Gratia

I tried but I'm afraid juggling work, the house, Aimee and school and my blog has proved to be too much for me.  Going into this I wasn't sure what to expect from blogging but I can honestly say I loved sharing a bit of myself with you and joining you all on your own individual journeys. 

I have learnt a lot about myself through this experience and gained a great deal of confidence.  I have to say a big thank you to you all for that.  I can't tell you how much it meant to me each time you stopped by and left a comment, especially those of you who became followers.  I wish you all the best of luck for the future and will continue to follow your blogs and catch up on where life is taking you.

A special thank you has to go out to Vicki who designed my blog for me and helped me week after week by taking photos and encouraging me.  Maybe one day when Aimee is older and life isn't so hectic I'll try again......only time will tell.

Tattoolly Hooked

At school I was always the sensible one who worked hard and never did anything out of the ordinary.  I'd rather stay in than go out and enjoyed nothing more than a cuppa tea and a good movie.  I always felt that I'd missed out on something by not wanting to go out and do as everyone else did.  Little did I know I was just a late developer.

I got married at 20 and had Aimee by 22 and it was only then I really started to discover who I was.  I took up Polercise classes, started going out more and much to everyone's shock I got a tattoo.  If you'd said to me at school I would ever get one I would have said you were mad.  Well I've just gone out and got my third one!  I've heard once you get one you're hooked and it true.  I was only going to have the one and I just keep getting the itch for another.

My most recent addition is a vine on my ribs.  You may have seen in one of my previous posts the one on my ankle, it was much more painful despite all the talk that the ribs are the worst to get done.  Does anyone else have any tattoos?  Or were you late in comimg out of your shell?

Apart from my ankle my other two tattoos will only ever be on show when I'm in a bikini.  I got them for me and I don't regret any of them.  I thought hard before getting each one and was careful choosing the design so I wouldn't get bored of it. I'm happy with three now but you never know if the itch will come back again lol

Goodbye Summer

This month is so crazy with things happening I'm really looking forward to a week off with Paul and Aimee at Halloween.  I can't believe I'm thinking about Halloween already but I'm going to an Alice In Wonderland themed party and I'm planning my outfit already.  I'm tweedle dee but I want to do it with a sexy twist so any ideas would be gratefully received.

I'm looking forward to seeing some friends from England who are coming over for a visit next weekend.  The boys have planned a weekend of golf so its only fitting the girls do some serious shopping. Even with Halloween costume plans I'll be keeping a little eye out for a good Christmas party dress too.  Early I know, but I always leave it too late and end up just settling on a dress and not really loving it.  I'm also doing things backwards this year as I already bought a pair of shoes which I'm trying to match a dress to!  They are gorgeous and I will get a pic up for you this weekend.

With the shift in the weather I have been looking through some of my pics from the summer and missing those long warm summer days  (We lit our fire the other night it was so cold).  I came across some outfit shots I didn't post so I thought I'd put them up as a farewell to summer.

Dress:H&M, Shoes:New Look

I love this dress as you can wear it with straps or without.  It will be sitting patiently in my wardrobe waiting to come out and play in the sun next year.

Beautiful Bits And Bobs

I can't believe how much time and energy it takes to sort out everything for school!  Its been two days and we are all exhausted and the homework hasn't even started yet.  I don't ever remember getting homework in P1, it seems cruel to use some of their precious play time but hopefully it won't be too much . 

 I'm happy to say Aimee loves school (thank goodness) and I'm looking forward to a few hours to myself on a Wednesday morning.  I will definitely be heading back to bed for the first few weeks just to remind myself what it feels like to have a lie in lol

As promised here are a few pics of some of the lovely things I got for my birthday.  I was very spoilt:)

The canvas of New York and the shelves I bought with my birthday money to spice my room up a bit.  I love having my favourite books on show and I love all things New York, despite not having been yet. (That's going to be my 30th birthday present to myself).

It's Really Me

Sorry for the very long absence everyone.  I've had a lovely few weeks of family visiting and this week I'm stressing with school starting tomorrow!  How an earth can my little one be going to primary school already?

  I'm trying to calm down enough to get back into the swing of posting.  I have had a very good suggestion for a regular post so watch this space and hopefully it works out well.  I'll start the ball rolling with pics of my lovely birthday presents this weekend. 

Hope you've all had a good summer

I Should Read The Fineprint

Last night I sat for hours trying to figure out how to crop things for polyvore to make a set of things I want for my birthday.  I gave up in the end thoroughly fed up at my slow pace and boring set.  I've just turned on the laptop to have another go and low and behold all the items I clipped have appeared as posts on my blog!!!!!  Does anyone know how I managed to do that without even knowing it could be done? lol

The key and lock pendant and the heeled brogues are my favourite pieces.  I'm lucky enough to get money from my grandparents every year so I can hopefully get everything on my wish list one way or another.  I know its not the biggest list but I love going out knowing I have money I can spend and come home with some treasures. 

I'm on the look out for rust coloured shorts this summer and a mustard coloured blouse.  Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

ASOS | ASOS Key and Lock Pendant Necklace at ASOS

ASOS | ASOS Key and Lock Pendant Necklace at ASOS (clipped to polyvore.com)

Dorothy Perkins sandals

Dorothy Perkins sandals (see more heeled sandals)

The Runaways [DVD] [2010]: Amazon.co.uk: Kristen Stewart, Dakota...

The Runaways [DVD] [2010]: Amazon.co.uk: Kristen Stewart, Dakota... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Breakfast At Tiffany's Special Edition DVD 1961: Amazon.co.uk: Audrey...

Breakfast At Tiffany's Special Edition DVD 1961: Amazon.co.uk: Audrey... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Play.com - Buy The Vampire Diaries: Season 2 Box Set (5 Discs) online...

Play.com - Buy The Vampire Diaries: Season 2 Box Set (5 Discs) online... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Funky Honey - Funky Gifts and Home Accessories - Paper Plane Purse

Funky Honey - Funky Gifts and Home Accessories - Paper Plane Purse (clipped to polyvore.com)

I've had the weekend from hell with working Saturday and Sunday and now we're back into another week of work again!  You don't realise how precious those two days off are until you don't have them.  I do realise I'm spoilt having the weekend off when loads of people have to work but I really missed seeing Paul and Aimee. 

Paul took Aimee camping for the night as I was working late on Saturday night and starting early on Sunday morning.  I'm not a fan of camping but Aimee had a ball.  I have tried it but sleeping in a small tent, on the ground just doesn't appeal to me.  What do you think of camping?  Are you a fan?

Below are more pics of my anniversary weekend away.  I got this dress for my birthday last year and my mum is horrified by the ruffles but I love it. Thanks again to Paul for his patience while taking photos for me.  I tried very hard not to be too fussy...I hope it came across that way! lol

Dress:H&M, Belt:Gift from Vicki, Shoes:Dorothy Perkins, Bracelets:Primark, Hair Clip:New Look

Fabulous French Inspired Food

As I said in my last post the food at the weekend was amazing.  I just had to put up some pics as each course was so well presented with flowers and everything.

I'm working all weekend as we have our stocktake so I'm cheering myself up looking at these pics and I promise the next post will be an outfit one.  I wore my new sandals to dinner and they are so comfortable and easy to walk in (although not so much on loose stones!)

Croustillant of Duck Confit, Mushroom Sauce

Apricot Sorbet (to cleanse the palate!)

Seared Prime Sirloin of Beef, Peppercorn Sauce, Crispy Potatoes

Chocolate Brownie, Apricot Sorbet, Chocolate Mint Sauce

Hand Made Biscuits

Fresh Pastries

A French Full English

By the way have you all seen the Magpie Girl's new blog layout?  It looks amazing, you should definitely check it out.

When Years Pass By Like Days

I can't believe what an amazing anniversary weekend I had away with Paul!  The weather was glorious and the 'restaurant with rooms' we stayed at was just incredible.  I have been dreaming about the meal we had since I got home!  I took so many photos I'm afraid they are going to cover a few posts.

We had a lovely afternoon shopping before heading to the Watermill Lodge to check in and get dinner.  The chef is french and an absolute genius in the kitchen.  I have a post to come on the food alone.  After dinner we enjoyed a lazy hour talking and enjoying the view from our room before heading out for a walk around the lough.  I slept for a solid 10 hours before enjoying yet more great food and then we headed back in the direction of home to celebrate my dad's birthday. 

These first group of photos are of the restaurant and accomodation.  I've already told paul I'm taking him back at christmas for our own christmas dinner:)

More photos on the way soon