How to pick the perfect Christmas gifts for your older children!

I always say that when my girls were little children it was so easy to buy Christmas presents for them. They would mark things off in the Argos or Smyths catalogue, the selection of toys was huge and they would write letters to Santa asking for various things which would give me more ideas. Now they are older things have changed and it is so much harder, gone are the days of dolls houses and Peppa Pig toys now it's always a struggle what to get them especially when my youngest Ellie says all she wants is clothes! She doesn't need anymore clothes!!

 Teenagers and young adults are a whirlwind of changing tastes, evolving interests and go through a sprinkle of unpredictable fads. One day they're loving a particular band, the next day they're obsessed with a certain TV show. How on earth are we supposed to keep up?

Here are some ideas on how to pick the perfect Christmas presents for teenagers and young adults.

Stealthy Observation!

Teenagers and young adults might not spell out their interests but they definitely leave clues. Pay attention to the posters on their bedroom walls, the books on their shelves or the conversations they're having with friends. Just by peeking at my girls computers and in their bedrooms I can see this year they are all about Taylor Swift, books and Grey's Anatomy.

An online wish list!

In the age of technology wish lists have gone digital. Whether it's Amazon, a favourite online store or a dedicated wish list app. These not only save you from guessing but also ensures they receive something they genuinely want. My girls have both sent me wish lists from Amazon which really help!

The Power of Practicality!

Gone are the days when a sparkly toy would be enough. Teenagers and young adults appreciate gifts that seamlessly fit into their daily lives. Think practical yet thoughtful. A cosy blanket for those chilly evenings, a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or even a stylish planner.

Experiences Over Stuff!

Material gifts are fabulous but experiences are something special. Consider treating them to a day out, a fun workshop, concert tickets or a weekend getaway. These memories often leave a longer lasting impact than physical objects and it's a great way to spend some time with your child. I have already bought Becky tickets for a show that she wants to see, it's just a shame she has to wait until the middle of next year.

Go Old School with a Twist!

Bring a touch of nostalgia into the mix. Consider reviving a childhood favourite but with an adult twist. Maybe it's a revamped board game, a classic novel in a gorgeous edition, or a throwback to a shared childhood passion. It's a sentimental journey with a grown up flair.

Gift Cards!

When all else fails, go for the fail safe option, a gift card! While some may argue that it lacks a personal touch, let's face it teens love choosing their own treasures. Go for popular retailers or platforms that offer a wide variety of options. It's a win win situation and they'll thank you for it.

Do you find teenagers or adult children hard to buy for?

365 Days Of Gratitude. In November I was grateful for...

I have seen many people on social media list something every day that they are grateful for and thought I would join in and have on my private Facebook account every day and I thought I would share here too.

I did this for the whole of last year and it has really made me realise that even on the bad day's I have something to be grateful for. 

In November I was grateful for:

Day 305 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that Ellie eventually got to college after the bus broke down this morning.

Day 306 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that the kids extra advent calendars arrived and they look good. I was worried about buying them off Shein. A rubber duck one for Becky and a Crystal one for Ellie. 

Day 307 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for Christmas music on one of the music channels on the TV. I do love Christmas songs but of course will be sick of them come December.

Day 308 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for spending time with family. We have had a lovely evening.

Day 309 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for a fun time out at the pub.

Day 310 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that Stu has fixed the oven door again. I thought I had fixed it a couple of weeks ago but nope. This time I hope the door stays on!

Day 311 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for freshly painted nails. I've gone purple this time.

Day 312 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I was grateful that I forgot to book a slot for the food shop with Tesco so I had to use Asda for a change. I got quite a few things to put away for Christmas and some bargains too.

Day 313 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that my Terry's Chocolate Orange advent calendar was delivered with the food shop! I can't wait until December to start opening it.

Day 314 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that Becky had a great night away. She went to see the Dirty Dancing stage show and yes, she had the time of her life. lol

Day 315 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for The Big Bang Theory. On a Saturday I always watch Friends but it doesn't seem the same since Matthew Perry died. I have got into Big Bang and I love it!

Day 316 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that my dad always thinks of me when he's shopping. Today I got a big bag of onions and a pack of bacon.

Day 317 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for the pork and black pudding sausages that we had for tea. They tasted amazing!

Day 318 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for a day with Becky. She has been so busy lately it feels like I've hardly seen her.

Day 319 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for fleecy socks. If my feet are warm, I am happy!

Day 320 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that my parcel from Boots has finally been delivered, I was expecting it on Tuesday but it seemed to be on a go slow.

Day 321 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I was grateful for getting lots of jobs done around the house. 

Day 322 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I was grateful for a fun night out with friends and family. We had lots of laughs.

Day 323 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for a day of doing nothing. I needed it! No hangover but I am very achy from the rodeo bull riding. lol

Day 324 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for an early birthday delivery from a good friend! A bag of afternoon tea goodies! 

Day 325 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for the best birthday! I have been well and truly spoilt rotten. We had a nice meal out and I still have cake to eat yet!

Day 326 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that Stu had an extra day off work to help with the jobs around the house. Had a productive day. Got the housework done, xmas decorations up and put Becky's new bed together.

Day 327 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that Becky found me some of the Christmas Pudding Crisps in town. They might seem a strange flavour but I love them!

Day 328 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for the heating. It has been so cold today! I know, we're not even in winter, we have worse to come and I will be complaining about being cold then too. hehehe

Day 329 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I was grateful for the return of Doctor Who! I loved the episode! 

Day 330 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for Stu doing the cooking.

Day 331 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for online shopping! Got everything in my basket for the Christmas food shop. It's not coming until the 23rd but I am being organised this year.

Day 332 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for spending some time with Becky. She is so busy at the moment so I cherish the time we have together.

Day 333 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful that I had nothing to do this afternoon so I could watch the new episodes of Squid Game: The Challenge! It was brutal with so many twists but so good!

Day 334 of #365DaysOfGratitude

Today I am grateful for Stu saving up his bonuses from work so we can convert them to vouchers and use them for Christmas. I got most of the alcohol and fizzy pop delivered today.

What were you grateful for in November?

Our weekly meal plan! 4th - 10th December. #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan mostly went to plan but I messed up. We were supposed to have the fish goujons from Gousto on Thursday but I swapped things around and by the time I came to cook the fish on Friday it was past it's use by date and wasn't smelling too good. It was totally my fault. I need to take more notice of the dates of what I get from Gousto because I know the minced pork didn't have a use by date until the weekend. I think from now on I will plan the meals and not set a day that we are eating them on.

I am enjoying all the Christmas meals from Gousto and I am trying to try all the one's that really appeal to us. I don't usually choose the meals which cost £1 or more per portion but this week I did, the Honey Mustard Pigs In Blankets were just too tempting. I have all the Gousto meals planned right up to just before Christmas. It sure is making meal planning easier.

We don't have much on this week apart for the usual college for Ellie and work for Becky and Stu. Stu said it is so busy at work at the moment with it being the run up to Christmas. Everyone wants to buy a phone to give to someone. hehehe Becky is not looking forward to work tonight, she had a busy weekend. She went to a Taylor Swift club night thing and didn't get back to her hotel for coming on for 2am and was a little hungover and tired yesterday. She said she needs another day to recover but doesn't have it. Eek. hehehe

On the menu this week we have:

Gousto - Stuffing Crusted Chicken With Buttery Veg And Onion Gravy.

Gousto - Pizza-Style Loaded Beans On Toast.

Gousto - Creamy Mushroom Pie With Balsamic Roasted Sprouts And Mash.

Gousto - Honey Mustard Pigs In Blankets Brioche With Stuffing Fries.

Pizza.

Lasagne and garlic bread.

Sunday lunch out.

What are you eating this week?

Ice in the garden! #MySundaySnapshot

It certainly has got colder over the past week, each morning has been frosty but yesterday there was the most frost I have seen without it actually snowing! I thought someone had been through my back garden with silly string as all the spider webs had frozen! It looked pretty amazing! 

A photo every day for a year! 25th Nov - 1st Dec - Week 48 of #Project365

These weeks seem to be flying over and now we're in December and the last few weeks of the year. I am feeling pretty prepared for Christmas. I've still got some things to buy but I'm feeling organised. One of the highlights of our week has been opening our advent calendars. Who doesn't love a bit of chocolate first thing on a morning. hehehe

We have had a good week, Ellie has been loving college and has been learning all about conduit's and piping to do with electrical engineering. It was my Word of the Week because that is all I have heard about this week.

We have a quiet weekend planned, we will of course be watching Doctor Who! Wasn't last weeks brilliant! I love that Donna is back and The Meep really tricked me, I thought it was so adorable until it wasn't. lol

Now for a photo every day! 

329/365 - 25th November

I always used to tell the kids off for putting too many bubbles in the bath now it was my time for a telling off from Ellie. She said I should know better. lol

330/365 - 26th November

The girls had me watching Squid Game: The Challenge and it didn't take me long to get hooked! Wow! It was so good, I have watched it all apart from the final which is released in a few days. It was brutal, the bridge episode especially! He should not have been eliminated, he was one of my favourites!

331/365 - 27th November

Ellie on her computer. She is not liking this weather as when she leaves the house it's frosty and when she comes home it's dark and extra cold.

332/365 - 28th November

Saw this fabulous dress in one of the charity shops in town! It would be hilarious to go to a fancy party dressed as a Christmas tree.

333/365 - 29th November

Spotify Wrapped! I hardly use it but Ellie obviously does with our top artist being Oasis. I love that The Glee Cast is still on the list, I prefer their versions of songs to some of the original artists.

334/365 - 30th November

I bought a good chunk of the alcohol and fizzy pop for Christmas. Stu saves up his bonuses from work and at this time of year converts them to supermarket vouchers which is really helpful. 

335/365 - 1st December

Advent calendars were opened and Ellie was very happy with her first rock from her Crystal calendar.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

This week my Word of the Week is: Conduit! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

Conduit, conduit, conduit. That's all I've heard this week. lol This time last week I didn't even know what a Conduit was but I have heard all about them from Ellie. She even had a good chat with my dad and brother about them, they are into things like that. 

A conduit is "a channel for conveying water or other fluid or "a tube or trough for protecting electric wiring". It's the electric one we've been interested in as Ellie has been learning all about them in college. It is something she will need to know all about as she is training to be an electrician.

She has been working with steel and PVC conduit's and they have both had their own challenges with learning how to bend them. With the steel one's there is a machine which bends them which sounds easy but it's hard to get the bend in the right place and with the PVC one's you bend them by heating them up which is easier said than done when the weather has been so cold, the college workshop is not the warmest of places. You rub them until they are warm and flexible and then shape them how you want them. Ellie said she was glad for her gloves and it was the only time that day when her hands were warm. I am sure trained electricians have some sort of heat gun to help them out, I said to Ellie when she is qualified she'll need to have a hair dryer in her tool kit, that would do the job of heating them up without burning them. lol Ellie came home from college on Wednesday with aching arms and legs where she had been pushing on the pipes to bend them. She feels like she is really learning lots, especially over the last week. There is way more to electrical engineering than just wires.

Ellie had an assessment this week, it was a resit from one a couple of weeks ago which she failed. She doesn't have an exam at the end of the year, she has these assessments throughout the year. Her and a few others were told if they didn't pass this they couldn't move on to learning new things and potentially run the risk of not passing the course. I have been worrying but of course she smashed it! Phew! Now she can move onto the next topic. 

She is now one step closer to completing the course and it really is flying over. When she breaks up for Christmas she will be almost half way through. She is loving it, everything about college apart from getting the bus each morning. It's dark when she leaves and dark when she gets home now. She's even started wearing a coat now which is unheard of for Ellie. She is one of those teenagers who thinks coats are for wimps but she's given in and would rather be warm than look good. lol I am not liking this cold weather either, I hate being cold so I am living for fluffy socks, hot water bottles and blankets.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one!

What I loved in November!

November might be my favourite month of the year. The excitement for Christmas starts to build and there is no stress like what comes in December. It's also my birthday month. November went in a flash and it was a really good month with lots of fun, family time and special moments. These were the things that I loved!

The Big Bang Theory!

I am so late to watching it. I kept seeing bits on the TV while waiting for one of the shows I usually watch and always laughed at it so thought I would take the plunge and watch it all off Netflix. I am about half way through and I love it. Sheldon is of course my favourite, what a character he is!

Christmas Pudding Flavoured crisps!

I bought these not expecting to love them so much! They taste just like Christmas. A little bit sweet and with a hint of cinnamon.

Pigs in Blankets!

Sausage and bacon is good separately but put them together with cranberry sauce and they are just amazing! I predict I might have eaten a hundred of these tasty morsels by Christmas day. hehehe

My blog turning 11!

I have been blogging for 11 years now. It's crazy to think how far I come, when I started I didn't have a clue what I was doing, sometimes now I still don't but I can say my photos and what I write about has improved. I wrote about my favourite blog posts from the last year, one for each month.

Evenings out! 

I go months with no nights out and then have 2 in the space of a few weeks. My girls went off to the Bonfire night event locally and my fella went to the local pub with a couple of friends and then we went out again for my birthday to a different pub. Lots of fun was had, it was fun to get dressed up and I even rode one of those rodeo bull rides. It's not a usual thing at the pub, it was someone's birthday and she had hired it and was letting everyone have a go. It was so much fun but I did have a sore hip the next day. 

My birthday!

I turned 44 and I had such a lovely day! I was truly spoilt and felt very loved. I received some amazing gifts. Trainers, make up, lots of Harry Potter things, pyjamas, slippers and a couple of winter jumpers which I really needed. We had a nice family meal out and there was of course cake! 

My eldest spending wisely!

A few years ago when Becky started full time work and got a full time wage her spending was a bit reckless. She was forever buying silly things that she saw on TikTok or a ridiculous amount of takeaways. Over the past year she has done well at reining in her spending and actually saves more than ever. Over the last month she has splurged and treated herself. She went to see the Dirty Dancing stage show with her friend and they stayed in a hotel as it was cheaper than getting a taxi home and more recently she bought herself a new bed and 2 matrasses. She wanted to upgrade from a single to a double bed and the reason for 2 matrasses is that the first one she bought was just a memory foam matrass topper. Oops. She's learned a lesson, to read things properly!

My Harry Potter tree!

I usually leave it to my family to put the tree up but I took charge this year with some gorgeous Harry Potter tree ornaments that I got from Primark! The tree looked amazing for about 10 minutes before I felt guilty that there was none of the decorations on that my girls have made over the years. They have now been added too.

The Crown!

I love watching The Crown off Netflix and I of course had to watch the new episodes when they were released. I was rather annoyed that there was only 4 of them but Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana was just perfect. I remember the news about Princess Diana's death and watching the funeral, I know The Crown isn't real life but it's like watching it all from a different perspective.

Time off work.

My fella took a few days off work for my birthday and with his normal days off he had quite a bit of time at home which was lovely. He works hard and deserves a break. We had time to relax together and to get some jobs done around the house. Becky also took 2 days off work which meant the way her shift pattern worked she had a full week off. It was fantastic to have a lot of family time.

What did you love in November?

Christmas days out with the National Trust near North Lincolnshire.

The nights are darker, it's feeling more like winter and Christmas isn’t far away which means it’s time to get into the festive spirit and there’s no better way than visiting the National Trust.

 See historic houses decorated in the style of Christmases gone by with crackling fires, fragrant garlands and handmade decorations. Wrap up warm and enjoy the crunch of frost underfoot on family trails or shop for stocking fillers under twinkling lights at Christmas markets with mulled wine and mince pies. If you’re lucky you might spot Father Christmas on one of his annual visits!

Belton House, Grantham, NG32 2LS

Celebrate your best loved Christmas traditions and explore Belton’s mansion glittering in festive finery, from the 25th of November until the 7th January 2024. Wander through spectacular rooms dressed in twinkling lights and show stopping trees. Highlights will include the Marble Hall transformed into a winter wonderland and the Hondecoeter dining room prepared for a festive feast, complete with name cards of previous famous guests.

Make the most of your visit, and discover the entire estate decorated to create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy a star spotting trail in the mansion for families, with felt stars created by Belton volunteers, before discovering a star themed community art installation on the cobbled drive, as part of Belton’s sparkling stars theme.

Plan your festive visit by visiting the Belton House website.

Gunby Hall and Gardens, Spilsby, PE23 5SS 

Be immersed in the lights and sparkle of family favourite Christmas films at Gunby Hall this Christmas from Saturday the 2nd of December until the 23rd of December (10am - 3pm). Take a wonder-filled winter wander through lots of different movie themed experiences and decoration. Each room of the house is sure to be beautifully decorated. With the likes of The Snowman, Home Alone, and Love Actually to see, there will be plenty of famous film atmospheres to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

To top things off, there will be a special Christmas shop with seasonal decorations to purchase. Afterwards, there’s always the option to enjoy a tempting seasonal treat from the tea-room and take a stroll through the festive gardens.

Normal admission charges apply. To find out more about what to expect, go to the Gunby Hall webiste.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

Shaun the Sheep is coming the Clumber! Collaborating with BAFTA award winning production studio, Aardman and global art producer, Wild in Art, one of Aardman’s best loved characters is coming to Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire this winter.

From now until the 7th of January, Shaun the Sheep: Find the Flock at Clumber Park, is a free, family-friendly art trail for visitors to follow. Twelve super sized sculptures of Shaun the Sheep, individually designed by artists from across the region and beyond, will be positioned at iconic locations across the park. Plan your visit to find the flock now, ewe won’t regret it!

Clumber will also be hosting Christmas markets, Victorian fairgrounds, musical events in the Chapel and new year Lantern Walks, as well as welcoming Father Christmas every weekend from 25 November. 

For full details go to the Clumber Park website.

Do you have any visits planned in the run up to Christmas?

Our advent calendars.

I saw on Facebook someone asking what age do you stop buying your kids advent calendars? I was glad to see the majority of the people answered never! I can't imagine the run up to Christmas without an advent calendar. A little bit of chocolate each morning is such a treat in December!

In the past the girls have had Smiggle, Friends, bath bombs and Roblox one's but this year we were just going to go for chocolate one's and have just one each. hahaha! That never worked out, Stu is the only one to have just one this year.

I bought a Reese's one and was quite happy with that until I saw the Terry's Chocolate Orange one in Asda. Chocolate Oranges have always been a Christmas thing but I don't ever remember seeing them in an advent calendar before this year! I had to get one and it was only a couple of pounds.

Stu has a the Dairy Milk Chocolate Chunks one, Becky has a normal Galaxy one and Ellie went for something a bit different and didn't get a chocolate one but a sweet one this year, the Maoam Advent Calendar.

While I was shopping for some Christmas presents on Shein I came across a couple more advent calendars for the girls.

For Ellie I got a Crystal Advent Calendar which was just over £8 which I thought was a bargain considering the same one on Amazon is around £25. It contains 24 ores, crystals or rocks of different colours, shapes, properties and characteristics. Ellie loves anything like this and really excited to start opening it.

For Becky I got a Rubber Duck Advent Calendar for just under £10. A similar one on Amazon costs around £12. Rubber ducks may seem babyish but Becky loves them and already has quite a collection. 

I had a bit of money from my birthday and did think about getting a Harry Potter Funko advent calendar but the prices haven't came down enough. I remember a few years ago I did get a Fortnite one for better than half price at the end of November so I'll keep an eye on the prices.

Have you got an advent calendar ready for December? What type?

Our weekly meal plan! 27th Nov - 3rd Dec. #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan went well, I only forgot to get one meal out of the freezer to defrost which wasn't bad going. I made a good dent in what was in the freezer and now can look forward to filling it up for Christmas and I started late last week getting some of the Cranberry and Apple Stuffing from Tesco. I am a sucker for stuffing on our Christmas dinner and always had a few different types.

We had a lovely meal out for my birthday. I got a turkey Christmas dinner and it was so good considering it was from Wetherspoons. My family had their usual meals, Becky had pizza, Ellie Chicken and spicy rice and Stu had a mixed grill. We had planned to get dessert but we were too full.

This week we are back to getting a Gousto box. I was very excited to see some Christmas meals on there. You can sign up using my link and get 65% off your first box and 20% off all other boxes for the first two months. It is simple to cancel, even after just one box. If you use my link I will receive £30 credit towards my next box. 

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto Recipe - Chicken & Stuffing Sarnie With Plum Chutney.

Tuesday - Gousto Recipe - Pork & Leek Sausage Roll Wreath With Apple Chutney. (I can't imagine mine being as pretty as the one on the website but I'll try. lol)

Wednesday - Gousto Recipe - Sesame Pork & Egg Fried Rice.

Thursday - Gousto Recipe - Fish Goujons With Mixed Fries And Curry Ketchup.

Friday - BBQ Chicken pasta. 

Saturday - Pizza, it might be home made depending on what we are doing or coming out of the freezer.

Sunday - Toad in the hole and mashed potato.

What are you eating this week?

My Harry Potter Christmas Tree! #MySundaySnapshot

 Usually I let my family put up the Christmas tree but this year I took charge after getting some Harry Potter tree ornaments from Primark. When I bought it I only noticed the big baubles but not the glasses and golden snitches. It was a lovely surprise!

A photo every day for a year! 18th - 24th November - Week 47 of #Project365

 I have had such a fun week. Starting it seeing the Christmas lights been switched on in town, I had a night out, there was my birthday, we put our Christmas decorations up and we have had a lot of time together as a family with Stu and Becky both having time off work. It has been a really lovely week, one of those that I didn't want to end.

We're looking forward to a fun weekend too. Stu has another day off work which seems such a treat for him, having 2 Saturdays off in a row. We don't have anything planned apart from having something nice to eat for tea and to be all sat in front of the TV at half past six for the new episode of Doctor Who! 

Now for a photo every day!

322/365 - 18th November

Ready for a night out! I love this top, it feels perfect for the run up to Christmas. Very festive.

323/365 - 19th November

The face of regret. lol I had such a good evening out but was sore after riding a rodeo bull ride and falling off. I should know better at my age. I can laugh about it now but wasn't on Sunday.

324/365 - 20th November

A gorgeous gift of afternoon tea from my friend Jayne. Becky was here when I was opening it, oohing and aahing over everything expecting me to share straight away. Nope. hehehe

325/365 - 21st November

I had a lovely birthday and was spoilt rotten. We had a fab meal out, I got my Christmas dinner and it was good.

326/365 - 22nd November

Our Christmas decorations were put up and I am in love with my Harry Potter ornaments on the tree, especially the Golden Snitch tree topper.

327/365 - 23rd November

I am stocking up for Christmas.

328/365 - 24th November

I got some new trainers for my birthday and they are so comfy. 

This week my Word of the Week is: Full of Fun! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

I have had a week full of fun. My birthday celebrations started on Saturday and didn't really end until yesterday when it was back to reality with Stu returning to work after a few days off.

On Saturday we started the fun by going to see my dad, having breakfast out and going for a look at the local auction which we haven't been to for ages. By the time Stu and I got home my parcel had arrived from Shein which was full of Christmas things. Decorations and some presents. I wasn't expecting it until the Monday so it felt like a real surprise. We had planned on going for a meal out after we had seen the Christmas lights been switched on locally but the pub but saw a stall selling pork, stuffing and apple sauce in buns which is my favourite so we had that. We did end up in the pub and had such a fun night. There was one of those rodeo bull rides which after a couple of glasses of wine thought it was a good idea to have a go on it. I should have known better, I of course fell off and landed on my hip which isn't good at the best of times. I was fine on Saturday night but on Sunday morning I was feeling very sorry for myself and didn't have one bit of sympathy from my family. Eesh! lol.

On Tuesday it was my birthday and I really had the best day. I had a lie in and woke to pastries and flowers from Stu and had a pile of presents to open. I was so spoilt with make up, pj's, lots of Harry Potter things and so much more. We went out for a meal, just to our local Wetherspoons. Cheap and cheerful and one good thing about having my birthday in the run up to Christmas is that Christmas dinner is on the menu. 

On Wednesday we decided to do the big Christmas clean which isn't usually my idea of fun but Stu and Becky were here which made it more enjoyable. We were quick in getting finished so decided to put the Christmas decorations up too, well most of them. There is still a few to go up but that can wait until the weekend. 

I took charge of the Christmas tree this year as I had my Harry Potter ornaments from Primark to put on it. They are so pretty and I just bought the box for the baubles I didn't realise there were other things too like golden snitches and Harry's glasses. I love, love, love my tree this year but did feel guilty that there were none of our usual decorations on, like the one's that the girls have made over the years. They have now been added. It still looks so pretty.

Becky has had the fun of putting a new bed together. She has wanted a bigger bed for a few years, I was going to get her one for her birthday but she didn't like the idea of just getting a bed and mattress so she has bought a small double herself and then realised she needed double duvets, duvet covers and more pillows. lol She is starting to realise it's expensive being an adult and even more expensive since she messed up buying the mattress. She bought a memory foam topper thinking it was a mattress, a real sized mattress is arriving today. Oops. lol 

We have more fun coming over the weekend. Stu has another Saturday off and a the moment we don't really have any plans apart from watching the new episode of Doctor Who which I am so excited for. It's going to be a weekend of relaxing and lots of family time.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one.

The Doctor Who Tag.

Today is the the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who. We have my favourite Doctor and companion returning for a few specials and then we get the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa which I have only ever seen on the show Sex Education. I really can't imagine him as the Doctor.

Last year Ellie started Doctor Who and we watched plenty of episodes together which made me so happy. All of my family like Doctor Who but they are not really that into like Ellie and I are.

I found this tag ages ago and now seems like a good time to share.

Who is your favourite Doctor?

David Tennant closely followed by Matt Smith. Ellie put off watching the Peter Capaldi episodes for ages as she thinks he's a right grump. She's not wrong, he was probably my least favourite Doctor.

Who is your favourite Companion?

I would have to say Donna Noble! She was just brilliant and had so many great episodes. Ellie can't decide between Rose and Captain Jack. I am a fan of Captain Jack, he always makes me chuckle. 

Who is your favourite recurring villain? (Ex: Daleks, Angels, Cybermen, ect.)

Ohh! It is a hard call for me between the Daleks and the Weeping Angles. I would have to say the scariest for me are the Angels but the Dalaks are brilliant too.

What is your favourite episode? (Or episodes, so many 2 parters!)

I love the run of episodes in Series 4 with David Tennant and Catherine Tate. Silence in the Library, Forest of the Dead, Midnight, Turn Left, The Stolen Earth and Journeys End. Those episodes have everything! Riversong, drama, scary bits, one off episodes which don't relate to the story and a few that do. Ellie was a massive fan of Army of Ghosts and Doomsday! They had everything at the time too, Dalaks, Cybermen, drama, Rose and deaths, well sort of.

When did you start watching Doctor Who? 

I started with the newer series, the one's with Christopher Eccleston and I was so late getting into that. I think I only got into it when the tenth Doctor took over. I was poorly looking for something to watch and they were being shown on BBC Three or something like that.

How would you explain Doctor Who to someone who has never seen an episode?

It’s about a mad person/alien in a blue police box travelling through time saving the earth and other planets from bad people/aliens.

If you met The Doctor and he said he would take you anywhere in time and space, where would you want to go first?

I’d want to go to Skaro, the Dalek home world to see where it all started. Ideally we would go back in time to see how's and why's of the Time War.

What is your favorite quote from the show?

Don't even blink. Blink and you're dead. They are fast, faster than you could believe. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink! If I hear that I don't blink! 

Did you cry more watching Doomsday or The Angels Take Manhattan? 

Doomsday! I really did love Rose and it was the first companion that I had seen a Doctor lose. I was never a fan of Amy and Rory. I did like some of their episodes but I just felt a bit meh about them.

After watching a certain Doctor Who episode, did you summon up the courage to try fish sticks and custard? 

I was tempted but no, I didn't. Ellie wanted to try them and so far I have talked her out of the idea.

Who are some of your favorite guest stars in the series?

Kylie Minogue in the Voyage of the Damned and John Simm was brilliant as the Master. He was so unhinged that he was just amazing!

Are you a Doctor Who fan?