have a slice...it's for a good cause

Check me out! I made this! Really! My very first lemon meringue pie! I had to take a picture

before it got scoffed. (By me). Every bit was made from scratch, even the pastry, ( I had to

prove myself.) This all started when myself and the big fella got into the untidy and

uncomfortable habit of buying a packet of scones and devouring them in bed while watching

telly. Crumbs and jam, how romantic! Anyhoo, I thought it would be cheaper (and give me a

chance to either show off, or piss myself off) if I made them myself! So I did! Loverly! (Thanks

for that one Audrey!). After all my boasting and gloating to the big fella, he had enough and said

anyone could have made them (how dare he!?!) So he dared me to make his favourite, lemon

meringue pie. I came over all Monica Geller and met his challenge by looking up the easiest

recipe on the net, ( I think it was from a kindergarten website) and vowed to make the best pie

ever. So just to totally win, I must stuff my face with this pie before he gets in and has any! I

know you can help me with this one! Here, have a slice, ..................I don't want to cut

it........................oh no..............................it's gone. Yum! Victory is mine!

Just looked at my last post, all apologies, it is shocking and sore on the eyes and brain!

Back logging in blog land

Ok. I admit some of these awards are from ages ago, and I did thank the person, just not on my blog! About time you did, I here you mutter, so without further a do, thank you to the ever wonderful Sarah for my creative blogger award! Find Sarah at http://cottagegardenstudio.blogspot.com. You also can be the proud owner of her enchanting art work through her online store through this link. You will love it! Long over due, but my thanks go out to you Sarah!

Ah, my watermelons! I received this juicy award from Audrey at the blogtastic, http://stage3!whome?.blogspot.com, who also gave me this wonderful mermaid award and everybody knows I love mermaids! Thank you so much! Audrey deserves all the awards ever sent to her and should hog them all for herself! But of course she spreading that little bit of happiness in the land of blogging and I am in awe of this woman. Read her blog, and I promise you, you will be amazed at the strength of her beautiful writing, making you feel like you where right there with her. Never fails!


(As you can see I can upload pictures again, but just as badly, if not worse) I am still on the melon award! I have to pass the award on to six other blogs I love, tagged who you received from, (Mmmmm, just scroll up, just scroll up!) and tell people six things that you love.My family and friends goes without saying really, so here's my top six, but no real order:

• My amazing apartment and the views: I can STILL not believe my lucky stars. When I was a young girl, I finally got a bedroom of my own! I loved it. It was my place to dream, let on I was a pop singer in my mirror and gaze out my window at the stars at night.I would put on "sounds of the sea" (£3.99 in bargain bins and it repeatably skipped) and I would always have dreams of living by the seaside, a glorious beach hut, the furniture and floors, all wooden and white and a fridge full of never ending food! Fast forward later life, I was struggling to find a home to stay in and how I was going to pay the next bill. These poor times slowly improved with sheer will, good support and a few lucky escapes on the way! I am not out of the woods yet, but as I constantly worried and fretted throughout the years, I didn't look at what I have actually achieved and accomplished and before I knew it, my childhood dream was smack bang in front of me! Alright, it's not all all white and wooden, it's more creams and light blues and a lot of MDF and lilo, but it is by the sea. I still get to stare at the stars but now I can see them reflected on the water and I don't get a creak in my neck like I did because of all of the houses in my road when I was a child! I believe wishes do come true, we have just got to realise it!

• I love it when I spend ages making a recipe from scratch, put magic and effort into it, just to hear the big fella say it was "bootiful baby" and knowing he means it.
  

• I love listening to an old song you have not heard in a long time and find you have fallen in love with it all over again. You just want to hear it again and again for that feeling.

• The moonrise and the sunset: I am in my element when I can see the moon in the sky. I am fascinated by her and the folklore and history behind it. Some of the sunsets I have seen through my window is truly magical and my camera is stuffed full of these photos! These wonderful gifts are all I need sometimes to put things into prospective.

• Photographs of my past lives: For the memories, laughter and tears, Photographs reveal more than I care to admit sometimes.

• Life in general! I am finding more and more that life is full of life learning curves and twists and you need to grow and learn from that and I am starting to look forward to what happens next, simply because I don't know! I find that pretty exciting!

So I am passing this award to:

Joyce at http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com

Tammy at http://witchystiches.blogspot.com

Mel at http://cluttertoshine.blogspot.com

http://hibiscousmoon.blogspot.com

Cindy at http://idreamofhalloween.blogspot.com

Rhannion at http://theblessedbee.blogspot.com

Go have a gander at these insightful blogs! Good blog reading! Thanks again to everyone for all your support in the past couple of weeks and yes, the dust has began to settle! Hope you are all happy and well!

Well, I am still here and miss blogging (despite my "episode" if you will) but there is a valid reason why I haven't blogged of late. To be honest, it's a bit of a confusing time for me work wise. Everything is (putting it loosely) OK now, but in the past week, I have been shocked and saddened by the behaviour of some members of my team and I am slowly trying to rebuild a happy work force so to speak. I work with a diverse group of characters and with different views and opinions and managing that it hard. Trying to hear every one's point of view and trying to keep things in perspective is a battle sometimes.I will most probably tell you all about it soon,(as this obviously make's no sense whats so ever) but for now shall we say, we will let the dust settle. I have been keeping up to date with blogs and try and leave some form of rambling just to show I am still here and enjoy reading them! Hope you are all happy and well!

I have lost the will to blog

OH.MY.GOD. I am defeated. Do you ever have those moments where your really into your post and you type in really witty banter, and start making sense, even to you, then start pouring your heart and soul into it, you tag, (or link in my case, I need a personal trainer in blogging, preferaly to the hollywood stars) you post beautiful photos you know people will appreicate as much as you do and see how cleverly it linked to the story (if I don't say so myself) It takes you roughly around four hours to upload the photos to your page, (if you had seen this post I am talking about, you would know what I mean) and you read through it a million times, just in case it is gibberish and people start blocking you, and press PUBLISH POST only for the screen to flash "Connection failed" Yes, I hear you gasp, but it's true. I tagged loads of people, nominated and said my thanks for blog awards, uploaded photos that nature smiles apon and put in heart felted thanks for wonderful gifts and presents from fellower bloggers. But hear it is again, THANK YOU! (It sounded way better in the other post, and everybody would know who I was saying thank you to.) I have just realised that my spellcheck will not work, sorry. I have also realised I have eaten a whole packet of biscuits and I am quite annoyed that there are none left. But I am determined to type it out and try again, ( just not as eager) and because, well, I guess I just miss you all. If I press that button and it comes up connection failed, I am going to scream.

Would you Adam and Eve it

In my biiiggg rambling post before, I tagged my nominated blogs for awards. I have just realised that half of them don't work. I am terribly sorry for the silly inconvenience, but please don't let it put you off viewing these blogs, they really are worth it! So sorry to give you all a challenge, but I think most of us are followers of each other! If not, sneak a peek, you will be glad you did! This is why I have Holly, my blog guru. I am cack at this! I will try and get the right links and why not, I will write another list. Any excuse!

I have just received an AWARD! Whoop!Thank you so much to Rose at http://livingwiccy.blogspot.com/ for this grand award! Go and check out her blog,it is wonderful, especially her 101 things list! There really is 101 things on there! Thank you Rose for making my day! I understand that some readers have received tons of awards, including this one I am going to pass on. You are probably looking at your computer screen reading this saying, "calm down love!" ( You think this is bad, you got to see the comment I left poor Rose when I found out!) But it's my first one. This is like the Oscars to me! But I am starting to realise I need some vitamin D, and I started work again, so what a wonderful way to end my two weeks off! Chuffed to bits! So, what's next you ask? Glad you did. I now am going to pass the award on to 15 blogs I have gotten to know recently, and spread the word you know, getting to explore new blogs ( Rose explains this all so much better, I tend to go off the beaten track a bit. As you can see) And the award goes to..................(here comes the science, I am going to attempt to tag, Lord 'elp us!)

http://hibiscusmoon/ - This lovely lady has been with me from the start, and I simply thought of this blog first. Never forgotten, and thank you for the lovely comments, uplifting and warm. A wonderful blog, with some daring recipes of magical potions and inspiring teacher.

http://ohforthelovelofblog.blogspot.com/ - The first blog where I read the recent post, and went straight to the start to start at the beginning. I have not laughed so hard in a long time. Witty, sharp and definitely real, always enjoy reading.

http://octoberfarm.blogspot.com/- Jaz recently found me, and invited me to visit her blog, as she thought I may be interested. Well, I am not interested. I'm obsessed. I can't stop looking at her blog with her amazing collection of witches. She is in possession of the spell book from one of my favourite films, if not just for the house ,Practical Magic. She knows mee soooo weeellll! (Elaine Paige impression).

http://crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com/ - Wonderful blog, hearing about the ongoings of her beautifully written novel. I read in a recent post she mentioned she was feeling melancholy due to a piece she was writing in her story about a death. This shows how dedicated she is and how much she believes in her work and lives through her characters, and that's amazing to me and I only hope this award cheers her up and carry on writing with her wonderful heart and soul.

http://cottagegardenstudio.blogspot.com/ - The wonderful Sarah. This lady cheered me right up with her enchanting artwork and thoughtful words. Then to top it all off, I was chosen in her art giveaway. Honoured with tears of joy when I got word. Her artwork captures me every time.

http://hollydieter.blogspot.com/ - A force to be reckoned with! An amazing way with words, Holly is the owner of this blog and she just got her very own camera! Is also my blog guru, helping me out in the maze of technology I just can't grip. Holly writes posts you can't help but read! I dare you not to read a post from her blog.

http://stage3whome.blogspot.com/ - Audrey is a open, warm, brave and courageous, bringing awareness with amazing grace and clarity. I double dare you.

http://momentsofperfectclarity.blogspot.com/ - Julochka is having a blog camp in her AMAZING home, definitely worth a look. She already has 729 followers and counting to boot! Empress of the blogs!

http://starlightjourney.blogspot.com/ - Jackie is an illustrator and her work is just spellbinding. If you want to see imaginations of your childhood of mermaids, pirates, and dragons ( and don't we all) come look at her amazing gift. Wonderful to see her work in progress every time.

http://atouchofinspiration.blogspot.com/ - As the ole saying goes, "It's all in the name". Pamela's blog is inspiring, thought provoking, and has a lovely way with lists!

http://gypsy-warrior.blogspot.com/ Ah, Jennifer. Such a lovely outlook on life and inspires me to do likewise. from 1st May until 7th May, (which is her b'day!) she is celebrating the days in the greatest of ways. Happy Birthday Jennifer!

http://mybamblepatch.blogspot.com/ - Pamela has a lovely way to draw you into her posts, through her words, photographs and creativity. Pamela is taking part in the Everyday in May challenge. I look forward to her posts!

http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/ - This is a fantastic blog of fun. Katie paints fun in everyday life through her photography. She is all about the fun. Every post original and creative. Check it out of a pick me up. Sure to make you smile.

http://nocturalknitwitch.blogspot.com/ - Amazing collection of sewing machines! Fantastic knitter with a twist! A gem of a find and I love the lady's name who is called Moon!

http://alittlehouseintheclouds.blogspot.com/ - this is one of my most recent finds, and it is one of the favs. Very funny lady, who creates posts through everyday life with laughter. Always look over old posts for a good ole belly laugh!

So there you have it, to be honest you all deserve a award for reading all that! I pass the blog on to anyone not on the list as well! I'm knackered! I actually think I put more effort into that blog than my actual job! Not good. I realise that some of the blogs on the list, if not all of them, have already received this award, it is free to do as you wish with it, I just think you deserve it!

Freaky Deaky

(Please ignore the crumbling nappy in the right hand top corner. Shudder.)

.

So, today is my last official day off, thank you bank holiday for a extra day to do everything I as supposed to do over two weeks. Any hoo, I was this morning(huffing and puffing) getting some laundry done. I should not complain at all because the Laundry room is just across the road and it is free. I will keep it zipped. If you want to hear a funny story about laundry go herehttp://alittlehouseintheclouds.blogspot.com( Oh look at me, i made a link)and go to My beautiful laundrette post. Guranteed to make you laugh. I misjudged a timing in one of my loads and realised I had fifteen minutes to spare. I did not want to stand there staring at the washing machine, (I heard when it goes on spin cycle, it hypnotises you.) So I went for a walk along the lovely prom and have a snoop. It s seems I had also misjudged the weather as it was W.I.N.D.Y. Self done hair do ruined. I look like Medusa. But I braved it, and look what I found. Strewn all along the sea bed was a tarot deck. I could not really see the cards descriptions but they were tarot cards alright!Despite the winds, they did not move. Maybe the sea was having her cards read before the tide came in!

I have to say, since I have moved to my beautiful surroundings, I have found the place a bit like Alice in wonderland. First of all, its just like turning down a street in the middle of a busy road, and turn down into a different world. The houses are amazing. Spellbinding, stepped in history, which I am more than eager to find out about. Everyone is completely different, grand and standing tall and elegant, every one with exotic and enchanting gardens. In the middle of the street between to houses is a little patch of land, which has graced everyone with daffodils, and now beautiful bluebells. Magical! The street lamps are all Victorian just adding to the feel. A wonderful walk in any weather. Then there are the neighbours. Granted I have not been properly acquainted with many, but yet their very day presence, runs smoothly into the ways of everyday life. For example,our front door is facing a another and there is the excentric if not a little strange old man who blasts Italian ballads and stands at the window shouting and laughing in Italian. To who, I don't know. Never the less, the distant sway of his music and laughter is a nice, regular feeling. A nice backdrop of hustle and bustle. Then we have the Opera singer who lives next to the laundry room. I often hear him and his piano practicing uplifting, powerful notes, with the drumming in the turning of the dryer giving him beat. Then at the bottom of the road, the view. OH.MY.GOD. I never thought a city would have such beautiful spots and for me to live here, with a big fella who not only takes care of me, he puts up with me, (I can be a cow) and I will always be grateful. I see the sun set and the moon rise every night,(weather permitting most times) and they say the best things in life are free, well the view is priceless. The weather is a also part of the mystical way. It can be like four seasons in one day here. The flat seems to breathe in wind giving it a pulse. It even makes that whooo noise brushing throughout the flat leaving me looking like I have been on a motor bike with no helmet on. Also, to to put the cherry on my cake, it is affordable! My childhood dreams coming true! So off I go to clean, for it has been neglected for two weeks and my, can you tell! ( I wish I could post more photos but myself and uploader are fighting at the moment, but we struggle on!) I think it is turning into one of my favourite places ever! Hope you are all happy and well!

Update on hair

So, I cut my hair. Right. I know, crazy, stupid, silly. But wait................ It's not so bad! (I think anyway). Because my hair is quite curly, I cut it thinking it would be only a wee bit, forgetting that it would look a lot shorter when dry. But, I like it, and so does the big fella. (Trust me, he would tell me, a lot). It is bouncy and curly and frames my face. In fact its better than it was. Needless to say I will be going to the local hair dressers to "tidy it up a bit". I Dread to see what it looks like from the back. I like it, and thats lucky! (im still not going to blog a picture of myself with my new do, are you mad?) Hope you are all well and happy!

Google name search - The new tarot?

Just for giggles. I am basically nicking this from a funny blog called "For the love of blog" but I couldn't resist! Basically go to google and type in your name and needs such as Claire needs and press search. I have to say, it is uncanny. Here's my list (I love lists, I actively search for things to list, apart from bills or anything important, I have not got time for all that).

1) Claire needs to visit the bunny planet: In fact I think I already have. It was in Amsterdam, long, long time ago, and I ate this lovely cake...............................any way, they didn't say much.

2) Claire needs a weeeeeeeeeeeeee: (as written) Well, it has been my fifth cup of coffee.

3) Claire needs an intern: This is one of these words that I hear a lot and when mentioned, I just tell myself I know what it means. I don't. No doubt I probably do need it.

4) Claire needs a fashion muse: Like you wouldn't believe. I'm one of these girlies that looks at Angelina Jolie and thinks if I just do her makeup just the same, I will look exactly like her! One word: Drag queen. Don't even start me on fashion.

5) Claire needs booze to kiss: This was taken from a tabloid newspaper (which I buy near everyday and every day by page four, I am sorry I did, but don't worry, learning all the time about Paris Hilton buying 60 pairs of shoes and all that informative "news". One thing, how the hell did they get into my diary entry: "Need a bottle or two for this night!"?

6)Claire needs a middle name: No, I already have one, it's Helen. Fools. Though I do want it to be Pixie Dust

7) Claire needs the hair police: Now, this is where it gets freaky. I have done something really terrible which I was going to refuse to blog about, as the shame is reeking out of me. I cut my hair last night. Badly. that sort of childish, uneven look to it. and my hairs curly. That's the situation and I have to go to a birthday party tonight, but fear not, I sleepily applied out of date fake tan last night, so now now I look like a quite patchy umpa loumpa! Result! I will just swear she said fancy dress and cause a drunken scene and make it into my night and not her birthday. If this rambling doesn't make any sense just look at No. 4.

Claire needs to chill: With this hair?!!?? Not a truer word spoken it would seem. I worry about everything! Like for instance, just about to fall asleep, (you know that feeling...ahhh) so, I have to frighten the life out of myself, big fella and the rest of the building at 1.00am by jumping up and going "Did you blow out that candle?" "Was that the microwave?" (we don't have one) "Can you smell burning?" Did I mention I'm a paranoid drama queen?

9) Claire needs a bum bag: To cover it.

10) Claire needs a bigger calender: I need a life to have a calender silly!

So there you have it! You just got a major insight into my life, via good ole Google. Privacy laws, Bah!

Oh how my words have come back to haunt me

Well its 11.30pm, I am about to hit the hay, and in the distance I hear a faint rambling and screeching gradually getting louder and louder until a ungodly singing group of drunken teenagers (obviously celebrating May Day) halt outside my window to give me a complete update of the weekly top 40, including two renditions of the number 1! (This must be their favourites uh?) Slobbering beat box sounds included! Like having twenty clones of my sister outside my front door. I think I might go outside and join them. Just let me fill up this ice cold bucket of water and I'll be right with you!

Spare me

I just thought I would put this one out there. My younger sister who is just screaming, attiTUDE searing, out of those teenage years that I am trying to forget, came to visit me (to get her birthday presents, she stayed 45 minutes) and through conversation, complained to me that she felt her hair was falling out. I told her she was probably lacking iron and should start changing her diet and eating more red meat. The attiTUDE came screaming out when she spat, " Claire, I eat chicken McNuggets near enough every day, all right moron!" I will say no more.

YESSSS!!!!! My comments came back to me!!!!!! I thought I was gonna have to sort out a new blog there! Thanks for all your advice, it worked! Myself, novice, together, Geniuses! Now, I am never gonna touch the settings post ever again!

I give up

Well, from Wednesday, I have done nothing but try and get comments up! I go to the comment page, click (now furiously) on show comments, changed the layout, as I have heard sometimes that helps, (I even had a pink layout, not my colour) trust me, I have asked blogger help, read all your kind instructions from emails (once again I thank you!), I even asked Jeeves! They all tell me what I am doing, yet nothing. Pah! Never mind, it should resolve its self in some silly way as these thing happen! It is May day! Yeah! I know to was Starshyne productions, dance for 15 minutes today and I did! I got up early (ish) and pumped on the music, I like shuffle, you never know what going to come on next, and danced away to Lady GaGa "Poker Face. Do not know much about the lady herself, but loving the song.
Next Tony Bennett came on "Whooooo cannn Iii turrrnnnn tooooo, whheeenn nobbody nneeds meeeee? Then big fella walked in and invited me to step on his big size 11s and we walzed around the living room! It was really nice, cause me and the big fella don't really do things like that, so it was a lovely morning and I'm glad I did it! So enjoy May day and have a good ole bop around the room, you never know who is going to walk in and join you!