Tip of the Day!

When I first moved into my flat Kelly was on hand to help with much of the manual labour but she gave me one very useful tip that I don't think I could've lived without for many odd jobs I have had to do since (like putting my headboard together)

When unscrewing or tightening anything remember "lefty loose-y righty tighty"

It works every time!!

Gym'll Fix It!

Like many others this month I have joined a gym!

I did sign up a few weeks ago but yesterday was the first visit where I tackled the program put together for me!

As you know from my Weight Loss Wednesday posts I don't have an overwhelming drive to loose weight and exercise but would like to be slimmer and toned... and ok a flatter stomach would be nice! The few months before Christmas bored and at home alone it occurred to me I could put that time to good use and do some exercise. Many years ago I belonged to a gym and actually enjoyed popping along for some time with the treadmill

So I signed up to a local gym which is ladies only and on the way home from work. It's not one of the fancy chains, the equipment isn't top of the range but it does the job!

Not one to rush these things yesterday was my first "proper" visit as I want it to fit naturally into my life and didn't want to squeeze it on a free day and then loose interest or let it seem a chore. Thankfully I have a quiet week ahead so I should be able to visit the recommended 3 times!

Wish me luck!

Book Review | How Not To Shop by Carmen Reid

This week I'm taking a break from the Twilight saga and reading How Not to Shop by Carmen Reid

I have read Carmen Reid's previous stories about Annie Valentine, personal shopper and enjoy them so I like to keep updated on the latest stories, this time she's breaking into TV!

As for what I thought of New Moon I found this more of a struggle than Twilight but I think this was in part due to it lacking in involvement of the Cullens!

Productive Saturday!

Usually my Saturdays consist of waking up as far away from sunrise as possible, jumping out of bed and onto my sofa making a cup of tea on the way! There I sit for as long as possible, usually watching episodes of Friends until I have to get ready to meet friends and family... but today has been far more productive!

I was awoke this morning by my doorbell announcing the delivery of my new headboard which saw me spring into action and want to put up immediately! After some huffing and puffing and a visit from my mum to assist it looks perfect!

After this it was time to take my rubbish out, hoover the polystyrene debris from the floor and hang 2 loads of washing. The doorbell rang for a second time, on this occasion announcing the arrival of the buyers of the dining table I'd sold on eBay!

So I even made some money this morning and all before 12pm!

I've managed to sit down for 5 mins with a cup of tea whilst writing this post and then it's off to my parents to help clear out their garage!

I hope your Saturday is going just as well!

Book Review | New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

I finished Twilight last week which fit nicely with a visit to the library so I picked up a copy of the film and the next instalment, New Moon

I think I was even more disappointed with the film having read the book and I can understand why I asked Kelly so many questions whilst we watched it together the first time!

So far New Moon is a little boring, I'm definitely more interested in Edward & Bella's relationship and do not enjoy the interactions with Jacob in the first half of New Moon. It's safe to say I'm Team Edward! 

Little Miss Violet!

Yesterday I went to meet my niece Violet for the first time and she is as expected, ADORABLE and oh so tiny!

I was so afraid I'd hurt her she's so small

Brody loves his little sister and gave her some cuddles

and a kiss goodnight when she was put to sleep

Introducing Violet Grace

I'm so excited to have a Hello Kitty loving niece. Violet was born yesterday, 12th January and weighed in at 6lb 15 - such a tiny little thing.

Sugar & Spice....

That's certainly what Little Miss Allan is made of!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kelly & James daughter Sophie at the weekend and she is such a cutie!

Look her gorgeous feet!

which were kept warm with just as cute socks!

As if this little one wasn't enough there is another delivery coming via the stork later today but I shall tell you more about that one tomorrow!

Book Review | Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

As expected I finished Dannii: My Story last Tuesday and returned it to the library avoiding any late fees!

I turned to my bookshelf for my next read and decided to find out what all the fuss is about and chose Twilight!

As you will know Kelly, her mum and aunt are all big Twilight fans but I hadn’t read the books and so far have found the films boring but Kelly insisted I read the books and brought me a copy to start me off. I admit I am finding the book more interesting than the films as it’s far more detailed and I will read the whole series but I am still not gripped with Twilight fever like many others!

Are you a Twilight fan or like me can’t see what all that fuss is about?!

Happy Birthday!

to my friend Ben

We celebrated his birthday Saturday with friends going for dinner and then dancing which was great fun!

Forgotten Presents!

It has become somewhat traditional now that in addition to my mum forgetting to put something out for Christmas dinner (this year it was the bread sauce) she also forgets a present she has brought for someone

I was the recipient of the forgotten present this year!

Usually it's around Easter my mum finds the gift but she found these just in time to wear tonight for a friends birthday celebrations

Goodbye Christmas

Today I finally packed away all my Christmas decorations - don't fear they were all down yesterday, just strewn across my floor!

It feels good to have them all packed away, I just need to get them hidden in my parents garage!

I'm ready for the weekend now which is very exciting as I will be visiting Kelly and meeting her new little one!

Pandora to Paris!

I'm not really one for making resolutions but one goal for 2011 is to start laying out my clothes and jewellery the night before work. 

I have a rather large collection of jewellery yet seem to spend the majority of time in the same  old pair of earrings, taking them out of an evening and putting them straight back on the following morning!

Here is what I laid out to wear Monday evening for my first day back at work

A pair of Juicy Couture earrings - never worn since buying them in NY back in April 2010!

Guess watch

Eiffel Tower Necklace which was a Christmas gift from Kelly's mum, Angel

and my Pandora bracelet which is filling up nicely with charms thanks to Christmas gifts from Kelly, her aunt and other family and friends

Do any of you lay out your clothes the night before?

Book Review | My Story by Dannii Minogue

Week 1 of 2011 see's me returning to Dannii: My Story a book I'd started reading before Christmas

This is an easy read that I hope to finish on today's journey to and from work (esp as it's due back at the library this evening!)

Dannii Minogue might not have the most inspiring tale to tell and it is more like an in-depth magazine article but it's just the right book to ease me into 2011 nicely

What is your first read of 2011?