This week my Word of the Week is: Birthday!! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

It has to be! It was my blogs birthday on Sunday, it turned 13 years old! How did that happen!! One minute I was pressing publish on my very first post, probably sweating over whether anyone would even read it and now here we are. I feel like sometimes I am just muddling through with it, I'm great at keeping the blog posts coming but not so good with the behind the scenes things. I really should change my blog header or banner or whatever it’s technically called, that picture at the top but I can't remember how I did it last time. I feel like I should really check for broken links and feel like I should go back and update old blog posts but I have thousands, where would I start. lol Anyway, I am proud of my little space on the internet and thank you all for reading, commenting and supporting me!!

Now onto the other big birthday, mine!! Yesterday was my birthday and yes I am cheating a little because I’m actually writing this on Wednesday. I already knew the rest of the week was going to be busy so I’m hoping all our plans have gone to plan and we made it home from York! hehehe

The plan, if everything went smoothly was that Ellie and I headed to Hull on Thursday and checked into a hotel for the night. Then later on Becky and her girlfriend were joining us and checking into their own room. Becky had been on her own mini adventure before meeting us. She had her routine heart check at the hospital, nothing scary both the girls just get these check ups every three years after having surgery 16 years ago to fix holes in their hearts. Stu was at work during the day on Thursday so he said he’d meet up with us once he’d finished. Perfect timing because the Christmas lights were being switched on in Hull that evening, which felt like a bit of birthday treat.

Then we were heading to our favourite all you can eat place. If you’ve been around on my blog for a while, you already know exactly where I mean. Wings. A place where you can have spring rolls, pizza, curry, ice cream and jelly all on the same plate if you fancy it. lol After eating far too much, we always do the plan was to head back to the hotel, get comfy and watch I’m A Celeb in bed. Ellie was sharing with Stu and I so it was going to be strange!

We woke, hopefully on time, had breakfast and then went off to catch our train to York! We were off to York Christmas Market! Last year Stu and I went the day after my birthday and it was so lovely so this year we decided to take the girls along. A full family day out. I’m assuming we had a fabulous time because in my head Future Me is already smiling about it. I’ll of course be writing a full post all about it soon.

We're having a little adventure coming home as I refused to pay £15 each on the train when it was only £4 something to get there. It seems so unfair that they charge triple the price on a Friday. Hmmf. So we're getting the bus and it only cost £3. Yes it takes longer but I am fine with that, it will be great to go through little villages and towns that I've never seen before. The plan after that was to get home, freshen up and head back out to the pub where there was bingo and music.

Today was going to be a day of rest but I've decided we're putting the Christmas decorations up! Yay! It makes sense because this is the last full weekend Stu has off work until the middle of December. I also have a big grocery shop coming today. Stu got a bonus from work which was converted to supermarket vouchers so I am buying more of the Christmas treats like biscuits, chocolate and the Advocaat which we only ever drink at Christmas.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good week. I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay to join in with her Word of the Week linky and while we’re at it can we all send her a big happy birthday too! Hers is in a few days and I hope she gets spoiled rotten.

Window shopping in the Christmas aisles! #FridayFavourites

This isn't my usual Friday post, normally I share a few things I’ve been loving over the past week but things have been a bit busy here. Don’t worry, all good things and it's my birthday today. It has just been one of those weeks where I blinked and suddenly it’s Friday again. So instead of my usual favourites post, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea to share one of my absolute favourite things to do in the run up to Christmas. A good bit of window shopping in the Christmas aisles! (All of the items below are from TK Maxx)

There’s just something so magical about Christmas shopping, especially right now in November before the full on festive chaos hits and everyone’s elbow deep in wrapping paper and mince pies. I don’t even need to buy anything, I can happily wander around for hours just looking at all the sparkly, twinkly bits and pretending I live in a Christmas movie. 

I always tell myself I’m just going to have a look and most of the time I mean it! There’s something so nice about browsing with no pressure to buy. Just taking in all the decorations, admiring the colour schemes and mentally redecorating the whole house even though I know I’ll probably end up putting things exactly where they were last year.

Candles are my absolute weakness. I could stand in front of a candle display for ages sniffing every single one like some kind of candle expert. I don’t even need to light them, I just like having them around looking cosy and Christmassy. Give me a spiced apple or gingerbread scent and I’m instantly in a better mood. My family has learned that if they lose me in a shop, I’m probably somewhere in the candle section. I’ve got a slight candle problem, I own more than I could ever possibly use but there are far worse addictions!

The rest of the Christmas aisles are just as fun to explore. I love spotting all the different colour trends each year. The traditional deep reds, golds and greens, the kind of decorations that make you want to sip mulled wine by a crackling fire. Then there is the pastel, candy themed look with pink baubles and doughnut shaped ornaments that make me smile even if they’d never match my actual tree and don’t even get me started on the woodland themes with little foxes, owls and pinecones everywhere. I want to adopt them all.

It’s like every shelf tells a little story. You’ve got the classy luxury area where everything sparkles just the right amount and then right next to it the slightly chaotic section full of singing reindeer, light up penguins and novelty mugs that play Jingle Bells when you pick them up. I love it all!

Taking photos of all the displays has become one of my favourite festive pastimes. By the end of a good browse I usually leave with nothing but a phone full of photos, a smile and maybe a candle that somehow jumped into my basket when I wasn’t looking. It's the whole experience, it feels like a little seasonal treat, one I look forward to every single year.

Do you like browsing all the Christmas decorations?

My favourite blog posts from the last year!!

My blog turned 13 a few days ago and as I do every year I’ve been looking back at my favourite posts from the last twelve months. These might not be the ones that got the most views or comments but they’re the ones that made me smile the most, brought back good memories or reminded me why I love blogging in the first place.

November - A visit to York Christmas Market!

I loved writing this one. The York Christmas Market is just magical with the lights, the food, the smells and of course the mulled wine! hehehe It was such a lovely day out and I really enjoyed sharing all the photos. There’s something about a proper festive market that just puts you in the best mood and I’m already hoping to go back this year with the girls and make even more memories.

December - Reflecting on 2024!

This one was harder to write because 2024 wasn’t exactly an easy year but now looking back I can see how far we’ve come and how much stronger we are as a family. It’s one of those posts that felt emotional to write but also really healing.

January - Things I did as a teenager that I wouldn't let my teenagers do now in 2025!

This post was fun to write. The things we used to get up to in the 90's with no phones, no tracking apps, just chaos! I had so much fun comparing my teenage years to what I’d actually let my girls do now. Times really have changed, and it made me realise just how wild and wonderful we all were back then.

February - My favourite things about my fella!

I don’t often write about my fella but Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect excuse. It was lovely to sit down and actually think about all the reasons I adore him. Sometimes life gets busy and you forget to say those things out loud so this was a nice little reminder of how lucky I am.

March - Share Our Lives! An average day in my life!

This felt like proper old school blogging, the kind where you just chat about your day. I loved joining in with the Share Our Lives bloggers and giving a peek into what a normal day looks like for me. It’s the kind of post I love reading on other blogs too because I'm nosy and I love seeing how other people live their ordinary days.

April - A Saturday night away and out!

Becky treated me to a night away and we had a great time. Good food, seeing a show and then a couple of drinks afterwards. Having older kids definitely has its perks. hehehe

May - Deaf Awareness Week 2025!

Raising awareness for hearing loss is really important to me because of Ellie being deaf in one ear. I always try to use my little corner of the internet to talk about things that matter and this one definitely did.

June - Parenting Teenagers: Things I thought I’d never say out loud but did!

Parenting teens is basically a daily mix of confusion, laughter and did I really just say that moments. I could’ve written about a hundred things that my girls have said, they keep me on my toes, that’s for sure!

July - My day at Winterton Show, North Lincolnshire - 2025!

We go every year and it’s always one of my favourite days of summer. There’s something about the local shows, the animals, the food and the random stalls selling things you never knew you needed. What's not to love!

August - Why I’m still talking about CHD's - Sixteen years after surgery!

Every year I write a post about CHDs on the anniversary of the girls surgery. It’s not always easy because it brings up a lot of memories but it’s important to me to keep raising awareness. It reminds me how far we’ve come as a family and how strong the girls are.

September - How to make Blackberry Jam!

I was ridiculously proud of myself for this one! I’d never made jam before and it actually turned out amazing. It felt like such a wholesome, autumn-y thing to do. I had to share!

October - My go to Autumn/Winter boots!

I don’t do many reviews these days but when I find something I love I have to share it. These boots are my favourites. Comfy, warm and they go with everything. I’ve basically been living in them for a few years!

Looking back over these posts makes me so proud. It’s been another year of ups and downs, laughter, a few tears and plenty of cups of tea in between. Blogging still brings me so much joy even after all these years and I’m already excited to see what the next year of posts will look like! Thank you all for reading!!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge #36

I hope you are all having a good week? It's Wednesday which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately?

It has to be my armchair in the living room. It is my seat and no one else sits in it, it’s my little sanctuary! It has moulded itself to my body shape because I've spent so many just five minutes in it which somehow turned into an hour. hehehe My chair sees it all: blogging marathons, TV binges, lots of chats with my family, planning the week ahead, me making phone calls and even the occasional snack session. It’s one of those small comforts that makes a home feel like home.

2. Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu??

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan.

I’m really not a fan of squash at all. I’ve tried to make myself like it over the years, roasted, pureed, mashed and in soups but I just don't love it. If I had to choose one I’d probably go with butternut squash just because it’s the one I see most often in recipes and it blends into soups nicely so I don’t have to face its full flavour head on.

There are no Thanksgiving celebrations here, it's not something we celebrate on this side of the pond but I will be sat here drooling over all the amazing food photos that I see.

3. Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed?

The last time I felt properly squashed in was 100% on the bus. It was one of those days where you think where it will be a quiet bus ride but no, it was like the entire town had decided to take that exact bus at that exact minute. People everywhere, bags everywhere and elbows everywhere. A guy with a huge rucksack ended up sitting next to me and he took more than his half of the seat all while I had a couple of shopping bags on my lap. Hmmf. Of course the driver took off like he was late for an important appointment and the guy was leaning into me, squishing me against the window. I was very glad to get off the bus at my stop.

4. Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy?

I haven’t played squash since I was at school, back when PE teachers thought making us chase a tiny ball at full speed was character building but those racquet sports were my favourites too. Whacking a ball as hard as I could was a lot of fun! Tennis, badminton even a bit of ping pong, I loved all of that in PE lessons but only because I wasn't having to run the cross country in the rain.

I don’t really enjoy playing sports now, there's too much running and too much coordination involved, I much prefer watching from the side lines or on the TV from the comfort of my armchair.

5. Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'.

Shrinkflation is absolutely a racket! You know those biscuit or chocolate bars that look like a normal treat on the shelf but when you open them they’re basically a bite sized version of what you remember. Crisps are getting smaller too with less in a packet. It’s pay more, get less and don’t ask questions. It’s not just food either, little everyday items seem to be shrinking while prices inch up. I can’t help but feel a bit puzzled every time I pick up something I used to buy as a full size only to find it’s now fun sized and barely counts and definitely isn't fun!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It’s funny how hearing snow forecast this week doesn’t make me excited like it used to. Snow days aren’t really a thing anymore, there’s never enough snow to actually make school or work close and no one gets the day off now. There's always just a light dusting that barely covers the grass and leaves everyone mutters about back in my day. My girls used to love it and would happily freeze before they would come back inside. I've said it now though, watch it snow lots and ruin my birthday plans over the next couple of days. lol