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?

50 before 50!

A good few years ago, a year before my 40th birthday I made a list of things that I wanted to do before I turned 40 in theory it was a good idea to have a list but it wasn't realistic. There was no way I could have done all of those things in a year although I did tick quite a few things off my list like getting something from Starbucks, going to the cinema alone, dye my hair a wild colour, wear high heel shoes again and plant something which will live longer than a month.

This time I am giving myself more time! I turned 44 yesterday so that's a whole 6 years that I have to get these things done.

1. Get a tattoo - I have a couple in mind, I just need to pluck up the courage to get it done.

2. Go to a festival!

3. Go for a bottomless brunch - I love the idea of it, a bit of food and a lot of drinks.

4. Buy a stranger a coffee.

5. Have a proper fancy meal - One that costs a ridiculous amount of money with more than 3 courses.

6. Complete a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle.

7, Make a new friend - which is easier said than done as I am quite shy and tend to keep myself to myself.

8. Go to a proper Christmas market!

9. Get my nails done professionally - I have been growing my nails so fancy getting them done properly even if it's just painted without getting the polish everywhere!

10. Have a spa day!

11. Go for a night away just with Stu - Becky is 21 and Ellie is 16 so surely over the next 6 years it should be possible.

12. Swim in the sea.

13. Get a passport or some sort of official I.D - I am one of the minority who doesn't have any photo ID. I am thinking a passport would be a good idea as I can't see myself learning to drive.

14. Go skinny dipping - Why not?

15. Go on a plane! I have never been on an aeroplane, it scares the life out of me but it is something I would like to say that I have done!

16. Spend the night in a luxury, in a really fancy hotel!

17. Run 5K. I did start doing the couch to 5K but that fell by the wayside, maybe I can try again!

18. Eat lobster!

19. Look into my family tree properly - I have done the free weekends on the Ancestry website but I've always wanted to know more about my families history.

20. Still be blogging when I am 50 years old.

21. Go to a concert. Ideally it would be Bon Jovi, Eminem, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi or Pink! 

22. Write a will.

23. Do Some Charity Work  - Not only will it make me feel great it could make a difference in someone else's life.

24. Get a pet - I am thinking a cat and ideally a rescue one.

25. Appear on TV - I don't know what for. As long as it's something good and nice I will be happy.

26. Learn to knit.

27. Make my own wine - My dad is making his own gin so wine can't be that much harder to make.

28. Go viral on TikTok.

29. Visit London and do all the touristy things - I have never been to London before.

30. Watch a West End Show - Hamilton or The Lion King would be top of my list.

31. Have my make up professionally done!

32. Be in the audience of a TV show.

33. Ride a horse - I used to have my own horses and ponies but haven't ridden in over 20 years.

34. Sleep on a beach - As long as the tide isn't coming in!

35. Meet one of my online friends in person - Nowadays I seem to have more friends online than in real life.

36. Go to a Wrestling show.

37. Climb a tree.

38. Go clothes shopping without worry about how much the bill will come to.

39. Go to a night club - I've not been to one in about 20 years and I would like to see what they are like now.

40. Get my ears pierced.

41. Take a cooking class.

42. Get a spray tan - I would like to be tanned but without the worry about what the sun will do to my skin. 

43. Throw a dinner party.

44. Eat something which scares me - That doesn't include green vegetables which I hate. lol 

45. Go out, out on New Years eve! I must have been about 20 years old the last time I did.

46. Learn how to blend eyeshadow - I’d love to create a perfectly blended smoky eye!

47. Have £5000 in savings!

48. Go on a proper picnic - A full on one with a checked blanket, a picnic basket, glasses of fizz, strawberries and cakes!

49. Go on a tour of Coronation Street or Emmerdale.

50. Have a big party for my 50th birthday!

What do you want to do before your next big milestone birthday?

44 today! Happy birthday to me!

Happy birthday to me. Earlier this month I had to check how old I was. I couldn't remember if I was going to be 43 or 44 this year. When I was younger I would not be sure how old I was but now, I seem to have had that many years I lose count. I laughed at my dad a few years ago when he wasn't sure how old he was, I get it now. lol

Anyway I am 44 today! I don't feel it most of the time, sometimes I just feel like I am winging it as an adult. I look at people my age and a bit younger and think how do they have all those plates spinning and then keep adding plates. I am sometimes out with Becky and we get into a situation where I am the adult and I need to take control and I stutter and stall wondering if I have really to be in charge. 

 According to some I don't look it 44 either. Sometimes if I am in a shop someone will glance at me and ask me for ID and then have a proper look and then say it doesn't matter. I don't know whether to be happy or take offence. hehehe I was in a shop a few weeks ago buying a bottle of wine and a young lass asked me for ID. I laughed and said I am old enough to be your mother and then some. lol She looked at me properly and then said Oh yeah, you are old. Thanks love. It's a good job she realised what she had said and was saying sorry, I'm so sorry. lol

I know Becky has bought me some trainers for my birthday, I know this because I of course had to try them on and Stu has got me some Harry Potter pj's and lots of other HP things which I couldn't be happier about. You would think I had everything Harry Potter by now but no, they keep making new things. hehehe

Where we live Tuesday is such a rubbish day to have a birthday. The Chinese takeaway, fish shop and pizza shop are shut and there is no way that I am cooking today so this afternoon me, Stu and Becky are going into town to do a bit of shopping and we're going to meet Ellie when she finishes college for a meal out. Then we're going to go to Lidl, my favourite place for snacks with their amazing bakery. With us eating early I am sure we'll be hungry later. 

There will of course be cake tonight, I don't know which one as I said I was going to buy it this afternoon while we are out. Yes, my family could pick me one but I know they would pick their favourite cake, not one that I would love.

Do you sometimes forget how old you are? Please tell me it's not just me.

Our weekly meal plan! 20th - 26th November. #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan went well, we did swap a couple of days around and change some plans but everything was eaten. We had a fab night on Saturday seeing the Christmas lights been switched on. We ended up in the pub as planned but didn't have a meal as we had got pork, stuffing and apple sauce in buns from the light switch on. They weren't the best I have had but they were still good. At the pub it was some girls birthday and she had hired one of the rodeo bull rides. I should be old enough to know better but I rode the bull, had such a laugh but did end up with a sore hip. I am too old for that type of silliness, I was suffering yesterday with aches and pains. 

We're having a break from Gousto this week, I want to eat from the freezers before I go and do the big Christmas food shop in a couple of weeks and fill it back up. We have plenty in there to keep us going. Now I just have to remember to take everything out the night before we need it.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Meat free mince Sloppy Joes with potato salad. It's a meal we have previously have from Gousto and we love it.

Tuesday - We're eating out for my birthday. 

Wednesday - Sausages, mashed potato and veg. There are some pork and apple sausages which need eating up. 

Thursday - Soup, we have some in the freezer, pea and ham.

Friday - Bolognese in wraps, I seem to have tubs of it in the freezer. 

Saturday - Chicken curry with egg fried rice.

Sunday - A fry up. Bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns, baked beans, tomato's and toast.

What are you eating this week?

A Christmas Evening Out. #MySundaySnapshot

I am writing this a little after midnight last night, I am feeling on top of the world after having a good night out. The tree lights were switched on in town, there was no time for editing the photo, my bed was calling.

A photo every day for a year! 11th - 17th November - Week 46 of #Project365

Doing Project 365 is a reminder how close we are to the end of the year, seeing what week we're on in the title of my post. This year has flown over. I keep thinking Christmas is ages away but it's really not. Eek!

I am so looking forward to today. We are going out to see the Christmas lights being switched on, we're having a family meal out as an early birthday celebration for me and then Stu and I are staying out for a few drinks.

Now for a photo every day! 

315/365 - 11th November

I kept seeing bits of the tv show The Big Bang Theory and on Saturday I started watching it from the beginning. It is so funny, I love Sheldon and have laughed so much as it. 

316/365 - 12th November

I had a look in one of my boxes for false nails before I bought some. I actually found 3 unopened boxes. These are my favourite one's. The fit my nails perfectly and are simple but pretty.

317/365 - 13th November

Our favourite sausages. They come from Gousto. Pork and black pudding ones. Apparently Ocado, Co-op and Sainsbury's sell them but I have only ever seen them from Gousto. Hmmf. 

318/365 - 14th November

I had a little panic when my laptop was updating, it seemed to stick on preparing to update thing for ages. Preparing took about 15 minutes and the actual update took about 5.

319/365 - 15th November

Becky wrapped my birthday presents for Tuesday. Stu said he would have but Becky loves wrapping things, weirdo. lol They are now in the living room and I can't wait to open them.

320/365 - 16th November

Hair dye day! I did mine and Ellie's, she went dark blue although it just looks black with a tint of blue when she is in the right light. She loves it though.

321/365 - 17th November

I straightened my hair as it was a bit floofy when I woke up. lol

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

This week my Word of the Week is:

I think this week every year I use the word Birthday as my Word of the week as it was my blogs birthday yesterday and my actual birthday Tuesday coming.

11 years I have been blogging, I say it all the time but this is the longest hobby that I have ever had. The photo that started my blogging journey came up on my Facebook timeline yesterday. hehehe Ellie with her Buzz Lightyear toy that Becky bought her from a bring and buy sale at school, the same toy Stu and I had bought her for Christmas. lol Ellie thought she was the luckiest person on Christmas Day to have 2 Buzz Lightyears. lol Thank you to everyone who reads and comments.

On Tuesday I joked to Becky that it's now officially my birthday week. As much as I loved birthdays when I was younger they only lasted one day, now I am an adult I can make them last longer and why not? I'm the grown up here, apparently. lol

I decided to treat myself to some new make up and that was more hassle than it was worth. I ordered from Boots with next day delivery, the package didn't arrive the next day so they refunded the delivery cost and then on Wednesday I got an email saying there has been an issue with the refund, please ring us. I hate making phone calls and this one was an ordeal. The usual press one for this two for that and so on. It seemed to go on and on and after about 10 minutes they couldn't recognise my postcode which I said so put me through to customer services, the people I needed to speak to anyway! Turns out all they needed to do was reissue the refund, I don't understand why they couldn't have done that when their computer first said no. My parcel finally arrived yesterday with all of my goodies. There was nothing that exciting just bog standard make up that I was running out of but it still felt like a treat.

My birthday is on Tuesday but I am starting my celebrations over the weekend. Where we live it's rubbish to have a birthday during the week, all of the takeaways are closed but as it happens the Christmas lights are being switched on locally so there is a lot going on and lots of treats to be had. We are planning on going out for a family meal and I can't wait for an excuse to get dressed up. If all has gone to plan I will have dyed my hair yesterday in preparation.

As I'm sat here I am sat looking at my birthday presents, they have been wrapped, Becky had the honour, she loves wrapping presents and to be fair Stu wouldn't have had time to wrap them until Monday. I am very excited. I know what some of them are but some are a surprise. I have had one of my presents early, a pair of boots which I really needed. Ellie isn't too happy that I have already worn them, twice as the has a jacket put away for Christmas which she really wants to wear. It's one rule for me and one for her, I know it's wrong but the jacket is more expensive and one of her main presents. Eek!

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