I have now been back at work for three weeks, and I haven't managed to write a single word for the Blog. It's been exhausting, stressful, and very, very different to life pre-lockdown, but I'm so glad that we're open again... For anyone who doesn't already know, my family run a pub in a small coastal town in Somerset. We re-opened three weeks ago, after three and a half months in lockdown, and it's taken all this time to get used to the new setup. We've had to remove tables t

So, after three and a half long months of being stuck at home, I now find myself on the brink of going back to work. Trouble is, I've gotten used to the Waynetta Slob look. Can I even remember which end of an eyeshadow brush to hold anymore? So, this has been my hair and makeup routine since lockdown begun: have shower, wash face, moisturise, dry fringe with Babyliss Big Hair; any delay in this step either results in a fringe that bends in all directions, or one that hangs so

By this, I mean the Department Store, not a man names John Lewis. Apologies if you are so called... A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from John Lewis that made me do a double take. This wasn't the John Lewis I knew; our reliable British Department Store. I opened it up and began scrolling. I couldn't believe how highly sexualised it was. I was very taken aback. The images of their wares were stunning; expertly captured. Each item displayed for maximum effect. The sim

As a parent, I've experienced many highs and lows when it comes to raising my kids. The lows leave me exhausted; feeling like a constant failure and wondering why on earth I had kids in the first place. The highs are such a reward, that I almost forget what little terrors they are 90% of the time! Almost... As much as I moan about the kids (and God, did I moan in the last post), they do lots of things to make me proud. And it's the unexpected things that they do which touch m

Parents of grown-up children always say the strangest things to me: "Never wish your life away", or "you'll miss this when they're older", or "ahh, they're so precious at that age". Usually when I'm in the Supermarket, with one of them in a headlock, and the other wailing in the next aisle, because I've walked off and left them to their tantrum! It's just after 8am, and my School Mum friends and I are discussing our children, all girls between 9 and 10 years old. They all hav

I had been thinking about running a Half Marathon this month, and then decided against it. Maybe next month, when I've had time to build myself up gradually. Or so I thought... I spoke to my running buddy on Zoom on Saturday evening. She told me that she'd found a new route, and I begged her to let me tag along. I've been getting rather bored of the same old journeys every time I go out. She said it was about 10 miles long. "Perfect" I thought to myself, and we arranged to me

I have a bit of an obsession with expensive toiletries. In fact, the Husband despairs at the number of parcels that arrive from the likes of L'occitane, Neal's Yard and Aromatherapy Associates. All at the high end of the price spectrum. You will clearly notice from the photo, that the bottle of Radox is considerably bigger than the bottle from L'occitane. This is because a 100ml bottle of L'occitane Lavender Foaming Bath costs £6.50, and a 500ml bottle of Radox costs £1. An e

I am no stranger to splurging. The Husband will pay testament to that. Unfortunately, it's not just the occasional splurge... The 18th June is Splurge Day, and I don't need any excuse to indulge. Apparently, it's a day to forget your financial prudence and let your hair down. "Treat yourself" I read online. Well, I have absolutely no objections to that mantra. "I hear ya" I say, nodding along enthusiastically; simultaneously loading the Feel Unique website, whilst typing this

The Daughter has been trying to persuade me to dye her hair blue and it reminded me of an ill fated occasion, back in my teens, when my hair turned orange! I must have been about thirteen or fourteen years old when I had the bright idea of dying my hair blonde. At that age, my hair was beginning to turn from ash blonde (which I deemed acceptable) to a boring mousy brown. In my mind, the least attractive hair colour of them all. I went into town with my school friends to pick

I am one of those people that has absolutely no co-ordination whatsoever, and spatial awareness? What spatial awareness? Yesterday I broke my favourite mug. I was devastated. It had been given to me by my good friend Alison, when I was her Bridesmaid at their wedding last year. She said it was a toss-up between an engraved wine glass or a mug. In the end she opted for the mug, as she said it best represented our friendship. And it does! Most of our time together is spent drin

I'm sure you're all with me here Ladies! This is no small feat, by any means... If you read my previous post, "In which I have a fight with my boobs", you may well be forgiven for thinking that I have a bit of an obsession with my cleavage. I don't. It's really not that impressive, but I do think that wearing the right bra for all occasions is an absolute essential. It can transform an outfit from lumpy and frumpy, into fabulous and streamlined; being comfortable and well sup

Last week the Government announced that it would be acceptable for groups of up to six people to meet in a private garden. So who did we invite on that first day? The In-Laws. Not everyone's first choice, I can appreciate. But for me, the first people I wanted to see were my Husband's parents. The minute I heard the announcement, I immediately cornered the Husband in the kitchen. "Shall we invite your parents round for a barbeque on Monday?" I asked. He glanced at me nonchala

The beauty of my local area is quite remarkable. I frequently stop mid-run to take a photo of charming scenery and I'd like to share a few of them with you now... I was scrolling through Instagram earlier and came across a photo posted by a local woman, who had set her alarm for 3.40am this morning, just to head to the top of one of our many local hills and watch the sunrise. Her pictures were absolutely stunning, receiving many compliments for their beauty. Our local Facebo

Yes, this rather suggestive looking contraption is indeed what arrived in the post for the Husband... Before we start, may I just take this opportunity to remind you of the old adage "never judge a book by its cover". Rest assured, I am not some sort of nymph and this object has absolutely nothing to do with sex. Yes, it resembles many things: an over-elaborate microphone, an ineffective drill, a hairdryer with an extremely odd attachment, not to mention something more unspea

The item pictured is an instrument of absolute torture, but there have been many times when I'd be lost without it. Yet, many of you won't know what the hell it is... This innocuous looking orange foam cylinder, with its somewhat child-friendly appearance, should, at all times, be treated with the utmost suspicion and regard. It's most definitely not a toy and can inflict instant pain on whoever dares to tackle it. Yet thousands of people rely on this bit of kit to heal them;

A few years ago, I went to see a hypnotists to overcome a severe phobia... The reason for this visit might sound slightly insignificant, but it had become a big issue for me. Every summer, when the weather warms up and the nights are balmy, the back and font doors to our little family pub are propped open wide to allow air to circulate through. It's about 450 years old, with very low ceilings and incredibly thick stone walls. A perfect combination to turn a small space, bustl

An odd sounding achievement, but it's something I've been trying to conquer for a couple of months now... This hill has been my nemesis for a couple of months. I have been running for about three years in total, but up until recently, I'd only been making it out about twice a week. I was struggling to find the time between school runs, work and keeping on top of everything at home. Since we've been in lockdown and I've been furloughed, I've had a lot more time to get out and

It's a wonder we haven't been thrown off our street yet. Should I be worried that we've had three lots of new neighbours in just five years? I knew the weather was going to be glorious as soon as I woke up. When I drew the curtains back and was greeted by a slight haze disrupting my view, my suspicions were confirmed. There was no sun to speak of, as yet, but I knew we were in for a scorcher. It's now a balmy 23 degrees. The birds are tweeting, but lazily; no squawking or scr

No, this is not my revelation as a lesbian, just an appreciation for an attractive, smart and funny woman... This may sound a little odd, but I have a huge crush on Serial Killer Villanelle from Killing Eve. For a start, she's a complete kick-ass; no holds barred, takes no prisoners kinda girl. She's smart, sassy and dangerous. Her fashion sense is impeccable, all those stunning designer outfits and shoes! Completely impractical of course, but stunning none-the-less. Oh, to b

A sure fire sign of getting older is grumbling at how ridiculous and indecent some of the latest fashions are! Something I seem to find myself doing more and more of recently... Take these leggings for instance. I don't know about you, but I have spent my entire life trying to ensure that my leggings don't get eaten by my bum. Today's fashion seems to not only require that a large portion of material looks like it's been engulfed by your anus, but each cheek also has to be co