Shoe of the Week

Sooooooooo, you know all that ebaying (verb- to ebay) that I've been doing lately?
Well, understandably, I decided to treat myself to a new pair of heels, and Peeps, sensible they are not! But trust me, what they lack in practicality, they more that make up for in utter fabulousness.

I first spotted these beauties by Carvela in the House of Fraser just before Christmas. Actually, it was my BFF Maria who clocked them first -one minute she was chatting away, the next she was just standing, open mouthed, pointing at them silently. To her credit,  I think she knew at a glance that they had my name written all over them AND they were 20% off at the time.
 
As I lifted them up with a trembling hand, I remember feeling quite faint and it took all the strength I had not to buy them right there, without even trying them on, but then my sensible head rushed in shouting that there were still presents to buy,  and even with the discount they were still £80, and didn't I have more party shoes than parties to go to, and unbelievably, showing remarkable restraint I walked away, crying inside.

Fast forward to last week, and as I perused my usual shoe porn sites, while simultaneously catching up on the goings on in Albert Square, what should pop up only the one that got away! With 50% discount! Well, I'm only human after all, and given the fact that they were now a steal at £50 AND I'd just flogged my entire wardrobe on ebay AND I have a Holy Communion fast approaching, I knew it would have been an absolute sin not to.

Cast your eye for a moment over these little pieces of heaven- the glinting, golden, almost shy sparkle of them, the elegant, yet quietly sexy peep toe, that subtle hidden platform. If Cinderella were a real person and living in 2014, she'd totally be rocking these babies to the ball.

And yet, they're not a one night wonder either, because these multitasking beauties will work equally well on a girls' night out, with skinny jeans and a dressy top, OR with a cocktail dress for a Christmas party OR, and let's just pause for effect here, all the way to the MAD Blog Awards in London in September!  (Did I possibly mention before that I'm a finalist in two categories and could really, really do with your votes?.... Seamless, eh!)

In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realise what an absolute steal they were- I'd even go as far as to say that adding them to my shoe stable has actually saved me money.
(Did you see what I just did there? That, my friends, is Master Level Shoe Logic.....I know I made it look easy but it takes years of practice, so don't try it at home.)

And if you do fancy a pair yourself, and quite honestly, how could you not, check them out here.
Happy Weekend Lovelies , Emma xx

Friday Quicktakes

1. Over the last six weeks, I have sold my entire wardrobe on ebay and now I haven't a stitch to wear. Ahem. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration- as Himself observed helpfully last night it still looks pretty well stocked to him, and then my sister cheerily pointed out that the fact I had so much to sell in the first place, said a lot more about my shopaholic tendencies, than my business acumen.

Myself and the lady in the post office are now besties- she'll refer to my numerous grey packages and make comments like  'Just the usual then for all of them?' and ' Your husband must be delighted with you!' and 'Now, who would even think of buying tights on ebay!?'

But thankfully for me,  some people do, which is just as well given the fact that so far, I've excavated fifteen unopened pairs from my drawer. A lovely selection too- tights and stockings of all different colours and deniers and yep, they were snapped up in no time.

But why on earth did I buy them all in the first place? Especially when I only wear skirts once or twice a year. Well, I think my logic was that I really should wear more skirts, and if I had the perfect tights, I would wear more skirts, and then they just sneaked in one by one over a few years until one day I opened the drawer and thought 'My God! Those tights are actually breeding in there.' (Frozen chickens and now tights- is this what a midlife crisis looks like?)

Conclusion- After extensive statistical analysis clearly showed no positive correlation between the number of tights in my drawer, and the frequency of skirt wearing, the tights' days were numbered. Photos were taken, descriptions written and they were uploaded to my ebay in no time at all...... and the skirts followed fairly sharpish.

2. Mother's Day this weekend, which has meant horrid time consuming Mothers' Day homeworks all week.  It. Is. Like. Pulling. Teeth.
 Rory, after a huge amount of thought and deliberation counted 'folding clothes' as one of my talents. Well, I was deeply touched obvs.
He also felt it important to include the fact that I had 'lots and lots of shoes.' Great, Imelda Markos with OCD tendencies. But the question is, is that better or worse than the previous classic of  'My Mummy has ginger eyebrows.The end.'

Conclusion-there is no positive correlation between Mothers' Day Homeworks and maternal self esteem. In fact, emperical evidence suggests that there may actually be a negative correlation instead.

3. I'm off this weekend with the girls*  for an overnight to Dublin....as in, a hotel + gossip+ no children + lots of  Prosecco + a lie in. Hell, I'm even looking forward to the hangover. But is it a teensy bit wrong that a night away from your kids is like the best Mother's Day present EVER? Don't answer that.

4. In honour of Mother's Day I'm going to include a themed Amazon ad instead of the usual Boogie in the Car seat. I warn you now-it's a bit cheeky, but I hope it gives you a giggle.
Happy Mothers Day, lovelies xxx

* All the 'girls' are in their thirties (or maybe very early forties...even if they totally don't look it) and are all married with children, so strictly speaking, are no longer girls. However, the mothership still enjoys early bird suppers  meals out with her loyal band of ' girls' and those chicks are all kicking the arse off seventy, so I'm running with it.

PS. I'm still officially on a high at being a finalist again in the MAD Blog Awards. Will you take a minute and give me your vote in the Family Life and Most Entertaining categories? I know it's a torture, but it's dead quick and it could mean an actual prize come September....rumour has it that it may even be a year's supply of Caramel Squares, so I'm highly motivated.xxxx

Friday Quicktakes

1. I am addicted to Ebay at the moment, addicted I tell you.  In a positive way though, as in selling, not buying, much to Himself's relief. I looked with fresh eyes at my wardrobe a few weeks back, and it was bunged with all the things I never wear cos they make me look fat ( it's not me, it's you), or don't fit me anymore, or never actually fitted in the first place but I'd DEFINITELY slim into them by Christmas.

 Then there were the tipsy purchases, (who doesn't love a little Saturday night surfing?), the not so unmissable bargains and the unwanted gifts. (Don't deny it, you do it too). And as I stood there looking at my bulging wardrobe, I suddenly had the urge to cleanse and clear and before you could say Ka-ching, I was uploading pictures with cracking descriptions such as 'too fabulous!' and 'sexy but sooooo elegant'  and 'Go on, grab yourself a bargain!!!!' Clearly I have a knack, because they read so well that I actually wanted to buy them right back off myself, which doesn't even make sense and likely illustrates shopaholic tendencies, which I've no wish to dwell on right now.

 But I've sold over 20 items so far and am now BFFs with the lady in the post office and £300 richer.  A second cull has yielded 30+ more items, so I reckon that'll keep me  the children in shoes for a few more months, AND my wardrobe's never looked so spacious.

2. Last Monday evening, I went to a fab Blogging Tools evening in Maven on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, run by Gemma, who blogs at That Belfast Girl  and Avril from SchoolGateStyle. In a nutshell, these two very successful bloggers treated a group of us to lots of tips, many of which included the important PR side of blogging, Yes, that would be the whole networking and social media side of things that I happen to be completely shit at. It's partially time constraints for me - I find the precious time to squeeze in some writing but then rush straight back to family life, neglecting to do all the important stuff that means people might actually get to read what I've written. So yes, as you can imagine, it was a productive evening for me.

For instance, I learned about a brilliant  photo app called 'A Beautiful Mess' which enabled me make the (teensy bit fabulous) photo collage for my 'Shoe of the Week'. Gemma and Avril  also convinced me that I should try harder to 'get' Twitter AND I'm committed to find out what the actual point of Google+ is, and what it's doing on my blog. (I haven't done it yet,mind, but I'll tell you all about it when I do.)

3.   Overheard.
Two boys at the table having a snack.
Cormac (age 10) - So Lukey, what did you do in nursery today? Who did you play with? Did you have fun? Did you play outside ?
 Luke (age 3)- (calmly) Dude, just stop talking.
Cormac - (incredulously) What????
Luke - Stop talking, dude. (Face-palms)



4. Lent starts next week ....and right at this moment,  I childlishly feel the urge to boo, panto stylee.  I've decided that I'll maybe, possibly, probably give up Facebook for Lent, because giving up the entire internet  would be way too difficult and anyway, I neeeeeeeeed it for my blog, so that's that decision made. I did it last year too, and honestly, the first few days were tough, but it definitely freed up time for other things...like Amazon. I'm joking...no, not really.


5. My boogie in the car seat this week is an oldie, but a goodie. I heard it on the radio earlier this week and it brought me right back to my teens, when I actually remember getting goose bumps every time I heard it on 'Cool Goes Quiet'. Mon dieu, that reveal near the end never gets old.
Enjoy my lovelies, have a fabulous weekend and I'll see you in March! Emx






PS- If you haven't done it already, could you take a wee minute and nominate me in any of the categories you think I fit into in the Mad Blog Awards 2014? I'm hoping it might be a case of three times a charm.Thank you - I very much appreciate it. xx

Good Friday Quicktakes

1. Much as I adore shooting the breeze here with you, my lovelies, today I don't have much time so I gotta be quick. To start with, the kids are all off school and are high on Easter excitement and thoughts of Easter Sunday's impending chocfest. I've discovered several of the boys just gazing at their impressive stash of eggs with a certain far away look in their eyes-clearly lost in a reverie of unadulterated gluttony. Neil Young must surely have been thinking of Lenten promises when he sang ' Good times are coming, but they're sure coming slow.'

2. Speaking of which, I've been less than exemplar in regards to my own Lenten challenges. One by one they fell by the wayside, EXCEPT my self imposed Facebook ban, which truthfully, was the toughest of the lot for a l'il ol' social network queen like myself!
What can I say? The first week was the worst - I HATED being out of the loop- I mean, I'm still on Twitter obvs, (Sure, the Pope himself is on there!), but it's just not the same. After that tricky first week though, I got used to it and I'm glad that I did it...but no, I' won't be doing an about turn, and preaching on about how I now appreciate real life conversations and the old fashioned telephone so much more, because I don't. Truth is, I probably went on Ebay a bit too much, texted friends a good bit more, and now and again, peered over Loverboy's shoulder when he was on FB, but that's about it. Yes indeed, you can all relax now, because I'll be back again on Sunday with bells on, clogging up your news feed and generally making a nuisance of myself. (I can hear your groans from here!)

3. We're off to the caravilla for the Easter break. Now, I don't know how long we'll stay (possibly only a few hours if its REALLY Baltic), but its the first trip of the season, and that means MAJOR packing. Here's what our sunroom looks like right now AND I'm only halfway through, which is precisely why I'm dilly dallying around here chatting with you.
The real bummer is that even when the car and trailer are packed to the neck, and we set off like Duffy's Circus, the work's only half done. When we arrive, there's the caravilla to be cleaned, the unloading and unpacking to be done AND it'll be feeding time at the zoo again too.
As tempting as that sounds, I've a good mind to load them all up and quietly sneak back into the house- with a bit of luck,  they won't even notice I'm missing until they're over the border and I'm half through a bottle of Oyster Bay and the second series of Dallas.... a girl can dream!

4. Assuming that won't come to pass, I'm packing plenty of books, magazines, a 1000 piece jigsaw and the entire first series of 'The Killing' to bring up with me. Oh, and of course, wine, chocolate and ...my knitting. Or more accurately, my beautiful jewel coloured, Cath Kidston wool, with the metallic red knitting needles, (who knew!), presented in a beautiful 'book' tin.  Unfortunately, there's no actual knitting in there though,'cos I can't actually work out how to 'cast on'. I tried last Saturday night (party on, dude!) and despite reading the 'Knitting for DumbAsses' booklet from cover to cover, and desperately, SOS ing  Mr Google, I simply couldn't do it.After about an hour of trying, the terrible truth dawned- my horrible HE teacher was right all those years ago -I DO have special needs. (Specifically, 'senile' was her word of choice.)
I looked so forlorn that even Loverboy felt sorry for me, so HE asked Mr Google, and even with half a bottle of Cab Sauv in him, managed to cast on and was smugly clickity clacking away within minutes. Ouch! So, last chance saloon, I'm taking it with me to the caravilla, giving it one more go and THATS IT. Maybe I'm just not a knitter? Alternatively, I may start up my own Stitch 'n' Bitch , cos even though I might not be too good at the first bit, I flippin' excel at the other...even if I do say so myself.

5. Finally petals, I just wanted to say thank you for all the votes over the last weeks in the MADS. It's all done and dusted now until the Awards in Septemeber, and don't I have a wee trip to London to look forward to now, thanks to y'all. So, win or lose, thanks to you, I'm feelin' the love.
 Oh, and a very Happy Easter too- whatever you get up to, may chocolate play a major role.(Easter wishes don't come much better than that now, do they!)

6. Finally finally, I'm renaming Luke's 'Boogie in the Car Seat' to 'Booster Seat Boogie', (on account of him reaching this vehicular milestone). Now, I know I've gone a bit 80s on you the last few weeks, and to prove  I was waaaay cooler than that, I was all set to treat you to David Guetta's 'Titanium' (which incidentally I love walking to!)... but then this came on the radio and I was lost-it used to literally gives me goose bumps back in the day. Turns out, I'm not remotely cool after all....but you knew that. Enjoy-you can thank me later. Happy Easter peeps xxx

Friday Quicktakes

1. Peeps, it's March- doesn't just hearing that warm the little cockles of your heart? Between that and M&S doing their £1 a bunch daffs, it would appear that Spring has officially sprung! Of course, for me, a less welcome sign is the first slurry spraying of the season, which even after seven years living in the country, is no more endearing. It certainly doesn't help matters that our house is surrounded entirely by fields, so no matter which way the wind's blowing, we get to enjoy maximum potency. Honestly, between the slurry on the fields and the potty training in the house, I'm feeling like a bit of a shit magnet at the moment - other women attract flowers and jewelry, I attract faeces. Does that make me special?

2. Tenuously staying on the slurry/country theme, I've a little piece of news for you. Scratch that, I'm just being coy, because it's actually an enormously massive piece of news- we're putting the house on the market in the next few weeks and moving back to the city! Yep, it seems that despite my very best efforts, you can take the girl outta Belfast, but you can't take Belfast outta the girl.
I have to tell you, it's taken an enormous amount of soul searching, and I've honestly never worried more about any decision EVER, so I really, really hope we get it right. But let's face it, given the current economic climate, we could be here for a good, long while yet and that's completely okay- we've finally reached a decision, the wheels are in motion, and when I'm not fretting about it, I'm quietly excited. Footpaths, other people's chimney pots...I've missed the oddest things.
Of course, like everything in life, it's never black and white, and as a wise person once told me (in all seriousness), you've got to weigh up the prawns and the cons, and that's just what we've done....So now I'm hoping and wishing and praying that it works out... wish me luck!

3. On a much more trivial, but  nevertheless diverting and entirely fabulous note, I just HAD to show you my latest little shoe bargain. Even better, it's almost entirely guilt free because of my recent inspired and prolific venture into eBay- the flogging of my own 'preloved' and 'gently used' footwear gems.
 These babies are by 'Poetic Licence', which are made by 'Irregular Choice' - they're red leather, with suede accents and sport the most striking textured leopard print wedge heel! More is more, I say! Oh, and their original price was 99 quid.
 I know, I know,  you want to know what I paid, don't you? Well, if  I were chatting to you now, I'd make you play 'Guess how much?', which incidentally, is a game Loverboy is no longer allowed to play because he refuses to follow the very simple rules. These are
a)start high with your guesses and
b)express incredulous surprise every time the words 'No! Even lower!' are uttered. I mean, how hard is that!?
So even though it's not as much fun for all concerned, I'll just cut to the chase and put you out of your misery-  these little beauties cost me *drumroll please* £23 delivered and all!!!!.....I KNOW! (Take a minute if you have to.)
AND if that wasn't fabulous enough, they perfectly match the gorgeous bag the lovely Glenavy girlies bought me for my 40th, AND the vavavoom scarf my friend Jen gave me a few weeks back! It's as though they were meant to be mine.....predestined almost......written in the stars... (Okay, I'll stop now.)

4. Mothers Day is the 10th March - just a timely reminder if you want to get cracking on your 'gentle hint dropping'- some of us have already started. Go and check out my Mothers Day competition to win that gorgeous crown necklace too- who doesn't love a freebie? Especially one as lovely as that,  so get on it!

5. Finally, here's this week's Car Seat Boogie- Luke and I REALLY enjoyed this one...and it brought me right back too. Along with Irene Cara's 'Fame' it was the first record I ever chose myself, waaaaay back in 1982! I think it was were my early taste for the denim dungarees/cap combo originated too! Enjoy and happy Friday, happy March and happy Spring, my lovelies!

Friday Quick Takes

Works for me!

1.  So, Valentine's Day- how was it with you? Romance central or did you rise above all the overpriced, guilt induced commercialization of it all? Well, I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me while I eat my words from the other day, because I DID receive my card, complete with a 'Perfect Wife' badge,(which I'll be casually wearing next time the M&S bill comes in), AND a rather large bouquet of flowers as well. Ahem.
Well if you MUST know, they were long stemmed roses beautifully wrapped in silvery muslin. Colour? Alright ALRIGHT! They were red!

I'll say no more!

Which meant that although totally blown away when I discovered them on the bed, part of me also realised that, darn it-I was duty bound to out this Valentine cliche on here, while also clocking the fact that Loverboy clearly wasn't the avid reader of my blog I'd assumed him to be! Ah well, sure they're absolutely gorgeous and I'm not thinking AT ALL about the fact they'll be 70% off today. (Oh God- I'm turning into my Ma).

2. Lent. I'm over it already and it's only just started! You see, for some annoying reason I've decided to take it seriously this year-as in to do stuff that tests and strengthens me as as a person, and not just stuff to help me lose a few lbs for Easter. So even though I'd assumed that I'd go off chocolate, in truth, I'm not a MASSIVE chocolate fiend, (one nightly little Lindt ball with a cuppa), so its not a huge sacrifice really.  And anyway, I'm already doing 2 fast days a week, so I reckon I'm pretty much covered in the food deprivation department.

All set for Lent!

Yes, I could go off wine during the week, but by default I don't actually drink wine during the week-too busy making lunches and checking homeworks-so that's hardly a stretch. And I know, I could go off wine altogether and that WOULD be tough, because there's nothing quite like that Friday glass or two at home, or the Saturday night out with friends, but childishly I justify that I've paid my dues with the ten year pregnancy/baby stint so I've a lot of catching up to do in that department!  Maybe I'll rethink circa Lent 2025.
Then I heard  that my good buddy Bronagh was giving up Facebook for Lent, as she also did last year, and I made the snap decision to join her, and seriously- for me, its a biggie! Between my blog, the craic and sheer nosiness of it all,  I do enjoy Facebook....maybe even a bit too much...so I know this is gonna hurt! Once I made the decision though, I quickly deleted the app from my phone and  went cold turkey- I knew that there could be no looking back and no long goodbyes!

As a family, we're also eschewing all electronic devices from 6pm during the week. That means no Leap Pad, DS, computer, IPads or internet of any kind from Monday to Thursday. Considering I watch TV at night while surfing Ebay/Amazon/Facebook on my iPad, this one's a challenge...but again, possibly a positive one? Finally I'm 'strongly encouraging' regular Trocaire donations from all family members (Intimidation anyone?) and attending a weekly series of Lenten talks. Phew! And if I manage to do all that I'll be doing well....watch this space!

3. Staying on the Lenten theme- Bless me Father for I have sinned, I went through my sky + box and deleted the entire series of 'Africa'. I mean what kind of person deletes David Attenborough and saves Gok Wan? It's SO wrong but what can I say?  I didn't like the look of my percentages and once I started hitting that yellow button and feeling that heady excitement as I watched those numbers creep up, I couldn't stop 'til I'd done the lot. And to be completely honest, although I loved the first episode, I found the second a bit 'ho hum' and the kids kept making excuses about homework and piano practice every time I suggested watching it, so unfortunately it was just a question of when. Still I'm not proud of it so that'll be 10 Hail Marys and a Glory Be for me. 

4.  Our 'Carseat Boogie' this week? Well, this song came on the other day and immediately I was transported back  20+ years, watching Otis and the Elevators, (a local 'Blues Brothers' Tribute band) with a pile of friends in a crowded bar. Tassle skirts and DMs, cider and black and White Musk, sneaky fags and cheeky snogs. Good times ....lost in my reverie, I then happened to glance into the rearview mirror and there was Luke, oblivious to me, boogying away in the back, eyes closed, totally lost in the music. Hope you like it too.....Happy Friday loveliesxxx


PS If you haven't already I'd be most grateful if you'd take a wee minute and nominate me in the MAD (Mum and Dad) Blog Awards 2013.( The closing date for nominations is February 18th and just pick whichever categories you think are suitable).
Thanks a million, Emxx

A Monday Minute

 I usually enjoy a bit of a yarn with you on a Monday, but that won't be happening today I'm afraid, because I have not one, but two boys off school with high temperatures, sore throats and bad coughs. So I'm just grabbing a break right now, between ladling calpol into the pair of them and just generally dispensing endless TLC. I've no doubt that any minute now I'll hear another pitiful, terribly feeble cry of 'Mammy!, and I'll have to take my leave. (I HAVE noticed though that if that wavering little call is ignored for any length of time, it DOES seem to rally and grow somewhat stronger and more distinct. Just saying.)

This is definitely one of those times where my being at home makes family life a little bit easier all round. I have to say that I'm very glad I didn't have to bundle up and offload two sick children on a friend or relative this morning..although it's probably more likely than one of us would have taken a day off, and let's face it, we all know who that would be! So, even though it mightn't always FEEL like a big plus, today I know that it  is. Like every other parent, I often find myself doubting our choices, wondering if we should be doing things differently, pondering if I'd perhaps be a better role model to my children, (never mind being a bit more flush!), if I was out at work. But for right now, I'm simply going to acknowledge the fact that it's a bonus, that while we've children off sick, I'm able to be here with them easily.

On a lighter and MUCH more frivolous note, I wanted to show you my newest footwear purchase- this cheeky little pair of Fly London ankle boots, that I bought on sale, reduced from £115 to £34.50, a tote amaze 70% saving, thank you very much! I'd wanted a comfy but stylish pair of everyday boots, only I'm allergic to completely flat footwear, but VERY partial to a wedge, so these were perfect. They arrived on Thursday and I've worn them all day every day since, and they're as comfortable as slippers, only clearly MUCH more fabulous!

 And the best part? I managed to flog two pairs of Fly London 'gently worn but with lots of wear left so grab yourself a bargain!' boots on eBay which covered the cost, so schweet to the beat! Who's the Mama, eh!!?? Must go, I'm sure I hear a weak little voice somewhere calling my name. Hope Monday's good to you! Emxx



  I've joined up with Sarah Miles at Hello Wall today-go on over and take a peek at the rest! 

Friday Quick Takes

1. Christmas dinner is barely over before Cormac and Rory, both of whom have January birthdays, begin enthusiastically brainstorming ideas for their parties and possible presents. My role at this point, is to temper those ideas a little bit, reel them in gently, suggest more realistic options.....Yep,  basically I'm Queen Buzzkill. This year we've finally decided on a retro party at home for Rory, and a swimming pool and diner trip for Cormac. (And in case you're wondering- 'retro' simply means that we'll play Pass the Parcel and Musical Chairs, and chow down on Onion Rings and Top Hats).
 Rory had initially requested a visit to the local fun farm, having recently seen photos of himself there as a toddler. These were taken however on a beautiful June day, not a cold rainy January one, but when I tried to explain this to him, he replied 'But Mummy, every special day is always sunny! Like.... like.... Jude's Confirmation Day!' Bless him, because in actual fact, it rained that day as well, but you really gotta love the wonderfully selective, rose tinted memory of a six year old. So we reached a compromise- the party at home now and a trip to the farm in the Spring..



2. Meanwhile, the potty training saga continues. As I write this, I'm sitting alongside my potty buddy, watching Cbeebies, while making encouraging noises and promises of  treats for deposits made. He, on the other hand, clearly NEEDS to go, but is doing his absolute best to hold it in, which is frustrating both of us because we're heading out soon, and that means he gets a 'pull-up' on. The problem is, that he's got the whole scenario about face, illustrating impressive bowel and bladder control at potty time, but as soon as a pull up goes on, it's bombs away.

3. Which means, my friends, that its time to raise the game... remove the safety net.. bring out the big guns. To quote Roald Dahl's Enormous Crocodile, (I read it to the boys this week), 'I have secret plans and clever tricks.'
Yes indeed, (except for bedtime obviously, I'm not a masochist), we're going cold turkey  and that means no more pullups...nada, zip, zilch. The issue arises when we leave the house-that's when the pullups go on and the dirty deed is done.
Therefore....I give you ...(drumroll please) the Potette Plus 2 in 1- a nifty portable potty/toilet seat delivered today, bang on time, by Handsome Delivery Man. So people, as of right now,  we are good to go, and if  you spot me out and about, it will be with my ubiquitous trusty bag containing the potette, bags,  wipes, a full change of clothes and multiple pairs of pants. My days of travelling light may be over but I am ALL over the potty situation like a rash. Wish me luck peeps....there may be trouble ahead...(I feel a song coming on.)

4. I went back to Zumba last night. Like many others I'd fallen by the wayside during the Autumn, but spurred on by our enhanced Christmas love handles, most of us have found our way back. Now I'll not lie, it was tough going, and by the time Gangnam Style came on, I was so puffed out  from leaping about, there was very nearly weeping and gnashing of teeth, but instead I kept 'er lit and thanked God for Tenalady.

5. Finally, I've rediscovered Ebay, this time in my new role as seller.To be honest, it was always such a pain to upload the pictures and check the computer for updates, but now with the new Ebay app, all that's wee buns....AND the perfect way to offset any January sales splurge. (Who me?) Thus far, I've sold two dresses and a keyring, and am currently flogging a phone cover, a top, a cardigan, a dress and a pair of shoes.  All NWOT, and would you believe, I've discovered that I have quite a talent when it comes to writing the descriptions as well! 'Classy, elegant, yet so sexy too! Go on treat yourself and bag a bargain!' So good in fact, that I've almost bid on them by mistake myself!

6. Finally finally, give yourself a pat on the back, because that's the first week of bleak old January over and EVERYONE knows the first week's the absolute worst so I dont know about you, but in my book that calls for a celebratory glass or three!
Happy Weekend,  my loveliesxxxx