Sunday 31 July 2016

Farewell July!

Farewell July - you have been a great month


What a way to start the month than with a trip to London to see Take That, swiftly followed by our trip to sunny Sorrento, Italy and finished off with a few days in Cornwall. I wish every month was as busy and fun as July has been.


It has of course taken it's toll on my waistline but life is for living and I have eaten and enjoyed the most delicious food over the past month. Other than our Wedding Anniversary and Sam's birthday in August, nothing should stop me from being fully on plan and back to it, so thank you July for being a fab month and here's to an equally good August, minus the holidays and food.....

Thursday 28 July 2016

Cornwall

Just back from a few days in Cornwall - the weather wasn't great but we made the best of it.


The rain cleared the first evening there, the boys had every intention of going in for a dip but the breeze was too chill and they made the sensible decision to go for a walk instead.


We headed to St Ives on Monday, again the weather forecast wasn't great but we braved the showers and soaked up the sunshine in equal measures and the boys got their first dip in the sea!


We enjoyed a delicious meal at the HUB - always a 'go to' for us and you get great views, fab atmosphere and delicious food


Tuesday was spent at the Jubilee Pool in Penzance - Sophie and I spectated whilst the boys did there thing and got wet (and cold!!) We had a bite to eat then headed off for a mooch around Penzance as the rain arrived.


And then on Wednesday, before heading back home we helped Granny celebrate her 93rd birthday with pasties and cake! So a lovely few days but back home now to get on with the house. A year on from our move, we are still living with boxes around us that came out of storage. The plan is to sort through all that's left - car boot, free cycle and charity what's not needed/wanted or can't be found a home for and then empty the sitting room ready to decorate - there's always something to do!

Tuesday 19 July 2016

Sunny Sorrento


Sophie and I have just returned home from a truly fabulous week away in sunny Sorrento, Italy. I last went to Italy 23years ago whilst inter-railing as a student, I always promised myself that one day I would return but it has taken me this long to get back there. I LOVE it there, the weather, the food, the people, the gelato, the coffee..... and it was really special to spend a week with Sophie, who was great company. I did feel guilty leaving Jeff behind, Sam hates the heat and isn't old enough yet to be left home alone, so Jeff took care of him! We travelled with Thomson's, staying in a 3 star hotel, which had a pool but was pretty basic, simple Italian but it was just a base for us, as we made the most of the surrounding area.


Day 1
We spent our first day in Sorrento, getting our bearings, have a wander around the town and finding the train station, buses etc for our planned days out.


Day 2
Sophie's really wanted to go to Rome so we made sure we ticked that off the list first. We opted for getting there ourselves, rather than book a set tour as it was cheaper, which meant a 6am start but gave us a full day in Rome. We caught the local commuter train to Naples, then changed there to a super fast train to Rome. We visited the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps and walked everywhere in 40 degree heat. It was hot and exhausting but a fabulous day, not to be missed.


Day 3
We planned a day of relaxation in Sorrento after our trip to Rome. There is no real beach there but bathing pontoons, where you can hire sunbeds and an umbrella. These were very expensive, so we could only afford to do it once but it did feel like a real treat.


Day 4
We woke to grey sky's and rain forecast, so we decided to buy a bus travel card each and drive along the Amalfi coast, taking in the sights and passing through Positano, Amalfi and from there we caught another bus up to Ravello. It was a shame it rained, as we didn't get to explore but it was the best value for money and was a great way to see the coast, views and experience the hairpin bends. Hats off to the bus drivers on such challenging roads. The rain continued into the evening, torrential downpour as our food arrived at an outdoor cafe, made for a fun evening!!


Day 5
An overcast day was forecast, so we headed over on the ferry to the Island of Capri. We decided to walk up to the actual centre of Capri, then from there we caught a bus up to AnaCapri. We had been told to take the chair lift to the highest point, which we duly did and boy was it worth it - the views were incredible. Once back in AnaCapri, we decided to walk back down as the sun came out, we then caught the Funicular down to the Grande Marina before heading back to Sorrento.


Day 6
Our final day was spent by the pool - reading, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. The hotel was actually on the corner of a very busy, noisy street/junction but around the back was this lovely little pool, surrounded by lemon and orange trees - an oasis of calm.


We ate the most delicious food and .....


.... had a truly fabulous holiday.


Here's to another Italian adventure one day - Ciao!

Sunday 10 July 2016

British Summertime


So yesterday Jeff and I were up bright and early, London bound for the day. We park on the outskirts for just £2 for the day and then tube it in. We did a few touristy bits then...... 


......headed to Hyde Park for the main event - TAKE THAT performing as part of the British Summer Time shows. It was a long day waiting for the boys but boy were they worth the wait, with a surprise performance from Lulu and then Sigma joined they for their new single Cry.


I got the tickets for my Birthday back in November and every time I see them, I can't wait for the next. It's their 25th Anniversary next year so I'm hoping I'll see them again soon. We got home just after 2am and am shattered today, oh to be young again!


But today in a tired haze, I've turned my attention to packing. Sophie and I head off to Sorrento tomorrow leaving poor Jeff and Sam ( whose happy not to be coming!!) at home. I am so looking forward to a week of Sunshine, Italian sights and delicious food but do feel a little guilty at leaving Jeff at home - will have to spoil him over the Summer x

Tuesday 5 July 2016

Closed!


Just to let you know the dots and spots shop is on holiday!


Sophie and I head off on Monday to Sunny Sorrento for a week, leaving the boys behind, Jeff will have enough on his hands whilst we're away and I've a busy few days ahead of me before we go.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Sunday 3 July 2016

One whole Year!!!


Really not sure where the time has gone but it's one year today that we moved house.


A whole year ago, when I thought it all wasn't going to happen and the stress was unbelievable.


And in that year, we have gone from this .......


..... to this!

Over the year we had our planning application approved to build the extension, we decorated Sophie and Sam's rooms first before the chaos of the build started. Then we existed during the 5 month build. Once the builders left we have finished 'ish! the kitchen, our bedroom and nearly completed the boxroom. We have taken down trees, cut hedges, built decks, removed a summer house and put up a shed!

There is still masses to do and now with the summer holidays upon us, I am hoping to get the back garden finished and the sitting room done. Then tackle the bathroom once everyone goes back to school in September. We have no intention of moving again in the very near future so will work our way through the 'to do' list slowly but surely.

Friday 1 July 2016

Farewell June

Farewell June!


You've not given us the best weather this month, the umbrella's in Bath were a bit of an omen of the weather to come. It has meant a little more decoration inside has happened. We survived the dreaded exams and celebrated Leavers and Prom, Father's Day and my Dad's 70th Birthday.


I'm still following my Slimming World plan in a bid to keep the pounds at bay! Just nudged out of target but very nearly back in, before Sophie and I head off to enjoy a week of much needed sunshine in Italy very soon.

PROM!

How did it happen? 

My daughter's School Leavers Presentation Ceremony


and Prom!!









The photo's I've shared are more a little collection for me to remember her Prom night.
Beautiful x