Wednesday 24 December 2014

Merry Christmas

Yes, we're spending Christmas at my parents' with six adults, two dogs of varying degrees of continence, a 2 year old ninja, and my sister due her second baby in 11 days - why do you ask? 


Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. 

Friday 19 December 2014

Christmas List

At Christmas the papers seem to be full of lists of all kinds. I don't pretend to know what films you should watch or which islands you should visit, but I do humbly offer 12 tips for a happier 2015.

1) A tip for the antisocial: you’re not as important to other people’s plans as you think you are. You really won't ruin their Christmas party/ hen night /evening wedding reception 200 miles away if you don't go, so why put yourself through it? There are enough things we don't want to do but must (e.g. getting up for work, dental visits). Social events are not obligatory!  Be upfront, though. Faking a headache at the eleventh hour is appalling.

2) Talking of dental visits - however you’ve been cleaning your teeth, it won't be right.

3) A squirt of lime juice at the end improves almost any spicy dish.

4) Unless you have the gardening skills of Alan Titchmarsh, it really isn't worth trying to grow your own food.

5) Give people the benefit of the doubt. They’e probably done the same for you already.

6) Try the bread from East Langton garden centre. Thank me later.

7) Open your mail over the recycling bin.

8) Always have a pound coin in your pocket on a walk, in case someone’s selling free-range eggs.

9) Put the phone down on cold callers. There’s no need to shout at them; equally there’s no need to let them waste your time.

10) Don't watch the shopping channels within reach of your credit card. The presenters have serious sales technique. My husband went to collect a takeaway and by the time he got home I'd ordered a £200 carpet cleaner. (Although I have to admit the living room has never looked fresher.)

11) Don't assume everyone wants to share food just because you’re having Chinese or Indian. I’m totally with Smithy from Gavin & Stacey on this one. http://tinyurl.com/novtv4o 

12) There are very few bad moods not improved by a sandwich, a walk or a hot bath. In extreme cases watch repeats of Bullseye.


An outraged Mollie extends her festive greetings.