Kissed by an Angel

It's the weekend.....

2010-10-01T00:30:00.001+01:00

again!!

Where does the time go?

This weekend Mr Angel and I have visitors - our friends Mick and Val!!

The men are off for a game of

Val and I will lunch and then chill!!

For a while!!!

We'll have a lovely meal!!

Altogether a great day!!!

Then on Sunday we are taking a colleague for a retirement meal.

There will be five of us and we are going here

Old Orleans in Epping

It's so lively and fun - just like being in America!!

Well, that's my weekend!!

I hope yours is as much fun!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Michela and Nephew sitting

2010-09-27T00:30:00.002+01:00

This weekend has been busy.

I started the day early Saturday morning by going to M&S to do my shopping and some other errands!!

Then, as the lovely Michela is staying with Kelly for a few days, we met Victoria and Rose for breakfast!!!

It was a very lively, happy breakfast which we all enjoyed!!

After breakfast the girls had more shopping to do, but I went home as I was looking after Marcus for the rest of the day and overnight!!

My sister was enjoying the present that I bought for her 50th birthday in April.

It was a voucher for evening meal an overnight stay and breakfast here!!

Then she popped into a friends 30th birthday for a couple of hours!!

Marcus was very well behaved - as he normally is with me!!

The only thing was that he had a terrible nightmare and woke terrified at 04:45.

So I was awake then, and took quite a while to get back to sleep!!!

I feel exhausted now though!!

Kindest wishes and love

Addicted!!!

2010-09-22T00:30:00.000+01:00

I don't know if any of you UK ladies have seen this series on TV??

It is simply brilliant!!

I caught one episode by mistake and loved it!!

So I ordered the first four series from Amazon.

There are six series, so I have two more to go!!

I am pacing myself watching it, but it's hard to do that!!

It's fast moving and sometimes quite funny!!

If you watch it I hope you love it too!!

I'd love to tell you what channel it's on, but I don't remember!!

Sorry!!

Kindest wishes and love

Weekend!!

2010-09-17T17:33:00.004+01:00

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Kindest wishes and love

Shopping trip!!

2010-09-15T00:30:00.005+01:00

Last week when I bought the lovely clothes I showed you on Monday I was accompanied on my shopping trip by Kelly and James!!

You can tell how much James loves Kelly because he came on a clothes shopping trip with mother and daughter!!!!!

We went to Lakeside Shopping Centre which is about 25 minutes from us (25 minutes on a good day, as it's via the M25)!!!

After our shopping trip we decided to relax over a nice meal!!!

We chose Giraffe - I am so glad we did!!!

The food was scrummy.

We each ordered a starter (and shared them!!)

Then a main course (all different so we could sample each others!!!)

Here is a photograph of one of our starters to tempt you!!

The portions are huge too (another bonus!!)

We will definitely go there again!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Forced into shopping!!!

2010-09-13T00:30:00.002+01:00

A couple of years ago I won an award at work and the gift was some Capitol Bonds valid for two years!!

I forgot and left them at home for almost two years!!!

I then suddenly realised that if I didn't spend them I would lose the money!!

So a few months ago I spent some of the vouchers on some DKNY Be Delicious - I love this: it's an anytime perfume!!!

Then last week I found this

Which, surprisingly looks good on me!!!

And this lovely cardigan but mine is bright yellow (which for some reason won't load!!)

These two are from Debenhams in the Star range by Julien McDonald!!

I love them: and I already own and love this!!!

So crisis averted - vouchers spent!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Nanny's a sucker!!!!!!

2010-09-10T00:30:00.001+01:00

Oh dear, I knew I would be bad, but I didn't realise how bad!!!!

A few weeks ago, whilst I was in Italy, I made a trip to the supermarket on the bus!!

When I got off at my stop, I saw a Chicco shop, so I thought I'd just pop in to see if they had anything for our eagerly awaited new arrival (we didn't know if it was pink or blue at that time!!).

Just a look mind - I was not going to buy anything!!

Well of course there were lots and lots of things I loved!!!

So I decided to buy this

Then I saw these

What could I do, I had to get them, but that was it, nothing else!!

Then I went to Cavallino Market......

Only to look round for a new bikini!!!!

Look what I found

I just had to buy them!!

Of course then we found out we had a pink bundle on the way!!

Kelly found some gorgeous little pink outfits on the John Lewis website!!

So I thought I would order one thing that I knew that Kelly loved!!

Right, of course I did!!!

Wanna see???

I just could not resist!!

But that's it for now........... honest!!!!

Have a lovely weekend!

Kindest wishes and love

Let me introduce you to........

2010-09-08T00:30:00.002+01:00

There is someone I'd like you all to meet!!

I haven't known them very long myself!!

We only have a couple of photos, but here is the most recent.

Who is it??

Why, it's my little grandaughter.

You all know her lovely mum!!

We were lucky to get this photo, as I think she is quite shy, because after a little more prodding she hid her face behind her hands!!!

We can't wait to meet her!!!

Kindest wishes and love

I'm back - I mean it!!!

2010-09-06T00:30:00.002+01:00

Hello dear friends, I am back - yes really!!!

I have been so bad and I apologise sincerely.

I was so excited about Kelly and James getting married and the news of the baby, I couldn't think about anything else!!!

Anyway, enough is enough and I am back!!!

Thank you all for the kind messages you have sent me!

See you all soon

Kindest wishes and love

Show and tell

2010-09-05T08:32:00.005+01:00

Before My official comeback tomorrow, I thought I'd join in this today!!

Show and Tell Sunday is being hosted this time by Kelly for the lovely Josie-Mary

I love films, so it was quite hard to choose a favourite, and Kelly has already mentioned two that I love!!

But here are a couple that I could (and do) watch over and over again!

The Ugly Truth

This is a brilliant film, so funny!!

To be honest I have never seen anything with Katherine Heigl that wasn't great and who could NOT like Gerard Butler!!!

The other one is this:

I first saw it as a TV film and wanted a copy for my own: it was called Kissed by an Angel (now where do I know that from!!)

My sister tracked down the real film and I bought it!!!

It is really romantic and makes me cry!!

I love it!!!

Hope you give these a try - you'll love them!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Happy Monday!!!

2010-06-21T00:30:00.002+01:00

Wishing you all a happy Monday!!!

I hope you all had fantastic weekends!! I certainly did!!!

I have been to two BBQs one on Saturday for a friend's 60th birthday, even Elvis attended!!!
We had a marvellous time, the only downside was the weather!!! It was more like November than June!! Freezing cold, very windy and rain showers!!!

The other was at a colleague's new house, they were so welcoming!!
I have never eaten so much beautifully cooked meat!!! It was another brilliant day, even the weather behaved, it was a bit cloudy at first then the sun came out!!!

It was a fantastic weekend!!!

A big thank you to both friends, for giving us such a wonderful time!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Still going at 100 mils per hour!!!

2010-06-18T00:30:00.002+01:00

Sorry folks, things are still hectic!!!

Life is still speeding!!!!!

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, I really appreciate your support!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Kindest wishes and love

This is how I feel today!!!!

2010-06-14T00:30:00.001+01:00

Kindest wishes and love

Have a relaxing weekend!!!

2010-06-11T16:58:00.004+01:00

Sorry I haven't been around much!!!

Kindest wishes and love

What a great weekend!!!

2010-06-08T11:32:00.016+01:00

What a fantastic weekend Yasmin and I had in Torquay!!

It was brilliant!!

The weather was gorgeous!!

We Stayed at a fantastic B&B called The Shirley Hote l.

When we arrived we were greeted like old friends instead of paying guests!!!

The Shirley is a large Victorian house, it's really clean, very well kept and the rooms comfortable!!

Their breakfast is second to none with plenty even for the largest appetite!!

It's served in a large bright airy dining room decorated with the Victorian look that that Gary and Debbi have tried to keep throughout!!

It's a fabulous way to start the day!!

I would definitely stay there again and would reccommend it to anyone looking for accommodation in the Torquay area!!

We arrived nice and early so we popped to the seafront for a glass of wine in one of the bars!!

We had a lovley fresh crab sandwich for lunch (this took some finding!!) at a delightful 16th Century pub called The Hole in the Wall!!

We certainly chose some great resturants and bars while we were there!!

Saturday we decided to visit Babbacombe!!

If you have never been it is so pretty!!

We spent a good few hours there!!

We started with a glass of wine in the beautiful Cary Arms!!

This pub overlooks the sea, it is really pretty and peaceful!!

We decided to take the fenicular railway to the top (it is quite steep!!)

Then we walked along Babbacombe Downs Road which is very picturesque

and found the beautiful Angel's tea room where we ate a gorgeous (huge) Devonshire tea!!

All in all we had the most wonderful time!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Girls trip - oh and a boys trip too!!!

2010-06-04T00:30:00.004+01:00

I am off for the weekend to Torquay with my friend Yasmin!!

Our husbands are going over to France for the weekend to Caen for the D Day commemorations on the 6th of June!!

They are all travelling by scooter!!

This will be amusing - I'll let you know how many times they break down!!!

They have decided to camp and have chosen to pitch their tents on this great campsite!!

Have a great time guys!!!

Anyway back to Yas and I we are leaving early this morning and we are staying here

We are planning a totally relaxing girls weekend, eating, drinking and maybe shopping!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend too!!

Kindest wishes and love

Hubby's hobby!!!

2010-06-02T00:30:00.007+01:00

Mr Angel has a hobby!!!

Nothing unusual about that, you might think!!

But Mr A's hobby takes up so much room!!!

He collects vintage motorbikes and scooters!!

He currently owns around 45!!

During a recent move to a more secure location: after he had two scooters stolen and one badly damaged, a few were parked on our drive, so I took full advantage and photographed them for you to see!!!

Luckily Mr A's our friend John - Yasmin's husband, restores scooters for a living so he and Mr A brought the damaged scooter back to life!!

Here are a few photos of some of his pretties for you to see!!

Now, they are not pretties as far as we are concerned, but for Mr A these are right up there with the best CK and vintage items that we all know and love!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Good enough to eat swap!!

2010-05-31T00:30:00.001+01:00

I recently too part in the 'Good enough to eat swap' host by two lovely ladies:
Claire of Are we nearly there yet? and Em of Em's shabby shack.

I was partnered with Louise from Handmade in Gibralta.

Louise is a wonderfully kind and very clever lady!!

She sent me a fantastic swap parcel!

Look.....

Louise made the beautiful apron with the cupcake motive, her friend made the gorgeous smelling soap, and the coffee was from her local shop, she also sent me a photo of the coffee being ground too!!!
She also included that very pretty cupcake photograph stand and the gorgeous angel - one of my favourte things!! There was also the scrummy sounding Louise's Carrot cake recipe!!

What can I say, thank you so much Louise for the thought that you put in to this lovely parcel!!

I love everything

Kindest wishes anf love

Congratulations!!!

2010-05-26T00:30:00.000+01:00

Last week my lovely son Lee went to Italy with his girlfriend to celebrate their 3rd anniversary of being together!!

He decided to 'pop the question' whilst they were there!!

And returned with a fiancee!!

Congratulations to you both!!

wishing you much happiness together!!

Kindest wishes and love

Surprise package!!

2010-05-24T00:30:00.002+01:00

Recently Kelly popped in to see me with a surprise package!!

The lovely Beki sent these...

She is so kind to think of me, look at what she sent

There was a lovely floaty floral scarf, three gorgeous tablets of guest soap, a plaque and some yummy scrummy chocolate!!

Thank you so much Beki, I really appreciate your kindness!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Ooops!!

2010-05-20T00:30:00.004+01:00

Sorry my dear friends!

This week I have been away with the

My head has been in the

But

to normal soon!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Kindest wishes and love

Am I being too ambitious???

2010-05-17T00:30:00.000+01:00

Last week I decided to buy myself one of these!!

I am waiting for it to arrive!!

I need to persuade my Technical Support to download some music onto it!!!

Then I need to learn how to use it!!!

Wish me luck!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Wow!! More Awards!!

2010-05-14T00:30:00.004+01:00

I have received some more lovely awards that I thought you might like to know about!!

This is the first one from the really lovely and funny Petty Witter over at Pen and Paper

It's the Super comments award for leaving amusing, thoughtful and frequent comments!!

Her blog is often so funny, I am in stitches reading it!!

Pop over and take a look!!

My next award - Beautiful Blogger is from the very kind and talented Lisa at Letters and Lace

Pop over to Lisa'a blog too she is very creative and so clever!! She makes some really beautiful things!!!

I now have to tell you seven things about myself, so here goes!!!

1. I am a recently converted Twilight Saga addict!

2. I hate cold feet!!

3. I don't like ice cream much!!!

4. I don't drink fizzy drinks or squash

5. I can't ride a bike!

6. I travel to work by London Underground tube trains

7. I've never had a pet!

I decided not to pass the awards on to anyone in particular, but to invite all my friends to take one or both as you wish!!

Thank you so much to my two wonderful friends for these amazing awards!!

I am so lucky to have received them!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Kindest wishes and love

Missing You!!

2010-05-12T00:30:00.004+01:00

Every year in March we go to Orlando in Florida for a couple of weeks!!

Not for the parks so much now - I believe I told you that I hate the rides!!!

But I love being in them, it's such an exciting atmosphere!!

The weather is normally warm, sunny and sometimes cloudy too!!

I JUST LOVE IT!!

We always stay in a gorgeous house with it's own pool

We shop, we eat, we eat and shop!!!

But this year we didn't go because I was not allowed to fly!!

Orlando I've missed you!!

Kindest wishes and love

Hi ho, hi ho it's back to work I go!!!

2010-05-10T00:30:00.003+01:00

After four months at home recovering from my knee replacement I am going back to work today!!!

I am sort of ok now, but still have trouble walking around for reasonable periods of time!!

I will miss you all, as I have spent most days while I have been off in your company!!!

I'll now only be visiting during the evening !!

Thank you for your wonderful company!!

Kindest wishes and love

Irrisistable!!

2010-05-07T00:30:00.001+01:00

Recently, during my daily blogging session I came across this post by the delightful Alison at Vintage Amethyst showing some new pieces for her 'Boutique' collection!!

What could I do?

That's right, I just had to take a look!!

There were so many gorgeous things, and I could not resist !!!

Do you want to see what I ordered???

I am absolutely delighted with everything, and Alison again included a lovely gift along with my purchases!!

It's the beautiful matching necklace to the earrings!! Thank you so much Alison, you are so kind and generous!!

This photograph does not do the the pretties justice!! Pop along and check them out for yourself on Alisons blogshop!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Kindest wishes and love

Dreaming!!!

2010-05-05T07:29:00.003+01:00

This is what I am dreaming of today!!

Fancy coming with me???

Kindest wishes and love

Fabulous awards!!

2010-05-03T00:30:00.003+01:00

Recently I was given two brilliant awards!!

One from Alijane at Gingercat, and the other from Vanessa over at Coco Rose Textiles!!

I am always so pleased and amazed when I receive an award!!

Thank you so much, both of you!! I really appreciate them!!

The first one is this from the lovely Alijane:

Thank you so much!!

Now, I have to tell you seven things you did not know about me, so here goes:

1. I had very short hair for about 25 years, until the beginning of last year!!

2. I always have painted toenails, and now more recently fingernails too!

3. My whole family consists of 7 people!!

4. All 4 of the Angel family work for London Underground!

5. We have been going to the same resort in Italy for our summer holidays for over 30 years!

6. I didn't get to go to America until I was 48!!

7. I never, ever go on any theme park rides!! Yuk!!!

I also need to nominate 7 people to pass this on to, but I have decided to pass both awards to the same people, so the list will be at the bottom of this post!!!

Also

Thank you to the delightful Vanessa for this one!!!

I am so please that Vanessa loves my blog!! Both of the ladies have fantastic blogs, so if you don't already know them, pop right on over!!!

Ok, onto the wonderful blogs that I am nominating:

Maggie at Just between me and you

Jaimie at Mimi's Corner

Sherry at Country Wings in Phoenix

Susan at Ash Tree Cottage

BJ at Sweet Nothings

Claire at The Thoughts and Musings of Mrs Lucia-Wright

Vicki at Change - in - a - bottle

Oh and an extra one for luck!!

Suzie at Itch2stitch

Enjoy them ladies!!!

As I said I am always surprised when given a award!! So I would like to thank you both again for the awards, you made my day!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Thank you Claire!!

2010-04-30T00:30:00.003+01:00

Apart from all the other gorgeous parcels I have been getting lately, yet another one popped through my door!!!

The humorous and very kind Claire at Are we nearly there yet? sent me some of her backdated magazines!!

I couldn't have been more pleased, they are lovely!!

I'm a magazine flicker, so I keep flicking through and finding different things each time!!!

They have so many beautiful pictures, and I have found suppliers that I didn't know about!!!

Thank you so much Claire they are fabulous!!!

Have a great weekend, I know I will, I have these!!!

Kindest wishes and love

I just had to!!

2010-04-28T00:30:00.000+01:00

Whilst visiting all my favourite ladies on their blogs the other day I came across this...

over at Vintage Amethyst

I loved it immediately, but I'm sort of packed to the gunnels, so I thought about it for a couple of minutes!! Then I ordered it!!!

I am so glad I did, it arrived the next day!!!

It's so pretty and really does have that vintage look!!

But that's not all, the lovely Alison also put in a really beautiful gift for me too!!!

Look!!

They are so pretty!!

It was just so generous and kind of her!!!

I have to say that I love everything that she has on her web shop, if you haven't already been over there, you really should it's a treat!!

I found lots more that I love too, but more about that another day!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Lucky me!!!

2010-04-26T00:30:00.001+01:00

I have been really lucky recently!! I have won a lovely giveaway from here, and received a surprise package from this lovely lady!!

Then Kelly came home with this for me!!

It was another lovely surprise from an angel of a daughter!!!

See I told you I was lucky!!

Kindest wishes and love

Happy St Georges day!!

2010-04-23T00:30:00.003+01:00

Today is St Georges day.

St George is the Patron Saint of England.

This is the St Georges day flag

My English friends will already know this, but for my non English friends here are some typically English things....

A London bus!

A nice cuppa, the cure all!!!

Fish and chips, always anointed with lots of salt and vinegar!

A pint of beer - not one of my favourites: but I can tell you, it's very popular with the men!!!!

And of course, typical English Sunday lunch - roast beef and Yorkshire pudding!

Hope you all enjoyed this!

Have a great weekend!

Kindest wishes and love

Thank you Saskia

2010-04-21T00:30:00.000+01:00

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the lovely, very kind and generous Saskia from
Join my Joy

She sent me the gorgeous surprise parcel below!!

It contained so many well chosen pretty things!!

Some lovely flower seeds, Sweetpeas, Love in a Mist and Gypsophilia to grow a beautiful friendship bouquet!! What a delightful gift!!!

A really cute address book with tiny windmills and dutch figures on the cover in the blue and white of Delft china!!

An assortment of pretty tags and stickers, and two lovely cards!!

It's easy to see that Saskia put a lot of thought and love into these gorgeous gifts!

Thank you my dear friend!

I really do appreciate your generosity!

Kindness wishes and love

Bitten

2010-04-19T00:30:00.002+01:00

And totally smitten!!!

Never in a million years did I think I would ever be writing this post!!!
I'm amazed at myself, this has taken me by surprise!!!
I have resisted for well, ever!!

Kelly has gone on about it, saying how great it is, and more recently my sister, but ME - no way!!!

What is it - it's not new, lots has been said about it, but I really didn't think I would be one of them!!!

What is it?

It's this...

I reluctantly watched the films!!!

The books sat on my table for weeks and I didn't touch them!

Then one morning last week I began Twilight, I could not put it down!!

The whole saga is so compelling and addictive!!!

In five days I had read the lot!!!

I AM A CONVERT!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Shopping Frenzy!!!!

2010-04-16T00:30:00.002+01:00

Since booking my holiday to Hong Kong and Thailand, I realised that I don't have many summer clothes, well not so much summer clothes as summer dresses!!!

You all saw the one I bought in M&S a couple of weeks ago, well I love it and thought that I should buy a couple more!!

I am also going to Italy for a few weeks in July and I'll be able to wear them there too!!!

I found a few dresses that I liked, but I found a couple of other things that I thought would be useful too!!!

Ooops!! Do you think I got a bit carried away???

Have a great weekend.

Kindest wishes and love

Sleepover!!!

2010-04-14T00:30:00.000+01:00

Last week my Nephew Flea came for a sleepover!

He came at teatime one day and stayed till just after lunch the next day!!!

He was a very good boy!!!

When I asked him what he wanted for breakfast he decided on pancakes!! He loves the american style ones!!

So I made them for him

He likes them with these (all on the same pancake!)

I thought I'd better try one (ok then mabye two!)

Going

going

Gone

Yum!!

Kindest wishes and love

Happy 50th Birthday!

2010-04-12T00:30:00.001+01:00

Today is my sister's 50th birthday!!

Happy birthday Jill, you all know who she is - don't you!!

Have a wonderful day!

Enjoy your cake!!!

With lots of love

Give away parcel!!!

2010-04-09T00:30:00.000+01:00

A little while ago I entered an Easter givaway over at Cally's Cottage!!

Much to my surprise I was announced as one of the winners - yay!!!

At the end of last week a parcel popped through my letterbox!!!

It was my prize from the lovely Cally

Look what she sent

A beautiful hand made Easter Card and a gorgeous Easter bag filled with goodies

A pretty heart and a wonderful lavender bag, the smell is devine!!!

Aren't they absolutely delightful??

Cally is so kind and generous, she really spoiled me!!!

I really love them, thank you so much Cally!

Have a lovely weekend

Kindest wishes and love

The history of the table mat - well my table mats!!!!!

2010-04-07T00:30:00.003+01:00

In the thirty six years we have been married Mr angel and I have had four sets of placemats!!

Our first ones were these!!! They were a wedding present, and I loved them!!!

We had them for years!

Then they started to wear out: in fact they were worn out, but I found it difficult to get rid of them!!

I decided that they just had to go, so I retired them, well gave them a funeral really - into the bin!!

I thought it would be a good idea to buy some clear glass ones!!

Easy to keep clean, went with everything as they were clear glass!

They were fine at first, then they started to chip, and got little sharp edges, and the little buffer pads on the bottom stuck to the mat underneath, pulling them off and making it difficult to get them out of the drawer!!!

After several battles, they went in the bin!!!

Then I found these, and again we've had them for years!!!

But lately they have started to wear out and the coating is coming loose!!

They followed the glass ones to the bin!!!

But, only after I found these in BHS in the sale, and thought that they would suit us!!

What do you think??

Kindest wishes and love

Ladies who lunch!

2010-04-05T00:30:00.000+01:00

This week my very lovely and kind friend Val emailed me to ask if she could come over and take me out for coffee!!

As I'm still not driving after my operation, I was delighted at the opportunity to get out for a while!

We stayed locally and Val drove into Epping, to here

We ordered a lovely latte, we had a good chat and of course we checked out some holiday brochures!!!

Then we decided to have a spot of lunch!

I ordered a delicious goat cheese tart

and Val had a yummy salmon and asparagus quiche!!

The food is really good, but that's not all they sell!

Look!!!

It all looks devine, but I was good and didn't buy anything!!

We had a lovely time!!

Kindest wishes and love

Prettiness!!!

2010-04-02T00:30:00.004+01:00

I felt like sharing some prettiness with you today!!

The lovely photo above is by courtesy of the lovely Candy of Rock Candy.

If you haven't already, please pop over and say hello!!

Wishing you all a very happy Easter, and a lovely weekend!!

Kindest wishes and love

Another lovely award!!

2010-03-31T00:30:00.001+01:00

It is with much gratitude that I thank the lovely Debbie at Beautiful Dees for giving me the above award!!

Pop over and say hello to her she is so lovely!!

Now I have to follow the rules of the award.

I have to:

1. List the top ten thing's that make me happy.

2. List 5 trivia thing's about me.

3.Share with 5 people and ask them to do the same.

4. Link the blog's you choose and link the blog of the person who gave it to you.

Although it's been really difficult, I have chosen five ladies who follow me, whose blogs really cheer me and who leave me such lovely uplifting comments

But before I do, I want everyone to know how much I appreciate you all very much.

I have chosen the following lovely ladies, and cheated a bit too because I want to award it to six :

The Duchess of Tea at Rose Tea Cottage

Koralee at Bluebird Notes

Maggie at Just between You and Me

Claire at Are we nearly there yet?

Della at Della Grace's Life

Hannah at Deer that find no pasture

The ten top things that make me happy are:

1. When I see my children happy

2. Spending quality time with my family

3. Family holidays

4. Holidays in general

5. Seeing good friends

6. Blogging and my blog friends

7. Beautiful scenery

8. Beautiful flowers and gardens

9. Having a pampering session

10. Baking

5 pieces of trivia about me

1. I took adult tap classes, and the exams too!!

2. I didn't fly for over 20 years

3. I never go on any theme park rides - hate them, but love the parks!!

4. I finally learned to swim at 35

5. I love romantic films and books , they are my all time favourite

Well thats it!!

Kindest wishes and love

101 ways with Ripe Bananas!!!!

2010-03-29T00:30:00.001+01:00

Yes, I've done it again!!

Bought some lovely bananas, not ripe enough to eat, so I put them in the fruit bowl to ripen, and promptly forgot about them!!!

So I here I am left with 4 really ripe bananas, again!!

What shall I do with them? Throw them away - no!!

Banana muffins again???

No, don't fancy them!!

Something more healthy.... now that's an idea!!!

I had a trawl on the internet and came up with these!!!

Healthy Banana Flapjacks

So I weighed out the ingredients

Melted the butter and margarine (actually I used all butter, but you could use all margarine)

To the melted butter I mixed in the sugar and honey

Then the porridge oats

I mashed the bananas, and added them to the oat mix (I used double banana as I had so many!!)

Mixed them in well and put the mixture into a baking tin

Baked them for 15 minutes

Yummy, scrummy banana flapjacks!!!

I thought I'd better try them to make sure they were ok!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Such kindness!!

2010-03-26T00:30:00.002Z

Today I must say a very big 'THANK YOU' to the lovely Louise of Handmade in Gibralter

(if you haven't already visited her blog please do, you will be in for a treat!)!!

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago Louise posted about some lovely spectacle cases that she had made!!

I left her a comment admiring them, and jokingly said that I could do with one myself: as I had just bought some new reading glasses that did not have a case!!

She very kindly offered to sent me one!!!

Now, that was an offer I couldn't refuse!!

And this morning my close friend Mr Postman left me this...

I was delighted when I opened it!

The case is really pretty

And my specs fit in perfectly!!

Isn't it lovely???

Thank you again dear Louise!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kindest wishes and love

Happy Birthday to you!!!

2010-03-24T00:30:00.001Z

Today is my lovely daughter's birthday - you all know who she by now!!

I just want to say Happy Birthday Kelly!!

Have a really great day, and an even better year!!

I love you!

from

Mum

X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Another treat!!!

2010-03-22T00:30:00.004Z

After all the lovely things I have been sent recently, Mr Postman has been good to me again!!!

He dropped the latest copy of my favourite mag through the door!!!

One of my birthday presents from my sister this year was a subscription to this great magazine!!

I love everything about it, the very handy household hints, great recipes interesting features!!

I'm not a big UK magazine fan but I LOVE the American ones!!!!

I thought you might like to see my treat!!

I'm off to read it with a lovley cup of coffee now!!!

Mmmmm heaven!!

Kindest wishes and love

Surprise!!!

2010-03-21T10:16:00.005Z

Good morning!! Welcome to my new look blog!!

It is a surprise for me too!!

I had been wishing for some changes for spring, with my blog genie and this morning my wish has come true!!!

I love it!!

So a big, big thank you to my blog genie!!

You all know who she is ....

of course it's Kelly!!!

What do you think??

Kindest wishes and love

We made it!!!

2010-03-19T00:30:00.001Z

Do you remember the post about the trip Mr A and I had booked to go to France for the day in December with our friends John and Yasmin?

The Euro Tunnel was at a complete standstill that day, as was the motorway!!!

Well, we finally went on Saturday - Yay!!

We left home around 08:15

Our train was booked for 12:00

But we were lucky enough to get there in time for an earlier train!!!

When we arrived in Calais we went to check out some hotels near to the terminal as Mr Angel and John are off on a little jaunt in June with some friends on their Lambretta and Vespa scooters!!!

From there we went to Cite Europe to buy wine and to look round the gorgeous shops there!!

Of course we had to take a break for lunch!!!

Then we were off to do some more shopping!!

We went here...

and bought...

Then we went here

and bought

Yes more wine - none of it was for me!!! Yasmin does not belong to AA contrary to what you might think after seeing the photographs!!!! She stocks up!!!

We stopped off for a lovely french coffee!!

Before heading back to the Eurotunnel terminal and home!

We didn't have time for dinner in France too, so we went out for a late meal when we got home!!

We had a fantastic day - but we always do with John and Yasmin!!!

Thank you Yasmin for organising this great day out!!

Thank you Mr A for driving!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Award!!!

2010-03-17T00:30:00.001Z

I would like to say a very big thank you to TWO of my blog friends who both awarded me the fabulous sunshine award!!

The two lovely ladies who gave it to me are:

Emma from Ems Shabby Shack
and
Hettie of Hettie DeHora

Thank you so much ladies I am delighted!!

It's such a cheerful award, thank you again!!!

I have decided not to pass it to anyone in particular, but to offer it to anyone who would like to take it, you all deserve it!! You are wonderful!!

Kindest wishes and love

Mothers Day and Yay 50 Giveaway results!!!

2010-03-15T00:30:00.000Z

I hope all you mums out there had a wonderful day!!!

I had a lovely day, with some beautiful surprises!!

Firstborn Angel aka Kelly from Kelly's Recipes For Life

gave me these gorgeous goodies!!

The button necklace was made for me by Kelly!!! I particularly love the pansy buttons!!!

Look

Second born Angel, my son Lee gave me this lovely card and brilliant cd by the Noisettes!!!

As usual I have been really spoiled, with so many lovely things!!!

Thank you both, my darlings!!

'Yay 50'

Now as promised here are the results of my 'Yay 50' giveaway!!

I used a random number generator to choose the winner!!!!

And the winner of the cute teaset for one, the Cath Kidston serviettes and the tiny English Teatime Recipes book (plus an extra surprise!!) is:

the lovely Saskia of Join My Joy

Well done Saskia, please email me your details and I will post the parcel off to you!!!

Kindest wishes and Love

Giveaway and swap!!!

2010-03-12T00:30:00.001Z

Back in January I entered the One World One Heart give away hosted by the lovely Sherry of

If I could set my soul free.

Much to my surprise I was announced as one of the winners!!!

The prize was a potholder and two dishcloths very cleverly made by the talented Sherry! We even had a choice of colour!!!

Sherry was a very good sport about posting from the US to the UK - Thank you for doing that.

On Tuesday morning Mr Postman dropped this through my door.

I was very keen to get it open!

Look what Sherry sent.....

Not one but two potholders, and the promised two dishcloths!!!

They are really lovely, made from gorgeous fabric and sooo well made!!!

Thank you so much Sherry, I love them, can't wait to use them!!!

Then on Wednesday the dear postman (I can call him that 'cos he is - a man!!)
left me another parcel!!

It was my swap parcel from the lovely Lydia of Waving or Drowning.

She told me secretly (You won't tell anybody - will you??) that this was her first swap and she was a bit nervous!!

I can say now - I have no idea why!!!

The parcel was fantastic!! So pretty when I opened the box!!

I almost left the gorgeous gifts inside so as not to spoil the wrapping!!

Anyway, I forced myself to open them, and I was absolutely delighted with what I found!!!

Look.......

There were two - yes two, large bottles of scrummy shower gel, one in wild cherry and the other in mango they smell really good: a large pack of mango tea lights, that smell so lovely too!! Then a large tub of satsuma body butter, and a pot of satsuma shimmer lip balm - called Born Lippy!! At this point I have to ask Lydia if she knew my mum - this was what she used to say about me!!! It's just not true!!!!
Last, but by no means least there was a bar of yummy, yummy dark chocolate with whole cherries!!!

I might have had to open it right away!!!

Well it was Lydia's fault, she sent it!!!

All I can say to Lydia is thank you so much - I loved everything!!

So you can see that this week I have been really spoiled by both Sherry and Lydia!!

Thank you very much again ladies!! You are both so generous!!

Kindest wishes and love

Pampered!!!

2010-03-10T00:30:00.001Z

Last week I booked a facial to be carried out at my home!!!

Alicia - my friends daughter is a fully qualified beauty therapist!!

She uses Decleor products, and I have to say they are delicious!!

Well yesterday was the day!!!

She arrived promptly, and set up her bed and other equipment!

She put on some soothing music, and began with a fabulous back massage to relax me!!!

Then I was fully pampered and spoiled for the next hour or so!!

I could have laid there all day - Alicia is so relaxing to be around and very, very good at her job!!!

My skin felt wonderful afterwards!!

So of course I had to book another!!!

Well wouldn't you???

Kindest wishes and love

Waste not....!!!

2010-03-08T00:30:00.000Z

On Friday I found some very ripe bananas in our fruit bowl.

I didn't want to throw them away so I decided to make some Banana Muffins!!!

I knew that my nephew was coming to me after school because his Daddy was going out: and I thought he would enjoy a muffin and a glass of milk.

I sifted together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl.

I mashed together the bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter.

Then I mixed the wet ingredients into the dry.

Popped it into the muffin cases, and baked it at 180C or 360F for about 20 minutes!!

They came out really well and were very moist and light!!

While I had the oven on I decided to make little Flea (my nickname for my Nephew) his favourite dinner!!

He loves Pasta al Forno!!

To make it cook 250g of your favourite short pasta
I chopped and fried some smoked bacon and mixed it with homemade tomato sauce (we always have it available in the fridge) and the drained pasta. Pour this into an ovenproof dish.

Meanwhile in a jug or bowl heat 1pint of milk with some fresh thyme, a piece of onion, salt, pepper and a pinch of grated nutmeg and allow to infuse for a while.
Strain the milk and use to make a white sauce (I just used some cornflour) but you can make a conventional white sauce with butter and flour if you wish.
Pour the sauce over the pasta in the dish and top with grated cheese.
Bake at 170C or 340F for about 40 minutes or until golden on top.

Serve with a scrummy salad!!

After all that I thought I deserved a little treat!

Well that was our dinner on Friday night!!!

I hope you enjoy it, if you decide to make it!!

Kindest wishes and Love

Yay 50!!!!

2010-03-05T00:30:00.006Z

I am so pleased today, because I now have over 50 followers. I think of you as friends though!!

I am surprised, because when I started blogging I was sure that nobody would want to read anything about me!!

But I wanted to try anyway, and I am so glad that I did!!

As always you lovely ladies in Blogland have been welcoming, supportive and kind: and kept reading and commenting on my posts - that has been the best bit!!!

So, to show how grateful I am for your support and kindness, I decided to host a 'thank you giveaway'!!!

As you all know, I have been out once or twice lately, and my will to shop has returned, I have purchased with blog friends in mind!!!!

What do you think?

Have your very own afternoon tea with a cute 'tea for one' set and some CK Napkins, there are also loads of treats to make in this little book of English Teatime Recipes!

If you would like to be included in the give away please leave me a comment at the end of this post by midnight 12 March 2010!!!

The winner will be announced on 15 March 2010!!!

Good luck my dear friends and thank you for your lovely comments and love!!!

Kindest wishes and love

To the shops !!

2010-03-03T00:30:00.003Z

I thought I'd try a little shopping trip a couple of days ago: accompanied by my personal home help and chauffeur, we set off!!!

Inspired by the lovely goodies some of you ladies have found in their local CSs, we thought we'd give ours a try!!!

It was quite disappointing as there wasn't anything remotely pretty or vintage in any of them!!

It wasn't a totally wasted journey though!!

We did stop for a latte and a cake - well we didn't want to feel faint from lack of food!!

Thus fortified, I did manage to find these pretties to cheer me up!!

And this for my Hong Kong holiday

I thought it would be perfect dressed up to go out for dinner or dressed down to go sightseeing or shopping!!

What do you think??

Kindest wishes and love

Hong Kong Phooey

2010-03-01T00:30:00.000Z

Great excitement!!!!

For a while now Mr Angel and I have been planning a holiday with some good friends!!!

Where shall we go!!!

What shall we do!!!

well, we finally settled on this......

Hong Kong

then.....

Phuket Thailand

and finally....

Bangkok

I am soooo looking forward to it!!!

When are we going???

Later this year!!!

Watch this space!!

Kindest wishes and love

Another pretty for my favourite room!!!

2010-02-26T00:30:00.000Z

Firstborn Angel is so kind and generous, she really spoils me, and often surprises me with lovelies!!!

The last pressie she bought me home was no exception!!!

I felt something was missing from my favourite room in the house (I gave you all a peek in there earlier this week!!)

I had been wondering what to get when FbA turned up with another surprise package for me!!!

It was carefully wrapped in white tissue paper!!!

I carefully unwrapped it and found....

This gorgeous lavender heart bought from the lovely Alison at Vintage Amethyst!!

I absolutely love it!!

It has the most amazing scent of lavender too!!! The whole room smells wonderful!!!

It can only make my favourite room even better!!!

Thank you FbA for buying it for me and Thank you Alison for selling them in your wonderful on-line boutique!!!

Have a great weekend ladies!!!

Kindest wishes and love

I just remembered that I had these little beauties!!!!

2010-02-24T00:30:00.007Z

Whilst I have been off work, I have spent some of the time watching cookery programmes on TV!!!

I absolutely adore watching my all time favourite Barefoot Contessa

I also like Nigella and many others!!!!

I could watch them all day!!!

Anyway, I got to thinking about some gorgeous glasses that I bought in Venice when we were there!!

I thought that they would be ideal for not only serving drinks - but also for desserts!!!

So I sent Mr Angel into the Aladdins cave that is our loft to search for them!!!!

It took a couple of attempts, but he found them, and here they are!!!!

I hope you like them as much as I do!!!

Kindest wishes and love

My favourite room in the house!!!

2010-02-22T00:30:00.000Z

Just before Christmas we had some special visitors coming to stay - but I didn't have a nice guest room for them to stay in!!!

All we had was Firstborn Angels old room - and I do mean old!!! (no photo - too awful)!!!

I decided that a complete make over was in order!!!

Everything went - I do mean everything!!!

I had the walls re-plastered, painted in a gorgeous neutral colour, new carpet, bed and furniture!!!!

And the best bit - the accessories!!!!

Now I really love it!!!

What do you think????

Kindest wishes and love

Duvets, pillows and toppers!!!

2010-02-19T00:30:00.001Z

After spending a lot of time in bed recently!!!

I decided it was time for some new bed linen!!!

Firstborn Angel recommended that I have a look at the Duvet and Pillow Warehouse website!!!!

I am glad that I took her advice!!

I ordered some lovely new king size pillows and some 600 thread count sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers!!!

The pillows are so comfy - soft and supporting too!!!

The sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers are gorgeous, silky and cosy too!!

They are really good quality!!!

As I was so pleased with those things I decided to buy the mattress toppers that I had been promising myself for the last couple of years (since we slept on one at the Sofitel Hotel at Gatwick airport!!) Then I went completely mad and ordered a new all seasons Hungarian Goose Down duvet!!!!

They turned up this week and I thought you might like a peek!!!

I'll let you know how much more comfortable they make my bed!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Wednesday Tea for Thee and Me...

2010-02-18T00:30:00.001Z

Whist reading the tenth Wednesday Tea for Thee and Me post on the lovely SilkenPurse blog I realised that it fitted in well with - a. my love of afternoon tea... and - b. with a gorgeous Christmas present that my daughter and I were given by my lovely son and his girlfriend!!!!

My daughter and I received a fabulous gift certificate for Afternoon Tea at the Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane!!!

We were very excited, and are really looking forward to going - although I need to wait a little longer untill I can attempt the journey to London!!!

I am a big, big fan of Afternoon Tea - it's so elegant and refined, but best of all so traditionally English!!!

I have also sampled Afternoon Tea at The Ritz Hotel in London, The Wolseley in Piccadilly London and Down Hall in Hertfordshire.

In every case the tea has been wonderful, all slightly different, but a truly marvellous experience just the same!!!

It is one of my favourite things to do!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Now I can show you MY Cath!!!!!!

2010-02-17T00:30:00.006Z

I know it's a bit late but to join in the real original 'Show us your Cath' but I am very pleased to say that I have just had some gorgeous Cath Kidston china bought for me!!!

And I can't wait to show you what I have!!!

My dear sister - home help, personal chauffeur and IT support amongst other things bought it for me on Friday!!!!!

I was so surprised!!!

So have a look.......... what do you think????

I really love it!!!

We used the cups and saucers on Saturday for a delicious latte when my friend visited - they looked gorgeous!!!

It's so beautiful that I decided to buy these too!!!!

Anyway that's it for now - until I buy more!!!!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

My Valentine surprise!!!

2010-02-14T15:46:00.000Z

I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!!!

Normally my dear husband just buys me a card!!!

But this morning I woke up to.......

A lovely card!!

And.......

All these gorgeous pressies!!!!!

What a lovely surprise, I am so lucky!!!

But I feel really bad now!!!

Because I only bought ......

This!!!

Oops!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Crochet is fun!!!

2010-02-12T00:30:00.000Z

I thought you might like a quick peek the Granny squares that I began to crochet last Saturday!!!

Surprisingly (for me) I have really enjoyed making them!!!

Some days I make one and other days I make two or three!!!

Here are the ones I have made so far!!!

I am really looking forward to seeing the cushion cover that I want to make with them!!!

I might need help with that though!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Have you ever???

2010-02-10T00:30:00.001Z

Have you ever bought something you know you shouldn't??

Well this week I made the fatal mistake of buying some of these!!!

They are Marks and Spencer Raspberry Viennese Biscuits!!

Have you ever tried them!!!! They are so delish!!! I simply cannot leave them alone!!!

The biscuit part melts in your mouth and the raspberry part is so yummy!!!

Anyway, once these have gone I am definitely not buying any more............

Honestly!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Big progress!!!

2010-02-08T00:30:00.001Z

Today I made a big jump in my progress!!! No - not the crochet!!!

I had a bath!!!! The first in five weeks!!!

Since my operation I have had to wash down from top to toe each day as we don't have a walk in shower!!!

As my knee has improved somewhat in the last few days, I decided to give a bath a go!!!

So with the aid of my personal chauffeur, IT support and home help I managed it!!!

Sorry ladies definitely no photos!!!!!

I just thought it was worth a mention!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Looking for someone to blame!!!!

2010-02-06T16:30:00.000Z

I am blaming you ladies in Blogland!!!

I don't craft!! I can knit quite nicely and I love to bake!!!

But I don't normally do either very often!!! I knit when someone is expecting a baby and I bake when we have visitors or for a special occasion!!!

However, after seeing all your lovely posts on the wonderful things you make - especially the cushion made from Granny Squares, I was inspired to pay a visit to our local craft shop - after securing the services of my personal chauffeur and IT support!!!

I decided to buy these.....

After a couple of hours of hard work and intense concentration I made this!!!!!

What do you think???

By the turn of the century I should have one of the beautiful cushions that I admire so much!!!

Kindest wishes and love

What a lovely surprise!!!

2010-02-03T18:25:00.000Z

As you can probably guess there's not too much going on in my life at the moment!!!

I feel like a prisoner - I am only allowed out to visit the Physiotherapist!!!! I feel that I have to point out that this is not that much fun!!! Well no fun at all!!!

So when the postman dropped some letters through our door this morning it was quite exciting!!!!

There was a big thick envelope for me!!!

I know I hadn't ordered anything on-line!!! So what was it!!!

It was these two great American magazines and a beautiful card with a lovely message in it!!!

Now American Magazines are my absolute favourite!!! I never read English ones!!!

The lovely and very kind Lisa from Jumble and Jelly sent them to me!!!

Thank you so much Lisa, I can't wait to start looking at them!!!

And thank you again for the very kind and loving thought!!!

Kinsest wishes and love

A job well done!!!

2010-02-01T19:00:00.000Z

Today I decided to sort out lots of accumulated bits and pieces that had been lying around my bedroom!!! I have been needing to do this for some time!!! So I asked my sister to move it all to one place so that I could put it away!!!

I stared with this!!!

I wanted to put it in the spare room cupboard, here!!!

After a lot of to-ing and fro-ing - remember I am still on crutches!!!

I did it!!!

I am pleased to have a tidy bedroom and things where I can find them easily!!!

Phew - time for a cuppa!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!

2010-01-29T13:06:00.005Z

I must say a BIG thank you to both LissyLou of LissyLou and the 2 little boys and Sophie of

Chez Sophie for giving me the Sunshine award!!!

I am so thrilled!!!

I have decided not to pass the award on to anyone in particular as I LOVE so many blogs!!

But to throw it open to all who would like to take the award for themselves!!!

Hope you all have great weekends ladies!!

Kindest wishes and Love

Happy Birthday.......... to me!!!!

2010-01-28T20:00:00.000Z

On Monday this week it was my birthday!!! Given my current circumstances, I spent it quietly at home!!!

However - even though I have been out of circulation for a while!!! It seems that I 'm not forgotten!!!

I received lots of cards and pressies from my lovely family and friends!!!

As you know Mr Angel bought me this lovely laptop a couple of weeks ago!! He also offered me this lovely Mulberry handbag!! I really love it, but I'm not sure if I want one enough to spend all that money!!!

Angels 1 and 2 and Angel no 2's girlfriend bought me a fabulous Sony Cyber-shot digital camera!!! A memory card and a fantastic lip gloss that I love!!!

My sister bought me a pretty clock, beautiful photograph frame and gorgeous framed print to go in my newly decorated spare room!!!!

I received four lots of flowers, some lovely Vera Wang perfume, a Swarowski necklace, some Fortnum and Mason Traditional Turkish Delight (Yum), a Large Yankee Candle Jar, a beautiful Venetian glass heart shaped pendant on a ribbon, some lovely OPI nail polish (my very favourite brand), a smelly set, a gravy boat and body lotion and some chocolate!!!
Look!!!

I also received 20 birthday cards!!!

I am so spoiled and very lucky!! I have a wonderful family and fabulous friends!!!

That's my birthday for another year!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Back again..... and again!!!

2010-01-14T12:31:00.011Z

Hello dear friends!!

I am so sorry that I have not blogged as much as I would have liked in my first week or so home from hospital!!

Unfortunately, after arriving home Monday afternoon, I took to my bed again Tuesday lunchtime (last week) with a horrible bug: so for a few days I was - how shall I put it - off colour green to be precise!!!

I thought I was OK at the weekend - but no!!! I was struck down again!!!

Today though I feel human again!!!!

I had the clips removed from my knee yesterday - not the best thing I have ever experienced!! But I survived!!!!

I will be reading your lovely posts as quickly as I can now!!!

Hopefully - normal service will be resumed as soon as possible!!!

Thank you all for your lovely comments!!

Kindest wishes and love!!

I'm back!!!!!

2010-01-11T16:48:00.007Z

Hello my dear friends, I'm back home safe and sound with my new knee!!

Thank you all so much for the lovely comments you left for me!! You are all so kind and loving!!!

First Born Angel went out on Saturday and bought my new laptop for me!!!!

This post is, therefore being posted from that!!!!

I can sit with my knee supported and blog to my hearts content!!!

I will catch up with all I have missed tomorrow - I have all day!!

Kindest wishes and love

xxxx

All's Well

2010-01-09T00:12:00.002Z

Hello,

This is first born Angel. I have just popped in to let you know that Angel is doing well after the operation and we should have her home on Monday.

There is some more good news in that Mr Angel has instructed me to go buy her a laptop so she can blog in comfort while she is recovering!
Thank you all so much for your kind comments, I have passed them all on.

Not looking forward to this!!!!

2010-01-06T00:30:00.010Z

A very good morning to all my friends in blogland!!

I just wanted to let you all know that I won't be around for a while (not sure how long yet). I am off to hospital this morning to have an operation to replace my left knee!!!!

Scary!!

I should only be in hospital for five days, but I don't know how long it will be before I can sit at my computer!!!

I should definitely have let Mr Angel buy me a laptop for Christmas!!!

Still looking on the bright side, I hope it won't be too long before I can get around!!! Then I'll have all day for the next couple of months to blog!!!!

There's always a silver lining!!!

I'll be back on-line as soon as I can!! In the mean time ....

Sending kindest wishes and love to you all!!

Winter wedding!!!

2010-01-04T00:30:00.006Z

Last Wednesday 30th December, I attended the wedding of my friend Lesley's daughter Katie!

Katie married Mark at St Mary Magdalen Church in the village of Magdalen Laver in Essex.

The weather was horrible: it was pouring with rain, very dull, and freezing cold!!!

The welcome we all received though, was most definitely warm and loving!!!

The church was beautifully decorated and surprisingly cosy (they made sure it had been heated for days!!)!!

The bride looked stunning in a latte coloured wedding gown (no photo's yet - sorry)!!

After the wedding ceremony we went back to Lesley's where there was a marquee set up in their garden!!

The marquee was beautiful!!

We were met with a Winter Pimms and hot canapes!!! Just right for the time of year!!

The we enjoyed a lovely meal of traditional 'bangers and mash', served with onion gravy and roasted veggies!!!

Then to finish, Lesley had made 90 portions of her signature raspberry cheesecake!!! Signature - not able to be frozen raspberry cheesecake!!! Yum yum!!

What a mum eh!!

Then we had a fantastic disco and danced the evening away!!!

Congratulations to Katie and Mark - wishing you a long and happy life together!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T00:30:00.001Z

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!!

Thank you all very much for your support during my first few months of blogging!!

Kindest wishes and love

A Christmas gift for Lesley!

2009-12-31T00:30:00.003Z

You might remember from an earlier post that I made my friend Lesley a cake for her 'special birthday' in October, and No1 Angel decorated it beautifully for me!

Unfortunately Lesley did not have a cake stand to put it on!!

So I decided to buy her one for Christmas!!

I didn't want to send it empty so No1 Angel made these lovely marzipan fruits and flowers to fill it!!!

She's a very clever Angel!!

I loved them and so did Lesley!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Thank you boys!!!

2009-12-30T00:30:00.003Z

Shortly after we completed our Christmas stocking swap, hosted by Bekimarie of

The rambling of an everyday mummy

I received this very sweet note from the 2 little boys of LissyLou and the 2 little boys to thank me for the gifts I sent them!!!

They drew me this lovely picture too!!

How kind of them!! I was so pleased to receive it!!!

Thank you boys!!

Kindest wishes and Love

Christmas Wishes!!!

2009-12-24T00:30:00.011Z

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous new year!!

I hope Santa brings you everything you wished for!!

Kindest wishes and love

My weekend jaunt!!!

2009-12-22T00:30:00.004Z

On SaturdayMr Angel I had planned to go to France for the day with some friends!!

We booked to go on the Channel Tunnel!!

Some of you probably heard that it was not running on Saturday!!

My friend called the information line, and the recorded message said that there were 'delays'.

As it happened, this turned out to be a slight understatement!!!

Anyway, to cut a long story short we didn't go to France for the day!!

But we did drive round Kent and Sussex, had a wonderful lunch in an hotel (somewhere!!!) and saw some beautiful winter scenery!!!!

We headed home for an early dinner!!

The men then decided that they wanted mince pies and custard!!

What could we say!!!

Bon Appetit!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Secret Santa Swap Revealed.....

2009-12-18T00:30:00.002Z

I recently took part in the Secret Santa Swap very kindly organised by Kelly of Kelly's Recipes for Life and Victoria of Florence & Mary!!!

I had no idea who my Secret Santa was (well that's why it's called secret!!!!) and I was so excited when I received a large box!!

When I opened it I found.......

This!!!!!

I couldn't wait to delve further into the box!!!!

This was getting too exciting!! Look how beautifully they were wrapped!!!

Then I found out who my Secret Santa was....... it was the lovely Sophie from Chez Sophie!!

Then......... the best bit of all!!!

What can I say, but thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

What fantastic gifts!!

To start I found the Wonderful Home Sweet Home hanging plaque that you can see in the centre!! Followed by the beautiful floral notebook with a pink ribbon bookmark with some gorgeous pink beads on (I hope you can see them!!)

Then there was the very pretty spotted drawstring toilet bag!! How did she know that I wanted one of those!!!! To go with that there was a tablet of Cath Kidston soap!!

Then a lovely little tin of Merry Cranberry lip balm - which I love!!! I also found some wonderful rose scented candles, some spotted tissues (never to be used as they are so pretty!!) a really cute wooden tag with the word 'Joy' on it - this is already on my tree!!

Last but certainly not least some scrummy white chocolate coins and a delectable box of Belgian Chocolates!!!

What generosity eh!! I have been totally spoiled!!!

Sophie - What can I say: but thank you so much, and I hope Santa spoils you as much as you have me!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ladies!!

Kindest wishes and love

Christmas Stocking Swap!!

2009-12-15T00:30:00.002Z

I have to begin this post with a very, very big 'Thank You' to LissyLou of

LissyLou and the 2 Little Boys for the wonderful Christmas stocking and to Bekimarie of the ramblings of an everyday mummy for hosting the swap!!

The Stocking and the gifts that came with it were gorgeous! LissyLou had gone to the trouble of making the stocking and the lovely gingam heart decoration 'specially for me!! How kind is that - she has two little ones!! I know how time consuming they can be! I really appreciate her kindness and hard work!!

As you can see from the photograph there were lots more goodies too! The beautiful angel decoration I have already put on my tree along with the very pretty little plaque with the Christmas scene painted on it and the candy cane!!! The lovely pack of Christmas tissues are so pretty I can't bring myself to open, let alone blow my nose on them!!!

Erm - there aren't quite as many chocolate coins in the photgraph as first arrived!! Well they were white chocolate - my absolute favourite - sorry!!

The Yankee Candle 'Sparkling Snow' tart is going straight in my tart burner to use over the yuletide period!!!

The card that LissyLou put in was hand made too and so pretty!! It matched the paper that the parcel was wrapped in!!

Sorry about the quality of the photo - but I was so taken with the paper that the parcel was wrapped in I wanted to share it with you!!

Anyway once again - Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity LissyLou!!

Here is what I sent to LissyLou

And the 2 Little boys!!

I hope they like them!!

Kindest wishes and Love

And the winner is.........

2009-12-14T00:30:00.000Z

As promised here are the winners of my Aussie holiday give away!!!!!

I engaged the help of Mr Angel to pick out the winners - well coersed is actually a better word but he did it more or less willingly for me!!

And the first winner is..... Coco Rose Textiles!!!

The second name he pulled out was Della from Della Grace's Life!!

The final choice was Susie from Itch2stitch!!

I really hope you like your gifts girls!!! Send me an email with your addresses and I will post them to you as quickly as I can!!

Thank you for sharing the fun with me!!

Kindest wishes and love

What a week!!!

2009-12-10T18:40:00.013Z

What a week I've had - I have not stopped!!! It's been all go at work. I've bought and written my Christmas cards!!! I am even writing this as I am waiting to go out with my lovely astrology friends for a Christmas meal!!

Tomorrow is my office Christmas Party!! We are going to a fantastic place in London called Guanabara!! It's a Brazilian restaurant and bar!! It's very lively and a lot of fun!!

As I have to work all day tomorrow, I don't have time to come home so Mr Angel is kindly taking my bag into work for me tonight (he is a night worker!!). So I've been getting ready to go out and packing a bag for tomorrow!!!

Anyway, what I also wanted to say was, this is your last opportunity to put your name down for my give away!! It closes at midnight: Don't miss the fun!!!

I will reveal the winners on Monday 14 December: when I have had a chance to breath again!!!

So have a lovely weekend ladies!! Speak to you on Monday!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!!

2009-12-07T16:14:00.013Z

Hi all, sorry I haven't been around again, but I have just had the most fantastic weekend playing host to some friends from Italy for the weekend!!

They arrived on Friday and were staying till Sunday, so we had no time to waste!!!!

Friday was spent on a whistle stop tour of London!!

We went to the Tower of London, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery!!!! Phew!!!

On Saturday the men went to the Imperial War Museum Duxford for the day, which was thoroughly enjoyed by them, and the ladies spent an enjoyable (if not hectic) few hours in Harrods!!!

Sunday was spent more leisurely with us all enjoying a typical Christmas lunch together before our friends left for the airport!!

That's it for now!!

Time to visit my lovely blog friends!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Big Thank You and Give away!!

2009-12-04T00:30:00.003Z

Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my posts while I was away on my holiday, I really appreciate your kind words and good wishes!!

I am trying to catch up on all your brilliant posts that I missed as quickly as I can!!

As I mentioned in my post on Tuesday, I didn't forget you while I was away!! I bought some pressies back to share with you!

So I have decided to hold my first 'give away'!

If you would like to enter please leave a comment on my blog by Thursday 10 December!!

There will be three winners, and they will be revealed on Monday 14 December!!!

I hope you will all join in!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Back home again!!

2009-12-01T20:39:00.008Z

Well, that's it, we are home again, and my wonderful holiday is over!! I'm quite sad as we had such a fantastic time!!!

Still, if we don't come home.... we can't go away again!!!

Although I'm still feeling a little 'shell shocked' with all the travelling: and Mr Angel and I are still on Aussie time!!!

Anyway normal service will be resumed shortly!!

By the way, I brought some presents back for my bloggy friends, but more about that later!!!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Homeward Bound!!!

2009-11-28T16:30:00.003Z

It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to our friends and say goodbye to Perth!!! We have had a fantastic time! The whole of the Perth area is so beautiful and the people are so warm and friendly!!

So till next time....... byeeeeee!!!

Kindest wishes and love

The Perth Mint

2009-11-25T00:30:00.005Z

Today we decided to take a look at The Perth Mint

It stands right in the centre of Perth and is open for visits! Visitors are given a little of the history of the mint and of the gold rush that happened in Western Australia!!!

During the tour of the mint it is possible to see a gold ingot being made!! The same gold can be melted down and made into an ingot every day for twenty years without losing any volume!!!!!

Not bad eh!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Go directly to gaol!!!!

2009-11-22T00:30:00.011Z

Today we decided to visit Fremantle Prison

We have visited it before and took two of the four tours!! They were so entertaining, informative and actually really funny too!! We decided to go back and visit again but this time take a tour that we missed before!!

Kindest wishes and love

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!!!

2009-11-19T00:30:00.007Z

Today we are off to the beach!! Here in Western Australia there are some absolutely fabulous beaches!! They are all so beautiful!!

Some deserted!

Some not so deserted!

All of them are beautiful!! Soft white sand! Crystal clear water!!

Gorgeous!! Don't you agree!!

More soon!! Have a great weekend!!

Kindest wishes and love

Out for the day!!

2009-11-16T00:30:00.011Z

Today we went to a beautiful town 90k in land from Perth! To get there you have to drive through the wheat belt!! Last time we went there we drove through a swarm of locust!! Not today though!!!

The town is called York and it famed for it's typical Australian architecture!!

Look how empty the streets are!!! It's possible to stand in the middle of the street and take photographs!!!

It is so pretty! So quiet with only the sounds of crickets and the lovely smell of eucalyptus!!! What a wonderful day!!

Kindest wishes and love

Throw another shrimp on the barbie!!!

2009-11-13T00:30:00.004Z

When we went to Perth 3 years ago we met a fantastic couple who had just emigrated there!! We have kept in touch with them ever since! When we let them know that we would be in Perth, they immdiately invited us to a barbeque!!

Their house is in a really lovely suberb of North Perth not far from the beach!!

Here it is!!

It is near a really great shopping mall too!!! It's in a place called Whitfords!!

As you can see from the link it's on the Sunset Coast and it is truly fantastic to drive along the road right by the coast, the view are so beautiful!!!

We had a brilliant time with our friends who are so warm and welcoming! The bbq consisted of snags and tinnies!!! Sausages and beer to the rest of us!! Well there was some of that stuff, but loads of other stuff too!!!

Look!!

A very good time was had by all!!

Well that's all for now!! Till next time!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Armistice Day in Perth

2009-11-11T11:00:00.007Z

Today is Armistice Day. Every time we have been to Australia it has been at this time of the year!

I have always been very surprised impressed with how the Australians remember this day as they have their own day for rememberance called Anzac Day which is on 25th April and comemeorates the anniversary of the day that Australian troops first set foot on Gallipolli!!

Armistice day is very well remembered in Australia!!

Here is a photograph of the memorial in Kings Park!!

I didn't want this day pass without acknowledging the great sacrifice some families made for their country!!

Thank you and blessings to all of our fathers and grandfathers - whoever they were, who fought for our freedom!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Landed down under

2009-11-09T00:30:00.007Z

G'day - we're here in sunny Perth!!! Well it was a long journey, but well worth it!!!

We are staying in a fantastic spot, 2k from the centre of the city, but Kings Park

is right behind our hotel, it's so beautiful and well kept!!

Our hotel is called Mounts Bay Waters Apartments it is really lovely and very convenient for anywhere we wish to go!!!

In front of the hotel is the Swan River, so the spot is perfect, wonderful views wherever we look!!

I don't want to bore you, so see you soon cobber!!

Kindest wishes and love

Up Up and away

2009-11-05T00:30:00.006Z

It's time to go!!! We are ready!!! Our bags are packed.....

We have our passports and our money!!!

See you all soon........!!

Where are we going???

Oh, ok then.............. we're going

'Down Under'

Keep in touch!!!!!

By the way...have a great weekend all!!

Kindest wishes and love

I Love to go a wandering.......

2009-11-03T00:30:00.005Z

Well I have to tell you, that, Mr Angel and I are off on holiday!!! I am very excited!!

So that you can have some fun too: I thought you may all like to join us!!......I will keep you all up to date with what we are doing and where we are going, but as I don't have the means to log on while I am away - I have decided to go virtual - I hope that's ok with you all?!!

The sad thing is that I won't be able to comment on your lovely blogs while I am away!! I'll miss you all!!!

But first of all I need to pack!!!!!!!

Do you think I should cut down a little??!!!

Kindest wishes and love

Back home again!!

2009-11-02T00:30:00.004Z

Mr Angel and I are back home from our lovely weekend away!! How quickly it went!! We had a fantastic time with our friends though!

On Saturday we went shopping!!!

After our shopping, we had fish, chips and curry sauce for our lunch at one of the most popular fish restaurants in Lincoln called 'The Sign of the Fish'!! It was really scrummy!!

We spent the rest of the time relaxing, chatting and laughing with our friends at their lovely bungalow!!

Then suddenly it was Sunday teatime and we had to leave!!!

Oh well back to work !!!

Kindest wishes and love

A weekend away!!

2009-10-30T00:30:00.003Z

Mr Angel and I are off for a weekend of fun!!! We are going to the lovely city of Lincoln!! Well just outside actually!!

We will be catching up with some old friends, shopping, eating and generally relaxing in good company!!!

We are really looking forward to it!!

I hope you ladies all have a great weekend, and enjoy it as much as I know I will mine!!!

Kindest wishes and love