I'd like to say that this month will see me start on a new get fit, lose weight, eat better, write more......bla bla bla kick. But in reality? It's unlikely to work out that way. New years resolutions never last very long in this house. We start with all the best of intentions of course, but life gets in the way and it all falls apart rather quickly! January isn't the best time of year, the long dark days, grey skies can be a pain, and I have always hovered on the edges of depression and SAD (although if we get some snow it will certainly bring a smile to my face!) So this year, … [Read more...]
Royal baby? don’t really care!
So as a weekend of hype about the impending "Royal Birth" dawns, can I just point out - I don't give a shit! As a human being, I of course wish her well, a safe delivery and a healthy baby. As for her position in society and the attending news coverage, speculation and excitement? I find it nauseating! At a time when so many families are having to attend food banks to avoid their children going hungry, when thousands of people across the world face tyranny and persecution and schools system is crumbling from lack of funding and the stress on staff - why are we … [Read more...]
The magnificent seven so we’re told!
The papers are full of the aftermath of the leaders debate, the magnificent seven is a regular headline - although I would like to question the term "magnificent" certainly when you're talking about Nigel Garage! So what did we learn from our evening in front of ITV ? * The first evening I have watch that channel for more years than I can to remember - they have never have anything worth watching!! I think we learnt that 7 people attempting to discuss the future of politics is a little too many. We learnt that David Cameron is as slippery and … [Read more...]
Spring must be in the air!
I think I need some help! I've started cleaning things! And not just little things, but all the big stuff, the oven, behind things and under things and...wait for it... I can barely bring myself to even say it.......throwing things away! I can't believe I even said that out loud and when you know which cupboard I've cleared out you'll be disgusted with me! You see, I cleared out the fabric cupboard! there I said it and breathe. I even threw things away, 3 whole bin bags of of junk and rubbish! Piles of stuff to be recycled, things to pass on to someone who will use it, and … [Read more...]
Sir Ranulph Fiennes and the Marathon des Sables
When I was offered the chance to meet Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the worlds greatest living explorer, there was no hesitation in my mind - this was an opportunity not to be missed! His catalogue of amazing feats is well known - mountains, both poles, marathons, world records, I could go on but I'm sure you know what he has done already! This year sees a new challenge - to complete what may be the toughest race in the world - The Marathon des Sables. A six day endurance run across Morocco......156 miles in the dessert heat! I can't even begin to imagine, there aren't words really … [Read more...]
Oh you pretty things – The in need of comfort and sympathy edition!
Bleurgh! I feel like totally poop so this week is the comfort and sympathy edition. There are things in every house that make you feel you better. Whether it's a favourite food, or snuggly blanket to retreat under. So here's mine - completely soppy and soft, but I have swollen tonsils so I don't care! There is nothing better than Marmite toast when you're feeling the germs! It's always been a comfort food in this house, hot buttery Marmite toast - served with a good cup of tea can cure most things! Yep - that's right I have a bear! Now I don't take him to … [Read more...]
Oh you pretty things – in the palm of my hand
It's Sonya's turn to host this week, and so it's treasures that fit in the palm of my hand! This series of posts has made me realise that as a family we are dangerously close to be hoarders! there is just too much to choose from, maybe I should do this de cluttering doodad everyone is talking about! But then everything is special so maybe not..... oh god I am a hoarder aren't I? My mums thread counter. A strange little thing, given to her by her floor manager at Harrods when she worked there in the early 1950's. With this she could check the thread count on the fabrics she … [Read more...]
Oh you pretty things – this week….. Socks!
Morning everyone! Welcome to another week in the riveting series - Oh you pretty things - this week......Socks! Why socks I here you ask? Well someone asked me late last week and I had to think quick, be witty, thought provoking and on the ball.... and this is what you get....Socks! But in my defence socks are an important item in my house, I am a great collector of the warm and fluffy variety, although to be fair the collection labelled 'odd ones' is a lot larger! For instance, I bought a packet of socks a few Christmases ago, a little gift for my beloved, days of the week socks … [Read more...]
Naked with a fish? really? why?
Dear Ms Bonham- Carter, Please answer a question for me. Whilst I understand and wholeheartedly support the cause of protecting our marine ecology. Why do you have to take your clothes off to tell us about it? Why pose naked with a fish? why? Our abuse of the planet has to stop and stop now! As you rightly say, we have a duty to our children to protect what is left and to reverse what damage we can. But why is it necessary to pose like that? Does it make your point more forceful? From I stand they appear talking about your picture and that's not the … [Read more...]
Oh you pretty things – The literary edition!
Anyone who knows anything about me will understand that to sort and choose favourite books, will know what a mammoth task that would be! Our house is stuffed to the rafters with books, novels, trashy paperbacks, classics, military history, costume history, cookery, you name it - we probably have a book about it! But I think I have whittled it down to a couple of favourites - well favourites for now anyway! Here we go! No. 1 We read this in school (in fact I think maybe it was this actual copy!) and I fell in love with it straight away. So beautifully written, and a very … [Read more...]