend to publish my own novel. It's not going to happen unless I make it happen and I have wonderful friends who are helping me make it happen (Lisa Shambrook, Laura James and Ruth Long who are now thinking oh darn, forgot about that!) as well as friends who always love my work (Jan, Clare, Toni, Angela, Charlotte, Char, Shelley to name but few). So look out for The Adventures of Katie Button coming soon. 

I have other projects in my head that must escape. So watch out!  

2014 is going to be epic. . . . just saying. xxxx 

Happy New Year folks and to nick/adapt a famous Brucie phrase. . . Keep writing/reading. xx 

    

    

What's In A Name?

Well a lot actually if you're Royalty. . . . 

I know, I know, another Royal baby blog! But as a Royalist and self proclaimed Disney Princess, I feel I need to throw my two bobs worth in and comment on this historical event.                

‘Historical event?’ I hear you cry. She’s not the first woman to give birth or the first Princess or Duchess for that matter! However, it is the first senior Royal birth in 30 odd years. It is also the first time that if a baby girl, she will automatically ascend to the throne even if she has a football team of younger brothers! All hail the new constitution that changes the stuffy, old fashioned and sexist law that women are pushed back in favour of sons! This is not Henry VIII’s Tudor court where Queens were beheaded because of the lack of son’s! And  let’s just remember the most famous monarch of all Henry’s children, if not in history, was his daughter, Elizabeth I! I’m hoping he was proud and not turning in his grave!

And I bet Princess Anne will be the first to congratulate the little bundle of pink; second child to the Queen, pushed to the back of the queue behind her two younger brothers and their kids! Shameful!

Then of course there are the names. Obviously, they will need to choose carefully. Can’t have any Cheryl’s, Kylie’s or Phoebe’s on the throne (I bet Posh Spice is secretly yearning for a girl and the possibility of a Princess Victoria). Princess Phoebe reminds me of Friends and people of a certain age will be reminded of Princess Consuela Bananahammock (which is actually in the urban dictionary!) so Phoebe is definitely out despite its obvious charms.

There is also the obvious choice of Diana; in Roman mythology meaning, heavenly or divine. She was the goddess of the hunt, the moon and birthing. But, despite its qualities, it is not a name that I can imagine will make certain members in the family jump for joy. I’m sure Camilla would choke on her G &T with that little reminder. (I was team Diana so apologies for any bias). But Diana is a family name and there’s no getting away from the fact that every time you see William, you see Diana. He is his mother’s son in more ways than one. Maybe a second, third, fourth or even fifth name is a possibility, after all it will only ever be mentioned twice; the christening and a royal wedding. (Excited at that prospect already!)

So you can see the reasons for calling this an historical birth other than the fact he or she will be born to the heir of the throne. And let’s not forget that in the event of a girl, Harper Seven Beckham will have a playmate who, later in life she can swap fashion tips with; making an exciting prospect for ‘heat’ magazine and celebville.

But all we know is the baby is due in July. That’s 31 days of conjecture, press packs, paparazzi, speculation and blogs (sorry). What we do know is that as with any Royal, the baby will come when he/she jolly well wants to and is good and ready!

In the event of a boy, that will mean three generations of King’s after well over half a century of the Queen who is still going strong! (Yay)                                             

But I wonder. With the birth of the new Royal and the heir to the throne secure and what with Prince Philip being ill lately, will Queen Elizabeth be thinking of handing over to the new generation and the A word? (Eek)

It is possible (in our wildest dreams!) but again, more speculation. It is after all a job for life and there’s plenty of life left in the Queen! (Yay!)

All that remains is to watch the media circus gather momentum and wish Kate and Will’s the best of luck as well as all the other pregnant ladies out there who are no doubt feeling more than uncomfortable with this heat wave we’re basking in. I hope all your bundles of joy are healthy little prince and princesses which is what every family wishes whether a boy or girl.

And Phoebe really is a cool name!  J     

#Blog Flash 2013 Day 15 Friendship

Together, they walked arm in arm along the muddy path as the cold, damp air lay heavy around them. No words were needed. They sat side by side, hugging their coats tighter as the cold air slowly enveloped them. Through hymns and readings, the two friends lent on each other; their white knuckle grip only matched by their anguish at sitting in the church decades earlier than they should have been. They seemed to take it in turns to sob uncontrollably yet quietly, still holding tight to one another; seeking comfort, support and love as well as answers that never came. . .

Surrounded by friends, strength flowed slowly through their bodies as they could smile and remember in celebration and support others, all sharing their grief, memories, hugs and smiles as one family.  

132

Dedicated to my lovely friends and colleagues. xxx

Over the word count today. I'm going to take Jack Sparrow's take on the rules/code and see them as more of guidelines; I wanted to get back to more of a story entry. xx

                                      

#Blog Flash 2013 Day 14 Home

Oops. I have missed a few and am gutted at having missed some very good prompts. But when you're not in the mood, you're not in the mood. I can't force writing. Anyway, I'm in the mood tonight so here is day 14- home. x

It’s lovely to go round a friend’s house where you feel so relaxed; it’s like being at home, apart from wearing pyjamas. However, one night myself and the Mad Yank were invited to a friends’ house for apple crumble one Saturday evening.  I’m sure there was another reason too but I can’t remember. And just to show how relaxed, chilled and at home we were, we turned up at our friend’s house in our pyjamas and furry slippers. And being a wonderful friend, she didn't mind at all as she served up her home made yummy, scrummy crumble. x

99 words

For more prompts and to read other takes on the prompt, please visit http://terriglong.com/blog/blogflash2013-march-2013-30-days-of-flash-blogging/ . . . .you won't be disappointed. xxx

How Do You Find The Time To . . . .

A Meme about time and not having enough of it!

   

Have you ever wondered how other people organise their day? How they manage to get it all done? Well The Fabulous Moms Guide  tagged me in this meme that asked the question ‘How and when do you find the time to…’ It was originally started by Ms Dolly Daydream of Sex, drugs, rocker and stroller, baby fame and is a sneak peek into the lives of other people and how they manage their days. Thank you for tagging me. I enjoyed reading yours and hope you like mine.
As with all memes (subjects that a group of bloggers write about) there are a few rules:

Rules:

- Please post the rules.

- When answering the questions, please give as much detail as possible!

Leave a comment on Sex, drugs, rocker and stroller, baby so we can keep track of the meme and I can totally steal your routine tips to make my world a happier place.

- Tag 3 or more people and link to them on your blog.

Here goes. . . .

How and when do you find the time to…

….do your laundry?

Doing the washing is a pain with this wet weather as I do not own a tumble dryer nor want to own one. Generally I do the washing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as by Friday the laundry basket is over flowing and bursting at the seams especially as the teenage son wears something once. I try to do a load Thurs night so I have time to hang it out before trundling off to work Friday morning. If the weather is rubbish and I can’t hang my washing out then I try to wash it on days that look like the sun is going to shine. So it’s a bit of a gamble and when it does rain, there are a few tantrums thrown in. On top of that, I have to find time to wash the cooking club aprons and wash all the Teen’s Hollister gear separately as it needs a cold wash! The ironing is piling up as I hate doing it and if I can hang it straight in the wardrobe, then I do. The pile of ironing is mainly Hubby’s white work shirts which are a pain and the sooner he leaves that place the better. However, I have to get up earlier than needed to make sure son is up for paper round so I choose to iron one or 2 shirts. This keeps Hubby happy, the pile not so frightening and a difficult task fairly bearable. 

 . . . . .write a blog post      

There is always time for a blog post! Or so I thought. I only started blogging in Feb and was whizzing them out weekly as well as writing flash fiction pieces. I thought as long as I have something to say which has never been a problem, I will always have something to blog about. And then one day, I lost the motivation, the creativity, the knowhow, the confidence and I guess my mojo. I tweeted I’d lost my mojo and received some lovely responses which did the trick . . . . for about a day. I then had some cakes to make which were very time consuming and a teen’s birthday to celebrate and then I came down with a cold. I had no get up and go . . . it had long gone. But then something wonderful happened. . . .the sun came out this weekend and I was smiling! I was energised and wanted to write. So here we are. I’ve never let the weather bother me as it seems futile to let it drag you down when you can’t control it but obviously it was making me rather blah. Anyway, back to the point. I generally blog/write when Hubby and son are watching American Sci Fi rubbish or when I have an idea and just need to get it down. I’m always with laptop in evening once everything is done so there is no excuse to blog/write away to my hearts content :-))..

 ….look after yourself…i.e. wash your hair, paint your nails, take a bubble bath etc.?

I don’t. This will be the shortest entry of this blog! I am not a girly girl so I am pretty minimalist in this department.  I don’t own a hair dryer. I don’t wear makeup unless going out for the evening. I wash my hair either in the morning when I shower or evening after a sweaty Zumba class. I let it dry naturally. I do my own waxing so to save money but it also saves time now I’ve got the knack. I am now in the habit of one swim a week, one Zumba a week and a visit to the gym 2 to 3 times a week. That is my down time, my me time. I get so many things sorted in my head whilst running nowhere on the treadmill. I haven't had a bath for a gazillion years as much prefer the shower which is used daily. In fact when we renovate our bathroom , we're getting rid of the bath completely. I do enjoy my Heat magazine and Esssentials magazine but they are bought occassionally now. I love to read books and need to do this at night before sleep so to switch off and relax.  

….spend time with your other half?

This one is tricky too and at times I need reminding that Hubby is there as I can get carried away with everything else. But Hubby does work very long hours and spends 4 hours a day commuting as well as shifts so sometimes we are ships that do pass in the night.  Sometimes we don’t see each other for a week as he leaves for work before I get home and vise versa. It’s not ideal and it’s not good. So when he is off, we tend to go for walks over Ashdown forest, the beach or mooch, around Lewes. We always talk to each other on the phone (very rarely text) as talking is so important. I hate being a rat bag because I am too tired but work does get in the way.

….do fun stuff with your LO?

I assume LO is loved ones? Well I have one child who is now 14 so he is pretty much always out with friends or on his Xbox in his room. Occasionally we’ll go out as a family but they are getting rarer as son likes his time doing what he wants and we like adult time; going to the pub for lunch etc. However we always sit to eat dinner together when hubby is off.  Hubby and son have a cinema night which is cute and that leaves me at home with the cat and the laptop and the TV remote. Woo hoo! Occassionally son and I will catch up with a DVD which is cute but don't tell him I said that.

  ….socialise with friends?

‘Words with friends’ on Facebook is a tad addictive and I seem to be on there with my friends quite a bit. During half term we meet round each other houses for lunch, each bringing something for the lunch. Once a month we all attend the pub quiz for a humorous evening. I am lucky that I do work with my friends so see them on  a daily basis. Those I don’t work with are more tricky! I recently met up with a friend a few weeks ago and we both realised we hadn’t seen each other for about 6 years! Shocking! But it seemed only like yesterday which is the mark of true friendship. And we won't leave it that long next time!

 ….prepare an evening meal juggling a baby/toddler bedtime routine?

N/A (no toddler anymore) and I am the Undomesticated Devil so evening meal is not set in stone unless Hubby cooking. If I do cook, it’s pasta which is 20 minutes or a one pot casserole all in the oven and it’s done. I am not a bad cook, I just don’t like doing it most of the time. I am lucky I have a Hubby who enjoys cooking and can cook!

….deep clean your house? ….do the food shopping?

I’ve put these 2 together otherwise it would be embarrassingly short! I’m rubbish at cleaning. I hate it. However, I am a bit evil in that my Hubby is a bit OCD when it comes to cleanliness and I do take advantage of that. I’ll do the hoovering and blitz the kitchen and that’s as deep as it goes  . . . . for me anyway. Hubby does it most of the time.  Anyway, when I’ve hovered and then he comes along and does it like an hour later, then what’s the point? As for the shopping. Hubby does it when he’s off in the week as there are less people around, he has the car and I take too long. Apparently my brain implodes in the cereal aisle let alone trying to manage all the other aisles. Hubby gets it done in half the time if I don’t go and spends a lot less!!

 ….bulk ironing

Oops, have answered that earlier.

Well that’s it. A little peek into my world . . . some of you may want to hire my Hubby; rates negotiable. I am not too bad but there is room for improvement but I do work in a very demanding job and my Hubby does the cleaning so much better than I ever could ;-). It's funny, but my hubby has been requesting I salute him, award him with all that he does so I guess this blog goes someway to doing that so I dedicate this blog to him. xxxx

Now I tag 3 others in this rather tricky but fun meme . . . .

The 1970s Diet

365 pearls of wisdom.

the mummy blogger

And don't worry about having to complete now; it is a time management meme after all and it's taken me 4 weeks ;-) xxxx,