Autumn Wardrobe

Well, Autumn is upon us, and that means new
 additions for the wardrobe. I'm loving a couple
 of recent additions. A lovely red jumper to add
 a pop of colour and gorgeous long boots in a
 neutral mushroom/ brown tone that will hopefully
 go with everything.

Cinema trip

A couple evenings ago I met my good friend Christine for a catch up and trip to cinema. We went to see Friends with Benefits. A definite girls movie or maybe for some couples. Funny and romantic, touching in parts. Would recommend a viewing. Now then, which movie to see next?

Hi there,
Getting back into my reading again. Currently reading " A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan, which I seem to be breezing through, always a good sign. Waiting on the bedside table also is "The Book of Human Skin" by Michelle Lovric whom I haven't read before so looking forward to that. Let you know how it goes. Any good recommendations out there? I find it very hard to walk past a book shop!

Hello, What a lovely day. Bright and sunny but very windy. Been spoiling Smokey, our rabbit. Made her hutch really comfy. She is spoilt rotten, we're always treating her to tasty snacks (well, for rabbits)  and new toys to stop her from getting bored. Here she is with my daughter Laura who is totally gaga about Smokey.

I recently mentioned going to Chatsworth and watching the balloons go up. Doesn't this look great. Such an uplifting image.

One Day

Took Mum to see One Day at the cinema. Having read the book earlier this year I was looking forward to seeing this. I was not disappointed and feel my eyes start to well up a couple of times. Probably one for the girls but certainly worth a viewing.

Chatsworth country show

On Sunday I went to Chatsworth country show. What started out as a rainy day brightened to a lovely sunny afternoon. Lots to see from dog competitions and horse and cart races etc.. Sadly didn't see Red Arrows, which i love to see , but did see them earlier in the year at athe Waddington Air Show. Had a go at archery, would probably do that again. Had my palm read; interesting. I loved watching the hot air balloons go up at the end of the day.

Rise of Planet of Apes

Recently went to see movie Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Enjoyed the film and couldn't believe time passed so fast. Would definitely recommend it. Visuals really good and good performance by James Franco. As often happens though, my friend Karen and I got up to leave as the credits start to roll and then... more! So there you are stood at the side of the seats watching the short piece of footage that,surprise surprise!,leads you into the obvious beginning to a sequel. Still, not complaining, I would go to see a sequel.

Cinema weekend

Not been to cinema in ages so I made up for it this weekend. On Saturday went to see Insidious which was recommended to me on Friday when having my hair done. It was truly scary, not the hairdo! the movie. A bit along the lines of Paranormal Activity but much better.
Then yesterday's viewing was Hanna. Couldn't quite decide if it was good or not. It did keep me interested but expected more twists and turns in plot.
I missed Water for Elephants but had more or less decided to read the book first then maybe get the dvd out depending on how much I enjoy the book.

Been so long

Hello there, been off the radar for a while. Just busy with the usual stuff, you know how it is. But also just so lazy with free time. You know, procrastinating (I am VERY good at that), putting off stuff till last minute even if means doing the ironing instead!
Anyway, we now have the most adorable little grey rabbit, well- he or she (dont know which) needed a home and I kinda got attatched as did my daughter. In time I'll learn how to put pics on here on properly and then Smokey(original hey!) can be on here too. Previous attempts have not been good.
Oh yeah, nearly forgot, had a very pleasant weekend break with my sister at Clarice House in Bury St Edmunds. Lovely place , gorgeous food, enjoyed the spa facilities and as we got a deal, booked earlier in the year, it was very good value.
Anyway, must stop putting off jobs for today including; food shopping, work on diploma coursework and usual house stuff. Hang on, already popping into head is wondering whether to pop to Mum's. See already procrastinating. Is there any hope! Ha Ha

Great music at Script gig.

Had a great evening last night with Kim, Sarah and Kat. We went to see the Script at the Capital fm arena in Nottingham. Really glad we went, wouldn't have missed it. They put on a good show and everyone singing and dancing along, having a good time. It was even worth hanging around for the bus at the end!

My guilty not so secret: magazines.

Just on Twitter and one of the topics of conversation was fave magazines. Well, this a topic I can connect with. My fave magazine used to be Eve; this seemed to get the balance absolutely right for me. Also, however, my sister who is ten years younger than me considered it her favourite too. It hit just the right note for us both. It had fashion,newsworthy items, travel,health, fitness, beauty,cooking, creative and home inspiration without being too obviously targeted at a narrow age group. Sadly,they stopped publishing it, so maybe not enough people agreed. So, now my regular reads include: Red, Marie Claire, Easy Living among others. But, goodness, haven't they all become expensive!
Still,it's so relaxing to sit, cup of tea at my side, do that initial flick through and savour the articles I will first dip into and then on a later reading go through systematically. Sometimes from back to front for a change.
On the other hand it's dead annoying when, being a regular magazine reader, I see articles that appear to have been recycled, usually in another magazine and with tweaks at a later date. I feel like I've been cheated and it puts me off buying for a while.
Do you know what I mean?

Book v Film

I watched the DVD Eat,Pray, Love last night. I read the book last year whilst on holiday and was totally engrossed in it. Sadly, I found the DVD disappointing. I guess its hard to convey some stories effectively within the time span of a movie. It wasn't the acting that was a disappointment,in fact its difficult to explain what was missing. Maybe the description in the book just conjures up images, awareness of character's feelings and thoughts that is hard to match visually. This won't put me off reading the next chapter in Elizabeth Gilbert's story though.

Another film I watched after reading the book was Atonement. In this case I thought both were great. If I've read the book, I often want to watch the film too. It very rarely happens the other way around though.

No Jeans

Usually I more or less live in jeans : at home, work, out walking, basically whatever and wherever. So, getting pretty fed up with this I decided that this week; well, at least Monday to Friday I will not wear jeans. Going well so far, although admittedly it is only Wednesday. I am already feeling so much smarter and happier about my overall appearance. I will always love wearing jeans but its nice to have a change.

Don't take away my music!

Spent some long overdue time loading more music onto my ipod. When I first got it I hardly believed it would be possible to use up all that memory. But, you know what, its fills up faster than you think. I really love that , it doesn't matter what kind of music your'e in the mood for coz once you have a great selection on there it's so easy. I still love getting a new CD though, that you can hold in your hand and view the little booklet that often comes along with it and also to use in the car. I do have one of those little gizmo's that enable you to use your ipod in car but it's a bit of a phaf ( is that a word) and I haven't got used to it.

The same goes for e-books. Can't get comfortable with reading a book online (although I love to browse blogs and websites) because nothing beats having that book in your hands, especially curled up all comfy on the sofa.I confess, however, that I have yet to try audio books on my ipod. I suspect I might be tempted to try this when out walking or sitting in the garden on a lovely day. Not today, the wind has been blowing loudly all day with me having to retrieve washing for fear of it disappearing completely.

Free Time

Feeling good. Finished shift today and a whole week off ahead of me. Been so lucky and ended up with lots of leave left to take before new financial year. So an almost blank page for the week ahead. I have a couple things lined up. Meeting a friend on Friday which will be great as not seen her for a while. Also, my daughter and I getting an eye test. Mixed feelings about this as I know I shall definitely be requiring glasses and its so hard to find a flattering pair. Hope the weather is kind as I'm hoping to do lots of walking too.

Hair cuts and cinema.

Had a couple free days and took advantage to get my hair done. It's been long for a while and took ages to get it that way. However lately, it's just been so flat and getting on my nerves. The dilemma.... Cut it, maybe regret within hours, then spend ages trying to grow it again. Or, wimp out and then wish I'd gone for it. In the end, a compromise. So, I had it cut but not too short. kind of a mid length, layered messy bob shape. So far , feel ok about it. Looked fab, though I say it myself, when I came out of salon. We'll see in a few days.

Last night I went to see Black Swan with my sister. We'd been looking forward to seeing this since watching the trailer and hearing rave reviews. I was not disappointed. Performances by Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis were spot on, and the performance of the leads mother I also thought was a great tension builder. Not a film you "enjoy" but one that grips and naintains your attention throughout. Brill.

Monday soon comes around.

So, here we are again. Monday morning and another week begins. Back to work this week but thats ok because I'm happy in my work and as a lot of it is afternoon or evening I get to enjoy daylight hours at home. This morning I'm planting bulbs in tubs for the garden. Yeah, I know it's late but they'll still get there right? Maybe just a little later. It's so cold though and my fingers are really feeling it. However, when those first shoots come through they lift your spirits; so worth it.

Chilled week.

Well, over half way through my week off. Really enjoyed seeing family and friends. Been out walking, lunching and chatting. Tried to go to a zumba class last night with my friend at local leisure centre. Would you believe it was already fully booked. Not only that but people were actually waiting in case any of those who had booked didnt turn up. All I can say is it must be really good. Anyway, we came back to mine to drink coffee and chat. Must try a zumba class though, all those people can't be wrong.

On top of that, had solo shoppping trip this morning after dropping daughter off for exam. I actually bought some great stuff I'm really happy with. Two pairs of boots I know I'll wear and wear and a few items; dress, cardigan, light sweater.Ready for that lovely spring weather I know will come.
Roll on spring!

A free week

A whole week off to do whatever, suspect some time will be spent trying to figure out how to set up this blog. Hoping for some pleasant weather to enjoy getting out and about.

Something new for 2011

Hey. Starting a blog is something totally new for me and fits right in with one of my new years resolutions.

Learn something new and creative!
Eat more healthily.
Be more active.
Begin to learn to play a musical instrument.
Begin to learn a new language.
Try a new outdoor pursuit.

Think that might be enough to be going on with, but you never know just what's round the corner do you?

So, if you are viewing this, please bear with me because i am sure to make loads of mistakes along the way.