New Book....

So the pic of the day today is the new Cecelia Ahern book I received for Christmas, I adore Cecilia Ahern's books. They are beautifully written, she really thinks outside the box and that's what I love about them. They are usually lovely chick-lits but with a little piece of magic within them.

The book is brand new so of course it is hardback and I fell in love with it straight away, it has the beautiful gold lettering and it's in my favourite shade of purple, plus an added bonus of the ribbon bookmark which you just do not see in books these days. It was a sign that I would not be able to put this book down. Sure enough I was right, I started reading last night and finished just moments ago.

The book is titled The Time Of Your Life, it's about a woman who is visited by her own life and led on a journey through her past and present. She has to face and overcome people and emotions she has buried down for years. It truly is a wonderful read and extremely captivating, I'm a little sad its ended. What I love about Cecelia Ahern's books is that she makes you think afterwards, things like if life visited me what would I say? What would they say about me? Am I happy? Do I have dreams that I want fulfilled?

The answer to that last one is yes, yes I do. I love baking, it's the one thing that I think I am fairly good at, I mean I know I can improve a great deal but for now I'd say I was average. I would love to have my own tea rooms and bakery, somewhere beautifully rustic, where my friends and family work with me. I'd like it to be a cosy, warm place just full of laughter. Where new people came in but I'd love to have regulars as well. It would have huge sofa's and bookshelf's just filled with all types of genres. Something for everyone. Now that is a dream.

Also I said I'd give a quick review of the film New Years Eve, it was good, I personally enjoyed it. It was funny and heartwarming not to mention a little bit sad. But like its sister film Valentines day I think it's only good for the one watch and then if it comes on the TV at some point you could watch it again then. I don't think it's one I'll be buying.

Bieber.....

Today's pic of the day is weirdly Justin Bieber. Gemma got me some Just Bieber rice paper cake toppers, which are wonderful, they all know how much I like Justin Bieber (can you sense sarcasm at all?) No, it actually fact they were great, they were such a funny present. I used them today on top of my cupcakes that I made. Here is a pic......

No I didn't have to arrange them in a heart but I felt it appropriate for the situation.

Just before I made the cake's, me and Josh watched The Lion King, I absolutely love this film, it is my favourite Disney and one of my all time favourite films. I could seriously watch it over and over again. But alas it was only on the once and I got shouted at by the four year old because I was singing too loud, it then became a competition on who could sing Hakuna Matata the loudest, it was me.

Nothing planned for the rest of the night, I might indulge in the chick flick New Years Eve, stand by for a review tomorrow.

New Shoes....

Today was one of those days that just aggravate you. Boredom takes over and you can't shake it off. The only possible productive thing I did today was pick up my new shoes from the post office because I was out when they tried to deliver them. They're my Christmas present to myself, brand new purple converse. I love Converse, They're the only trainer I wear, I think they're stylish and so so comfy. So that's what the pic of the day is, my new cons.....

Family.....

Today my brother and his fiancé came up to visit from Stoke-on-Trent, it was great to see them and exchange gifts. My brother showed me a new app on the iphone and has now got me addicted to making stop motion clips, here's one I made of Josh...

I'm going to start getting his playdoh out now and make a whole scene. I'm going to have to have some serious patience for that.

Josh was pleased with his present from them, a cars puzzle that Lightning McQueen goes round on, and thats the pic of the day...

It's a wonderful picture of him I'm so proud......



Boxing Day...

Boxing Day is a little confusing, you've had Christmas so all present opening and family seeing and dinner eating is done. But what do you do on boxing day? So far I've done nothing, and going by people I know they've done nothing either. So I guess Boxing Day is a chill out day, in other words a boring nothing day. I've been very bored all day so it was hard to find a pic of the day so I went with the temperature. It's been very cold all December and on Christmas and Boxing day it's heating up, this is possibly the hottest it's been all December....

Christmas....

Well yesterday was Christmas, it was a wonderful day and I got given amazing things. Josh had a great time opening and playing with his presents, he got so many. The pic of the day is him and just a small portion of his presents....

He also got given money and decided what hes going to spend it on. I haven't decided what I'm going to spend mine on yet.

I got so many lovely presents, food processor and thermometer for my cooking and baking, games, books - lots of books- smellies, chocolates, Joanne got me this gorgeous scarf. From Gemma I got an amazing Diary that's for everyday for 5 years, it's so thoughtful.

So it was a lovely morning followed by a lovely dinner with the family, it was great seeing my grandmother who came for Christmas dinner. Josh went to his dads in the afternoon so I could chill out and watch Happy Feet on the sofa until I had to get ready to go out. Me and Gareth went to Gemma's to open up more presents that we bought each other, I think we were all over the moon at what we got. Then it was time for drinks and games. All in all it was a fun day and an amazingly funny night.

Great Christmas this year!

Christmas Eve...

I'm doing today's blog now even though the day hasn't finished because I'll be out later and probably too tired to blog when I get in.

Today is Christmas Eve, Josh is very excited to be opening presents tomorrow. Quite normal day, I had to help my mum with her big Christmas shop this morning which meant I had to get up at 7.30 am on a Saturday, whats that about? But I got up and helped her. Christmas Eve shopping is not good, we got round the store but with effort.

Today's pic of the day is of the Santa tracker which I have already become addicted to, can't stop watching it. All it does is track where Santa is and where hes dropping off the presents but it's addictive.

The reason why I'm not blogging tonight is because I'm going to midnight mass at the local church, I went last year and it was lovey and inspiring so I'm very happy were going again.

Gingerbread House...

Yesterday was my first attempt at a gingerbread house, it came out alright to say it was my first time....



I got a simple recipe from the Internet for gingerbread cookies and drew a template, cut out the the walls and roof from the templates and baked them. Also made some extra just in case. Then I had to do the fiddly bit by putting the walls together and gluing them with icing and holding them with household objects to dry, then came the fun part of decorating, which needed Joshes help to do, he very much enjoyed it but I'm pretty sure he ate more sweets than he put on the gingerbread.

I also made a key lime pie, which is gorgeous, after spending an age looking for limes, which is a real key ingredient in key lime pie. I don't have a picture of that I was too busy eating eat it.

Later that night friends dropped by to go last minute shopping, I didn't really need anything but I still found a couple of things to add to peoples presents. Oh well.

Den's & Tarts.....

When I was younger it was the nineties, CD's were coming into fashion, video consoles were getting more popular and evolved and leggings were dying out. Not to mention I watched my Disney films in stop animation on a VHS. Now look at life, who owns a CD anymore? Not me, nor will I ever again, I have an ipod and a laptop with Internet connection, why would I buy a CD? Videos are a thing of the past, even DVD's are slowly dying out to make room for Blu-Ray.

In my childhood I got more fresh air than children today, kids played out, there was no sense of exact time you just came back in the house when the street lights came on. Roaming the streets was a thing to do now it's a thing you wouldn't dare to do. Football is now in competitive teams every Sunday instead of just randomly kicking a ball on the field and trampolines when did they come into fashion? Who said that every other house in the street should have a damn trampoline.

I felt I was privileged to have a Sega when I was young, then it got traded in for a PlayStation, I thought I was out of my mind. But now everyone has maybe 2 or 3 consoles plugged into their TV not to mention handheld ones.

The generation now, the generation that is my son's has completely changed. There are no board games, because there is an app for that, there's no train tracks or race tracks because there is a video game for that. There is no real life because there is 3D for that.

The reason why I'm sounding like a 50 year old is because today I personally felt I witnessed something amazing, after Josh had played with my ipod and the computer he asked me to build a den for him. Yes a den, and that is the pic of the day...

I can honestly say I was surprised, and yes this is my best effort. It took me back when I built a den it was the coolest place to be. He played in there for a good couple of hours, he took his toys in and made a school, and the thoughts that were passing through my head were 'all is not lost, he still does have an imagination'. It seems silly but I think DVD's, Video games and ipods kind of take away some peoples creativity and imagination, the kind that I developed at a young age because I didn't have all this technology.

On a lighter note, since that was a little depressing, I baked jam and lemon tarts, and also mince pies for my dad since I dislike them, so here's a pic of that....

Glitter.....

I hate glitter, despise the stuff, it's gets everywhere and you get never get it all. So when Joshua wanted a snowflake of glitter on his jumper (something he'd seen on TV) I really didn't want to at all but I needed to keep him entertained so I gave in and bought some glitter and glue.

I was right it went everywhere, and I still have a lot of it on me now but he was happy, he made a snowflake, Santa and a snowman, here are some pics of what he did...

Computer...

Today pic of the day is Josh on the computer, you teach the 4 year old once and then you never get on....

So with Josh being off school now, I'm trying to entertain him, we've had paints, nintendo, my ipod, the computer, took out for a walk, DVD's, the trouble is that he's 4 and he gets bored easily. I can get something out for him but he would soon be bored of it and then we'd have to pack away and start something new. I took him for a walk today to the shops, I think it's good for him to get some fresh air but it's just too cold for him to stay outside.

I think tomorrow were going to try some arts and crafts, stay tuned for the pics tomorrow.



Nothing...

Unfortunately it's Monday and I've done nothing all weekend, not even take any pictures so I thought I would just but up a Vegas video to make up for the lost weekend.

This video is of the Bellagio Fountains at night, they are just breathtaking in their own way. The ultimate time that goes into this art is just amazing.

Christmas In London.....

Yesterday I couldn't blog because I was so tired when I got home so here it is.

Me, Gareth and Gemma went to London yesterday for Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. It was wonderful indeed. Gemma drove us down to the park and ride so we could get the tube into London center. We got off at Leicester Square to have a look round but unfortunately all we saw was a building site. They were getting prepared for the Olympics next year so we had a walk down the Regent street and into Hamleys. What is it about toy shops that make you feel like a child again? From there it was back on the tube to Knightsbridge to go into Harrods. I love Harrods, if only I could afford stuff in there. As we came out of Harrods it was starting to get dark and rain a small bit so we made out journey to Hyde Park.

We came off the tube and was greeted with this....

Rather exciting, it was amazingly busy but it was great and so christmassy, from the lights to the music to the apple cider, everything had that magic Christmas glow. We had a walk and look round and ended up at the ice rink just watching people go round it really was a great day. I even got made to sit on Santa's knee.

Not real one of course, that would be weird, but all in all in was a great day. Full of laughter and magic with great friends.



Cupcakes...

Today was Joshua's school Christmas party, he said he enjoyed himself. He was dancing and singing and watching a good classic film The Snowman. All parents had to contribute so I made some cupcakes for his class and that is the pic of the day, Joshes party cupcakes.

Harry Potter...

Yesterday Josh woke up and was much better so he was back at school. After I took him to school I came back and put some Disney songs and his favourite apps on the Ipod I bought him for Christmas. Then I wrapped the rest of his presents up and wrote on all my cards. I hate writing on cards, it's such a tedious task I'm glad I got it out of the way, I've just got to hand them out now. The pic of the day for yesterday is the programme of Joshes Christmas play and its a child's name in the school. I don't know what processed the parents to name their child Harry Potter and I half don't believe it but here it is black and white. I kind of feel sorry for the kid.

Ipod...

Yesterdays Pic of the day was Joshua's final present arriving, his Ipod.

Thats the last present I have to get, I have everything now. The picture was going to be of Josh in his Christmas play but unfortunately he woke up. had his milk and threw it up all over the bedroom floor. So I decided to keep him off school for the day. I left him with my mum and went into town with Gareth to grab some last bits of cards and wrapping paper to finish off presents.

I'm Prepared ....

Todays picture is of my new addition to my shoe collection, my lovely and warm new snow boots. Best thing I've bought for Christmas, I am prepared for snow.

Lost Weekend....

Missed a few days so I'll try and catch up. On Friday I went to Meadowhall with a few friends Christmas shopping, I still need more present but I am defenitly doing much better than last year. It was extremly busy but it was nice to see the Chrismassy things and the busy people shopping. Also spending the night with great people. I took this photo in Debenams, its a whole wall of Kinder santa's, I found it amusing and wanted to take quite a few.

 On Saturday I spent most of the day editing and putting together mine and Gareth's Vegas Video which turned out brilliant. It was great to re-live Vegas once again. I can't wait to get back there. Then at night we went round to Gemma's to watch the X Factor final and watch the first bit of Michael McIntyre's new DVD which was hilariously funny. Can't wait to watch the whole of it. This day doesn't have a photo but a video of Guano point at the Grand Canyon, we visited it when we went to Vegas, and it was breath taking, this video could never give it justice of being actually there and seeing the great vast of it.

On Sunday it was wet and cold, I was glad for my Sunday dinner, Gareth came round to pick up his Vegas DVD and I joined him and Gemma and his Mother at his house to watch it, to see how it turned out which I think quite well. After that I headed home for a quiet night in ready to rest up for a start of another week. The picture is off how small things amuse me, I changed my ipod name to The Titanic so now it says this...

hehehe....

Jobs & Decorations...

This morning I had to go to a work focused interview at the job centre, which was not bad. It went through all the same procedures of are you looking for work? What would you like to be doing? Do you know your money stops soon? All the same questions really. I have 7 months until my money stops, I gotta find a job in that time, it can be done. I applied for two jobs today at schools in a kitchen. I would like to go into catering, I enjoy cooking and being in a kitchen, also bartending because I know how to do it, I've worked in 3 pubs doing just that. I also wouldn't mind childcare I think I can handle that having already one of my own.

Later today I got the tree and decorations out of the attic, got the tree set up ready for Josh to come home and decorate it. We don't really have many decorations, it's mainly just a tree and a few ornaments. I don't really like things on the ceilings and walls, its not because I hate christmas I love it, it's just I hate clutter and things on the ceiling and walls make the place look crowded and untidy. So just the tree was done and a little tinsel on the TV. Josh helped put the star on and the its the pic of the day, I think he looks quite proud of it.

Way Behind....

Well I really cant keep up to date with this blog, I've missed two days now. Not good, admittedly nothing really happened on Tuesday, it was just a normal day, cold, wet and windy. The pic of the day for Tuesday is what I took on the walk home from picking up Josh from school.

This is how dark it is at 3.30 in Yorkshire, the moon is out in full view, I don't like short days.

Yesterday I went out for a meal with the family, it was great to see them all and have a nice meal out, I think the kids had fun with each other and my Grandmother.

The pic of the day for yesterday is of Josh in his Santa hat at the restaurant.

Monday Blues...

So start of a new week again, and I'm just coming down from a cold. Never good to feel rubbish on a Monday. Hopefully a goods night sleep is all I need, hopefully.

The pic of the day today is snow....

We had the first downfall of snow today ready for Christmas, thankfully it only lasted about 20 minutes and didn't settle. But I managed to get this pic of some snow falling in the back garden. It has been extremely cold today in my opinion but had a nice cassarole to warm me up. Thats about it today going to try and get an earlynight in if I can.

Forgot Again .....

I forgot to post yesterday again.

It was a normal lazy Sunday really, my sister, her husband and son did pop round to show us their recent wedding photos and to drop and pick up Christmas gifts. But other than that nothing else exciting happened I'm afraid.
So heres the pic of the day, it's of Josh playing with his lego which he will be getting a lot more of at Christmas. I really don't know where I'm going to put it all!

Rainbows and Wrapping....

So the pic of the day today is this lovely rainbow...

I took this picture this morning while out shopping, it was very cold and windy and just started to rain when I spotted this, I thought it was very beautiful and bright, so I abandoned my shopping and snapped a picture of it.

I woke up today with a sore throat and sniffles, not good, I felt awful but had planned to go Christmas shopping so I suck it up and plowed on. I always get sick right before Christmas no matter what so I was not surprised that I was ill and still am. Hopefully it will go before Monday.

So I went shopping, I had a few last presents to get and also I had to get cards and wrapping paper. Except for a couple of cards I think I'm all done for Christmas, which I am very happy with. With all presents bought and wrapping paper ready I decided it was an afternoon of wrapping presents, which is what this second picture is, all done...

I love wrapping presents, I think that's the best thing about them is when you get to wrap them up. So I spent an afternoon wrapping, quite nice actually. Now I just need to write on peoples cards, that is something I hate, I do not like cards, I guess I just don't get them, you have them on every piece straight edged furniture for weeks then you just throw them away, whats the point?

Anyway thats all I've really done today, and be ill. So I think its an early night for me, see if I can get a good nights sleep and sleep of this cold.

Normal Friday....

Yesterday I missed the blog so I'm going to do it now.

This is my favourite Christmas song, when I start singing this I know its Christmas and I'm in the Christmas spirit. This song became the Christmas song years back when I was shopping with my friend and we were on the train back and realised it was snowing so in good humour we started singing this song, quite loudly as I recall, we don't like to do things quiet. As we were carrying on singing we started to hear other people joining in, before we knew I think he whole carriage was singing it at one point. Very fun day around Christmas the I will not forget.

Cold

So I've got the scarf and gloves out, it's now gotten so cold I cant stand it. Which is upsetting because I don't really like layers, all that constant putting on and taking off when you get back inside is very annoying.


But I have pretty purple gloves and scarf so that kind of makes up for it. I think I might have to invest in a warmer coat though, I want to be prepared for when the snow comes. Last year I was not prepared and I got very cold and I was slipping all over on the ice.


I can stand the snow, I think its very beautiful and magical in some way. It can bring you back to your childhood of snowball fights and of course building of the snowman. It's when it gets to ice and sludge where the magic disappears. You fall down and get muddy and wet and you hurt something.
You just have to look outside when its icy to know you're not going to get far without an accident. But were yet to have snow, I'm most positive its on its way though.

Today's photo is not one I took myself obviously, but it does fit in. Kimi Raikkonen is come back to F1, he has a seat in Renault soon to be named Lotus. I am very happy about this new, I've been a Raikkonen fan for many years and was quite saddened when he left F1. I tried to follow World Rally but couldn't quite get to grips with it, I knew he was an average driver there and that's about it. I'm hoping Bruno Senna gets the other seat at Lotus but I'm thinking they're pretty stuck on Petrov. I would like to see Senna back in F1, we haven't seen his true potential I believe.


I'll hopefully get to watch a lot of the races online since I don't have Sky Sports, which is where F1 is moving to. I think they'll lose a lot of viewers from this because no one including myself is not going to pay for an extra package just for F1. It's was a stupid decision to sell and move it,BBC gets about 10 races live and the rest are highlights. Which okay it's better than no races I guess, but I preferred all races live where I can watch them without having to pay extra. I guess I'll just be happy to see a race other than a German out front with other drivers trying to catch up, with 6 World Champions in the season next year you would think at least one of them could do something. Well we'll see...


Nothing else much happened today, I think Josh is getting a cold, but that's expected when your in a classroom full of kids around winter, I'm quite excited for his Christmas play next week and hes been practising his singing, quite a proud mummy.