New Pandora charm!

Mam gave me a green glass Pandora charm two years ago as part of my birthday gift on my new bracelet but as I've collected charms over the years it didn't fit the theme, (quirky silver charms, basically). It was only when she suggested that I ask here in the shop in Cardiff if I could exchange it for another one that I considered doing anything with it. It had lived for two years in a box, looking brand new, in my chest of drawers. Every time I would have a clear out I would open the box and look at it and think of Mam. I would never have thought to exchange it myself, (I think the word I'm looking for is shy? Polite? Scared to offend?).

So here it is. My lovely new aeroplane charm. There. On the far left, next to my Christmas tea pot. Cute, huh?

Go Karting.

What a brilliant day! We had lunch at Frankie & Benny's then went Go Karting. I can't believe I could keep up with the boys (I came in behind Boyfriend on lap times #smug). I already want to go again. I'd recommend you wear converse or similar footwear, my Uggs were fine just too warm as the engine underneath my right arm in my Kart made everything a bit hot. Leggings and a tshirt are enough under your overalls. Helmet and gloves are communal so germophobes probably won't cope well, but they do spray them with germ killing stuff regularly. Everybody should give it a go. I haven't had that much fun in ages. Skidding around hairpin bends, nudging ahead and trying to overtake, not knowing your lap times and simply trying to drive faster and faster. Loved every minute.

The Helicopter.

Here is what I gave Boyfriend for his birthday this year. I was gushing with pride that he loves it to bits. It's only small, the main bulk of the body is about the size of my hand (and I have small hands). It's pretty nifty and it's a proper boy toy, remote control, screw drivers, batteries, flashing LED lights, blah blah.  The propellers make this shredding, buzzing noise too. I'm also terrified of it. It seems Boyfriend finds nothing funnier than to target areas above my head in which to hover this noisy, unstable contraption. The Christmas cards are all knocked over in the living room. I fear for our paper lamp shades. It's a death trap! Perhaps the less I love it, the more he does. (No doubt in my mind).

Team Geek.

I could not be more excited! Today we're celebrating Boyfriend's birthday in style. Sadly his birthday was actually yesterday but as I was mostly in work he spent it with his family and today is our day. We're going Go Karting and I am all jumpy and ready to go. I used to go with my family in Spain (there's this cool track down in Fuengirola we liked) but I haven't been for years. Super excited. (:
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Thank you.

Christmas shouldn't be all about the presents, but I am so very grateful for my amazing gifts off my friends and family. Amongst my amazing gifts (guess I was on the Nice List?) I've been given two bottles of Miss Dior perfume (my favourite!), make up, L'Occitane creams, Jack Wills nail varnish, a new tea pot Pandora charm, and a brilliant Clinique lip repair balm. I have been absolutely spoilt and I am in love with all of my gifts. Thank you very much!
(What did you get for Christmas?)

Happy Merry Christmas.

Christmas is evolving. Once a wholly Pagan celebration (the Feast of the Son of Isis - Goddess of Nature), then adapted by Romans as their Pope declared December 25th a day to celebrate the Lord's birth. Nowadays we use Christmas time to remind our loved ones that they are special to us by giving luxurious or meaningful gifts, we gather our close ones and family as a way of raising spirits.

For me Christmas is a reminder that life is good, a season to appreciate our loved ones and eat too much good food, drink naughty drinks (if I'm in the mood - damn this flu!), turn the heating up, listen to cheesy songs and cover the house in fairy lights to forget about the cold, grim weather and to cheer us up in the short dark days of winter.

Happy Christmas everyone! May your Yuletide be a cosy one. xx (or a time for raucous partying, whatever floats your boat).

Oh, Christmas tree...

Here it is. I have found the loveliest Christmas tree.

Behold the marvelous display by Sarah Morton and family.

Please share your Christmas tree photos! (:

My beautiful cousins.

I just have to say how amazing my cousins Kathryn and Rachael are. After such awful grief they are getting on with life. It seems with more loss and strife, we become stronger. Thinking of Auntie Ann & Uncle John today. R.I.P. xx

Cosmo, anyone?

I'm going to try and make cosmos for New Years Eve. 

Here is the quickest recipe I've found:

40 ml vodka

15 ml Cointreau (or other triple sec - Curacao, Grand Marnier)
15 ml concentrated lime juice

30 ml cranberry juice

Shake vodka, triple sec, lime and cranberry juice vigorously in a shaker with ice.

Strain into a martini glass, garnish with a lime wedge or the more traditional coin sized piece of orange 'flamed', and serve.

How wrong could it go?

*Famous last words:

Okay so I actually looked up how to "flame" an orange peel...

Beyoncé, you're my favourite.

Katy Perry is an all-American beauty. GaGa is a creative genius. Rihanna is an exotic urban princess.

But it's Beyoncé who tops them all. Perhaps the biggest feminist of them all (not to be confused with a man hater, far from it!). Her message envelopes something deep down we all believe, that women are strong, beautiful, powerful, intelligent, emotional, careful, sexy, creative, maternal, friendly creatures. I'm not ashamed to admit that when I see her on tv, or hear her on the radio or my iPod I just want to get up and dance. Even on the bus home from work I have to stop myself from having a little stomp. (I'm sure other passengers can see me having a little wiggle in my seat!). Of my four favourite female music sensations, Beyoncé is my absolute favourite.