No Peeking!

I don't know about you but whilst everyone mocked Candy Spelling for her numerous gift wrap rooms in the Spelling Mansion I was pretty envious!

And then of course there's images such as this 

In addition to the laundry room I dream of one day a small space to wrap presents and gifts is also on my list but for now I've allocated a small area in the shape of my airing cupboard for such a purpose!

The cupboard is unfortunately pretty much unusable for general storage due to the size of the water tank but it's the perfect length for storing rolls of gift wrap - perfect! and there's just enough space to store wrapped gifts still waiting for Father Christmas to distribute and those destined for birthdays this month.

There are also a few misc items that will make ideal presents and the Chanel bag is storing various tags and things!

Ok it's a long way from the dream room I would love but at least when a present needs to be wrapped I can easily access everything I need!

Christmas Jewellery from Pandora & Oliver Bonas

I was lucky enough to receive some lovely jewellery for Christmas from friends and family. The Russian Doll Pandora charm and beaded earrings from Oliver Bonas were from mum and the pineapple studs from Kelly

Did you receive any nice jewellery this year?

Goodbye 2011

As I thought about putting this post together I couldn't help but think what a good year I've had and I love looking back through my blog to see what I was able to share with you!

Of course this year saw the arrival of 3 gorgeous little ladies, Sophie (whose birthday we celebrate today!), Evelyn and of course my fabulous niece who my brother and SIL already fear is a mini me!

I failed miserably at going to the gym, might have put on a little weight but in the process discovered a new style of dressing and purchased my first pairs of trousers in years!

My flat welcomed new furniture and was rearranged to my liking, becoming the cosy little palace I've always wanted and is currently undergoing further transformation!

There was the discovery of Tumblr where I reblog fabulous images and quotes that make my heart sing when there isn't the brain power to put a "proper" blog post together

I said goodbye to brace face and my braces were removed revealing some gorgeous nashers!

After years of talking about participating in vintage fairs I finally found myself sharing a table with Rose once or twice throughout the year

The arrival of an unexpected new car which I'm collecting today!

And the most important thing has been sharing some fabulous days out, parties and lunches with family and friends, from my mini breaks to my brother's home where they've entertained me like a visiting Royal, attending the polo alongside Peter Andre & the cast of TOWIE to too many bottles of wine over lunch with the girls at work - there have been some fabulous times!

So many wonderful things have happened this year and there is already much to look forward to in 2012 including more babies, weddings and a holiday to Florida!!

Tonight my plans are a night in with a few DVDs, some lovely pork belly from M&S and maybe a glass of wine or two!

Happy New Year to you all 

Painting Progress!

Last night I decided to start painting my front room

Still much to do when painting a room that you "live" in most of the time, filled with furniture it's a lot of shifting around but I promised myself I'd do this makeover slowly but surely!

Tonight I have an evening of eBay listing and decluttering - I do love the lazy days between Christmas and New Year when they still manage to be productive!

Bye Bye Christmas

Today I finally finished packing away all my Christmas decorations

and my tree is ready to put away for another year

Hmmm I need to sort out those fairy lights if I don't want a struggle next Christmas!

Cabin fever is setting in this evening having spent 2 days at home tidying, sorting and decluttering!

I've removed my ugly curtain rails from the lounge so my windows have gone from this

to this

I don't know if it's just the feeling of space having a 7ft Christmas tree no longer taking up room but I'm loving how open removing the curtains and rails makes my lounge feel

I will be adding blinds rather than curtains in due course and can't wait till I can get to the stage of dressing the window sill