Tuesday 11 December 2012

Book Review- Look Who it is by Alan Carr



I don't like many comedians but Alan Carr makes me cry with laughter and i miss him on radio 2. The book takes us through his childhood, up until he starts the friday night project. There were so many interesting and funny stories in here i really enjoyed reading this and laughed out loud in several parts. if you have ever laughed at alan carr then i suggest you buy this book, even though it was written a few years ago.

4 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Book Review- Fame by Tilly Bagshawe

Fame
To describe this as a bonk buster would be unfair. it is so well written and enjoyable that the name bonk buster seems cheap and sleazy and this book is anything but. It is set in the film world, and based in LA, Derbyshire and Romania  there are 4 main characters, Damien the Romanian film producer, Sabrina the spoilt Lindsey lohan style actress, Viorel the hot actor adopted from Romania when he was a baby and Tish who runs a Romanian orphanage and is called back to her families house in Derbyshire to help sort out the finances. She agrees to let Damien film his remake of Wuthering Heights there. 
I loved reading this from start to finish and loved the friendship built between Viorel and Abel, it was really sweet. The characters were all so well written even the minor characters, rather then added for effect.

i give this book 5 starts out of 5.

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Book Review- Destiny by Louise Bagshawe


I have read all of Bagshawe's previous books and enjoyed them all. To me she is a modern day Jackie Collins, and until earlier this year an MP. The books main character is Kate fox who is a virtual orphan, and on first appearances a gold digger. however as we learn more about her we discover a highly intelligent woman who has done all she can to avoid living life like her mother did. She is a writer on a magazine, but spends the rest of her time hunting rich men. She eventually manages to marry one (Marcus Broder) but things don't work out, when they divorce Marcus wants Kate to disappear, but she isn't that type of girl!

I enjoyed reading this book, but the small continuity errors annoyed me. they were only silly things, but i expect better from a author of 10+ books.

4 stars out of 5

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Book Review- When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman


I avoiding reading this book as i thought it was going to be a disappointment after all the hype it had. But i saw it for 50p in a charity shop i thought i'd give it a chance and packed it into the hand luggage.
It is narrated by Elly and split into 2 parts, when she is a young girl and then when she is in her late 20's. It read like an autobiography, but it isn't. It covers the 70's and  9/11, has homosexuality and neglect sub plots but also manages to make you laugh out loud.
I was unsure of what i thought about this book once i had read it, yes it has some great moments but sometimes the bits in between were awkward. i think it would have been better with slightly less story lines and develop the remaining ones.


over all i will give this 3.5 out of 5.

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Book Review- The Magic of Christmas by Trisha Ashley


I had seen this book several times, but always passed over it thinking it was a bit old for me and when reading the back cover i noticed it was a reworking of another book called sweet nothings. However when i went into a  charity shop they had an offer of buy one get one free, so i took advantage of this. 
It focuses on Lizzy who lives in the little village of Middlemoss, It is like a christmassy version of heartbeat! Lizzy is married to not the best of husbands and lives with him and their son on their small holding. She has a few problems to deal with alone the way but thankfully the book finishes with a happy ending at Christmas time.

I will definitely be reading more of  Trisha Ashley from now on.

4 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 6 November 2012

Book Review- One Day In May by Catherine Alliott



Another Catherine Alliott book review for you, but it is fab! The title is what the whole book is based one, but that doesn't become clear until much later in the book and then you go.... oh that makes sense! This is a fab read as we follow Hattie an interior designer, to Bosnia, the houses of Parliament, France and Little Crandon. We learn all about her 1st love and how her actions years ago, are now catching up with her and the secrets and lies she has and told are coming out in the wash! It has several twists in the storyline, and a great ending!


this is a 5 star book and you should definitely read it!

PS the review is short, as it is difficult to tell you more without revealing important parts of the story. even the back cover is vague!

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Book Review- Gypsy Princess by Violet cannon


Another book about Gypsys/ Travellers, this is a factual book based on Violet's life. I really enjoyed reading about her childhood and what she and her siblings got up to. I enjoyed reading about her experinces in school and the families differing views on education. Another great part was reading about the difference between gypsy's and fair folk. We have a travelling fair that comes every year to my hometown and i never knew they were classed differently to gypsies.

Overall this was a good read and very informative.

5 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Book Review- Love Letters by Katie Fforde


Another Holiday read, I'm setting them up one a week hence this being october and i read it in august! 
This is the 2nd Katie Fforde book i took away with me. Another good read, the book's mains charactor is Laura, she works in a bookshop which she loves. As well as selling books she has a book club and also arranges book signings. At one of these signings she meets the agent who has nothing but praise for the event and as Henry the owner is closing the bookshop she suggests a job for Laura, organising a literary and music festival in the heart of the English countryside.
There is a misunderstanding and Laura is tasked with getting infamous writer Dermot Flynn to be the star of the festival. Over the past few years he has become a bit of a recluse, so Laura and her new friend travel to Ireland to see him and then the romance starts to happen :)

it flows like a typical Katie Fforde book and there is a bump in the love path, but thankfully it all ends happily ever after :)


4 stars our of 5

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Book Review- A Married Man by Catherine Alliott


I have read Catherine Alliott in the past but she fell of my radar until recently, but i'm glad I've rediscovered her. After finishing this book i immediately got anther Alliott book to read. The review is to follow for that one! 
This isn't a deep book, but is well written and covers more things then the average chicklit book. The main character is Laura, who is a widow and has 2 children. She meets a man randomly on the dtreet and ends up following (stalking) him. Some of the reviews i have read didn't like this, but having never been through anything like this, i don't know how it would effect me. She leaves behind her friends to go live on her parent in law's grounds, due to money and child issues, the married man also lives near by. I'll leave you to read the rest of the book yourself, and enjoy it as it is well written with a couple of twist thrown in for good measure!

5 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Book Review- Little Gypsy by Roxy Freeman


I Love MBFGW and when i saw the gypsy books coming out i wanted to read them. This book is interesting to read but i would say the author is more a new age traveller then an actual gypsy. I don't know lots about gypsies but i know being a gypsy is not just a way of life but more like a religion. 
Anyway i'm nit picking, i enjoyed this and would recommend reading this, it gives a good insight into life on the road and living hand to mouth.

4 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 2 October 2012

Book Review- Changing Places by Colette Caddle


The cover for this book doesn't look the best, but she is an amazing writer, if you love Patricia Scanlan then i think you will become a fan of Colette Caddle as well.
The main characters in this book are 2 sisters Anna and Rachel, who have grown apart, but are held together by their cousin Jill. The sisters are slightly envious of each others lives; Rachel is married to Gary and has a little boy and Anna is married to Liam and she has a good job in an estate agents.  too much goes on in the book to write it all down here, but i was gripped to the very end of the book. nothing felt like padding or needed taking it, it all just flowed so well.

5 stars our of 5- I'd give more if i could!

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Book Review-After The Party by Lisa Jewell


This is the sequal to Ralph's Party, another book by Lisa Jewell. This book totally passed me by when in was released, but i saw it in tesco and thought i need to read that, so in it went (3 for £5) and then i packed it for Egypt :) I didn't read the 1st book again before reading this and it wasn't essential but i think it might help to know more of the background story, it did come back to me, but i think i'm going to pull it out and read it again.
We meet Ralph and Gem 11 years down the line with 2 children, and at this point i think it is where most people will relate to the story, i don't have any children but i still felt it touch a few raw nerves. They both love each other but after 11 years everything has become a bit robotic and monotonous. The book follows them on a journey and i'll leave you to read where this journey takes them.
I loved reading this book and really recommend it

5 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Book Review-Adored by Tilly Bagshawe


I used to love Jackie Collins books when i was a teenager ( not sure why my mum let me read them but that is another story!) and this book is like their 21st century sister.
The book starts off in the 70's and we meet Duke McMahon and his family, moving on we meet Sienna his grandaughter and the main character of this book. She is really close to her Grandad and she is devastated when he died. She doesn't really get on with her parents, and as she gets older she is no longer in touch with them but keeps seeking her half Uncle as they were really close when they were little.
The flaw in this story is that Sienna is very difficult to like, she's spoilt and attention seeking, but she does have a kind side when she is with her Uncle (Hunter) (Hunters story is a good addition and totally hollywood!)

There are lots of characters to get to know but once you get going with the book , it's easy to remember who they all are. 
4 stars out of 5.


Tuesday 11 September 2012

Book Review- Air Babylon by Imogen Edward Jones



Possibly not the best book to read on a plane! Luckily having read several other babylon books i read this after arriving at the resort, but was looking around watching the plane for any of the incidents i had read about in the book!
The book is based on true stories collected up by the Author, and then fitted into a 24hour period. It is a little contrived but it is a good read and i really recommend reading it. this is a short review but i don't want to give out too much information about it.

4 stars out of 5

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Book Review-Two's Company by Jill Mansell


I have most of Jill Mansell's books and packed this one for a guaranteed good read.
This book follows Cass, Jack and their family, they meet Imogen, a writer for Hi magazine (like hello), Jack creates a bad impression and Cass want's him to make try to create a better 2nd impression, this goes slightly too far and Jack leaves Cass for Imogen. Whilst this is happening they have 3 children, Cleo- a famous model, Sean-a comedian, who gets his girlfriend pregnant and Sophie, a wanna be eco warrior. I'll not go into the finer details of this book, but i did enjoy reading it and i want to know more about Sean's friend Danny, he deserves a nice life! I'm not sure how i wanted this book to end but i think i enjoyed the ending!

4 stars out of 5

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Book Review- Meet me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan


So another holiday read! Having read and enjoyed Jenny Colgan's other books i looked forward to reading this book and saved it for the sunbed! The main Character is Issy who loves baking cupcakes and other deliciousness (each chapter starts with a recipe, some of which sound fab). She is made redundant from her job, by her boyfriend, so eventually decides to open up the cupcake cafe. we follow her on this journey and meet Pearl and her little boy, Caroline, Austin and Issy's Gramps. 
I really enjoyed reading this and thought Jenny dealt with dementia really well, i loved the development of Pearl and would love to read more about her. Austin provides the love story line and is a great improvement on Graeme, who is a typical city boy.
The only disappointing part of the book was the ending, it was a little bored now so i'll finish it in a page. I hope that the follow up book makes up for this, but i do look forward to reading the next one.

i'll give this 4 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Book Review- The Birds & The Bees by Milly Johnson


Another holiday read, i mainly took authors that i had enjoyed before and i have loved the previous books i have read by Milly. 
this book follows Stevie, a romance writer, through finding out her fiance is cheating on her with her new friend. She finds out from her friends ex, Adam. the book gets going when Adam suggests he move in with Stevie and her son to make their ex's jealous so they go back to their original partners. as the plot develops we discover that neither ex is who they have made out to be and they are better off without them.
As this is a chicklit book you know where the book is going but i still enjoyed the journey, it was just slower starting then some of her other books.

A great read so 4 stars out of 5.

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Book Review- A Perfect Proposal by Katie Fforde




This was one of 2 Katie Fforde books that i took on holiday with me- 14 books in total! Unfortunately i didn't enjoy this one as much as the other one or any of her other books i have read. That's not to say it is a difficult read it just took a while to get going, or for me to get into it, i'm not sure which! From reading the back i knew that the book would have a happy ending like all Katie's books do. This isn't a bad thing for me but it is worth pointing it out.  
Anyway this story is about Sophie and her life. At the start of the book she doesn't really have one and is quite downtrodden, however a trip to New York a chance meeting introduces her to Matilda and her Grandson and we see where the plot is going! a few bumps along the way and it all ends happily ever after :)
I could go into more details but i don't want to ruin the book for you. It is an ok read but not one of her best

3 stars out of 5.

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Book review- A tiny bit marvellous by Dawn French

I didn't think I was going to read this book, but when I saw it in a charity shop for 50p I thought I'd give it a whirl. Quite a few if my friends have read it and enjoyed it so I bought it and saved it for my holiday. I started reading it the day before we flew and then on the aeroplane, it was a perfect book for that as it is written diary style, and the chapters are quite short.
The story follows the Battle family's life over a short period of time, which includes Dora sitting her A levels and turning 18. Dora is quite an immature person, but very insecure, which is not helped by her mum's recent behaviour. Her mum, Mo, is going through a mid life crisis (i think), and sees several things differently to how they really are. My favourite character is granny Pamela, who always seems to know what to say and bake. I didn't think all of the swearing was needed for the storyline and it grated in some sections. I also found Oscar to be a strange character and I have never met a teenager like him. I could easily have removed him from the story or made him a smaller character.
Overall I did enjoy the book despite a few niggles so I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

Did you enjoy this book?
What did you think about Oscar?
What about Noel's contribution to the storyline?

Friday 3 August 2012

Book Review- The winter lodge by Susan Wiggs


Until this book i have never heard of this author, but i am very glad that i have now! This is such a lovely story all about Jenny and her life in Avalon. There is a bit of flicking from the past to the present day but this is ok, as long as you read from the start of the chapter and see the year! 
The book's main character is Jenny who we meet just as her house is burning down. She has lived there from being little with her Grandparents, and now has lost everything bar the few things she recovers from the ashes. 
I loved reading the history between Jenny and Rourke, and the author included a few twists that i didn't anticipate at all. We also look into Jenny's history and meet other characters that live in Avalon, which has left me wanting to buy more of Susan Wiggs' books. One plot that i hope is developed into a book is Daisy, her dad and brother. 

Overall i loved this book and will definitely be coming back for more
have you read this book?
did you enjoy it?
have you read any other books by Susan Wiggs?

5 stars out of 5

Tuesday 31 July 2012

book review- Last night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Lauren Weisberger



I love Lauren Weisberger's other books especially The Devil wears Prada, so i was praying that this book would be a hit with me like her others. And it was!!!!!
Loved the idea of being with a musician and supporting them and dealing with the changes that happen when they get signed and famous. the author made Brooke feel real and she put a great slant on the famous because you knows someone. it didn't look that appealing to me! Julian is also well written, stuck between a rock and a hard place, how to you keep living your dream without losing the love of your life???

Have you read this book?
Did you enjoy it?
have you read her other books?



I really recommend this book
5 stars out of 5!




Monday 23 July 2012

Book Review- The Spa Decameron


I wanted to like this book, but this is a book i could not finish :( i was laying in the bath and didn't care enough to turn another page. i read over 3/4 of the book and it was painfully slow, but i could do it any more!
I couldn't find a character i liked, in fact a lot of them were annoying and grating. in fact i'll just end the review here, as i have nothing left to say!
should i have kept going?
have you read this book?
what did you think?


0 stars out of 5

Sunday 24 June 2012

Book Review- 4 books by paige toon

This post has been half written far ages due to time constraints, but the football is enabling me to finish it off!



These books had bee sat waiting for ever to be read, but i finally got to read them and really enjoyed them. 
Lucy in the sky is surprise surprise about Lucy and her love life. I loved reading this and was very happy with the ending. No spoilers here!!!
Johnny be good was an enjoyable read but the ending was disappointing, of the 4 books this was the possibly the one i enjoyed the least, but i often find the 2nd book by any author is the weakest, not sure why but it quite often happens that way. Anyway back to the book. This book follows Meg and her new lifestyle working for a rock star (Johnny in the title).
Chasing Daisy was Paige toon back on form and set in the world of formula one. We follow daisy through the highs and lows of her love life and learn a little bit about formula one as well, another great read, but again no spoilers!
Pictures of Lily is mainly set in Australia and aroiund a wildlife park, and another fab read (i need to get some new words hence i'm the reader and not the writer of these books, they would get very repetitive if i had a hand involved!). Once again the ending was perfect and i loved every minute of this book.


Having only discovered Paige Toon recently i'm really glad i did as she is an excellent writer and i know that if i was on holiday i would lay and read one of her books in a day, in fact i'm going to keep an eye out for her  other books baby be mine and one perfect summer.


over all i give all the books bar Johnny be good 4 stars out of 5,
Johnny be good gets 3 out of 5 because of the ending.


Monday 4 June 2012

Book Review- Why do we have to live with men by Bernadette Strachan


I put off reading this book because of the title which with hind sight was silly but we really do judge a book by it's cover or in this case a name! I have only really read a 2 other books by this author but that is something i am going to rectify as i really enjoyed reading this book especially the outcome! Cat ends up moving into a 'commune' with other women for 6 months and they all go on a journey and most realise they do need men, but need to change their approach to men. I really enjoyed the sub plots of this book, but sarge did annoy me somewhat, just her bossiness and lack of personality, but this was explained so i forgave her! 
my only niggle was the ending, it felt rushed and left me wanting more, hopefully there will be a sequel where we find out more about the characters as they all deserve their own ending .
3 stars out of 5 ( it would have been 4, but for the ending)

Sunday 3 June 2012

Book Review- Chances by Freya North



Having read all of Freya Norths other books (I think, i would need to look this up and then that would ruin book shopping for me so i'm not going to!) i was looking forward to reading this, Sally and Chloe are 2 of my favourite books.  
The book follows vita through just arriving in a new house having split up from her ex but still sharing a business with him, to meeting Oliver a tree surgeon. i loved reading the ups and downs in this book and loved the other stories that went along side the main plot, who knew there are wild parrots in England! I really recommend this book and any others that Freya North has written
5 stars out of 5!!!

Saturday 2 June 2012

Book Review- Things I want My Daughter to Know and The Girl Next Door- Both by Elizabeth Noble

 

I decided to do a double book review for these 2 books as i think they are pretty similar. When i finished Things i want my daughter to know, i discussed it with a librarian, and the best way to describe it was, like an episode or 2 of heartbeat. I loved heartbeat, and enjoyed the fact that it was easy to follow and it was all wrapped up at the end. This book started off quite sad, but then moved on to watching the daughters deal with their mum dying, referring to a journal she had written and the letters she wrote for them. Sometimes it seemed slightly contrived, with things only happening just for a twist in the story line but not really flowing. Although I enjoyed reading this I'm not going to keep it, like i do with most of my other books.

The Girl next door, is based in new york, in a block of apartments, and follows their lives over a year. It took me a while to learn who all the characters were and their backgrounds ( there is a description at the front of the book that i had to refer to a couple of times!).  The lead characters have just moved to new york, and it seems like the husband changes his personality as soon as he arrives, and becomes quite self centred and his wife becomes quite clingy. The other characters are quite stereo typical, the gay couple are stylish, the quiet librarian, the layabout rich boy, the focused girl from the sticks, the wannabe bitchy socialite and the standoffish older English lady. We learn a little bit about most of these characters, but i don't feel the gay couple added anything to the story, and were only added 'to be gay'. i would however have liked to know more about Charlotte the librarian. There is also a sub plot involving 2 couples and their children. Again i enjoyed this book, but it's not a keeper.

3 Stars out of 5 for them both




Tuesday 17 April 2012

book review- alphabet weekends by Elizabeth Noble



This is the 1st book i have read by Elizabeth Noble, and i really enjoyed it, so much so that i now have a few more books by the same author waiting to be read. It's obvious from the start how this book is going to end for the main characters, but as you might have gathered, i like that! i did get confused to start with all the different characters in the book, but eventually i did learn who was who, and who they were married to. but i think the book could have coped with less people in it. The idea of alphabet dates was really good, and lead to some interesting dates- but because it was book-land certain things seemed to be happening just at the right letter!
Overall i enjoyed this book and will give it 4 stars out of 5.

Saturday 14 April 2012

Book Review- The first assistant by Clare Naylor & Mimi Hare



Having read the prequel years ago, i stumbled across this in a charity shop and bought it with interest. I didn't really remember what happened in the 1st book, but jumped straight into this one, once i started reading it, i realised i did kind of remember the 1st book, but didn't really need to, so if you haven't read the 1st book, don't panic. It was a very light read, but enjoyable all the same. Lizzie is dating Luke, but the path of love doesn't run smoothly ( does it ever in these books?!) i won't spoil the ending for you! the plot does take a few strange turns, where i thought; really?; but i think it was to add pages to the story, not unreadable but quite unrealistic and very hollywood filmy.

overall i would give this book 3 stars out of 5.

Monday 2 April 2012

book review-From notting hill with love actually by ali mcnamara

LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!

if you loved notting hill, love actually or four weddings you need to buy and read this book! i loved every moment of this book and once i had finished it i wanted to reread it to enjoy it all over again :)
I loved scarlett and wanted her to get together with sean from the start. it might be a bit predictable in places but i didn't effect the overall story.

5/5- seriously why are you still reading this go and buy it!

Tuesday 27 March 2012

book review- To the moon and back by Jill Mansell

 

Having been ill for nearly 2 weeks i haven't always felt like reading, mainly because i could think properly! but as soon as brain started to de fog i started this book and LOVED it!!!! i loved the major and minor plot lines. I really enjoyed  reading her thoughts and going on her dating journey. I fully recommend this book 5 out of 5!!!!

Thursday 8 March 2012

Book review- getting over Mr right, chrissie manby


Back reading authors I enjoy reading is good! Although the main character, Ashleigh, was extreme at times, the book was well written and funny. I could imagine this being made into a film. In fact would say it is like the secret diary if a shopaholic (which I really enjoyed despite not enjoying the latest installment). The best friend was an excellent supporting character as were ashleigh's family. I did spot the ending halfway through the book, but that didn't make the book any less enjoyable! I really recommend chrissie nanny as an author.
I give this book 3.5/5.

Saturday 3 March 2012

Book review- take a chance on me, Jill mansell.

Another Jill mansell book! Another enjoyable read. Yes mansell never rocks the boat with her stories, but this book was well written with great main and sub plots all running consecutively. Cleo is the main character in the book, and all the other characters are linked to her in some way. I enjoyed watching her relationship with johnny unfold, and although the ending was predictable, the sub plots kept it from all being predictable. Overall I give this book 3.5/5.

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Fish net nails

Some more nail art for you, I've used rimmel lycra wear black pearl and seche vite. And then on my ring fingers bundle monster 209 with white konad varnish.

Saturday 18 February 2012

My big fat gypsy inspired nails


After watching gypsy wedding this week I decided to paint my nails. It was only afterwards that I realised how amazing gypsy weddingy they were! 
I used rimmels 60 seconds portabello pink, rimmels rock you colour glitter top coat and seche vite.


Book Review- Mothers and daughters by Kate Long


I will read a book that i enjoy soon I hope! this was another painful book to finish, with me opting not to read or buying a magazine on my way home from work, rather then endure this. Overall it was readable, but i struggled to find any sympathy for the characters. the daughter was spoilt and immature, the mother appeared to have several issues that she needed to look at sorting out, and the dad was a cheater. 
i found it interesting that the book changed it's name from a mothers guide to cheating, I'm assuming that it didn't sell very well or to the right audience. while looking for the image for this post, I read a few comments that i agreed with and i think these are the main reasons the book didn't appeal to me. Why does carol try to persuade her daughter to stay with the cheating husband when she had 20 miserable years of marriage to a cheating husband? It seemed very strange to me and her attachment to her grandchild appeared borderline obsessive. if this issues had been investigated further then i think it would have been more interesting to read rather then annoying.

overall i will give this book 2/5

Monday 6 February 2012

Book Review- Solo by Jill Mansell

I skipped ahead to this book as i really wanted to enjoy a book after the last two (see previous reviews). and it turned out i'd read the book already! but i continued with it as i was in the bath when i started it! I enjoyed it much more than the previous 2 books, but found some of the plot lines difficult to believe, the stairs, tessa's lack of believe in her ability, ross's attitude to women and Holly's dumbness. over all it was a good read, but not her best book.

3 stars out of 5.

Sunday 5 February 2012

30 day shred- 3 days left

i have been doing the shred still, but just not managing to update you with my efforts, sorry :( but i have 3 days left, but i think i'll carry on with level 3 for a bit longer and try and do the advanced moves. it has been slow going with all this cold weather and i've have to start doing it every other day, as my knees won't play at the moment. i've even had to cut out the rock star jumps, and replace them with super fast star jumps instead. the squats hurt as well but i really want thinner legs so i'm working through the pain on those. i'll be back on it monday night, but i last did it on thursday as we have family over. i'll update you again soon, i'm off to go take a pretty snow picture x

Saturday 4 February 2012

SIL birthday card




Continuing my 'use up old stash 2012' challenge, i remembered i had bought the Cancer research crafting pack last year, loving the images, but when sitting down to use then, being lost for ideas as i usually make 'cute' cards. so i filed them away, to think about. During the week i knew i wanted to make this card for my SIL, and i knew we had bought her a decorative birdcage, so i had a eureka moment and remembered this peel off. And actually off the peel off sheet, it doesn't look tacky, which was a worry. The pack also came with some papers, that matched some card i was struggling to use ( not keen on the colour, it isn't girly or pastel) so a little ribbon, silver card and some pearls later..... we have quite a stylish card (well i think so!!!)
now for the challenges

just us girls- sketch
charisma cardz- vintage
crafts us crazy- anything goes
do you stack up-anything goes
divas by design- anything goes
whimsical designs- bringing out the old



thanks for looking x

Thursday 2 February 2012




So here are some of my recent purchases, the leopard print top is from Warehouse, the gold top from dorothy perkins and the skirt is from miss selfridge. i need a better phone with a better camera. you can't see the ribs on the skirt or appreciate the glorious gold top :(

Tuesday 31 January 2012

bunny birthday card



So here is a card for my friend's 41st birthday (luckily she doesn't follow my blog after that admission!). i've gone retro with the original style daisy and dandelion image, raised on foam, the papers are daisy and dandelion ( the hedgehog range). really rubbish pearls from a pearl pen ( i need to work on that!) swiss dots embossed white card and poundland ribbon. and of course a craftwork cards greeting.

I'd like to enter it into the following challenges
2 sisters- sketch
kaboodledoodles- make it girlly
lollipop crafts- anything goes
karens doodles- cute/ cuddley
ditzy crafty mess- anything goes
fussy and fancy- polka dots



thanks for looking x

Sunday 29 January 2012

what i wore last night



this is a 1st attempt at an outfit post, but i thought i'd give it ago. last night we went to our favourite curry house, bengal pride, and this is what i threw on.
dress from dotty p's sale rail,
 river island belt i featured here when i bought it.
and my favourite coat, the yeti from boohoo.

all finished off with black tights, matt black midi heels form dotty p's and a a kate moss by rimmel lipstick.

friends 30th birthday card


So i made this card for my friend who lives in London and i can't make her birthday celebrations, due to lack of finances and now family commitments. last year i made loads of 30 cards, but never managed to blog any of them, but i used up all my 3 and 0's. so i had a little think and remembered these letters from home bargains 39p a pack and 2 of each letter per pack. i had already used them for a congratulations card so had find a way to make 'thirty' from them and this what i came up with! 
this is another card where i'm trying to use up old things. the paper is from claire curds paper stack and the ribbon was from when woolies closed down!!!

i'd like to enter it into the following challenges
card making mama's- something old
fussy and fancy- polka dots
truly scrumptious- something forgotten
whimsy stamps- pearls or bling

Saturday 28 January 2012

book review- the model wife by Julia Llewellyn

another disappointing read i'm afraid. i found the main character annoying and 2 dimensional, the lead man was so predictably selfish and the ex wife was such a bitch and i very much doubt she would actually to that in real life. there are so many sub plots going on that you don't get into them properly which was a shame. i think some of the minor characters needed removing so the remaining ones could feature more.

i have read some other reviews of this book and they have said they were surprised by the ending of this book- how????????????? it was very predictable and i kept buying magazines to read rather then finish this book.
1 star out of 5 as i managed to finish it.


fingers crossed the next book is enjoyable!

30 day shred- days 22,23,24

so not managed an update for a few days, but i have kept the shred up, but i still haven't taken a pic of my shopping or a card i have made. the shred is going well and i can see abs developing!!!!! still not doing the advanced moves of most things but i managed a full sit up today which was quite exciting as i have never managed to do that before! just got to decided what dvd to do next, a davina that i've had in for a while or buy another gillian either this or this. i have the davina ready and waiting, but i don't find them explained very well and Jillian explains it really well, but that means buying another fitness dvd when i have davina just waiting to be used. i suppose i'll give it ago to see but will be buying those jillian dvd's soon.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

30 day shred- day 21

so i had yesterday off and started level 3 tonight. it was probably not the best idea to start it feeling so tired, but i gave it a good go, apart from my strop in the middle as i was feeling pretty annoyed at my rubbish body and they way it played up for either modified planks (knees) or advanced (shoulder). i'm sure some people think i make it up or exaggerate the pain but believe me no one would want to wish this upon themselves. i've had several cortizone injections that don't really help, i now wear inserts in all my shoes, which help with walking, but kneeling.........

hopefully tomorrow night will be better, i'm going to try and leave work earlier and get straight on it but tonight i had a meeting and then a spanish lesson to go to so was feeling quite mentally tired which was the problem!

hopefully i will be taking some pics of my shopping from the weekend tomorrow as well  and a few pics of my amazing nails- i love them!

who know i might even make a card, rather then sitting watching christmas films making up the tons of decoupage sheets i had i a draw but never used as they weren't made when i needed to make a card.



oh and i won a card competition :)))


so happy about that!!!

Sunday 22 January 2012

book review- mini shopaholic by sophie kinsella

so here is my first book review!!! very exciting for me!  i love reading in fact i have dedicated a room in my house just to books and I'm always looking for new books and authors to keep me in paper!!

so I'll start my review of mini shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, and i have to say i was disappointed by this book. I was really hopeful for this book as i have loved her earlier books but after reading twenties girl, which was really disappointing and was a struggle to finish.
I didn't like the way Luke had developed into a total business head, constantly attached to his phone and actually missing his daughters christening, supposedly a really intelligent man but oblivious to Becky's plans. Becky seems to have lost most of her brain cells and has become a caricature of herself, inventing business ideas and running with them without asking the store manager.
the daughter is a sub plot, which given the title of the book was disappointing. she is given free range and is a spoilt brat that gets away with everything.

i did mange to finish the book so I'll give it 1 star out of 5, but i don't think I'll be jumping to buy her next book, which is a shame based on my enjoyment of her earlier books

30 day shred days 19 and 20

well i have managed to complete level 2, i didn't use the weight for some of the moves in the latter part of the workout, but i did manage to do the final abs section, but i think i preferred the abs from level 1. very pround of myself today!!!

Saturday 21 January 2012

30 day shred- day 17 and 18

So here's another double update, sorry about that but life sometimes gets in the way. I've had to keep on the modified plank moves and do normal jacks because of my silly shoulder, but everything else I've done fully and even upped the weights when I'm not lifting the weights above my head or using my shoulder. We're still using steps greatest hits to power through, well I am! I am slightly scared of level 3 now and its approaching quite quickly!

Wednesday 18 January 2012

30 day shred- day 16


so i didn't manage to do the shred last night. we had no heating in work yesterday and my shoulder was killing by the time i got home, so i dosed up on ibuprofen and had a bath at 6pm!

tonight i was determined to do the shred, so popped some more tablets and sprayed my shoulder with deep heat. i didn't use the weights on most of the arm movements, but i did do all the cardio and changed a few of the plank moves. so instead of plank push ups, i just help the plank, normal jacks instead of plank jacks and level 1 circuit 3 abs rather then level 2 circuit 3 abs. it felt good to do the shred, but i'm just annoyed at my body for being so rubbish!

Monday 16 January 2012

30 day challenge- day 13, 14 ,15

sorry i've not been back to update you, i misplaced my laptop cable so ran out of power :( luckily i found it so here i am. i can now do a push up!!!!! my arms are now hurting because of this, but it feels good! also the shoulder blade are aches a little, but in a good way! i am doing plank jacks, but the husband has banned me from the squat planks because of my knees. but the worst thing on level 2 is the arms and shoulders, i'm hoping in 5 days time i will have good arms- i deserve too!!!

the good news is that i am now back to my pre christmas weight, so lets see if i can lose another 7lbs, to win a bet!

another southern niece card


Another card for the step nieces down south! 
she is 17 plays football and is doing beauty therapy at college. so i decided that was the best way to go, not to girly but not blokey! 

the image is a blown vinyl sticker from a 2 sheet pack in poundland.
the classic craftwork cards greeting with a prima flower coloured in black. black ribbon, black heart gems and card, and white card.


i'd like to enter it into the following challenges
the crazy challenge- tic tac toe (ribbon, gems, image)
dream valley challenges- anything goes
lexi's creations- anything goes
make it mondays- anything goes
truly madly crafty- anything goes
one stitch at a time- anything goes

thanks for looking x

Saturday 14 January 2012

30 day shred- day 12

so we did level 2 last night. i didn't get home until gone 7:30 so it was 8pm when we started the dvd. The cardio was manageable, i just need to work on getting my knees higher but i am doing more then the modified moves. but seriously can anybody manage the double skip arms???? the husband is struggling with his shoulders in the plank moves, mine are coping but i don't want to try the advance moves yet. also i'm scared i'll fall over doing jumps whilst in plank!

i'm hoping to be back later on today with day 13, which i'm doing after curtain shopping but before nandos eating!!!

but now i'm going to go and make a card x

Wednesday 11 January 2012

30 day shred- day 11

wow level 2 is a massive step up! i only managed the modified moves and even the husband had to drop down to them a few times. it is a lot harder on the knees and my hips started to click on some of these moves, that was a new one even to me! i hope it gets better as i go through the next 9 days, and i can upgrade the weights from 1.5 to 2kgs.
Finally Blogger decides to let me post these pictures!!!!!

I nearly bought this skirt at full price at the start of december, i'm so glad i didn't!!! saving £15 :)
this belt had been £18 down to £5 :))


and again!

i love this belt, it's so me :)))

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