Yearly Archives

2016

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them review (no spoilers)

November 20, 2016

This is just a quick extra post because I went to watch this film last night and thought it was absolutely fantastic! As Harry Potter fans, we were very excited in this household and the kids and I dressed up for the occasion in 1920’s style outfits! We ate a meal first at the Frankie & Benny’s opposite the Cineworld cinema in Yeovil (which, by the way is hugely improved from last time we went there – I think they’ve employed new kitchen staff) and sneaked pudding, in the form of chocolate buttons, in my bag into Screen eight!….

The romance of a well

November 18, 2016

I was pretty much brought up on Enid Blyton and it instilled in me a desire to live in a cute cottage in a countryside village. A well in the garden would be an added bonus. Well, although more of a farmhouse than a cottage, I am lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream. We were told by the previous owner that the well in the garden used to also serve the farmworkers’ cottages opposite. The path leading from the well to an iron gate half way down the garden would suggest that’s true. We live at the top of a hill, and as far as I’m aware, the only other well at the top of the hill in Somerset is in a small village called Kilmersdon, which is famous for the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme. Wouldn’t it be cool if that’s a mistake and it was actually our well? Haha!….

Mumsnet Blogfest review – an account of a nervous first-timer

November 16, 2016

I would have been altogether a lot less nervous about my first blogging event had I not signed up for Dragons’ Pen. They called it a Dragons’ Den style opportunity to pitch your book to an editor, and as places filled up extremely quickly, I was lucky to spot the e-mail in time to get a place with Sam Eades, senior commissioning editor of Trapeze, a new Orion imprint. I’ll be honest, I would have been a lot happier and relaxed that day if I hadn’t booked a place, but I’d also be kicking myself forevermore if I didn’t take a (very very) deep breath and go for it. I’d also for the rest of my life be wondering if I’d missed my chance to wow an editor in person. Would she snap up my work the second she heard it? Would she whip out a three book deal contract for me to sign?…..

Weekly Wardrobe – dressing for confidence

November 14, 2016

On Saturday I went to my first ever blogging event – Mumsnet’s Blogfest in London. Not being sure what to expect, and not being the most outgoing of people in the world, the outfit I wore had to be just right so I’d feel as good as I can in an uncomfortable situation. Basically, I wanted my dress to do the confidence for me! So this is what I went with….

3 Days in Oxford – Day 3. The story of the photographs

November 9, 2016

We’ve now come to my last day in Oxford and after breakfast, I sadly checked out of the hotel and drove to the park and ride. I bussed into the city where I was dropped off near the bottom of St Aldates and began walking all the way up to a lovely clothes shop called Olivia May on Little Clarendon Street where it snowed heavily for about half an hour. Then on route to the Natural History Museum, the sun came out and it was so hot, I took my coat off (bloody British weather). Of course, I took lots of photos on the way……

Weekly Wardrobe – my winter coat

November 7, 2016

There was nothing else I could do this week other than have my weekly wardrobe in my coat and gloves. God, it was freeeezing! I even had quite a nice dress on underneath, but that will have to wait for another day! We were also outside and in again pretty sharpish as we only had a few minutes before the remains of the sunset completely vanished…..

The story of fantasy artist and sculpter – Soso

November 4, 2016

“…life is like music and you are supposed to dance to it, rather than rushing to the end..” This is a beautiful quote from Soso in this moving and fascinating interview with the talented artist and maker of magical beings. She is bringing a whole enchanted world to life in her creations. Be sure to catch her exhibition in Glastonbury if you’re in the area in December – read on for more information….

Monthly Memoir – October

November 2, 2016

October began with my eldest daughter’s twenty-first birthday, which involved making magic wands and going to our first burlesque show! That seems like a long time ago now as writing a blog post every single day for Blogtober really seems to have stretched out the month! The first couple of weeks were busy with last minute Halloween costume orders at Oshun, and the last couple of weeks we’ve been busy sorting the house….

Weekly Wardrobe – Halloween Harry Potter style

October 31, 2016

It’s the last day of Blogtober – I did it! Hooray! and Phew! I’m finishing off the month with a witch / Harry Potter look as it’s Halloween today. I had actually planned to do a goth look, but as I’m sneezing and yawning (I’m so tired lately) which make my eyes water, I didn’t think it was conducive to black eye shadow and heavy eyeliner!…

What I’ve learnt from #Blogtober

October 30, 2016

Well, the month is almost at an end (tomorrow’s post will be my usual Weekly Wardrobe), so I thought I’d write a little review of what it has been like to write daily posts for Blogtober, and everything that I’ve learned from it as well as decisions for the future of my blog….

A review of the new Dyson V8 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner – Is it worth it?

October 29, 2016

Chris has been asking me for a cordless Dyson for a couple of years. I always agree until I see the price, and then I decide that a broom and a dustpan and brush will do just fine. Then the other day he just came out and told me he was getting one. If it takes a snazzy expensive gadget to get him to even think about cleaning, then maybe it’s worth it!….

Wrong Words (A writers’ group exercise)

October 28, 2016

‘Pass me the flibberdegibbet would you?’ ‘No, I was in here first.’ ‘You’re not even watching anything – you’re flicking channels.’ ‘I happen to enjoy flicking channels.’ ‘Oh don’t be an asparagus about it; just give me the galloping flibberdegibbet will you – the Eastenders ominous is on and we need to catch up.’ (…..)