& So, This Is Christmas

& what have I done?

I've wrapped presents beautifully, using a mixture of papers including scrunchy brown paper courtesy of Ikea (when I bought new crockery!) I'm all for recycling ;-) Love the crinkled effect once ironed!

Tried to buy consumable gifts; food, drink, toiletries, candles, useful items, not clutter!!

Shopped local and Fairtrade as much as possible; smaller shops struggle against big websites and stores - you know who I'm talking about!!

Took Sebby to see Santa for the first time, completely under awed, much preferring the lights!

Took my Nephew to the theatre to see 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'

Baked three christmas cakes - currently waiting in the kitchen to be iced, whoops; 1.00pm on Christmas Eve, best get a spurt on!

Meditated - used my Headspace daily!

Drunk cocktails with friends.....

Best of all, due to recovering from my hysterectomy, I have had the most chilled week, with no work pressure. Usually I cover the service I work for until 5.00pm Christmas Eve! It's been nice to have lazy mornings spent with my husband and Son home from Uni.

So, what have you done? What are you trying to get done? 

I wish you luck, whatever it is! XX

Around Here Lately

Oh my goodness. I've not been here for a while. Just wanted to drop in & say "Hi!" I hope all your plans for this Festive Season are going well. 

I've been suffering from insomnia - I was warned I would go straight into menopause following my Hysterectomy, whereas usually it is a slow onset, it has been headlong. They warn you about the hot sweats (around 30 to 40 a day currently) but not about how that affects your sleep. I am mentally and physically drained. Not good......hoping to start HRT next week. Bring. It. On

Luckily I have been able to embrace this wonderful season slowly, I have written Christmas cards (next year I think I shall buy a goat instead of sending cards!!), instead of the usual frenzied wrapping I am just wrapping a few presents a day, I have the first of three christmas cakes in the oven and am sat here nursing a cup of lemon and ginger tea, the dog at my feet and the sweetest little tree with its twinkling lights turned on to enjoy. It's 6am.....

This year I bought some gorgeous christmas cards from Michaela Gogova, a lovely lady who I met at my Sister In Laws hen party a couple of years ago. You know when you just meet someone and hit it off? Becoming Facebook friends, watching as she has flourished, showing works in London Galleries, Liberty purchasing some of her designs, posters on the Underground and now a student again at Central St. Martins. Her designs are simple forms but with the most intricate detail added, often with hidden words (spot them!) Love them! Hoping for a t-shirt for my birthday.......

 My Daughter and Sister share the same birthday. Both Sagittarians. Both fiery. My Daughter celebrated her 21st this time, I saw this card and thought the words were perfect advice for a 21 year old - maybe for me too! In fact, everyone ;-)

& for my Sister, this from A Two Pipe Problem - She loves her GIN! First seen on the lovely Jen's blog Little Birdie 

Whatever you are doing, I hope you manage to relax this weekend!
Thanks for dropping by, I really do appreciate it, XX

Lytham St. Annes

Last weekend I had another stir crazy moment - I needed to go to the sea! Do you ever get that way? I love the smell of that salty air and the sound of the crashing waves. It really is good for my soul, 

re-energising and sorting my head!!

Arriving late afternoon we had a short but exhilarating walk, admiring the amazing sunset and got really lucky as it turned out to be the Christmas light switch on with Christmas Carols and entertainment followed by a firework display. Lytham St. Annes is a small coastal town in Lancashire, around 26 miles away from home. It has a thriving town centre with lots of individual shops and at the Christmas light switch on the community spirit was palpable.

 Olly got fed up watching the entertainment in the town centre!!

 Fireworks!!

Fish and chips - has to be done, then home to catch up on X Factor!!

Thanks for visiting - 
hope you are having a nice week!
XX