It has been a tough autumn for me and because of such I have let my blog slip so major apologies. I have to admit today is the hardest day of the year for me as it is the anniversary of my granddads passing and I tend not to start accept its Christmas till this day has past.
That said most of the presents this year are already bought and food planned, so its not as if I dissociate myself from Christmas till the 6th of December, but I refuse to put up decorations etc till then. I always find the irony in the fact my Granddad actually hung on till the 6th St Nicholas day, as he well knew I was well read up on the feasts of Christmas and this was always important to me. Now this may sound quite morose to people but to me it is some form of comfort as this man brought me up whilst my mum worked. So although I find it hard even now to accept he is gone I know he would also see the irony in the date.
Anyway it has given me food for thought this year. Without going into to detail I realise this year has been hard not just for me, but it seems for my closest friends. So much so it has reiterated a childhood bond in one case. But I do think all of us will happily wave 2013 goodbye, but not without some decent celebrating from us all. Again I can't say too much as I believe at least one of them reads this, but this year Christmas presents have a theme to them, and I have managed to spoil all. Not in a money sense necessarily but in a thought and time sense. Whilst doing this and on one of my scarce days out, I sat outside my favourite coffee chain drinking a much loved coffee and talking to mum. We are both what I would say as students of the human nature, and we tend to watch people and their behaviour. Almost simultaneously we both said where is everyone. You see we were in the height of the lunchtime rush and there just wasn't the people around with the normal hassle of pre Christmas shopping. We shrugged it off until we had to return the week later and it was the same.
It was on those trips it hit home just hard life has become for most people. Christmas mealy highlights the fact that the money just isn't around for people to be trivial with it. So when I head off to the frost fair along with some borrowed children, the magic of Christmas is going to be a lot more innocent and less material than the Christmas' of my past. Sure I will be providing pocket money but not a bottomless pot of cash. In doing this I actually feel some form of release as I believe there will be a stronger focus on fun and less on want. Despite the fact that at the moment I am struggling to walk due to the fact I had a fall earlier this week, I am excited to get there. It has revived the childhood feeling of anticipation and hope.
Although I am going to be held back from doing the mad things of the past I have regained the feeling of Christmas. The idea of going to the market for the fresh fruit and veg just before the big day, was a nightmare last year as crutches and crowds don't mix, but this year I am going with one of my oldest friends and it has become an event to look forward to. By stripping out the materialistic side of the season it has become more about time spent in the company of family and friends, and it is refreshing.. I am not saying I am a saint and the mound of present wrapping I have to do it is beyond a joke , in fact it is so bad I need an elf or two to help. But that's because anyone who knows me knows my idea of wrapping is a bit dire. But this year I am going to restore a long forgotten custom that involves present wrapping, a locked room and a bottle of wine.
So what I am trying to say is this year has been hard on most people, and rather than be depressed about what limits you have, look back at the memories of times past and what simple customs you could restore and pass on. Whether it be home made Christmas decorations or stocking fillers on a small budget competition. Start looking at the celebration through your inner child, or better still with people who need the celebration as much as you do. Yes Christmas is a time of giving, but there is no bigger gift than that of time. I speak from experience when I say an hour or two spent with a member of the older generation can be enlightening and fun. Or a coffee with a friend in need becomes the best girly time ever.
So whilst I accept there are obstacles for us all, there is also hope, and with that said some one I know mentioned coffee and homemade mince pies ( thank goodness for cars), so I am off to help test them.
Friday, 6 December 2013
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Simple pleasures
I thought I would start my big catch up with something very simple. I am very lucky where I live. Although being on the suburbs of London I am not 20 minutes drive to the countryside of Surrey. Even better at this time of year I am 10 minutes drive from not one but two lavender fields.
Now for those who don't get why this is so special, the area where I live used to be known for its lavender fields and watercress beds. So to have the return of such a traditional plant is brilliant. Even better is the fact that one of these fields Mayfield Lavender is open to the general public 7 days a week at the moment. Not only can you walk amid the plants and all the bees and butterflies they attract, but you sample the different ways lavender can be used. Granted neither lavender tea or cupcakes rock my boat, but lavender shortbread it a defiant hit in this house.
Not to mention we seem to have gained about 5 different lavender plants to our already extensive collection, and at this moment in time we have lavender drying from various curtain rails.
But what is so special is not what you bring home materially, its the peace and quiet you gain sitting in such a heavily scented field. Its free to go there but the sense of refreshment you gain there is totally priceless.
Now for those who don't get why this is so special, the area where I live used to be known for its lavender fields and watercress beds. So to have the return of such a traditional plant is brilliant. Even better is the fact that one of these fields Mayfield Lavender is open to the general public 7 days a week at the moment. Not only can you walk amid the plants and all the bees and butterflies they attract, but you sample the different ways lavender can be used. Granted neither lavender tea or cupcakes rock my boat, but lavender shortbread it a defiant hit in this house.
Not to mention we seem to have gained about 5 different lavender plants to our already extensive collection, and at this moment in time we have lavender drying from various curtain rails.
But what is so special is not what you bring home materially, its the peace and quiet you gain sitting in such a heavily scented field. Its free to go there but the sense of refreshment you gain there is totally priceless.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Spare a minute, honour a hero
I have taken a few days to think how I wanted to blog about the horrific event in Woolwich this week. To be frank I have had to let my sheer outrage subside before I dared approach my keyboard. Now I feel calm enough to right something worthy to such a brave man.
Personally I have a lot of admiration for our forces and personally know or have known many people who were either in active service or have served our country. So much so it is hardly surprising that even my hubby is an ex US Navy serviceman. I have always respected a person who can physically honour and protect our country and its safety in a way I never could. But it is their strength of mentality that get overlooked. This people are so focused on their duty that they are exposed to such horrors we dare not imagine.
We all are aware of the cost this comes at, the post traumatic shock or loss of limbs that so many of our service personal suffer. I live close enough to one rehabilitation centre that I was well aware of the cost before it was made national news. As a child I never understood how much that one building would come to represent in a nation.
That is thanks in part to a charity called Help The Hero's, that brought the plight of the injured service personnel to the forefront. In the last few years the awareness has been made more and more visible. In the motor world they are represented at many of the major events. People are wearing the wrist bands and tee shirts to express their support.
Unfortunately it was in one of these shirts that a serviceman was attacked and killed in such a barbaric way I thought we had returned to the middle ages. No matter what the battle or war is no one deserves to die in such a horrific way. In many ways I feel the mass media helped by adding to the horror by giving these criminals airtime by showing their video. Fortunately the general public have reacted in the way Britain's are famed for, we rather than ran in fright, instead united in grief. Sure there are always those who have to go too far, but as a whole the nation has head its head up high.
Now there is a sea of flowers not just at the place where Drumer Lee Rigby fell, but at most local war memorials. The Help for Heroes website is selling out of certain items, and for there is a possibility of some religious tolerance in our communities united in horror.
I am left feeling hollow that there is a little I can do to repay the debt of this young man and all those who have died before and will do in the future. For this reason I have attached the links for the Help for Hero's web page and two links to people doing the massive cycle ride from Paris to London for Help the Hero's. Some of which who are doing the ride are ex service personal who have suffered injury in service and benefited from the funds raised in the past.
If there is one thing I can do to help it is to pass the word. RIP LEE DIGBY AND ALL THOSE BEFORE HIM.
http://www.bmycharity.com/emclarkson1
bmycharity.com/hughvancutsem
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
Personally I have a lot of admiration for our forces and personally know or have known many people who were either in active service or have served our country. So much so it is hardly surprising that even my hubby is an ex US Navy serviceman. I have always respected a person who can physically honour and protect our country and its safety in a way I never could. But it is their strength of mentality that get overlooked. This people are so focused on their duty that they are exposed to such horrors we dare not imagine.
We all are aware of the cost this comes at, the post traumatic shock or loss of limbs that so many of our service personal suffer. I live close enough to one rehabilitation centre that I was well aware of the cost before it was made national news. As a child I never understood how much that one building would come to represent in a nation.
That is thanks in part to a charity called Help The Hero's, that brought the plight of the injured service personnel to the forefront. In the last few years the awareness has been made more and more visible. In the motor world they are represented at many of the major events. People are wearing the wrist bands and tee shirts to express their support.
Unfortunately it was in one of these shirts that a serviceman was attacked and killed in such a barbaric way I thought we had returned to the middle ages. No matter what the battle or war is no one deserves to die in such a horrific way. In many ways I feel the mass media helped by adding to the horror by giving these criminals airtime by showing their video. Fortunately the general public have reacted in the way Britain's are famed for, we rather than ran in fright, instead united in grief. Sure there are always those who have to go too far, but as a whole the nation has head its head up high.
Now there is a sea of flowers not just at the place where Drumer Lee Rigby fell, but at most local war memorials. The Help for Heroes website is selling out of certain items, and for there is a possibility of some religious tolerance in our communities united in horror.
I am left feeling hollow that there is a little I can do to repay the debt of this young man and all those who have died before and will do in the future. For this reason I have attached the links for the Help for Hero's web page and two links to people doing the massive cycle ride from Paris to London for Help the Hero's. Some of which who are doing the ride are ex service personal who have suffered injury in service and benefited from the funds raised in the past.
If there is one thing I can do to help it is to pass the word. RIP LEE DIGBY AND ALL THOSE BEFORE HIM.
http://www.bmycharity.com/emclarkson1
bmycharity.com/hughvancutsem
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Its a sweet summer via Kandee
I am going to keep this short and sweet as most of my readers already know the love I have for Kandee Shoes. That said this seasons collection seems to have something for everyone. What I have done is a quick run down of my hot picks in the range, but please have a look for yourself this is just a taster. I will say this collection covers about all the trends including monochrome, perspex, and wedged heels.
Meet Lemon Ice my out right favourite, this is the perfect mix of tomboy and glam for me. The wedge heel will also cover any height issues I have.
This is Cherry Bomb, and it is bang on trend with the perspex sides and high gloss colour. Yet it doesn't take itself to seriously with the lips instead of bows on the front.
Glitter bomb is another wedged trainer, it is less flashy in look and would be a good wear to get away with trainers at work as no one would see that under a pair of trousers.
Finally my ultimate tea shoe for all those summer parties and garden parties Berry Blue. I just love the sparkle on the edging.
These are All Sorts and I think they must be the easiest way for any girl to embrace this seasons stripey look with out the fear of looking fat.
This is Lemon Sparkles and I personally think this is a nice light shoe for any formal outfit. It mixes fun with formal.
Glitter bomb is another wedged trainer, it is less flashy in look and would be a good wear to get away with trainers at work as no one would see that under a pair of trousers.
Finally my ultimate tea shoe for all those summer parties and garden parties Berry Blue. I just love the sparkle on the edging.
This is only my favourites, like I said you need to look at the whole collection, but I know my purse is going to feel this, still a girl can never have enough Kandees.
Sunday, 12 May 2013
primart results
During my great London adventure in the week I just had to pop in to primart Oxford Street for a few bits. This is a bit of a tradition with me, and it has been known for me to show up at a screening of a tv programme with a primart bag squeezed to my over sized handbag.
Any way as per usual I myself a budget and promptly spent double it. However I did score some real bargain buys. Tee shirt sports bra's sre now £3 and come in a range of colours as well as the standard black and white. There were a few tee shirts at £3 reduced from £6 or even £8 needless I have picked up a couple of both the bra's and the tee shirts.
I also found a lovely mickey mouse sweat top for £10, that is not a childish design. Another good buy wss s cross body bag for £4, which being on crutches is a great buy.i do have a bag already that is that bit biggest inabling mr to carry around more than I need, this new one puts pay to that.
Apart from the other bits I picked up I was most pleased with my new live hearts lip balm. I love it so much that I can't wait for the end of June when they release the new wallis ice cream range..I the summer months I really like having seasonal lip balms to lift my spirits. .
More worrying is fact I have found there is a second primart at the Tottenham Court Road end of the road. This is really good news as its a straight tube ride for me. So easy end of July mum has agreed to accopany me for a browse and to bag carry.
I am a bit of a weird shopper as I mix disposable purchases from primart with vintage or something similar. I believe if I treat all the clothes the same way I get more value for money and I always recycle my old clothes. But I love a bargain whether it be orimart or sales or even a charity shop.
Any way as per usual I myself a budget and promptly spent double it. However I did score some real bargain buys. Tee shirt sports bra's sre now £3 and come in a range of colours as well as the standard black and white. There were a few tee shirts at £3 reduced from £6 or even £8 needless I have picked up a couple of both the bra's and the tee shirts.
I also found a lovely mickey mouse sweat top for £10, that is not a childish design. Another good buy wss s cross body bag for £4, which being on crutches is a great buy.i do have a bag already that is that bit biggest inabling mr to carry around more than I need, this new one puts pay to that.
Apart from the other bits I picked up I was most pleased with my new live hearts lip balm. I love it so much that I can't wait for the end of June when they release the new wallis ice cream range..I the summer months I really like having seasonal lip balms to lift my spirits. .
More worrying is fact I have found there is a second primart at the Tottenham Court Road end of the road. This is really good news as its a straight tube ride for me. So easy end of July mum has agreed to accopany me for a browse and to bag carry.
I am a bit of a weird shopper as I mix disposable purchases from primart with vintage or something similar. I believe if I treat all the clothes the same way I get more value for money and I always recycle my old clothes. But I love a bargain whether it be orimart or sales or even a charity shop.
oops I did it again
I seriously don't need any more nail polish, yet some how another 3 have made it into my collection.
I just had to pop into Superdrug the other day for the bits required for a weekend break. Absolutely fatal, as I immediately went to the makeup section. As I needed an eye primer and there was a 3 4 2 offer I just had to give a jel polish a go and a textured one. So I now possess Barry M textured Ridley road and prickly pear jel polish. Yet still I couldn't find MUA pistachio ice so I left ready to try these.
Unfortunately as i had to go on line last night to replace my Welda skin food I some how ended up on the MUA site. Finally I was able to get the polish I have been so desperate for.
I seriously will have to have therapy for nail varnish addiction if i carry on speaking of which the next edition of Marie Claire comes with a ciate cookies and cream nail set on the 6th of June. That's it I need therapy.
I just had to pop into Superdrug the other day for the bits required for a weekend break. Absolutely fatal, as I immediately went to the makeup section. As I needed an eye primer and there was a 3 4 2 offer I just had to give a jel polish a go and a textured one. So I now possess Barry M textured Ridley road and prickly pear jel polish. Yet still I couldn't find MUA pistachio ice so I left ready to try these.
Unfortunately as i had to go on line last night to replace my Welda skin food I some how ended up on the MUA site. Finally I was able to get the polish I have been so desperate for.
I seriously will have to have therapy for nail varnish addiction if i carry on speaking of which the next edition of Marie Claire comes with a ciate cookies and cream nail set on the 6th of June. That's it I need therapy.
Friday, 10 May 2013
Glossy Box 2nd Birthday
After an expected text on Monday I decided to go to the 2nd birthday celebrations of glossy box in Covent Garden on Wednesday. It was a brave move as I haven't been to London since my illness on my own.
I won't lie, it wasn't easy as still TFL haven't got the idea about the needs of their disabled customers. In fact I am in so much pain today, I won't do it again on my own. London is just too much of a problem for me on my own.
That said I made it to the event with an hour to spare before the first box opening. Well that translates to me as coffee time. Coffee obtained I had a browse including adding to my hat collection, one day I will remember to take one with me when I am out and about.
I finally joined the group that was beginning to gather. It seemed to be an endless wait but finally kimberley came out and the count down began. The giant box opened with a glossy box for all and all the crowd control of a rugby scrum. Once I finally had ectracted myself from the crush box in hand, I found unlike some celebrities Kimberly was just standing around to sign boxes and take photos. Naturally I had to go and get mine signed and some one kindly took my picture. So I left a very happy bunny, and had I been a normal person I would have gone straight home, but I don't think I have ever been normal and instead headed to Oxford Street for some retail therapy.
Now that was a bad idea on all levels. Sure I have got some real bargains, however I spent too much, walked to far abd found out just how the general public have disregard for the less able. It is Friday and I am still in bed healing from the injuries I obtained . My left arm is swollen twice its size my feet are swollen from people stamping on them. All in all it was less retail therapy and more brutal blood sports.
So I left London on a high from the glossy box event and vowed never to go shopping solo there again.
I won't lie, it wasn't easy as still TFL haven't got the idea about the needs of their disabled customers. In fact I am in so much pain today, I won't do it again on my own. London is just too much of a problem for me on my own.
That said I made it to the event with an hour to spare before the first box opening. Well that translates to me as coffee time. Coffee obtained I had a browse including adding to my hat collection, one day I will remember to take one with me when I am out and about.
I finally joined the group that was beginning to gather. It seemed to be an endless wait but finally kimberley came out and the count down began. The giant box opened with a glossy box for all and all the crowd control of a rugby scrum. Once I finally had ectracted myself from the crush box in hand, I found unlike some celebrities Kimberly was just standing around to sign boxes and take photos. Naturally I had to go and get mine signed and some one kindly took my picture. So I left a very happy bunny, and had I been a normal person I would have gone straight home, but I don't think I have ever been normal and instead headed to Oxford Street for some retail therapy.
Now that was a bad idea on all levels. Sure I have got some real bargains, however I spent too much, walked to far abd found out just how the general public have disregard for the less able. It is Friday and I am still in bed healing from the injuries I obtained . My left arm is swollen twice its size my feet are swollen from people stamping on them. All in all it was less retail therapy and more brutal blood sports.
So I left London on a high from the glossy box event and vowed never to go shopping solo there again.
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