That's it ...

... no more sale shopping for me. But I'm very happy with my lovely goodies that I bought today.
These were too pretty to resist.

Can't stand all those Special Purchase buys they have in the stores although I did succumb to a set of towels from John Lewis but only because ours are threadbare. Oh ... and there's one more thing arriving in the post soon - a very gorgeous half price dress from my favourite label Avoca. If only they had stores in the UK. Almost worth a trip to Dublin ... now there's an idea .

Holidaying with a teenage boy

My top tip - don't

I've just dragged our 17 year old away with us , possibly ( hopefully ) for the last family holiday - only 2 nights away - not too much to ask ?

I have some advice for those considering the same ...

1. Expect to have at least a week of "Do I have to come?" Ignore their pleas to be left at home - the house will be trashed when you return or razed to the ground.

2. Don't expect to be able to leave before midday

3. If he claims he'll be able to pack, ignore him and pack underwear at least on his behalf. Their idea of packing includes headphones and mobile and precious little else.

4. Do NOT plan any activities - they are allergic to the word activity.

5. If siblings are involved, anticipate bickering for the entire duration of the journey.

6. Do NOT under any circumstances ask if they are looking forward to it. You have been warned.

7. Expect no thanks

8. Don't expect them to emerge for breakfast even if you still have to pay for it.

9. Bring emergency sugar / chocolate rations to avoid dangerous blood sugar drops . The Pot Noodle that they ate the night before will not keep them going for more than 6 hours.

10. Inure yourself to swearing.

That's about it .

Compatability

I like to turn the music up , he likes to turn it down

I like to shop 'til I drop , he'd rather not shop at all

I like to cook , he'd prefer take-away

I like to stand up , he'd rather sit down

I like to have the windows open, he'd rather close them

I like to chat, he likes it quiet

I like to drive fast, he'd rather slow down

I like to let it all out , he'd rather keep it all in

I like to tell  the world , he'd rather keep it to himself

 I like to live a little


So what does it all add up to ? Are we compatible or do we compliment each-other ... discuss .

No More Bah Humbug

I might have given the impression that I was fed up with the whole Christmas malarkey in my last post . Who am I kidding ? I LOVE it .

Kitten Jack helped me wrap the boys presents today.

... and I had my first turkey sandwich, the first of many I hope. Oh and I've decided what I'd like ( or rather need) for Christmas ... gift vouchers for my dentists ! Managed to break a tooth last night and so my dentist ( who's lovely really ) relieved me of a large wodge of cash today . Having said that I'm eternally grateful to him for fixing it up this afternoon, albeit temporarily, as I can now glug down a few gingerbread lattes without wincing.

More Christmas shopping tomorrow which hopefully will include a trip to Jo Malone's if I have anything to do with it.  So if  you're reading this dearly beloved, anything from these shops please and not the electrical department of  B & Q.