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

Cracking Christmas

Well that's it, all over for another year but it was a good one!

I started my festivities on Christmas Eve Eve with a night out with family and friends

With age comes wisdom and we've all learnt that celebrating on Christmas Eve leads to trouble so we all decided to avoid hangovers on Christmas Day!

It was lovely to wake up on Christmas Day hangover free and enjoy a cuppa in bed before arriving at my parents welcomed by a sea of presents

Mum always wraps my gifts in Victoria Secrets packaging we've saved from our trips to the US over the years

My brother was happy posing with his new t-shirt!

Christmas cuddles with nanny

and auntie wants one too

Then it was Boxing Day fun for the family where I enjoyed playing with Violet's toys!

whilst Violet played with mine!

Fabulous!

Happy Hampers!

This year I was once again lucky enough to obtain a Fortnum & Mason hamper from work

This is my best one yet, fabulous size and ideal for the post Christmas declutter and organising I have planned for next week! Certainly worth the battle bringing it home on the underground this evening!

I am now finished with work until the New Year and can't wait for one or two lie ins - it's been a hectic month!

Rihanna Tuesday evening was FABULOUS!

What a great Christmas gift!

Now it's time to finish off wrapping presents, plan tomorrow's last minute bits and pieces and prepare for the big celebrations!