Category: Views & Ramblings

1. Birthday gifts : Designer or design your own?

   Posted on 10:12am Thursday 8th Aug 2013

   Tweet

   Guess what? It is my birthday tomorrow ... shhhhh ..... it's not a big birthday and I love birthday's so I am not really sure why I am suggesting that we be quiet about it! I have always loved birthdays, I love any excuse to get together with family and friends and I suppose the presents don't go amiss either!

   I was talking with one of my best friends yesterday and she was laughing at how much we had changed, I used to love nothing more than a house full of people for any occasion whereas now, I love having a few friends round and actually having the chance to talk to them (and maybe share a few glasses of wine)

   Once upon a time my birthday presents were designer clothes and accessories but this year there was simply nothing on the list. Everyone has kept asking me what I want but without sounding like an old cliche, I have everything I want. This is not to say that I wouldn't be thrilled with aforementioned designer clothes but they are not a priority like they once were.

   I seem to spend my time and money, cooing over gorgeous things for my daughters these days from every day playsuits from the high street to cute baby converse from high end stores like Alex and Alexa. So I do understand my family's reluctance to give me money as it usually just gets spent on the girls.

   I am as guilty as anyone for going overboard on birthday's and Christmas as I enjoy buying giving presents as much as I love receiving them but as I get older wiser, I love a handmade card as much as an expensive shop one and a personal present, rather than an expensive gift. As for my habits when buying presents and clothes for my own family and friends ...... I may not be quite so wise as I just can't resist shopping!!

    

    Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

   
   

2. To Baby Moon or not to Baby Moon?

   Posted on 10:18am Wednesday 7th Aug 2013

   Tweet

    

   The constant press coverage and updates about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the new baby prince appears to have waned a little over the past week and it has been suggested that they are taking some time to have a "baby moon" . The Queen spent 30 minutes with her new great-grandson two days after he was born but we are sure that she is one of the first in a steady stream of visitors and dignatories that will want to welcome the little one into the world.

    

   Eight years ago, when I had my first child, I genuinely dont recall anyone having a "baby moon" then. I am not saying it's not a FANTASTIC concept but do times really change that fast? It totally makes sense to have some time on your own after the arrival of your newborn, a bit like the "time alone" newly married couples get on their honeymoon but dont you run the risk of offending so many friends and family?

    

   I recall a steady stream of visitors for the first 3-4 weeks at least but having some time to enjoy your newborn baby sounds nothing short of bliss.  I know everyone loves a tiny baby but sometimes you do feel like ringing some of the agents in Scotland and eloping to a new country, just for some quiet time. Although to be fair, the Royals could just nip up to Balmoral!!

    

   Are we creating a selfish society or is this purely time to nuture and cement a family bond with your partner and children? A new baby is a gift, should we be taking more time to enjoy it?

    

   What did you do?

    

   

    

3. Dear Daughter : Things I wish for you .....

   Posted on 9:14pm Tuesday 6th Aug 2013

   Tweet

   Dear Daughter,

   I hear myself saying "I wish you would tidy up after yourself" or "I wish you would think what you are doing" but you are a child and you have no real concept of why I want you to do those things, I am just that nagging noise in your ears, encroaching on your fun. I am the one that reminds you about your manners, I am the one that makes you go to bed, I am the one that wishes you would grow up and keep your innocence all at the same time but what do I really wish? What do I wish for you ......

   I wish that you will grow and learn to understand that happiness cannot be bought, it is felt, shared and found.

   I wish that you find your prince (or indeed princess) charming, who loves you like you will always rule their world.

   I wish that as you grow, you understand humility, strength and honour and will use them wisely.

   I wish that you will always have the courage to stand up for what you believe in and not to just assume he who shouts the loudest is always right.

   I wish that you choose your friends wisely but know that they do not define you.

   I wish that you will always have time to spend with your family and never be too old for a hug.

   I wish that you realise that your sister will always be your best friend.

    

   I wish that you find adventure and want to travel the world.

   I wish that you always want to find your way home. 

   And when that day comes and you say to your own children "I wish you would tidy up" ...... I wish I will be there to catch your eye and know you understand. 

4. I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

   Posted on 8:23am Thursday 1st Aug 2013

   Tweet

    

   I love inspirational quotes, you know the kind that you find yourself nodding along to or the kind that resonate with you completely?  So when I read this on Facebook earlier this week and I was nodding my way through reading it,  it says to share it and I wanted to share it with you.

   It was shared from Keith A Wells Snr, although I am unsure if he is the author.

   I BELIEVE A Birth Certificate shows that we were born; A Death Certificate shows that we died; Pictures show that we lived! Have a seat . . Relax . And now read this slowly.
   
   I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
   
   I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
   
   I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
   
   I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
   
   I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
   
   I believe - That it' s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
   
   I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
   
   I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
   
   I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
   
   I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
   
   I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
   
   I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
   
   I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
   
   I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
   
   I believe - That maturity has more to d o with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
   
   I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
   
   I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
   
   I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we
   are, but we are responsible for who we become.
   
   I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
   
   I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
   
   I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
   
   I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
   
   I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
   
   I believe - That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in. I just did.
   
   The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

    

   What do you believe ...?

   Would you add anything to this list?