Daughters, Are You Stuck in a Rut ?

Pick the 3 most important things you could do today to move your life forwards.

How? : ~
Divide up a circle to see what takes up most of your life.
Draw another to show what you want it to be like.

Then pick out the 3 most important things ~ and try to make the changes.

Don't worry about the smaller things, they'll somehow slot into your new plan.

Good Luck.

Jill

Preparation ...

I know it's early to think about this ... but here's another pair of wellies for the festival season :~

Hunter Original Gloss.

Okay so they're £72 but they're smart ...

http://www.hunter-boot.com/

Jill

Prioritise ... Prioritise ... Prioritise ...

I've spent years attending to the 'little things' in readiness for the 'big thing' that needs focused, longer, in-depth attention. Believing that when all the 'little things' had been cleared from my agenda and my mind, I'd be able to focus solely on the 'big thing.' And yes, I've been doing it all wrong. By the time I eventually got around to the 'big thing', my mind was all worn out. And the 'big thing' only seemed to get at much attention and energy as one of the 'little things.' So my message is ... Prioritise ... Prioritise ... Prioritise ... Take the 'big thing' face on, whether it be a job application, an essay, tackling a problem at work, having to tell someone to move out of your living space or life, major spring clean [yes that's a 'big thing' too] ... Get on with it and you'll be amazed at how the 'little things' seem to fall into place afterwards. Try it .. you'll feel free once you've tackled the 'big thing!' Jill

Spring Cleaning?

Just get one of these instead and steam-clean everything ...

Jill

A Slip for £78,000

I was somewhat procrastinating ... checking out an auction house in the Lake District to see if my Doulton Bunnykins had been listed instead of writing my inttended blog ~ the Bedroom Cleaning Frenzy. I didn't really want to remind you about the Spring Cleaning ~ and luckily, this little topic caught my eye ...

Prices for a Slip of a Princess ...

The see-through dress that apparently first attracted Prince William to Kate Middleton was sold for £78,000 at an auction. Those hoping to bag their own Prince Charming - or just wanting a piece of fashion history - bid frantically for the slip at Kerry Taylor’s auction house in central London, according to the Daily Mail.
The dress was eventually bought, for £65,000 with a buyer's premium on top, by a mystery bidder in his mid 30’s who said the purchase was on behalf of an individual named 'Nick from Jersey'.
Kate had worn the now infamous dress [originally intended to be a skirt worn over a slip] at a 2002 charity fashion show while at St Andrew's University. Being auctioned from an Antique, Vintage Specialist and Textile House, the slip has attracted attention from across the world.
Before the bidding started auctioneer Kerry Taylor, who had valued the dress at £8,000 - £10,000, described it as the slip that 'caught a prince's eye and then his heart.'
The black and turquoise knitted silk tube, made by Charlotte Todd, a University fashion graduate became the highlight of the auction as Kate-mania swept through ahead of the royal wedding. Apparently Charlotte was going to keep the slip forever. Wonder what changed her mind? At least she’s being sensible with her new-found wealth - she’s going to use the money for a deposit on her first house.
An all round Ahhh. :) :)

Jill

Mother's Day Approaching ...

As promised ... cupcake recipe ...

Often the best way to learn is by watching. Until I make my own videos ... try this one ... from baking to decorating these yummy little 'Spring Blossom' cup cakes, all you need to know. It's simpler than you think.

Baking can also be a place to switch off from concentrating on studies, work or difficult situations ... Treat yourself to some time off and someone else to your new-found culinary art.
www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/517055/spring-blossom-cupcakes

Jill

Chic Retreats ... Why not ?

OMG, just had to interrupt the Spring Cleaning for a romantic Spring Break ~ yours, not mine ...

Came across this amazing holiday retreat site: http://www.chicretreats.com/ Choose from relaxing, fun or exotic ...

The Elephant at Pangbourne is a small luxury hotel in the riverside village of Pangbourne, Berkshire. Enjoy local ales and a pub lunch in the bar, a romantic dinner in the restaurant or simply relax in the spacious rooms and lounge with their quirky colonial styling and luxurious finishings. With the River Thames nearby and close to the bustling city of Reading, guests have much to explore, although the lure of the cosy bar and stylish rooms may prove too much to leave.

Jill

Something Softer ...

Or Choose a more relaxing environment ... Don't wait for Valentine's Day, Check out Bishopstrow House & Spa, Wiltshire ...

Bishopstrow House and Spa is one of the finest luxury hotels in Wiltshire and possibly one of the best luxury hotels in the UK. Boasting an indoor and an outdoor pool (both heated), the stress-busting Halcyon Spa and stunning new Mulberry restaurant this country house hotel is a dream for all seasons. Following the recent refurbishment of many of the rooms, the interiors have been decorated to the highest standard with stunning designer wallpapers, beautiful antiques and luxurious fabrics. Welcoming touches include fresh flowers and fruit in all of the rooms on arrival.
Contact Lulu at www.chicretreats.com

Jill

Chic Retreats ... Or Crazy ?

The Crazy Bear ... you can say that again, The Crazy Bear at Beaconsfield. From £207 per night for non-menbers. Sure your man would lurrrvvvee this place.

Contact www.thecrazybeargroup.com

Jill

Step By Step ... Something else you probably won't like ...

Yes it's that time again ... time to Spring Clean ~ Even if you are moving out of your Uni accommodation in July ...

Things you will need:
Cloths / Old towels torn up into smaller pieces / Scourers - sponge with a rough green bit on one side /Brush / Dustpan /Bin bags /Mop / Rubber gloves /Old clothes.

Cleaning Materials:
Hot water /Cif / or Jiff / Cream cleaner - the gritty one / Surface cleaner / Bleach /Cooker cleaning product.

*Cleaning Challenge ... Check out bargain shops, markets, car-boot traders stalls for offers or ends of lines ... OR ... find them at your mum's house and take full advantage. When she hears you want to CLEAN your residence ~ wherever it may be, she will be DELIGHTED and surely offer you every cleaning product available in the immediate vicinity.

Pre - THE CLEANING OPERATION ... Tidy Up Time ...

Big the Tidy Up ... into a real Clear Out. Not much point cleaning around rubbish - it's time-wasting. You could be doing other things like ... your nails ... going to the pub ... the races ... the cinema ... on a date ... speed dating ... possibly your essay; some revision; research? Less is more ~ so why keep all that cr ... stuff?

Let's take it easy ...
Unroll 3 bin-bags.

Fill number 1 bag with all the stuff you don't need

Fill number 2 bag with stuff to return to other people or give to someone else

Fill number 3 bag with stuff for Charity Shop - *Make sure you take the stuff to the actual shop - Don't just pile number 3 bag in a corner ~ Piles of mess causes feng shui problems ... blocking energy flow and preventing creativity etc. etc. etc.

Empty drawers, the bottom of the wardrobe [yes, all that mess too]

Clear out under the bed [you never know what you'll find ~ my daughter once found a spare car key under the bed and saved herself outlaying 80 quid for a new one!]

Dust top of the wardrobe [Mind your head - oh and there's the fiver you were saving ...]

Well Done. That's the rubbish moved ... now for THE CLEANING ...

Kitchen
Move clutter from worktops and shelves.

Clear out-of-date foods from fridge and cupboards.

Fill sink with hot water and cleaning product or fairy liquid. [We shall call this HOTLIQ]

During the cleaning process, keep re-newing sink with fresh HOTLIQ and washing out cloths.

Cooker:

Remove cooker shelves.

Spray inside cooker with product [use rubber gloves] - leave to soak - follow directions on can.

Soak and scrub shelves with Cif and scourer.
Clean cooker top with Cif and scourer. Wipe clean with HOTLIQ.

*At this point you may require a large glass of water or wine ~ or both !

Cupboards and Surfaces:

Empty contents from 1 cupboard at a time [incase you're tempted to go out and end up at an all-night party !]

Fill sink with HOTLIQ
Wipe inside cupboard and fridge shelves, surfaces, jars and lids with HOTLIQ

Remove cutlery from tray and wipe out with HOTLIQ. Sort cutlery into compartments.

Wash kitchen rubbish bins [inside and out] with HOTLIQ and extra cleaner.

Wash down all cupboard fronts and surfaces. [Special attention to the handles and under surface edges]

Wash down tiles and doors.

Brush and mop the floor.

Bleach around the sink.

Soak cloths in bleach [Be careful you don't damage your clothes].

Phew, I'm exhausted after just one room. Think I'll clean the others tomorrow:

Lounge )
Bathroom ) all coming up sooooon - ust giving you time to get dusters and polish
Bedroom )

Jill

Tea Time ~ Mum Time ...

Get Ready for Mothers' Day ... Dig out Grandma's china. Pick some daffodils. Set the table on a table-cloth and make your mum afternoon tea. Simple, thoughtful and inexpensive !

Oh yeah, and don't forget to butter [or healthy spread] up some twee sandwiches cut into small shapes and whizz up a few cup cakes. [She won't let on if you've bought them but they are easy to make ~ recipe to follow]

Jill

Coming Up ...

Spring Cleaning ...
Fixing broken stuff ...
Decorate? ... Decorate? Why not?
Feng Shui and Ebay .........................

Do you want Fresh Looking Skin for free ? ... of course you do ...

The basics in life are often free and many times, connected with nature. For instance, my daughter's skin has been looking fantastic recently. She's on a personally designed diet specifically for health, strength, tone and fitness. And the icing on the cake, if you'll forgive the pun, is that besides developing a fabulous figure [and not that she didn't have one before of course], her skin is looking brilliant ~ literally.

Obviously, the diet is specifically designed for her but after reading the schedule, I realised what we already know but might find difficult to stick to ~ Eat Healthily [obv]: No bread, biscuits, muffins, take-aways with chips [or any chips for that matter]. 'Boring' - I can hear you shout out loud ... I'm not suggesting you go on a full-blown diet - just try a few of the suggestions and see for yourself ...

Cut down on processed foods / carbs / takeaways /alcohol ~
Don't get sulky, I only said cut down ...The point is to develop sustainable healthy habits for life ... not to beat yourself up trying to achieve endless diet goals ... Try the tips below:

Drink water with lemon in the morning - helps rejuvenate your skin

Make porridge oats for breakfast - add fresh fruit and maple syrup instead of sugar

Eat a larger meal at lunch-time - you won't feel as hungry at tea/supper time

Eat a lighter meal at tea/supper time.

Don't eat after 8pm [Does this help? See http://www.tryingfitness.com/]

Drink plenty of freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices.

Grated ginger and peppermint tea appear on the schedule - both good for digestion.

Probiotics - this good bacteria can be bought in a concentrated capsule form.

Drink plenty of water.

Excercise to get the blood flow zooming round.

Check out your skin after a couple of weeks and see if there's a difference.

Let me know how you get on ~ or if you have any tips to share.

Jill

Recycling ...

We all know recycling is necessary and now it's sooo in-Vogue to recycle household accessories - also - it's free! So, you can be seen doing the right thing without spending a penny. Take a peek inside your parents' cupboards. Then close the doors. Take another look. Rummage around. Lift out some of the contents. Look at the back where lesser-used stuff is bound to have been stashed for some considerable time. Especially ~ check out the drinks cabinet. There will be one of some-sort ~ unless your parents are exceptionally young. What's quite sad is that 'we' used to collect this stuff and never use it. Such a crime! Most parents would have some pieces of 'cut-glass' glass stored away [it was a strong contender on the wedding present list along with floral dinner services ~ also now in-Vogue] along with the usual useless gadgets, dishes, cake-stands, random things with bits missing; your school-day attempts at pottery. All really happening at the mo - the cut-glass and cake-stands, not your school attempt at pottery. You could make that long overdue visit to your grandparents home. Check out their cupboards [good idea to ask their permission first though]. One thing for sure, when you see it, you'll know ... It could be a fruit bowl, a vase, unsual ornament to adorn your ivory, beige, buff decor [if you've already left Uni and living the honeymoon period with your boyfriend [even though you didn't get married first] or it could be this ... A fine cut-glass decanter. It's actually for sherry but would still look cool pouring out rose wine for the girlies ... So go on ... liberate the contents of your parents' bottom drawer, withdraw hidden items from the side-board, exhume stuff from under the stairs, retrieve stuff from the loft ... release it back into the world for everyone to see, use and enjoy.

Jill

Comic Relief ...

Incase you missed Comic Relief last night ... Just text YES to 70010

£10 [plus standard network charge] will go directly to aid people in Africa and UK.

The Naughty Girl's Guide to Life ...

Lovely tit-bit of style advice from Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Sharon Marshall ...

THE STYLE MANTRA:

'Grant me the serenity to never wear pop socks - even if they are under boots and people cannot see them.

Courage to realise that I do have cellilite and should dress accordingly.

And the wisdom never to buy anything that is a size too small, even it is in the sale, and I really am going to start that new diet soon.'

Thanks, Ladies.

Jill

Julia Child

'Whenever you see food beautifully arranged on a plate, you know somebone's fingers have been all over it.'


Julia Child

Vintage Finds ...

We've all seen the recent emergence of the Cup Cake [not sure why there's always sooo much butter-cream on them?] and hence, the revival of the pretty English Tea Cups and Saucers, and I think this is a fab idea, especially in the present financial climate ~ getting all those old 'things' out of a cupboard, washing them off and putting them back into use.

Whilst we're at it, check out your mother's handbag store ... There'll probably be a few evening bags tucked away that could be given a new life ...

If you mum's handbag store has been cleared regularly, try www.etsy.com/ for vintage finds like this Chrysanthemum print Purse.

Jill

Pure Transformation Night Treatment :~

bareMinerals invited me to :~ TRY. BELIEVE. LOVE ...First things first, I have three vouchers for a free Make-Under at any Bare Escentruals Counter. Just email me and I'll post one to you.

It's no mystery that minerals are essential for living cells. Mineral-rich soil can turn a fertile seed into nutritious fruits. Yes yes, we know that. So its easy to understand that Bare Escentuals products have been extracted from mineral-abundant soil containing a comprehensive blend of beneficial macro and micro minerals that exist in nature.

Every formula in bareMinerals skincare range is powered by 100% Rare Minerals Active Soil Complex, promising faster cell turnover, visibly smaller pores, increased luminsoity and softer looking skin.

How to use Pure Transformation Night Treatment [Clear or Tinted]:
Cleanse and moisturise your face.
Dip brush into product. Swirl brush in lid. Tap off excess. Buff your face.

It's a bit like going to bed with make-up on ~ and apparently, waking up looking as if you've still got your make-up on ... So, if you've got a new fella, that can't be a bad place to be, can it?

I'll be trying out the product under covers tonight ~ real people results coming to you in a couple of days ...

For further product or usage information: http://www.bareescentuals.co.uk/

Jill

Do you really want a flat tummy ... ?

You do? :~
Simple ~ Leave these out of your daily intake ...

* Dairy Foods [ie Cream]
* Fizzy drinks [Any]
* Yeasty foods [ie Bread and Beer]
* Sugary foods [Anything with sugar on especially]
* Starch and Protein eaten together [ie Steak Sandwich]
* Junk food of any kind
* Salt [Salt increases water retention]

[Based on Girly Handbook: Vermillion Books]

So that's basically everything but grilled fish and chicken salad ... and water

Jill

Dear [Darling], Dear [Expensive] or Dior ...

I just lurvve this Dior Lip Pencil ... it's a beauty ... and it works ~ by that I mean it stays on !

Fab Fab colours too.

Price ... I've conveniently forgotten.

Yes, quite expensive ... but a special gift maybe ???

Mothers' Day coming up and all that - not that I'm hinting

- of course ...

PS It's Sunday, 3rd April.

Must hightlight ~ you DON'T have to spend lots of money on Mothers' Day - just make a home made card or draw a picture ~ and give your mum a big big hug.

You might even want to make her breakfast, lunch or tea [or all three ! - don't try to stop yourself].

Jill

Who's Bought the Green Ones?

Not sure whether I've got wellies on the brain or they're becoming sooo popular ...

Coming up ... A Loverrrly Cup of Tea ...

Go on ... Make one for your mum ... Cos she's worth it ...

Invite to Product Launch ... Yippee I'm sooo excited ...

I'm so excited ~ I've been invited to a product launch ! In London ! [One of my fave places btw]

BareMinerals Skincare Launch ...

So I'm rushing round, fitting in all the last minute jobs, phone calls, emails so I can spend hours deciding what to wear [Which comes down to Alice Temperley (as profile pic - and now almost threadbare] or M & S dark floral tunic-y-thing. You see, I do need to go shopping whilst I'm in LDN.

Also ~ I've got to do my make-up ... oh but I won't worry about that ... it'll be simple thank God, just Swirl ~ Tap ~ Brush ...

See you all on Friday and I'll update you with all the new products etc.

While I think on, Mothers Day is April 3rd this year [don't say no-one told you !].

Jill

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

As you probably know, World Book Day and Night has come and gone. 'A Millions Reasons to Read' was the slogan used to promote ... books. One million books were given out FREE to 20,000 givers who distributed or maybe still distributing the books. Well, there's nothing wrong with a free book, is there?

The concept sprang from The Book Industry Conference in 2009. Jaimie Byng of Canongate books is said to have started the idea which was later steered by a large committee including Random House, Penguin, Harper-Collins, Faber and Faber, Clays ... et al. So it's no surprise then, that giving out Free books might have meant cheap advertising. I'm not wanting to be sour about the promotion, clearly the book suppliers want to create awareness, especially in this techno-e-reader era but I found that the interest shown when giving out the books was quite amazing. The giving and receiving process somehow seemed to make people feel special. When I offered the FREE book to one lady, she asked, 'How much is it?' not believing something was actually for free. Some people seemed to mist over at the sight of a book. I could almost see their thoughts formulating ... a book? to read? Then a smile ... and once they'd accepted it, I could tell that reading one might be a pleasant experience.

World Book Day and Night encouraged a lot of interest, from large gathering for readings in Trafalgar Square, author readings and promotions in libraries to small reading groups; people getting together creating community spirit. And there's nothing wrong with that, is there?

I have 10 books left: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon. If you would like a copy, just email me at gmhesketh@yahoo.co.uk and I will post it to you. [FREE!]

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is about an autistic boy who finds a neighbour's murdered dog in the garden and investigates the mystery. Viewing everyday events and emotions from the character's perspective, there is much to learn from Mark Haddon's novel. Humbling and enlightening, a delightful read.

Jill

Urgent Reminder ... Have You Thought about Buying Your Festival Tickets Yet?

If you have, you might be needing one of these contraptions ! ? ! Wellington Boot Pouch Attachment !

If you haven't bought your Music Festival Tickets yet, then plan ahead ... Save up for them ... Don't wait till your mum or dad buy them for you. If you're buying tickets for friends, make sure you get the money first ... someone's bound to drop out, even if it's for a geniune reason, leaving you with the job of finding another person for the ticket. If you've already got the money for the ticket, then the person who cancels will be out of pocket and it's up to them to sell it on.

Available at Hunters Traditional Wellington Boot Supplier: http://www.hunter-boot.com/

Jill

Check List for Daughters and Sons : ~

Yes, I'm aware it's only March. And Yes, it's MARCH. Time to be thinking of a summer job. Already ! This might come as a surprise to some teenagers, but getting a summer job is actually a good idea.

You'll meet new people.
You could learn a new skill.
You could gain experience in your chosen field.
You'll learn to take direction other than from a teacher or parent.
You might be able to use your own initiative and see how that feels for size.
You will earn yourself some wages. [Unless you do voluntary work - which is totally, totally, commendable]
Earning your own money will make you feel more independant.
You can add your work or voluntary deeds to update your CV.

I know I sound like your mum ... but you might not have been paying attention to your mum ...

* Star Tip - try to physically get yourself to your summer job - without relying on your parents to take you there / collect you - think of it as a challenge.

* Star Tip - Don't ask your parents to phone in sick for you - infact - don't phone in sick - just get up and go to your summer job.

Hey, You might even enjoy it.

You'll take some pressure off your parents and they'll like you again [only joking - about the liking bit - obviously they like you, they even love you - but will probably love you even more - if you ... get a summer job.]

So go on, get planning, apply early for your summer job ... now ... pleeeasse !

Try the local papers, internet, write a CV [paste your photo on it] and drop it off at shops, cafes, play centres, garden centres, hotels, food suppliers, telephone sales, newspapers, factories ... just about anywhere ... you never know who you'll meet and what might change your career ...

Jill

Day 4 Jill Hesketh's Diet Plan :~

Breakfast:
1 Weetabix. Nano amount of sugar. Semi-skimmed milk.
Half banana
1 Beaker Nescafe.
1 glass water

Sounds pretty normal ?
Oops and a couple of Jaffa cakes or 4

Massive improvement on the food intake but feeling a bit moody. [Can't even be bothered with the over-exaggerated Geordie accent today (which I love btw, exaggerated or not)]. Considering a serious diet plan now. Super-foods. And maybe some light exercise ... well, a walk from the car to the health food shop will have to suffice for now - I'm supposed to be finishing THAT novel.

I did wonder why I've been listing my diet, after all it isn't a good example for all you young ladies out there ... then I thought - actually, it is. Because if you carry on like I've been doing, you'll end up overweight with low energy levels. When I get stressed, I eat silly combinations of heafty carbohydrates. I've been doing this since I was quite young. And I don't want you to do it. So, if you recognise any similarities, get OUT of the HABIT now. As fast as you can. Keep focused. Eat your 5-a-day or as near as poss. Cut down bread intake [especially white], pasta and rice. Drink lots of water. And of course, Eccles cakes, Cadbury's Nibbles, Jaffa Cakes and the likes are TREATS, not STAPLE DIET.

Check out the Peter Serafinowicz's Butterfield Diet Plan for a hearty laugh out loud: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NjTWvl8x-U

Jill

Wellington Boot History :~

Over the last 10 years, Wellington Boots have become increasingly fashionable and have become a staple fashion necessity for festivals.

We all seem to have a vague knowledge that they were named after a Duke, Wellington of course; Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington actually. But he didn’t actually invent the Wellington Boot, he had the 18th Century Hessian boot re-designed it to suit his needs, ordering his shoemaker to make it fit closely around the leg and rise only to mid-calf. The result was a leather boot tough and resilient enough to wear in battle but nice and comfy for the evening. [hope he wiped them over first] Wellesley somehow made the boot popular and fashionable among the British aristocracy in the early 19th century and in his honour the boots were named
Wellingtons and the name remained the same until today.

In 1852 Hiram Hutchinson bought the patent to manufacture footwear from the vulcanization process of natural rubber and Wellington boots became a great success, especially amongst farmers, who were used to wearing wooden clogs. In World War 1 and 2, Wellington Boots were worn by soldiers in flooded trenches and by the end of the war, everybody was wearing them.
[Some information collected from www.wellingtonboots.org.uk Thank-you]

Jill

Marilyn Monroe Spats ...

How about these for wellington boots?



Clearly not tall enough for going into battle, farming or Glastonbury, but sweet anyway ...





£37.99 from http://www.thewellyshop.com/

Day Three ... The Jill Hesketh's Diet Plan ...

Other than Breakfast, which I daren't admit to, it's not been a bad day.

Breakfast:
Not telling.
Plus a glass of water to ease the guilt.

Lunch: Better effort ...
Banana
2 tangerines
Glass of water

Mid-afternoon Snack: Lost it again ...
4 McVities Jaffa Cakes [word on the street is that Jaffa Cakes are generally lower in calories and fat content than my/our other favourites - aka Plain Chocolate Digestives]
Large beaker Nescafe
Glass Water

Dinner:
Minced beef with steamed vegetables and nano amount of grated cheese on the top for aesthetic effect.
Tiny spoonful vanilla ice-cream
NO WINE !
Glass water

So - a slight improvement at least. Yes pets, I know, [still using over-exaggerated Geordie accent for some random reason], I should eat the larger meal at lunch time and a smaller meal in the evening.

Here's to tomorrow's effort ... mabe Oats with Banana, Apple and Maple Syrup ...

Jill

Bare faces ...

Just thought I'd let you know how I'm getting on with my BareMinerals by BARE ESCENTUALS ... brill, actually ...

Any product that can be applied sooo quickly and make such a difference has got to be worth trying ... Like I said before, all you do is: Swirl, Tap, Buff and off you go ...

Jill

Hey Daughters / Sons and anyone else who falls into that bracket ...

Check this cool video out ... [As a mum, I allowed to say 'cool' ?]

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150105668223063

Great Fun to watch ... Breath of fresh air ... eeek Just glad it's not my son or daughter.

PS ... let me know what is 'cool' for mums to say ...

Jill

The Christmas Annual ...

Yes, well, the Christmas Annual ... If I was a bloke, I would prpbably be kicking imaginary stones about the floor / jangling change in my trouser pocket or even trying a pathetic out-of-tune whistle. Yes, I hear myself say, the Daughters-in-Distress Christmas Annual. The one I have'nt even put pen to paper for, I heard myself saying to no-one but me. Well, I hear myself repeating ~ to myself ~ I'd better get on with it.

So I did.

You've heard plenty of those interviews where musicians say something like, 'Oh yest THAT song, yeah, it took me half an hour when I was staying with friends in the Caribbean one Spring' ... well luckily for me, that's what happened last night [not that I was in the Caribbean, although very much would like to be]. I drew out a brief structure consisting of a page full of squares and considered this my story board. Wow. Such an achievement. And all my ideas just seemed to fall from a memory bank somewhere in my head, onto the page. Yes, my head ached, it still does but it felt like a feng shui overdose. Once the path was clear, the 'stuff' just came tumbling out. Those ideas must have been layering themselves for more than two years. Adapted activities from Creative Writing workshops I ran a few years ago, materialised themselves in a new format on the page; memories of picuture books I had researched ready for the process seemed to sketch themselves whilst I watched, even the flow chart flowed. What a relief.

Thank-you Fairy Godmother whoever you are.

Now ALL I need is an artist, illustrator, agent and publisher.

Maybe if I rub my pocket and count to three, one will appear out of thin air.

Gillian

Weddington Boots ...

I know I should have saved these for the Finale of the Wellington Boot Festival-Muddy-Field-Walk ~ but I couldn't resist showing them to you ...

How sexy would they be under a silk, balconette wedding gown with an over-sized rose on the hip ?

£39.99 from www.thewellyshop.com


Jill

Day 2 on the Jill Hesketh Diet Plan ...

Day 2: [could do better]

Breakfast:

2 x rounds of white bread, toasted with lashings of butter.

Large beaker of Nescafe with lots of milk.

Quarter packet Cadbury's nibbles (found them !)

Beaker of water due to guilt.

Result: Headache and lethargy !

In my defence, I've been writing all week-end ~ staying up late, emailing and creating packages of examples for publishers and agents [the pressure of which is enough to cause a head-ache in itself] ~ and designing the Daughters-in-Distress Christmas Annual ~ yes that's correct ... although desigining the Daughters-in-Distress Christmas Annual should have been done before contacting an Agent / Publisher ... hey ho ...

Jill