Confessions of a thirty-something...

This week has been a bit of a blur. Not, as you would be forgiven for thinking, because the kids are at home and I've been getting ready for a market. Both of those things are true, but that is not the reason for my recent lack of focus. No, the real reason is rather more embarrassing. As I told you; Friday was Chris' birthday, on Saturday we had a party.

We celebrated...I celebrated...hard.

Sunday morning was horrific. And Monday only marginally better. I lost 5 pounds in weight (not such a bad thing!) and suffice to say I won't be touching alcohol for some time. I think the children thought I had caught a tropical disease! There is, in my possession, photographic evidence to prove that I should know better. However, for obvious reasons, I chose to post this one...

That's me on the left with my younger sister Hannah. Oh, I wish I could go back and remind myself to drink water! Anyhow, confession over, all in all the night was a great success. We had a lot of fun and caught up with some old friends. You only live once right!?

Thursday I was at the Berkhamsted Castle Village Market. I've never been there before and although it was a rather small event, the turn out wasn't too bad and I was happy that I'd made the effort to go. I sold all of my cushions (except one) and quite a few other bits and pieces. And I have some lovely vintage-style lavender bags that I will be adding to Folksy this weekend.

Next week is going to be a toughie. My girl is going away. Jess will be going off to Uni in September and her plan, since we moved back to the UK has been to go back and spend a fun-filled month with all her friends back in Canada. That day has almost come and on Tuesday I will put her on a plane by herself (for the first time) and wave goodbye to my pal. She has spent this past year at college and holding down 2 jobs to save the money for this trip and to say we're proud of her would be an understatement!

I will miss her - she knows that. But I want her to have the most fun a girl with a big smile and a good heart can have - love you Jess.

My apologies for the rambling post; I had some things I needed to get off my chest!

Love to you all,

B x

Tonsillitus, conjunctivitus, impetigo, oh my!

We are sick. All of the aforementioned illnesses are happily breeding in my home at present.

It. is. not. pleasant.

Back soon...


...I hope!

B x

Who's wearing their catcher's mitt?

Not quite sure what's up with my family, but we've been sick...again!



First me and the oldest 2 got flu, with a dash of vomiting thrown in for good measure, at the same time as I was having the living room and dining room decorated. Then Eva joined us, maybe she was feeling left out!?


By the end of last week I'd had my fill of paint fumes, decorators, sick bowls and snotty tissues! However, my house is starting to resemble a home; pics to follow...



Then my babygirl turned SEVEN...

(picture taken summer '09)


SEVEN...how on earth did that happen? We celebrated modestly (the party happens this Saturday) the 10ft trampoline is still waiting to be erected.


And Chris and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. We had all kinds of grand plans of taking a train into Paris and having a blissfully romantic weekend - sans kids. But given the week we'd had, we decided to stay closer to home and spent a fabulously luxurious night at this gorgeous local hotel.

We enjoyed a lovely romantic dinner, champagne cocktails in the bar and after waking up to this view...

(taken with iphone)



and soaking in this bath...

(taken with iphone)



...I was treated to a calming facial the next morning in the spa.




All of this was just what I needed before returning to the humdrum (I mean joys) of school runs and cleaning house. Now to get on with arranging a party for 25 6 and 7 year olds. Joy.

Have a really fun weekend - whatever life throws at you!



B x

It's good to be back...

I wanted to start by saying "thank you" to you all for your wonderful advice on "How old is too old?" it's just good to get other people's perspective on things once in a while, you know? And I got some really lovely and unexpected compliments as well - cheers guys, you are so nice! Actually it was perfect timing because I've spent the best part of this week with a Kleenex stuffed up my left nostril, unbrushed hair, no make up and a flea bitten old tracksuit on...I've been sick. I don't 'do' sick very well actually. I think it's because it doesn't happen that often and as I am a bit of a control freak; I find it hard to come to terms with the fact that there is nothing I can do, but take my vitamins and wait for it to pass. It didn't help that it was the week Chris left for London. I have mentioned before that we are moving back this year, well he has gone already. To a shiny new job and an office over looking the Thames; I'm very proud of him. He will be coming back from time to time for weekend visits. However, that leaves me to keep things ticking over here until school's out, as well as trying to sell the house. A cold (or "THE FLU'" as I like to call it) was not on the agenda. But the show must go on, and on it did...I accepted an offer on the house! I know it's not over 'til the fat lady sings but I can definitely hear her warming up; so fingers crossed :o)

There are, however, some fabulous benefits to being sick in my house. On these occasions Eva has decided that I get to have as many stories read to me as I want...

and only when I'm sick am I was allowed to fiddle with little fingers

and diddy toes, to my hearts content...

it's not all bad being sick after all!