No use crying over spilt pancakes (Blogmas Day 7)

Today has been a simple day. A simply wonderful day.

Probably the last easy simple day before Christmas now.

 

It started, as all good Sunday's should, with a bacon sandwich. With a bacon sandwich and planning a surprise.

And then the boy came and picked me up and we went shopping for cake ingredients. I like shopping with the boy. It feels homey.

So we went home and dealt with the surprise. Putting up a little Christmas tree. :-)

 

Generally spent the day pottering about. We laughed and danced about and dozed and generally were a bit daft as we generally are. It was easy. It was simple. And I didn't have to worry about anything.

I know I have talked about worrying before but I worry about a lot of things. Especially at this time of year.

 

As the day went on we tried to make the cake (an attempt at a sugar free treat) and decided to have a stab at pancakes. Neither these things went well. The cake didn't rise very much and the pancakes were a bit of a disaster. Basically we didn't get any pancakes.

 

It shouldn't matter. It doesn't matter. But it was such a beautiful day that I felt like I had spoiled it. That I had failed somehow or been a let down. Which is silly. It's just pancakes. Just cake. Nothing important really.

It is so easy to focus on the negative when there is so much positive going on.

So next year, I am starting up my three good things diary again. If I do anything, I want to do that.

 

No use crying over spilt pancakes.

Love Charlotte xx

Trimming up the tree (Blogmas Day 6)

Today was the day we trimmed up for Christmas in our house.

I love Christmas and trimming up should be one of my most favourite parts.

Inevitably it ends up being quite stressful though as we all power through muttering annoyed mutters until it's over and we flop down on a sofa (this has been impossible for the last couple of hours as they have been covered in boxes of decorations) with a sigh of 'it wasn't that bad after all'.

 

We argue about how big the tree should be.

I always think there aren't enough lights.

My sister always wants more Nightmare before Christmas ornaments.

My mum wants less.

My dad wants us all to help. Which just means we get in each other's way,

I miss the old decorations. I like them. They are nostalgic but they never seem to come out.

I also like quirky handmade things. My sister doesn't.

 

And then there is the controversial subject of Festive Chicken.

Festive Chicken? Oh yes. If you want to find out more about what on earth Festive Chicken is you will need to stay tuned to Blogmas!

 

But, the main event is up. The tree is looking fine and there in some good quality mantelpiece dressing going on. I imagine anything else will get completed over the next couple of days.

 

It can't just be me who had these ideas of putting the decorations up as blissful and fun and then has to realise that actually it's a lot of bother, can it?

 

Pip pip, Charlotte xx

Pre Christmas Clear Out (Blogmas Day 5)

My office is a mess.

An absolute mess.

And I have had enough of it.

 

We moved into our currentp office back in February and it is only now that we are managing to sort through some of the junk.

 

Okay, so this isn't actually a Christmasy post. We have basically just started the spring clean a few months early. But that is the thing about this time of year, I start thinking about next year and how I can make it better than this one.

 

We have been through a lot of changes recently at work. My company was bought by another, which at first caused some concern and worry. We took on a new contract which isn't particularly fun and went through a restructure which saw a few familiar faces leave and not many new ones have turned up yet dues to delays in recruitment.

I don't want to make out like it's all doom and gloom. Apart from a pay cut next year (which being honest, I'm obviously not thrilled about but understand why it has happened) I don't really see what everyone is fussing about. It's really not as bad as people are making out and it was a few changes here and there or go bust and not have a job at all (or so I can gather). I know which I'd prefer.

 

But my positive attitude doesn't stop it being a stressful time.

It doesn't stop the fact that the new contract is a horrendous obstacle course of jumping through hoops. Hoops that are on fire. And really, really tiny.

It doesn't mean i don't want to make it work either.

 

It's not going to settle down properly this year. It just isn't going to happen. We don't have all the staff in place yet and the rules and regulations change so frequently it's hard to keep up. So I reckon we might as well use the up and down time to chuck out some old junk and try and organise ourselves so that when stuff does get overwhelming, we are as best prepared for it as possible.

 

I just need to apply this to my personal life and I will be sorted.

 

Love Charlotte xx

Festive Fowl (Blogmas Day 4)

If you are expecting a post about how to cook the perfect turkey this Christmas then I am afraid I must disappoint you for that is not what you are about to read.

 

We are only 4 days into December but well into what I think is the Festive Season. Christmas Markets have been up and running for a few weeks, town centres are decked up and generally the idea is get into some Christma Cheer.

 

I haven't seen a brass band yet but I am hoping to soon. Because if there is one thing I love p, especially at Christmas, it is a brass band. Throw in a choir doing Christmas carols (not songs) and I will be a very happy bunny indeed.

 

What I have seen though is these things:

 

I have no idea what they are or why they were walking through the town centre at around 5pm. Nor did I have time to find out as sadly the commuter train waits for no man! So a hasty snapshot and a sense of intrigue and mystery had to suffice.

 

Was there a show on?

Were they to promote something?

Were they part of an act or an act in themselves?

 

There was a marquee a bit further up and some chaos in smart attire who looked like they could be magicians setting something up but there was no signage saying what was going on, so it is unlikely I will ever know.

 

But I enjoyed the moment all the same. It made me smile at the end of a long day and surel that is in keeping with the festive spirit?

 

Love Charlotte xx

 

The Pros and Cons of Winter (Blogmas Day 3)

At the time of writing I am sat on the sofa in my living room, which just so happens to have a proper fire in it.

Not a gas fire, or an electric fire or even a wood burning stove (as lively as they are) but a proper, in the grate, needs a big hearth and a rug incase it spits, fire.

 

This is how I know winter has arrived generally because we have to get the chimney sweep out in order that we can light the thing without filling the room with smoke and the coal man comes and fills up the coal hole in the garage. Winter has arrived and it it just marvellous.

 

But it's not all toasty fires is it? At the time of writing I also have really rather badly chapped lips, despite liberal applications of lip balm. Only a small thing yes, but the constant stinging is starting to irritate me now and I would be much happier if it just shoved right off and left me to enjoy the flamey goodness in peace.

 

So, I thought I would do a little list of the pros and cons of winter. It is by no way comprehensive and certainly isn't in any particular order just as they occur to me. At this stage, I have just as little idea as you do as to what they are going to be. Let's find out together shall we?

 

Pros of Winter

1. Soup: Oh yes. Soup. I know you can have soup any time of the year, gazpacho for instance is designed for the summer months, but I am talking about proper hearty soups that warm not only the body but the spirit too. Those sort of soups you don't crack out until the temperature drops and boy are they worth waiting for.
2. Hot Chocolate: In particular Christmas hot chocolates from cafés. Normally, I am not a fan of buying over priced drinks out and about because I am a bit cheap and I know I have access to free drinks either at home or at work. But at Christmas, there are exciting flavours and cute cups to be had. Who can resist!?
3. Cosy PJs: Is there a better excuse for new PJs than the fact that it's getting chillier? I am also including onesies and twosies in this because I LOVE THEM! If I could, I would spend the majority of my time in my nightwear. The choice of cute and fun designs is endless and they are just so much comfort than 'Human Clothes' (As my friend Rose has taken to calling regular outfits).
4. Movie nights (and days!): With the weather getting colder, you have the perfect excuse to stay in, curl up under a blanket and watch a good film, comedy dvd or do a box set marathon. Settle in and get comfy because you don't need to go out really do you?
5. Getting in from the cold: If you've managed to work the timer on your central heating so the house is already warm when you get in (you knew you would have to venture out eventually) it feels like you being defrosted. It is pure bliss to shake off the chill and melt away into point 4 above.

 

Cons of Winter

1. Layers upon layers upon layers : After establishing that coming in from the cold is great, sadly it does require that you go out in it first. And for me, that means layers! I get cold very easily and I do not like being cold which means I complain a lot if I am. This means I have to layer up during winter to the point of feeling like the Michelin Man. I will wear tights, leggings and socks under my jeans. Which I will then cove with winter boots. And while this stops me being cold, it also stops me being able to bend my knees.
2. It's SO DARK: Obvious but true. Winter means it's dark. Which makes me feel a bit fed up. Although I have to admit I have made it pretty far in without getting too down in the dumps this year which I feel is an achievement. But spending all the daylight hours at work is never a fun way to pass the time.
3. Shoppers: With winter comes Christmas (you wondered when that was coming didn't you?) but with Christmas comes Christmas shoppers. And Christmas shoppers clog up the town centre when I am trying to take my lunch break. My 1 hour of being out in actual sunlight per day. Get out of my way and let me have my vitamin D time in peace.
4. Christmas Shopping: In particular when you don't know what to get the person in question. I love giving presents, I really enjoy it, but I want to do it well and that can be hard when you have NO idea what to get someone. Give me a clue please?
5. Being ill: Everyone is ill in winter so even if you're not actually poorly yourself you are trying yo avoid getting one big or another. I commute. On a jam packed tin box of germs. And then I go to work in an office dealing with members of the public. Who are full of germs. And my co-workers come in from other locations where they have interacted with other groups of germ-tastic people. I'm not trying to be mean about the people on my train or the people I work with. We are all full of germs, myself included. It's just a wonder I'm not coughing up my own lungs for a greater percentage of the year.

 

I am pleased to report that I found coming up with the Pros list much easier than the Cons which is surely a good thing. I know there are many more for each category so please feel free to share your favourites and hates of this chillier seasons.

 

Love Charlotte xx

The Christmas Takeover (Blogmas Day 2)

Does anyone else find that in the run up to Christmas it can feel s bit overwhelming. Like it takes over everything and it is the only thing you can focus on?

 

But not in a nice 'Oh I've got that Christmassy feeling' way.

 

In an 'Oh my goodness, I have no time and can only do things relating to Christmas but not actually have fun doing them because of the need to cram everything in' way.

 

I hope it's not just me.

 

I tried very much to come up with my ideas ahead of time and I have got some stuff sorted out, but I still find myself with a lot of things to make and a lot of things to do. I am using my commute to make presents and my bank account has taken a hit with online shopping. I can't even remember where I have put my Christmas cards, nor do I know when I am going to write them.

 

I love Chrstmas, I do. But I wonder if I have made too much work for myself which is going to spoil it.

 

There is a change of subject coming up, but bear with me, it's relevant I promise.

 

 

It's a Tuesday, which means I have a driving lesson. Yes, I am still having lessons because apparently I am not very good at passing driving tests. I recently failed for the second time at the end of November. But I was all set to book it again and have another stab at it, I was raring to get it sorted out.

 

And then Christmas hit.

 

And I lost all my enthusiasm. Taking the test again. Having to do lessons. It all just felt like hassle I didn't need getting in the way. And ploughing the money into it as well!? Crazy. But above that, I just found myself lacking motivation. Driving isn't Christmas related so it wasn't capturing my attention. It wasn't important. Christmas is what is important.

 

No it's not.

 

Not like that.

 

The important thing about Christmas isn't all the baubles, bangles and bright shiny beads (although they are fun) and it isn't the presents (even though I am super excited to give some special people done special things). If you're of a Christian persuasion it is about celebrating a particularly important birthday but if you're not, it should be about spending time with the important people in your life.

 

It's a time to take stock, relax and wind down, ready to take on the challenges of a new year. Not frenzy yourself into a big ball of stress.

 

If you want my take on Christmas, here it is. Stripped right down:

 

I've always thought that it is wonderful that during the literal darkest times of the year, we put on more lights.

 

Love Charlotte xx

 

 

 

 

Ps. The driving lesson went well and I feel a lot more motivated about the whole thing again!

Happy Blogmas!

Hello and Happy Blogmas!

 

I've been away for a little while dealing with various bits and bobs out there in the real world. But now I am back. Back for Blogmas.

 

Basically, I was fed up of letting all the rubbish get in the way of me doing something I actually enjoy. So Blogmas seemed like a good way to try and get myself back in the groove. I did daily bligging way back in August and I had a jolly good time. So here we go again!

 

We start, yesterday (Yes I know that wasn't December but let's just brush over that) why I saw not only my first, but my second domestic Christmas tree. Bars, restaurants and shops have had their trees up for what feels like months now, but yesterday was my first glimpse of actual trees in people's living rooms! I personally think it's a bit early and I wouldn't want to put my tree up yet but seeing other people's cheers me up no end. Plus, it surely means soon it will be time to hunt out the over the top Chrustmas lights! Excellent!

 

Back to December. Festive things of today include getting my first Christmas card.

 

Starting my work advent calendar - a lovely gift from my friend Sam.

 

And... My home advent calendar. This one was from my sister. You gotta love Frozen!

And seeing as I didn't buy any of my advent calendars, I bought the boy one too.

He has promised not to eat all the chocolates at once!

 

I don't know if all my Blogmas posts will be of an equally festive theme, some defintely will be but some might not. Today was just a little introduction for myself back into blogging.

 

I hope you enjoyed finding out how into advent calendars I apparently am. I would love to see your advent calendar if you feel in a sharing mood!

 

Love Charlotte xx