Belated Wishes

Just a little note to wish you all the best for the Festive Season!

I didn't mean to be so late in posting this, but hey-ho, I'm thinking of you all!

Do follow the link to Sian's Charity Raffle, on the right. She is going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, next year, to raise money for the Alzheimer's charity. I've seen the effects of this horrible disease first-hand, with my father, so I really do know what it can do. It is such a tremendous thing she is going to achieve, so please do support her. Many thanks.

Z xx

Canine Christmas Treats

I just lurve this TV ad.

How cute is that doggy? I mean, if your owners forgot to get you a Christmas gift, wouldn't you want to get your own back?

He he he!

And having just read that Joy has a new puppy, called Zoe, I am dedicating this post to her, Zoe and her other doggy, Bernard. (And yes, I want pictures, please!).

Deep and Crisp and Even

Frosted trees

View down the road to the Park

The big, 'green' tree, at the back of our garden, that I've posted pictures of before.

View out of my kitchen door.

I don't believe that have ever seen trees frosted like they were on Tuesday morning. I'm sure if I had I would remember them, it is so pretty and delicate. Real picture postcard stuff.

*****

I went to Brum about 10 days ago to see my massage therapist, Dr Death, as one of his clients calls him. I have really deep muscle massage, which over time has help make my back and hip much more livable with. Sometimes it is really painful, hence the name!, but OMG does it work!

I had a brilliant few hours there and travelled there and back on my own, which I was really proud of. Then, the last 10 days have been a bit of a wash-out and I haven't got out of the house. Friday, Mr B wasn't in until late in the day -for a change- and helped coerce me out of the house for a coffee. Which I did...on the train up to Brum!

(picture from here)

We realised there were only a handful of performances of Cinderella left in this season, so he got me a ticket and I, a bit shakily, got to see Momoko dance the title role. She was truly wonderful. The First Act was a bit slow, but the Second is really good, and the final section in the Third Act, when the stage is clear of scenery, but has wonderful lighting effects, was truly 'fairytale princess'. I know it's going out on tour to Salford and Plymouth in January, but it also going to be on telly on Christmas Day, so if you fancy a bit of escapism, I can thoroughly recommend it!

Here's hoping I get my mojo back soon. So much to do, so little time, as they say!

Have a great week!

Zxx

The One Ad I Can't Wait For Every Christmas

I do believe I get as excited as the children in this ad, each and every year, when I first see it on TV. It is even better if Mr B and I are together and if not we always remark to each other when we have first seen it!

Mr B has had to stay in Brum during the production week of Cinderella and couldn't wait to tell me that on the way in to work, by bus, there is a giant hoarding with the trucks on and the lights are illuminated! How cool is that? I think he may've taken a photo - will have to chase that up!

Z xx

Christmas Joy

Look at this!

All this could be yours in time for the holiday season!!

Joy, (see what I did there with the title?), from All Made Up, has put together this amazing collection of goodies, for one lucky winner. At the time of writing there are already over 700 entries, but still definitely worth a punt, don't you think? It is open until the 1st December.

*****

Thank you for your supportive comments below. I do think a lot of people suffer when the clocks go back and it seems to be dark most of the time. Plus, this year the weather has been pretty vile too.

My GP suggested putting up my meds a while back, but then I pulled out of it on my own, so I am sure I will this time too. On top of everything else I've clicked into thinking about my dad, who passed away years ago. But he died on the 27 November, three days before his 75th birthday...I don't mean to think about him, but then it just pops into my head, and I go, 'ah, yes, it's that time of year again'. And it seems to have rushed in with a vengeance this year!

Oh, The Mind, what a curious thing to behold, eh?

As Coco Rose suggested, I am trying to bamboozle it with lots of fabulous colour, and trinkets and old Christmas recipes, but I just haven't picked up yet.

My 'get-up-and-go' has 'got-up-and-gone'!

If you find it, send it back, please!

Z xx

Clinical Depression Is A Bummer! * (Edited Version)

* (But It Can Get Better)

Or so I keep telling myself!

Bit slow on the posting front, I'm afraid.

I've just run out of , well, everything, really.

Having a few low days.

Z xx

Edit: I downloaded this picture as I hadn't used it before. My fave CK design! I'm now thinking along the lines of Mr Cowboy lassoing all my negative cr*p and disposing of it down a canyon!

All Roads Lead To Christmas

In honour of I'm A Celebrity etc etc and the fact that it is, how many 'sleeps' to Christmas?, may I present, probably my favourite YouTube clip...ever

The Wonderful Janice Dickinson!!!!

'Nuff said!

Z xx

Catch-up Mash-up

Let's see...a little catch-up with me and my world

Was so un-enamoured of the couple she was going to help last Tuesday that I turned over and watched Holby!

Like everyone else, I enjoyed the first show and loved the house, but couldn't help but feel if the family who owned it had decorated the hall-a lick of paint perhaps?-and renovated the parquet flooring it would have looked a lot better in the first place, and was not really something that needed Kirstie to help them with.

*****

Was terribly upset at the news of Lily Allen and her partner losing their much-awaited baby at 6 months. How awful, I cannot imagine their upset. I have never been much of a fan of hers, but she just seemed to beam in all the recent photos of her and her 'bump' and she looked so happy. God, Life is so bloody cruel, and now she has had to fight blood poisoning too!
My heart goes out to them.

*****

I have been very nearly incandescent with rage over this man! No other country wants him so good ole Blighty gets to keep him. Why? Why do we have a country that gets taken for a ride by all and sundry? I do not want to ever get political on this blog, but heck, Abu Hamza takes the bloody biscuit! And on our local TV news they mentioned about a small group of Muslims in Luton burning the poppy on Armistice Day...words fail me. We have a large-ish Muslim population in our street and I enjoy having them as neighbours, so I find it dreadful that such a small minority can do so much damage.

But to finish this rant, the oldie but goodie...

Abu Hamza-not as nice as he looks!

*****

Onto jollier things-

A new 'old' chair to lust after from the new Cinderella production

and an amazing piece of 'patchwork' set. (This, I must point out is the back, as it is all hush hush at the mo!). You can check out this link for more.

Mr B's new 'friend' from Coppelia!!!

*****

A few 'old' photos from Plymouth yet to have been downloaded until now!

My mate Chloe, a MAC girl, who I always try to catch up with when I'm down there.

Chloe 'n' Zoe

(check out the fab blue nail varnish!)

Our two waitresses at Cafe Rouge, where we ate more times that week than was good for us!

I don't know how that worked out, but there just seemed to be time slots from Mr B's work for us to get there. We haven't been for ages, so it was a lovely treat!

Gabriella and me! I guess she was French, either that or she had perfected a great French accent! My attempts at read at reading off the menu were appalling, so it was so good to hear it spoken properly!!

*****

And, finally, a few Halloween shots.

This was the ladies loo at the Fishmarket, 'done up' for The Nooks' evening party!

We were actually there in the afternoon for the Bicycle Bazaar. I had hoped to catch up with Sharon, the Crafty Trundler, but alas, this time it wasn't to be. Next month!

And, to totally finish you off, a couple of piccies of me!!

So, to my newest Follower, Joy, from All Made Up, 'Hello', and are you sure want to keep following?

Have a great week,

Z xx

And The Winner Is!

Light the blue touch paper...and we're off!

And the winner is...

Just to make it clearer!!!

Rose of Victoria Rose Crafts.

Congratulations!

Have a good weekend,

Z xx

Howzat Giveaway! 100 Not Out!

I have reached 100 posts! Woohoo!

I messed up on my 1st year anniversary, so, to make amends I would like to offer you this little beauty....

Actually, she is not that little. A very generous sized bath towel, that wraps around even me, (and I'm a big lass!!). Soft, pretty and available to one lucky winner on Saturday night! Bonfire Night Weekend, to make sure it goes with a bang!

Basically, just leave a little message and if you are a lurker, take the plunge and become a follower. (You know you want to!).

I will put the names of anyone who follows in the hat anyway, 'cos I'm kind like that!!, but I would like to say thank you as you have all been such a support to me.

And, there are new names too! A big "hello" to Caroline, Roo, Delia , Belinda and Susy. Thank you for taking the time to follow me, I really do appreciate it. And I need to do some reciprocating too!!

So, Mr B will do the honours once it gets dark enough for fireworks, 'spose about 7pm (GMT),Saturday 6 November. We have the hat, we have the white gloves, we have the fireworks, we have the gift!

We just need you to enter! And to my USA chums, that means you too! It's open to all corners of the Globe!!

Good luck, Zoe xx

The Loveliest Train Journey

I was going to upload these sections of film because they show, what I think, is some of the most beautiful railway views.

The area is Dawlish, which is a big summer holiday place. But imagine all this out of season. Magical!

This second film shows the continuing view but out of the other side of the train. It looks out over the deer park at Powderham Castle. Stunning!

Then I read about 'Little Man', (Christy's little boy) going on his train journey and loving it, so that made a double reason to upload it. I must apologise for the sound quality, or lack of it (!), but sticking your camcorder out of a train window that is hurtling along at probably 100mph doesn't create the best sound environment going!

I do hope you enjoy...do follow the links. Lovely pictures and info.

Also, there is a webcam available to view at Dawlish Warren.

Z xx

And Then I Saw Her Face

Now I'm a Believer Follower.

(With apologies to The Monkees)

What am I waffling on about, you may ask?

Well, about a month ago, I was trundling round Superdrugs' make-up displays. Now, when I do this either here on in Boots, I always keep an eye out for Lou of Sprinkle of Glitter, as she likes a bit of make-up! So, as I turned round, I saw a face that I thought I recognised, in the angled mirror above the display, behind me. I sidled up and very quietly asked "Mrs Watson?", probably giving the poor, pregnant girl a near-heart attack!

Thankfully, it was Lou and we had a very nice little natter. We must do it again sometime, with a sit-down and coffee included!

So, seeing as Lou asked what I'd bought on her lovely post about our meeting, (that she did ages ago), here it is! I had bought a different mascara, (Ultra, I think), but when I went to use it, it was all dried out! I took it back and stuck to my guns when the sales assistant said 'we don't exchange make-up', saying it was sold unfit for purpose, and swapped it for this Collection 2000 one. And as it was cheaper I also got a fiver back too! Result! It's not waterproof, but a coat of Clarins 'Fix' Mascara' and job done.

Here's a little piccie of it in use, so to speak. It is unlike anything I tend to use and the quality I think is really good. Mind you, I don't think this picture does it justice!

So, at long last Lou, it was brilliant to meet you. And, yes, I've done a bit of photo thievery too.

Let me finish off with Lous' Luscious Lips and her phrase "Mwah! Thanks for stopping by!"

Z xx