Best foot forward

So here we go then, heading into 2015.

I like the symbolism of a new year stretching ahead of us like freshly fallen snow waiting for our footprints.

I will try to stride out purposefully. 

 

But of course I know there will be detours, obstacles and distractions along the way.

'Twas ever thus.

Now where's that lovely big present from my old friend Sal?

 Oh.... I'll open that later then.

 

Table all set for Christmas dinner. 

 Plus impromptu cat decorations. 

I wonder if I should try harder with hygiene in 2015?

 

 

A festive game of Creationary.

Willow only wanted to help...

 

 

Let's have some nice Christmas photos then, kids.

Alternatively, practice your Deranged Faces. 

Thanks.

 

 

But that's life, isn't it? You can plan and organise and have all the goals and resolutions you like, but sometimes you have to give in to the random flow of existence, and just see what happens.

And if you can laugh and enjoy it, so much the better. 

 

The big snowfall we had on Boxing Day was unexpected and disruptive for many, but it certainly provided a beautiful backdrop for my beloved Queen Jessamine.

 

 

And the kids enjoyed it.

Ahem, that's my posing spot, Nina!

 

See?

1970s Co-op maxi skirt and top - charity shopped

Boots and C&A Clockhouse suede jacket - Ebay

Pendant - gift

Belt - retail

 

(I'll pop over to Patti's to say hi to everyone at Visible Monday. Better horribly late than never.)

 

 

So whether you are a Jess, embracing challenges and opportunities with an adventurous spirit...

or like Charlie and Minnie, seeking out a safe spot from which to sniff the air and consider the future...

 

 

or a Wills, gingerly and somewhat reluctantly facing new conditions... 

 

 

we all make our way through life's vagaries in our own unique way, don't we?

Most things can be tackled with plenty of good will, a sprinkle of grit, and a shovel.

 

Wishing you all a very happy New Year!

xxxx

Back to life, back to reality

We slot back into our usual routine tomorrow; the kids return to school, my temporary job is over, and a more regular blogging schedule should resume. But we'll see.

Just as I went outside to take some photos, it started to rain and the wind got up, so I am looking decidedly dishevelled.

  

 There was clearly no point at all in brushing my hair...

1970s Leygil dress and boots - Ebay
Tie cardigan and necklace - charity shopped
Lurex fishnet tights - gift from Goan-mad Vix
Hair flower - retail (sale)



It was Littlest's 8th birthday on Friday. She's doing something with her friends in a couple of weeks' time, but we enjoyed a family meal out, and Eldest took charge of making her sister a birthday cake.

The cake may have been ever so slightly... err... dense in texture. Due to her using plain flour but omitting the baking powder. But we didn't mind.

My mum still tells the story of the first cake I ever made all on my own, probably at about the same age that Eldest is now. It too was flat as a pancake and of a somewhat biscuit-y consistency. My mum gave it away to a passing tramp, and claimed he was delighted to receive a flat cake and a refill of his thermos.

It was the 1970s - simpler times.

Anyway, we all ate the 2014 version of The First Cake and declared it just fine. 

Cheers, Nina - happy birthday, love!
 

Our New Year's Eve was brilliant.

I've got a face like a slapped arse, and only managed to snap a hasty photo in the mirror just before I headed out the door.

But oh we did have a fabulous time!
I wore a 1950s frock, heels, and feathers. Of course.
I chatted and ate and drank, I danced and sang and laughed, a lot.

What more could you ask for?

Non-blurry photos? Nah, never going to happen! This is my favourite pic of the night.

The kids were alright...

...and the adults had a ball, despite the photo of Ron with his head in his hands. I think he may have despaired at Claire's and my rendition of River Deep, Mountain High on the karaoke.

Fuzzy photos; fuzzy heads next day.
Just as it should be.


So - 2014, then.
What will it have up its sleeve?

 xxxxx

Lovley, buttiful

Christmas has come and gone, and I have had a small unscheduled break from blogging; no significant reasons, just Christmas and work and a cold and feeling a bit too busy for my liking.

Christmas itself was fairly relaxed, all food and presents eagerly and gratefully enjoyed.

A day in bed with paracetamol and a good book helped with the cold.

Work is nearly done (just one more shift to go). Remind me again why anyone wants to go shopping on Boxing Day? Plenty do, apparently, but it mystifies the bejeezus out of me...

And 2013 is nearly over - where did it go?

Favourite pressie?

Well, it doesn't really do to have favourites, but I was very taken with this 1960s Brettles nightdress and peignoir set from my friend Tracey. She know me so well!

Tonight we are going round to see the new year in with our friends Claire and Ron, and whoever else pitches up. If I make it to midnight awake, it'll be the year's first miracle..

However, we are taking the karaoke machine, so that might keep me going. Any requests?  (Who said Shaddup your face?)

1970s C&A maxi dress and bracelets- charity shop

1960s faux fur cape /jacket - gift

1970s hat - flea market

Boots - community fair

Here's Eldest, wearing her 1960s vinyl Baker boy cap, looking as though she should be a character in A Taste of Honey or Up the Junction.

Little sisters always ruin the shot...

...but he ain't heavy.

We were off to see The Hobbit at the Imax, it was great.

 Did everyone have a good Christmas? I hope so, and I'll be catching up with all your festive/end of year action very soon.

Hmm, wonder what 2014 has in store?

I daresay I will be buttiful, continue to bellow, and be a godess. 

It's hard to tell with Littlest's atrocious spelling whether she meant goddess or godless. Either works.

Edit: linking to Judith's Hat Attack, the first of 2014!

See you next year!

xxxxxx

Feel the city breaking and everybody shaking

So New Year has come and gone, in a blur of Cava, tequila and dancing...

 

 

 

...and no bugger told me you could see my pink bra through my 1970s lurex disco top!

 

It may be an unfortunate side effect of the camera flash, since I didn't notice it at all when I looked in the mirror.

 

Oh well.

 

It was New Year's Eve - boob flashing is practically obligatory, and no one complained.

We all piled round to join our friends and neighbours, Claire and Ron, to celebrate New Year along with their other guests. There was dancing, drinking, fireworks and sparklers.

 

Speaking of unexpected camera effects - how on earth did I do those sparkler shots? They are bonkers, I love them, but alas have no idea why they came out like that!

1970s lurex angel sleeve top - Ebay

Silk palazzo pants - flea market

Shoes and belt - retail

Bangles, earrings, necklace and visible pink bra - charity shopped

So - that's it for another year. 

The Christmas tree, cards and decorations all come down on New Year's Day in this house. I have had enough by then, and Littlest's birthday is on January 3rd. We pack Christmas away so it doesn't overshadow her day.

Another of my specialities - wonky chocolate cake!

 

Yes, I know it has Christmas robins on it, but she likes them.

 

 

  

 

 

We took our three kids and some of Littlest's friends to the cinema, then back to ours for a birthday tea. 

She had a lovely day. 

I was knackered.

 

 

Blouse and 1970s skirt - charity shopped

1980s boots - Second to None

Belt - gift from dearest Lucy

 

 

 

Not forgetting my favourite 1970s Feminella coat - charity shopped

The last weekend of the holidays is here. I've enjoyed a very sociable, relaxed Christmas and New Year, but I think I am ready for the kids to be back at school, and for life to return to some semblance of order.

 

Remind me I said that on Monday morning, when I'm dragging myself out of bed, moaning at the kids, and they can't find their PE kits and book bags...

I hope all of you have had a good start to 2013. 

Thank you to everyone who reads this blog and takes the time to comment, I do appreciate it. I like blathering on and looking ridiculous, so please keep encouraging me to do so, and I'll happily return the favour!

     xxxx