Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

This is just a little note to say tonight has been a defining moment for me because my blog has broken the 20,000 page views barrier! I am so unbelievably happy and feel restored that my passion IS still my strength. Roll on 2015, I'm determined to make my writing even more successful. 

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me to take risks with it, and to every single person who has taken the time to read, comment and share my work! 

I never imagined it would take off like this when I wrote my first piece - it was just a place to share my work - but so much good has come from what I have written and my confidence has grown tremendously. 

I am so excited to continue with my writing journey through the next year and hope you will continue to enjoy and share it.

Thank you everyone, you have made a girl very happy! xxx

Another year (almost) over

I can't believe another year is coming to a close. Where did it go? It's almost terrifying how quickly it has passed. Once again, it has had given me many highs and also many lows but I guess life wouldn't be the same if I didn't go through it like that. 

Although Christmas festivities are still going, I have spent most of today cocooned in my flat, tidying up, doing washing, and catching up on Eastenders! I am now looking forward to what 2015 is going to bring - both the known and unknown. I have a good feeling about this next year. Already lots of good things happening, including taking part in my very first half marathon!

I know, I know, you probably had to re-read that last sentence, but it's true, I have signed up to do the Milton Keynes run on March and it's only 10 weeks away so not much training time left, but still enough to do it. It is going to mean a lot of dedication which, after looking out of my window to a blanket of ice on the roads, I wasn't feeling the motivation! I'm determined to do it though so watch this space, I'll no doubt be writing more about it in the coming weeks. 

The first thing I need to do now is get a new job! My seasonal temporary job has come to an end so the world is once again my oyster. I'm determined to find something soon so keep your fingers crossed for me.

I am now off to pour myself a cheeky baileys on ice and enjoy another slice of my home made Christmas cake. Whatever your plans are for New Years Eve, I hope you have a great time and wish you a fantastic 2015. Keep in touch because I have lots of things to share but for now, I'll leave you with anticipation!

Happy New Year!

Tanya xx

Christmas is coming....

Excitement has prevailed after a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park last weekend followed by the official Christmas Tree decoration in my flat - my first ever tree in my own place. There's something quite special about that!

Since then, I have been relishing in the Christmas cheer enjoying some mulled cider, watching those old, cheesy, but heartwarming movies on TV and making sure I keep feeding my Christmas cake with Brandy.

Today I am looking forward to meeting up with my family for some festive drinks and nibbles at Corkers - a champagne cocktail bar in town. In preparation, I am currently sitting in my favorite hair salon, Octopus Hair, with foils in looking more like something out of a horror movie! It's ok though, Michael Bublè is on in the background and I have a lovely fresh cup of coffee, mince pie and shot glass of minstrels to enjoy while the transformation takes place! 

What a life!

It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas now. All we need is for Mr Jack Frost to move on and make room for Mr Snowman to add the finishing touches...then it really will be magical!

I'm wide awake

12.30am and I'm wide awake. This is a regular occurrence for me, not through choice, but more to do with everything that's swimming around in my mind so I thought I'd try the one thing that actually seems to work for me: writing.

The problem is, where do I start? There are times when I want to pour my heart out and tell you everything that's playing on my mind, but when I comes to the crunch, I just can't do it. Why? I don't know, but I'm hoping somewhere within these baffled words sense will reappear and I'll be able to make way along the clear path again.

My problem is I overthink to a point where I'm imagining things that aren't there. Big mistake, I know but how do you stop yourself? I often imagine what it would feel like standing ontop of a cliff or mountain, holding my arms out and just screaming into the distance, letting all the anxiety and all these silly niggles go. I envisage it to be quite a cathartic experience where by the end I feel renewed and ready to take on the world once more. It's a good thought; relaxing; carefree. 

I guess all I need is that big bear hug and for someone to look me in the eye and reassure me that everything's going to be ok. I feel like I've been on a never ending roller coaster, only now when I think I'm about to get off,  it just keeps going. I'm feeling dizzy and it's not a great feeling. I need to go back to the beach with my music and vodka. Hopefully I'm almost there but for now, a little sign would be nice! 

"The cold never bothered me anyway"

I finally got round to watching Frozen this evening and I have to admit, I absolutely loved it! I totally get what all the hype is about. Yet again, Disney have put together another lovely story. I have to admit, I already knew the words to most of the songs, after all you can't escape it, and it was so sweet to see how the story fits in around the lyrics.

I'll be honest, I was tinged with a little envy at how gorgeous Elsa's blue dress is and how amazing her hair looks when Anna get's to the Ice Castle! I know, I know, it's an animation but still, even at the age of 34, a part of me would still love to be a princess and Disney always do an amazing job at portraying them so well. Why do they always do that?

I think it's safe to say I'll be singing Let It Go for the rest of the week, if not year so if you're in the vicinity and you see a random woman walking around dressed as a Princess (yes, I'm off to the fancy dress shop first thing tomorrow!) singing to her hearts content, feel free to laugh a little bit, but also you know it's only going to make you want to do the same!

Roll on the snow, so I can build myself my very own Olaf, then I really will be in my element! 

"Show me how big your brave is"

It's amazing how one line in a song can have such an impact on you: "Show me how big your brave is". 

After listening to this tonight, I feel compelled to share this video with you. I know it's been around for a while, but I absolutely love it. It's so uplifting and reminds me that whatever happens in life, go out there and be brave! I've added the lyrics underneath the video too.




"Brave" by Sara Bareilles

You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love
Or you can start speaking up

Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do
When they settle ‘neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins
But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

Everybody’s been there
Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy
Fallen for the fear
And done some disappearing
Bow down to the mighty
Don’t run, just stop holding your tongue

Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in
Show me how big your brave is

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

And since your history of silence
Won’t do you any good
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don’t you tell them the truth?

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave
With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
See you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you

I got a little lost

Where have I been, you might be thinking. Well let me tell you, I am starting to wonder the same thing. Everyone keeps asking me where my blog posts are; when the next short story will be published and most importantly, why I haven't been posting on here.

It seems I have been a little lost of late, neglecting my pride and joy that is my blog and it makes me sad to come on here today and see how long it has been since I posted.

The last 48 hours have been tough for me - I lost my job - again! The second in five months and it's been tough trying to get my head around feeling like I have failed. I'm not a pessimistic person so I know I will see the positive in this but it's still raw. It hurts.

It seems that focusing so hard on doing my best over the last 5 months has made me neglect my comfort - this blog - and all it's done is put me back to square 1 - jobless!

I'm not going to drone on about it though. No. Infact, what I'm going to do is pour myself a large vodka and diet coke and get planning my next move. I have missed it here. I've missed my lovely followers, the lovely comments and the support that has kept me focused to carry on with this blog.

I'm back everyone so be prepared for some great new writing from me - you never know, you might even be a little surprised!

Out with the old....

Over the last year, I have written about the trials and tribulations that have been surrounding me of late. Despite the pressure, anxiety and worry I have been going through, I feel like I am finally through the tunnel and back into the light, so to speak!

Redundancy has happened, but so has a new job...in marketing! I can't believe it. A simple retweet on Twitter resulted in me getting a job where one of my tasks includes sitting at my PC during working hours and getting paid to write blogs! I cannot tell you how stupidly happy I am. Seriously never thought I'd get here, but I have and I am on cloud 9!

Even living in my flat doesn't seem so bad anymore, probably because my new job is so close to home so I have been relishing in the benefits of not getting stuck in rush hour traffic and having more on an evening to myself. I even discovered this weekend my windows, which are on a security latch, can actually be taken off and I can open them so much wider than I thought! Who knew? On the downside, I managed to pull my shower pole off the wall as I was taking the curtain down to wash it yesterday and in my attempt to fix it have actually made it worse and think I've broken the whole thing now!

Oh, and as for my car, I have managed to get my bumper fixed! Actually, I lie, it wasn't me at all. It was my lovely friends, Chelsey and Tim, who did all the hard work. I just stood and watched pretending to know what they were talking about when they were telling me what they've done! Those two are absolute legends though. They've helped me out no end since I've moved into my flat, I am seriously so grateful to have them in my life! Awww look at me getting soppy! (If either of you are reading this, can you come round in the week and help me fix my shower pole!)

So now I'm back on the straight and narrow, I am refocusing. I've managed to persuade Chelsey to join my gym so I now have my fitness buddy back. I completely forgot what a task master she is though after she made me do a circuit of kettle bells, TRX and planks after a 45 minute spin class last week! It's all going to be worth it though.

Chilling out has been top of my weekend agenda over the last couple of weeks and will continue for a few more until I go to Spain in August. Yes, I am going on holiday and I can't wait! Sun, sea and sangria awaits! For now though, it's all about watching the next instalment of TOWIE and Big Brother and getting back to the office to do some more writing.

What a life! :-)

Frankie says relax...

Over the last two days I have indulged in some much needed R&R. Infact, I have spent most of the last 48 hours either asleep or dozing on my sofa. Even an appointment at the hairdressers yesterday afternoon gave me an opportunity to indulge in some down time inbetween a glass of prosecco and mulling over of glossy and weekly mags. 

It's been a while since I've had a weekend like this, and I have to admit, I've enjoyed every minute! Not having to get dressed up or put on any make up has been quite liberating. Instead I've been curled up in my joggers, hair tied back and enjoying time on my own at home. 

This chill out has been a long time coming so there has been no hesitation to indulge. I even declined an invite to the pub to watch the football last night and was in bed by 11pm, which for me, is alien! Sometimes you've just got to listen to your body though and relaxation is definitely what mine needed. 

All I need now is a yoga master class, a back massage and 20 minutes in a sauna and I think I'll be fully restored to the land of the living! 

oh dear....

Last year my car failed it's MOT - on what, I really can't remember. All I know is I had to pay out quite a bit of money to get it repaired, but I vowed I would only keep it another year and then get a new one.

12 months have now passed and guess what? Yes, you're right, no new car and yes, another failed MOT! You're probably wondering why I didn't take my own advice and get rid of it? Well due to an unfortunate turn of events, redundancy is looming and it was either pay out £280, or scrap and find a stupid sum of money from somewhere to buy a new one. As the latter wasn't an option, I had to go with the only other possibility...get it repaired.

I'll be honest, I picked up my car yesterday and it did feel a little like new again so it was obviously in need to rescuing. Then again, if I was corroding the way my car was, I don't think I'd be fully functional either! So for the last 24 hours I have felt like a new women...ok, ok, I won't go that far, but it's felt good to actually feel safe behind the wheel again.

That was until this evening when I walked out of Next to find my bumper hanging off it! Seriously, it never rains, it pours. I swear there is someone "up there" looking down on me and having a good old laugh. Thankfully, through the power of Whatsapp I was quickly rescued by my ever so amazingly reliable friend, Chelsey, who wizzed down in her sporty Astra and saved the day by hammering the thing off leaving my car looking like it's ready to pass over to car heaven and me in a daze of humiliation and bewilderment!

So now I am at home, trying to decide on what the best course of action will be to get the stupid thing repaired. Lots of advice has been offered to me which I am obviously always grateful for, and despite the initial outburst of tears when I got home and blowing up my jacket potato in the microwave, I am now fully restored to calmness thanks the bottle of Smirnoff in my fridge!

Things can only get better, right?

"Show me how you burlesque"

Over the bank holiday I unleashed my naughty side by taking part in my first ever Burlesque dance class. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, so when the opportunity came up as part of a hen weekend in Birmingham for my friend Lauren, I couldn't wait to get involved!


The hour and a half class for us hens was run by Twinkle; a cheeky, sassy and confident instructor who taught us to stand, walk, pose and act burlesque. From the Marilyn walk to side steps, swirling boa's around our body to a bit of bump and grind and working those bum cheeks to peeling off long gloves and stockings, we did it all!

Despite the little devil in me screaming to get out, I was a little apprehensive at first and did hold back until I found I was quite a natural at doing the shoulder shimmy! By then, I was very much in my element thinking I was Christina Aguilera dancing on stage waiting for Mr Diet Coke man to surface so I can seduce him before he realises what a novice I am!


Everything about the class screamed fun. I didn't find any of it tacky, in fact, it made us all very aware of using our bodies to seduce, but also show off what we have in a flirty and entertaining way. There are no set rules to burlesque so even if you make a few mistakes, it's easy to use charm and wit to cover it up...and maybe a cheeky arm to ankle extension to show off your cleavage!


We continued with the theme by braving a night out down Broad Street dressed in Burlesque costumes. Corsets on, hair extensions in, pouty red lips on show and boas at the ready, we piled into a few bars and it wasn't long before we were alcohol fuelled and putting our moves into practice.

It was fair to say everywhere we went we didn't go un-noticed. There were some guys who looked really impressed, and a few who just didn't know where to look! All of them contributed to a great night out for us though and Twinkle's lesson earlier that day paid off whilst we were on the dance floor because we really did show them how to Burlesque!

It was a great experience and have to admit, I felt really sexy in my corset so it definitely brought out a side of me that I liked, so much so, I'm looking to enrol in more burlesque classes locally within the new few months. My friends have even joked about me becoming a full time instructor myself! All I can say to that is never say never....

Days like these...

It all started when I decided to do overtime and get into work for 7 this morning but only wake up at 10 past! I then proceeded to make a slight, and I mean slight, dent in the copious amounts of work that needs doing with the help of some Skittles and Starburst this afternoon.

I also planned to go to the gym this evening because I am in need of a good workout so decided on a different (and quicker) route but got caught in a traffic jam and was diverted only to get stuck in more traffic, and yes, another diversion. When I finally got there and parked my car I realised I left my kit at home! I cannot tell you how annoyed I was!

Plan B was a quick stop off at Morrison's which turned out to be the worst plan ever because I soon found out everyone in Northampton had the same idea, except the staff! I'm guessing they were either all on strike or just enjoying the sunshine! The queues to pay were ridiculous and someone even abandoned their shopping on an empty till point it was that busy.

After finally getting back to my car I resigned to pouring myself a large vodka and diet coke as soon as I got home. It was all I could think of until I got stuck in more traffic! I couldn't believe this was happening to me. Thankfully it wasn't too bad and I soon neared home, until I found myself stuck behind a learner driver....

It's safe to say today definitely wasn't my finest but I am home now, enjoying my second vodka after the first went down a little too quickly! Let's hope tomorrow is a better one!

In an octopus's garden with you....

Without sounding like an opening to an advert for shampoo, when it comes to styling my hair, I’m no expert! I love looking through magazines or pinning ideas on Pinterest but I can never quite master the look I’m aiming for. Even learning to curl with straighteners was a mission. Thankfully, due to a win at a local charity event, I have been lucky enough to indulge in some much needed hairapy after winning a month’s free gold membership at what is now my new favourite salon, Octopus Hair.  

Based in St James, Northampton, the newly revamped salon has become a gem of a place to be pampered. It was obvious from the moment I walked in and met the owner, Dana, that I was in for a treat. Now I’m not one for taking hair risks, unless of course you exclude the time when I was 12 and opted for a Kylie Minogue perm which I thought looked amazing, especially with my goofy teeth and my favourite pair of washed denim jeans with zips at the ankles!  However, sitting me down with a latte and biscotti to discuss my hair needs I suddenly felt very important! She explained the membership included unlimited wash and blow dries, treatments specific to me, styling sessions and ending with a colour and cut. I was in heaven!  

Spending most of my life opting for blonde highlights my hair has been through a lot of dye and bleach, not to mention the copious amounts of spray, styling products and straightening so it came to no surprise when Dana suggested a course of conditioning treatments to start me off. Leaving the pro’s to it, I was more than happy to let them take control and do what they needed in order to replenish my mane! I assumed my first treatment would be one of those 10 minute deep conditioning packets you can pick up in your local supermarket but little did I know that it was so much more! Sitting back I relaxed into a deluxe four step process that involved stripping my hair of all its toxins and replacing it with goodness, along with having the most amazing head massage I have ever experienced!  

Styled and ready to party

Staggering back to my chair feeling drunk-like, I sobered up with another latte and biscotti whilst my hair was brushed, dried, styled and curled. Perfect timing as I was going out for a friends’ birthday that evening and I’ll admit I felt really good. I even got a few compliments throughout the night too!  

The rest of the month consisted of various other conditioning treatments from the team, who also tried out different styles on me too. From sleek and straight to wavy and loose curls, I feel like I have been thoroughly indulged and spoilt. My favourite of them all had to be the final cut and colour where I was treated to both foils and paint, something I have never had done before and I absolutely loved how it looked at the end. Definitely the best colour I have ever had. It’s no wonder they call themselves colour experts!  

Sleek and Straight

I enjoyed every appointment I had with the membership and actually found myself getting excited about each visit just so I could see what they were going to do next. All the staff are so friendly, nothing about them is pretentious or clicky like I have felt in the past from other hairdressers. Every member of staff comes across as extremely passionate about their job and want to make sure you walk out feeling good and most importantly, have great hair! They are dedicated and focused on ensuring your hair is well looked after and maintained and they give great advice on how to look after it too.  

Since winning the prize, I have been back for a colour and cut, and once again, they didn’t fail to disappoint. I’ve even booked in for another appointment next month along with one to get my hair styled for a wedding I’m going to…I can’t wait for that one! I’m so pleased I won it because I feel like I’ve found a business I didn’t even know existed and absolutely love it. I would definitely recommend them even to the fussiest of people because they have the ability to take you from feeling like an ogre to princess in an instant, and that is something worth shouting about. 

 

The end result!

 

 

To find out more about Octopus Hair, you can check out their Facebook or follow them on Twitter @Octopushair

Here comes the bride...nearly

Wedding fever hit me this afternoon as I went to see a friend try on her bridal dress for her big day next month. Seeing her standing in front of us looking so beautiful and elegant filled me with much excitement because it will be 1 of 2 weddings I am attending in the next few weeks, along with the hen party too! Admiring all the beautiful dresses on display and looking at the gorgeous accessories made me wish I was getting married!  

One day, maybe… 

It did get me thinking again about what I should wear though. I ordered a dress last week but that’s already gone back to the shop and bearing in mind the last wedding I went to involved me buying about 30 dresses and not keeping 1 of them, I am slightly worried about what state I’ll get into this time!  I’ve started browsing around, but as yet nothing has grabbed my attention. I’m thinking I may have to invest in a personal shopper purely for the sake of all of my friends so they don’t have to put up with my drama!  

Whatever I choose, the only important dress on the day is the brides and seeing how amazing she looked today, I don’t think it matters what I wear, so whether I choose something elegant or turn up in a bin bag (don’t worry, I won’t) she is going to be the most beautiful person there and have everyone admiring her, and that is all that matters.

The Nation's Favourite Indian (The Shirley version)

It’s not every day you get to meet someone famous, especially when you’re sweat laden and fighting against a steep incline on a treadmill at your local gym, but it happened to me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I can’t quite believe it, but recently I had the pleasure of finding out for the last year and a half, maybe even longer, I have been working out unknowingly in the presence of the Nations Favourite Indian. 

Now you’re probably wondering who, of such an accolade, would spend their time in a gym in the middle of Northampton Town. Well let me tell you; he’s a funny, witty, fleece wearing, bicep building hulk of a man, otherwise known as, Par Dhonsi… 

Oh come on, you must know who I’m talking about? No? Well let me tell you. Par is a personal trainer at Pure Gym, Northampton who entertains us all with funny stories, provides great PT sessions and does one hell of a spin class. In fact, I would even go as far as saying he’s my second favourite instructor there!  

The ironic thing about this revelation is I have known Par since becoming a member of the gym, but never realised the extent of his popularity. We did get talking about blogging one day after he befriended me on Facebook and I noticed in a not-so-stalkerish-way that he also likes writing too….for Hollywood! Yes, that’s right. He only casually dropped into conversation that he’s a visionary screenwriter.  For crying out loud, that’s stuff small town girls like me dream about! I remember asking him how he got into it and he simply replied ‘by accident!’ As.If!  I wish those kind of accidents happened to me. The most I get is falling flat on my face after drinking too many glasses of wine!  

It’s no wonder he’s so popular. Despite telling me he thought my name sounded like a toothpaste brand, and finding it hilarious to dial 999 on my mobile, the guy is so laid back and understated it’s easy to see why everyone loves him. He’s obviously really passionate about the work he does and you only have to look at his photos on Facebook and Twitter to see why.  

If you don’t know him, you need to, and if you do already have the privilege, I can completely understand why he’s been dubbed the Nation’s favourite. He’s definitely one of a kind, and if I’m honest I do feel quite lucky to know him. Seriously, the guy is a legend, and he didn’t even pay me to say that!  

Girl power continued...

I have taken my female empowerment to the next level today by getting involved with the Cancer Research campaign which is encouraging girls to take no make-up selfies, post onto Facebook and text a £3 donation to raise awareness for breast cancer.

In just under 24 hours, girls all over the country have united and already raised a staggering 1 million pounds...and the donations haven't stopped yet. Posting photos and nominating friends to do the same has swept across social media and is taking cancer awareness to a new level.

The only downside to this phenomenon is the backlash of rude and derogatory comments being made by some of the boys. Criticising our looks and accusing us of being self indulgent, it appears that there are a few people out there who need to open their eyes and look at the positive impact our actions are having...after all we show our support for Movember! Thankfully, for every one of those boys, there is another proving they're not all bad by donating and even posting various selfies of their own! 

I think it's great what us girls are doing, and who cares if we don't have any makeup on. When it comes to cancer, everything else is irrelevant. 

If you want to support the cause text BEAT to 70099. In the meantime, here's my photo!

I tell you what I want, what I really really want....

Today I feel empowered! I feel proud to be a woman; proud of my achievements and ready to take charge of my life, both professionally and personally. This wake up call has been a long time coming and it finally happened today and no, there wasn’t a burning bra in sight!
 
This sudden burst of enthusiasm is all thanks to a seminar I attended, organised by my company in aid of inspiring female talent. Working in logistics for the last 7 years, I have been aware that I am in a predominately male industry, and although I have never had first hand experience of this within my role, listening to some of my colleagues throughout the day has made me realise the difficulties they face working alongside their male counterparts.  

The seminar was designed to inspire, and that is exactly what it did! We had the opportunity to hear stories from senior female directors as well as our male chief executive, the journey they have been on and how they are using their skills and knowledge to be the best they can me. I learnt the value and importance of having women within various levels of the company, the barriers faced and what we need to do as a company to break those down, but also what I can do myself to develop and grow with the same success that men have had within the business.  

There was a lot of focus on career development and self perception, something that did resonate with me because I am so eager to grow yet seem to have an insecurity that is holding me back, something which a lot of women could also relate to. What I did take from this however, was the understanding that I am in charge of my career. How I want to develop, and what I want to do, is down to me. I am capable of making decisions, and the only way I am going to get there is to have confidence and belief in myself that I can do it.  

Times are changing and I am in a position now to reach out and grab exactly what it is I want and today has given me the push I need to do it so I’m digging out my platform shoes once again and reliving the meaning of girl power!

It's been a while...

So it’s the 16th March today and I’ve suddenly realised it’s been nearly two months since I wrote a blog. TWO MONTHS! That’s shocking. I seriously can’t believe I have taken so long to get back here; then again, life has been crazy for me of late. But that’s no excuse!

So here I am, sitting on a camp chair in my new flat watching Babe: Pig in the City on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, windows open, sun shining, finally getting back to what I love most: writing. Despite another 6 week wait until my new sofa arrives, I am slowly but surely settling in. It’s taken longer than expected, but I finally got round to buying a cutlery set today and even treated myself to some chopping boards too…I think that’s what folk call living dangerously!

It is a little strange living alone, however I can’t knock my neighbours (yet) as they seem like a friendly bunch and living in a block of flats does make it feel less isolated that if I were in a house, I guess.

The dreaded flu virus that is circulating got hold of me last week and left me bed bound for two days and despite getting over it now, I do still feel a little lethargic, then again, that could have something to do with the involuntary 7.30am start today prompting an intense gym workout and 2.5 hours shopping in town!

So now the evening is drawing in, I am planning to chill out, cook some dinner and get writing. I’m back lovelies, so watch this space…

Who loves a Cavapoo...

I have started to branch out into the world of guest blogging thanks to my lovely followers on Twitter and have written a blog for a Doggy Dazzles, a company dedicated to pet care products. 

Check it out here and let me know what you think:

 http://www.doggydazzles.co.uk/blog/who-loves-a-cavapoo-puppy/

Pass me a vodka...and make it a double!

Well today was my last day of my Christmas holidays. I can't believe it's all over and in less than 12 hours time I will be back into my routine of Monday morning spin before getting back into the office. 

The last few days have actually been really relaxing. Lots of quiet time, chilling at home and recovering from my cold, which has thankfully gone now. The only problem I've found is it's opened the door for all of my anxiety to creep in about my pending house move. Now I tend to look on the positive side to things, but the last couple of days I've found the sweaty palms and heart racing slowly coming back every time I think about moving out. 

The annoying thing is I don't need to vacate until March, but my mind has started playing tricks on me again and I've allowed for panic to set in. What if I can't find somewhere to live? What if I can't afford it? Being single sucks! I seriously would have thought by now I'd be married with children and a nice house somewhere, instead I'm scrambling around trying to find a place of my own, which lets face it, on the money I have, won't be much! Plus there's the slight possibility I may have to find a new job within the next year, but that worry can just go and bury itself under the massive pile of ironing I have to do and I'll deal with that as and when I need to.

Seriously, this is NOT how I anticipated starting 2014 and quite frankly I can do without it, but I guess these things are sent to try us and maybe this is the new change I've been looking for....see I'm trying to be positive! 

Let's hope it all works out. Keep your fingers crossed for me lovelies! 

Happy New Year!

2013, you have been a mixed bag! So many good times, but also some bad. Lots of ups but also some downs, but some would say that's just life as we know it and if everything was plain sailing it would make for a boring ride!

2014 is going to be a year of change for me, whether I like it or not because I'm going into it with an air on uncertainty: the possibility of maybe having to find a new job and the definite need to find a new place to live. There's one thing I do know however, I have the most amazing friends and family around me to help me through this. (And not to mention an unopened litre bottle of Smirnoff!) Whatever is laid out for me over the next 12 months I am ready to take it on and hope it all ends well. Who knows, cupid might even do me a favour this year too and throw some love my way...here's hoping!

I have made my wishes for the next year and really hope they come true because if they do, I'll be one happy girl. For now, lets raise our glasses and toast to the past year because whatever we went through, or are still going through, we're getting there. I wish you all a great, happy and successful year ahead, and remember, whatever challenge comes your way, stay strong and be the amazing person I know you are and it will all be ok.

Let's make 2014 a good year in every respect.

Happy New Year Folks!