Book Review #6 (2014) - 'I Heart Hollywood' by Lindsey Kelk

Hi All

Firstly, I must apologise as I have been neglecting my blog recently. There isn't a particular reason why...you know when life just takes over? Well, yeah, that's it! Life just got in the way lol! My little one is definitely mobile now which keeps me busy, I've had a bit of a cold more recently and we've also been getting ready for Christmas (yes, I said the C word!) as we are having to budget as I'm on my last few months of maternity :( So that has what's been happening in a really quick nutshell...a bit like Angela's blog in the book I'm about to review, although not nearly as exciting! I will try and blog a little more, my birthday is coming up on Friday (eek!) and I'm hoping to have enough money to buy an Erin Condren Life Planner!! So that will be coming up and I thought I might document how I get ready for Christmas and what things I have planned for Chloe's first one!!

Anyway, let me get on to this book review! I have got a few books in my pile to review, another of Lindsey Kelk's, 'The Single Girl's To Do List' and Carole Matthew's, 'A Place to Call Home' but I finished this book today and have a spare hour to pop a short review for anyone who may be interested.

I Heart Hollywood (2010)
Lindsey Kelk
*****

As you know if you read my blog, I absolutely love chick lit, in fact I am beginning to dabble with a bit of writing of this genre myself. I found Kelk a couple of years ago and have loved every book of hers I've read. This is no exception. The 'I Heart' series never fails to please. I may be reading this series in the wrong order but it really doesn't seem to matter! They work on their own as well as a series in my opinion. Check out 'I Heart New York' if you want to start at the beginning!

Angela is faced with many dilemmas in this novel. Does she visit LA and grab the chance of a lifetime? Does she tell Alex she loves him? Does she face up to the gossip hounds? Does she face what happened the night before? The reader's are taken along on her journey to meet a famous actor, James Jacobs and carry out the interview of a lifetime. Will it all end in success or will it all go terribly wrong? Knowing Angela and her escapades I'll let you ponder on that one. Of course, Jenny Lopez is back to help her solve any problems she may face but will Angela realise that her best friend has problems of her own? And where does the love of her life, Alex, fit in? 

'I Heart Hollywood' is full of glamour, laughter and romance. Full of the classic ingredients of a chick lit but with twists and turns throughout that keeps the reader on their toes. The loveable characters of Angela and her crazy friend Jenny Lopez, are back and it is great to escape into their world for a little while. I laughed out loud many a time and if you have enjoyed any of the 'I Heart' series or are just looking for a new collection to read then definitely give this one a go. 

Brilliant!

Sorry it is so short but definitely try it! It was a great book and I'm looking forward to finishing the series...even if in the wrong order! Look out for 'I Heart Vegas' and 'I Heart Paris' reviews to come! Right, I'm off to bed! Hopefully my little one will have a good night!

Thanks for popping by!
Arline
xx

Second installment of chick lit...

Hi All

In May I joined in with the 'Blog Every Day in May' challenge which was really fun. As part of that, we had to share a poem or prose that we had written. One of my ambitions in life is to write a novel, I'd love that and have quite a few ideas in a variety of genres but chick lit seems to come a little easier to me. As part of the challenge I shared the first installment on something I have wanted to work on for a while....this is the first installment if you'd like to read it. Many of you commented and encouraged me to keep going, so here is the second installment. I'm hoping the third won't be nearly two months later this time! I am going to try and have a regular post, either every Friday if I can manage it or every fortnight on a Friday-maybe I could call it something....give me some ideas peeps! Well here it is...enjoy!

                Ian had betrayed her, Ian had made a fool of her, Ian had been the love of her life. Why could she not get over him? It had been a month since that awful day and still she couldn’t get her life together. Everything seemed to be on hold and Abigail really needed to pull herself out of it. All she could think about at the moment though was getting through today.

                “So how are you feeling about your presentation? Are you all set?” Carol asked in a low voice.

                “As ready as I’ll ever be. I don’t know how I’m going to get through being in the same room as him for a whole hour though.” Abigail’s voice quivered with panic, she was to deliver a presentation to her boss today with some of the major investors being present, and one of those investors was Ian.

                Mr Hopkins walked by and gave her the nod, the investors must already be in the room. She wondered if Ian knew that it was her delivering the presentation. Would he be feeling the same? Abigail didn’t have time to think about it all now, she needed to keep her composure or she could lose her job, and that would just top her year off! She followed her boss, receiving a ‘good luck’ mouthed by Carol and took a deep breath as she entered the conference room.

                Her eyes swept the room, smiling of course to make a good impression, until she saw him. Head down looking at his Blackberry, dressed sharply as always and still with that slightly ruffled look in his hair that he always used to have first thing in the morning. Abigail set up her PowerPoint and was ready to start. Ian had still not looked up from his phone-was he that rude that he wasn’t even going to look at her? After fumbling with her notecards and nervously beginning her presentation, Abigail soon got in her stride and began to deliver the project that she had worked on for the past year. She couldn’t help but glance in his direction every few minutes but soon decided to forget he was there, this was a real chance for her to make an impression on her boss and she didn’t want to mess it up, not after what he did to her.

                Before she knew it, an hour had passed uneventfully and after being thanked profusely by her boss, she was given the nod to leave. Abigail couldn’t decide whether Ian had just been damn right rude or whether he’d been purposely avoiding her gaze. She walked back to her desk, giving Carol a quick thumbs up from across the office just so she wouldn’t worry. Abigail turned on her computer and opened up her e-mails. 97 to work through, groan, this was one aspect of her job that she hated, what happened to the old fashioned letter or even phone call? As she scanned her inbox a familiar name caught her eye-Ian Swift. There were five e-mails from the past hour. So that’s what he was doing, he was looking at his Blackberry because he was e-mailing her. After no contact for the past month, Abigail knew that she should just delete them but something made her click open to the first e-mail from Ian Swift.

From: Smith, Ian

To: Waterford, Abigail

Date: 08/05/2012 10:02

Subject: Presentation

Abi, you are looking ridiculously hot today, I was an idiot, let’s meet up at lunch.

I xx

Is he serious? Abigail couldn’t work out whether he was just playing a sick joke or was being genuine. Did he really think she looked hot? Was he really admitting to being an idiot? Was she really considering meeting him after what he did?

From: Smith, Ian

To: Waterford, Abigail

Date: 08/05/2012 10:15

Subject: Lunch

We could go to your favourite coffee shop in Trafalgar Square. I can’t believe I let you go, being here listening to you today has finally made me realise what a fool I was. Please let me take you out.

I x

Abigail closed down her e-mails as she saw Carol walking over, if she saw them she’d march right into the meeting and tell him exactly what she thought of him! Best avoid that particular scene, especially today after the presentation had gone so well. However, the words of those e-mails haunted her as she relived what had just happened in the meeting room.  Was he really regretting it? She was so sure that he didn’t want anything to do with her anymore. Abigail was trying not to get her hopes up and couldn’t help remembering how hard the last month had been but a part of her couldn’t ignore what he said, deep down she still loved him, no matter what he had done.

There we go! Let me know your thoughts and if you'd like to read more!

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs

Arline

xx

A Crafty Afternoon...

Hi All

Well it has been a little while since my last post! In fact, we've been on holiday, had our little girl christened and been to see the fam in the North East! Has been busy but I hope to update you all when I get a minute. Chloe has learnt how to move around, almost a crawl but not quite, so I am very busy during the day!!

However, she had a three hour nap during the day on Sunday so I had some crafting time and hubby got to do some gaming! Here are my makes, I am trying to get ahead for Christmas and thought I'd take part in a few new challenges and a few old ones too!

My first card is using a Penny Black stamp that I have had for a while and it is of a 'trendy' girl so for your more sophisticated recipient lol! I'd like to enter this into the Christmas at Sweet Stamping challenge which is to use Kraft card, the ABC Christmas challenge which is 'N' for 'Numbers' and the I Love Promarkers challenge which is 'Girls, girls, girls.'

My next card I'm not too sure about at the minute. It is using a LOTV image and some turquoise papers that I bought in Canada a few years ago...I'm not sure if I should have included another colour... Anyway, I'd like to enter this one into the Sparkles Christmas Challenge which is 'A Winter's Scene,' Craftyhazelnut's Challenge which is to 'Layer it up' and I have used the fab sketch from over at Sketch Saturday.

The third card I made I really like. It's not very often I do a card that isn't square anymore but I felt this image was made for a tall card. This stamp is one of the Bella ranges but can't remember which one! Sorry, I can find out for you if you would like, just leave me a comment and I'll get back to you. What an awful blogger I am!!!! I like the simplicity and the colours used on this card. I'd like to enter this in the Winter Wonderland challenge which is 'Blue Christmas,' the Creative Moments Challenge which is 'Anything Goes,' the Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Extra Challenge which is 'Anything Goes' and I have used the fab sketch over at the Completely Christmas Challenge.

My final card today is using a stamp which I have had in my cupboard for ages....I think it may be Penny Black but I'm not sure....it is super cute, I don't know why I've neglected it for so long! I'd like to enter this into the Sister Act Card Challenge which is 'Anything Goes,' a second entry into the Winter Wonderland Challenge which is 'Blue Christmas' and I have used the fab sketch at the Friday Sketch Challenge.

Since taking this picture I have added a sentiment as until I uploaded this I hadn't realised it was missing...d'oh moment!! 

I hope you enjoyed having a look at my crafty creations! I'm feeling like I'm getting scrapbook/ SMASHbook/ Project Life withdrawals so I will try and get some done as soon as possible and will share them with you. I have also written the second installment of my chick lit that I have been playing about with so will have that to share with you, hopefully, by the end of the week. It was lovely taking part in some challenges that I used to be a regular with and some new ones this week! Thanks to all who run them, I know how much work goes into it!

Hope you are all well, hope to catch up with you all soon!

Hugs

Arline

xx

Book Review #5 (2014) - 'Return to Longbourn' by Shannon Winslow

Return to Longbourn (2013)

Shannon Winslow

****

What will happen to the Bennet females, now that Mr. Bennet has died? 

With Mr. Tristan Collins on his way from America to claim his property, Mrs. Bennet hatches her plan. The new heir to Longbourn simply must marry one of her daughters. Nothing else will do. Will it be Mary or Kitty singled out for this dubious honor? When the gentleman in question turns out to be quite a catch after all, the contest between the sisters is on. Which one will be the next mistress of Longbourn? Or will the dark horse in the race take the prize?

Darcy, Elizabeth, and the rest of the "Pride and Prejudice" cast are back as the socially awkward Mary emerges from the shadows to take center stage in Shannon Winslow’s long-awaited sequel to her best-selling novel, "The Darcys of Pemberley."

Many Austen fans have a soft spot in their hearts for Mary Bennet, wondering if she might have the hidden makings of a heroine. Now, in "Return to Longbourn," we learn what really makes her tick. Find out if she’s destined to be a governess forever, or if she overcomes the misfortune of being "plain" to find love and her own happy ending.
(Taken from Amazon)

As an avid lover of all things Austen, especially anything to do with 'Pride and Prejudice,' I was really looking forward to reading this book about what happened to the remainder of the Bennet females as Lizzy, Jane and even Lydia went off to live their lives as married women. After a slow start I began to really enjoy this continuation of Austen's fantastic novel. It was interesting to see the character of Mary Bennet become centrestage and although I didn't always agree with the interpretation of her character, the surprising romantic and sensitive side of the most serious of Miss Bennets was enjoyable to read. 

As with all of Austen's novels, there were of course some strong male characters, Tristan Collins and Harrison Farnsworth. The 'new Mr Collins' was at first quite a mysterious character and it would've been nice to have known a little more of his life in America, but even without this he was a likeable man who reminded me a little of a cross between Mr Bingley and Denny! Harrison Farnsworth reminded me a lot of Mr Rochester in 'Jane Eyre' and the novel does hold quite a few similarities with Bronte's famous work. If you are a 'Pride and Prejudice' fan, then you will love the resurrection of the old characters, Lizzie, Kitty, Mr Darcy and even Charlotte Lucas makes an appearance. However, the star of the novel, in terms of capturing the essence of Austen's original, was Mrs Bennet! She was at her best in this novel, exactly as Austen created and often made me laugh out loud when talking to poor Mary.

If you enjoy an 'Austenesque' read, along with familiar characters and enjoy seeing the 'underdog' succeed then you will love this! My advice, keep going! The first 10-15 chapters (Don't worry-they are super short!) are quite hard going but once the story kicks off it is an enjoyable read and a great way to explore the other characters from the iconic Austen novel.

Hope you enjoyed this review, definitely worth a read if you are an Austen fan! Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for popping by.

Arline

xx

**All opinions expressed in this review are my own, I have not received any compensation for my review and do not wish to offend in any way.

Day 31-Gratitude

Hi All

Well, I can't believe that I have managed to blog every day in May! It has shown me that I could blog a lot more than I have been doing and so I am first of all grateful to Summer for setting us the challenge. I have also met lots of new blogging friends and I hope to keep popping over and seeing them from time to time.

So here is my gratitude list today for my final post in the Blog Every Day in May Challenge:

I am grateful for:

1. My daughter
2. My husband
3. My family
4. My friends
5. My health
6. My job
7. My house and possessions
8. My life

Looking forward to reading your lists! Thanks for sharing this journey with me and looking forward to the next! I have a bit of a mad week coming up, we're off on our hols and then it is Chloe's christening! So my blog will be a little quiet over the next week but I hope to have lots to share with you when I return! Hope you will keep popping by...the next installment of my writing is written so watch this space those of you who wanted to read on ;)

Hugs

Arline

xx

Day 30-Best advice you've received lately.

Hi All

Well, being a new Mum, I am inundated with advice! Sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming but I do appreciate it as everything is new to me!

Putting aside the advice I've received about looking after a baby, I would probably go back to a piece of advice that a very good friend gave to me:

Let people help you-it makes them feel good and it relieves your stress!

I'm not sure if they were the exact words but something along those lines! I find it really hard to accept help. This hasn't just been before Chloe was born, it was also before, particularly at work. I think it comes down to control. I like to be in control-not in a freaky 'Sleeping with the Enemy' way but I just like to do things myself to know they are done and in the way I would like. However, this has often led to me getting extremely stressed and it all getting too much. This has also happened since Chloe has been born-my friend said this to me as she wanted to do some of my housework to help me out and I didn't want her to as I felt it was putting on her but she said it made her feel good that she was able to help.

So I guess I need to let go of things, remember that if something isn't done how I would do it, doesn't mean it is not as good. I also need to ask for help more-I know I don't do this enough. So, those are my mini goals....to try to let go of control and to ask for help more. What's the best bit of advice you've received recently?

Thanks for popping down!

Arline

xx

Day 29-What I said 'yes' to today?

Hi All

Interesting prompt today....can't say I've said yes to anything interesting today lol! Yes to a cup of tea, to popping out to the supermarket tonight lol! However, I do think I say yes a bit too much sometimes-do you ever feel like that? Do you ever have anyone say to you...'you need to learn to say no!' I have that a lot and I find it really hard to do, I never want to let anyone down, I always want to try and help and I don't want to upset people. But I do sometimes need to say no, sometimes to stop getting myself so stressed!

Sorry, I feel this is a bit of a short post so thought I'd share some piccies from my hubby's birthday on Monday! Here you go:

Hugs
Arline
xx

Day 28-Family

Hi All

Family. Where do I start?! I love all of my family to bits, even those that I don't see very often. Many of my family live away in Sunderland, about 4 hours away from me. I have to admit, it is very hard sometimes, and can get very lonely living somewhere you didn't grow up and haven't got your family or your childhood friends around you. I try to be positive most of the time but am not shy to admit that I have shed quite a few tears, especially recently after I'd had little Chloe. It isn't always that easy to get in the car and go up to see them, often money or work is an issue which is sad. But it does mean I cherish our time with my family when we get to see them. We are hoping to go up for a week in July so am looking forward to that! I will not only get to see my Mum, brothers and sister-in-law but also my Nan and Grandad. My sister is over in Lincoln at the moment but we will hopefully see her another weekend!

Family is a funny thing. You laugh, cry and argue but they are always there. As I mentioned in a post last week, my Dad is no longer with us and we had argued before he died. I have vowed never to do that again, yes we argue but I will always try to make up with them after a cooling down period lol! It just isn't worth it, nothing is worth the feeling of guilt that I have had to live with since he died. Of course, it is my own fault and I would never say it was anyone else's but I am determined not to feel this way again.

Sometimes you don't see family for years but when you do meet up it just feels so natural, no awkwardness, just laughing and having fun and making up for lost time. We had a huge rift in our family for quite a long time, but I'm glad to say it has eased over the years, there are still family I don't see but we still keep in touch other ways. I love all of my family, every distant cousin, every uncle and every mad hatter there may be lol!

Now I have my own little family, my husband and my daughter. I feel so blessed and am looking forward to the trials and tribulations that are to come! I never thought I could love anyone as much as I do both of them. But now, I realise that this is a bit deep, a bit lovey dovey so here are some silly photos to make you laugh of my mad family!

Me and my sis!

Me, my lil sis and lil bro pulling silly selfies!

Me, my lil sis and lil bro!

Me and my lil sis pulling a silly selfie!

Me, my Mum and Chloe-apologies for the state of me...it was only a few days after Chloe was born!

My gorgeous little girl who has just learnt how to roll over-this is such a funny piccie!

My own little family :)

We went to Eurodisney for my Mum's 50th! My big bro, lil bro, lil sis, Mickey, Mum and me.

Grandad, me and Nana on my wedding day!

The morning of my wedding day, goofing around with my sister-my lil bro too cool for school and my Mum just going with the flow!

My older brother and I before he walked me down the aisle!

My Dad on the left, his twin brother my Uncle Steve on the right, my big brother, me looking at my Uncle and my cousin Michelle. 

I could go on and on but won't lol! Hope you enjoyed meeting some of my family!

Hugs

Arline

xx

Day 27-Share a project you've been working on.

Hi All

Apologies for the late post today...been a busy day! The prompt today allowed me to share some crafty bits and pieces that I have been working on. We are getting our daughter christened on Saturday 7th June but we are on holiday until the day before! Therefore, I've tried to get ahead of myself and get decorations done over the past week.

Here are the invitations that I made-I cannot take credit for the design, I found it on pinterest and used it as inspiration! Apologies for the black splodges...personal details covered up for obvious reasons :)

My hubby also helped me to make a wishing tree and tags to go with it. I still want to cut out some crosses to put on this in white card and possibly do a little bit of decoration on the round tags but this is it so far!

I went to Hobbycraft today to try and get some baskets to put some bits and bobs on the table but they were really expensive! So....I decided to buy cupcake boxes and decorated them with ribbon....what do you think? They go with my colour scheme and only cost me £3.70...much cheaper and I think they look ok! I had some chocolates made with Chloe's details, one will hold the tags for the wishing tree and another will hold favours that I haven't yet made!

I've still got to make favours, table decorations and take a picture of some bunting that I made but I haven't quite had chance to finish all of it yet! Promise I will share the final look, if not before the christening, after! Hope you enjoyed looking! This post has helped me to see what I have done and what still needs to be done before we go away!!

Thanks for popping by!
Arline
xx

Day 26-Samantha March Guest Post

Hi All

The prompt for today is to invite someone to write a guest post. I asked Samantha March, a great author and who also runs 'Chick Lit Plus' website if she would mind writing something for me. She said yes-I'm so honoured. I said she could write what she wished so she has decided to tell you a little bit about herself. Here is her post!

Why I Started Marching Ink

When I first decided I was going to self-publish my debut novel Destined to Fail, I quickly realized that I wanted to go about it in a big way. I looked into the requirements of buying a LLC (Limited Liability Company) and within that week had a framed copy of my license in my office. My idea was to start an independent publishing company. My love of books has no limit. When I was going through the publishing process, I saw how overwhelming it can be. Not only all the finances involved, but the decisions on hiring editors and proofreaders, cover designers and book formatters. Then the marketing that is involved and how to elbow your way in the crowd online to talk about you and your book. I thought I already had some resources covered – I was going through the publishing process myself and learning about all the decisions and costs involved, plus I was already a freelance editor with several contacts to other editors that I could contract out, knew two cover designers on a friendly basis, and ran CLP Blog Tours and had a great relationship with many book bloggers. So I ....why not?

In August 2012, Marching Ink published the first novel not written by yours truly. The process of publishing Breaking the Rules by Cat Lavoie was such an experience. Sure, questions arose and there were some tough nights of number crunching, list-making, and second thoughts on what I was doing, but overall it was a fabulous experience and made me feel confident in my ability to find a great book that was a good fit for Marching Ink and get it out there in the world for readers. I don’t think I can ever thank Cat Lavoie enough for being my first author – she was amazing to work with (still is) and having her as a partner to bounce ideas off of made the entire process work so smoothly for the both of us.

Since then, Marching Ink has gone on to publish six novels, three from me, two from Cat Lavoie, and the debut from author Laura Chapman. We’re currently in talks to publish four more this year, and I’m always on the lookout for other terrific stories that we can sign. If you are an author and looking to query an independent publishing company, head on over to the Submissions page on Marching Ink!

Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has three published novels – Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket and A Questionable Friendship. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.

Connect with Samantha!

http://www.samanthamarch.com/

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GoodReads

Buy the Book!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble – eBook

Kobo – eBook

Hope you enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading your guest posts!
Hugs
Arline
xx

Day 25: A list for the week ahead...

Hi All

Well, I have a huge 'to do' list for this week so I thought I'd share that!

Monday:

Daily
-daily tidy-up
-washing/ironing
-washing up
-clean and make up baby bottles
-write daily blog
Hubby's birthday
-do washing while hubby climbs
-get Chloe ready to go out/get bag ready
-make birthday tea-possibly make cake?

Tuesday:

Daily
-daily tidy-up
-washing/ironing
-washing up
-clean and make up baby bottles
-write daily blog
Christening prep
-complete 'Bo Bunny' table decs
-make 'wishing tree' tags
-make 'wishing tree' sign
-put pictures in frames for main table

Wednesday:

Daily
-daily tidy-up
-washing/ironing
-washing up
-clean and make up baby bottles
-write daily blog
Other
-attend last baby massage session
-pop to town for last minute bits
Holiday prep
-pack Chloe's clothes
-do any last minute washing
-pack up food for caravan
-pack up items on Chloe's list that can be packed
-begin to pack our clothes

Thursday:

Daily
-daily tidy-up
-washing/ironing
-washing up
-clean and make up baby bottles
-write daily blog
Have car
-go to Hobbycraft for baskets/cake topper for cake
-go to supermarket for cat food/litter for when we are away

Friday:

Daily
-daily tidy-up
-washing/ironing
-washing up
-clean and make up baby bottles
-write daily blog
Holiday/Christening
-look over lists and see if anything else can be completed or packed

Saturday:

Daily
-daily tidy-up
-washing/ironing
-washing up
-clean and make up baby bottles
-write daily blog
Other
-e-mail people regarding christening to check final details are confirmed
-make up favours for christening
-gather christening things together
-make wishing tree

Sunday:

Daily
-daily tidy-up
-washing/ironing
-washing up
-clean and make up baby bottles
-write daily blog
Other
-finish packing for holiday
-finish anything left for christening
-clean house through
-fill car up with diesel
-check car tyres/water etc
-print off holiday confirmation/route planner

Woah! That is huge! Although some things I just do anyway without them being on a list lol! Got to get ready for our holiday and Chloe's christening though which are both next week! Eek! Hope you haven't got such a big 'to do' list! I'm not quite sure how I'm going to get it all done...it will probably double in size too!

Hugs
Arline
xx

Day 24: My dinner party...

Hi All

I really liked the prompt for today. What three people would I invite to people tonight if I could? Here they are:

1) My Dad - unfortunately, my Dad died nearly 12 years ago when he was only 44 years old and I was 18. If I had the chance for him to come back, even if only for a few hours, I would jump at it. We weren't on speaking terms which is something that I have always regretted and continue to to this day...this would give me the chance to speak to him and tell him how much I loved him-I won't go into too much detail but I would love to just have a few minutes with him to make things right. It's taken me a long time to grieve and I am probably still grieving but I hope he is looking down on me and is proud of who I am today. And yes, that is me with my Dad when I was little lol! (Sorry, that was really deep...will go onto a 'lighter' guest now!)

2) Jane Austen - sorry she is getting such a mention at the moment but Jane Austen is my favourite author and I would just love to spend the evening with her. I think she had a wicked sense of humour and I would love to chat to her about how her life was, what she got out of writing and which of her novels she liked the best.

3) Michael Buble - I am a really big fan and would love to meet him. He is such a character and I think he could provide the entertainment after we had eaten lol! I love it when he sings his swing numbers in particular but I do like his more recent songs too. He is also gorgeous....sorry hubby! I'd probably just stare at him all night lol!

Wow, picking three was really hard! I need about 10 spaces! Who would you invite? Can't wait to hear your choices!

Hugs
Arline
xx

Day 23: Share a particularly good or controversial comment I've received.

Hi All

Well, I had no idea what to do for this one! I've never really had a controversial comment left for me but I guess I've never really written anything to provoke (if that's the right word!) a controversial response. I have had some lovely comments left for me over the last month and have been overwhelmed by the kindness of, hopefully, some new blogging friends :) So, instead, I thought I'd write a little about why commenting on blogs is important, at least why it is to me....so here are my ramblings if you want to keep reading lol!

The blogging world is really driven by an active audience, commenting either for good or critiquing what people have decided to share about the world or their life. Of course, you do have some people out there who will spam or make rude comments just because that's how they enjoy spending their time. But for every one of them, there are ten genuine people commenting truthfully on what you have to say. One of my mini goals at the moment is to comment more on the blogs that I read. It is very easy, and I often fall into this trap, of popping along and reading blog posts but then not popping a comment below to say I appreciated what they had written or my view/comments on what they have posted. However, whenever someone takes the time to comment on a post I have written, I am so grateful. It gives validity to something I've written, it hopefully means that someone out there has enjoyed reading my ramblings and it just makes me happy lol! The blogging world is so vast now that it is really hard to get your blog noticed and enjoyed, but by commenting on even the small blogs, it shows that it is worth persevering with their blog, it is worth pursuing what they enjoy and what they have to say is worth listening to. Ooh this is sounding quite philosophical now so I'm going to shut up!

Just one last thing....to all who have left lovely comments for me, particularly over the last month but also to those who have commented on my old blog before this one, thank you. I appreciate them all and they all make me smile :) I promise to comment more to repay the favour!

Hugs
Arline
xx

Day 22: Share a video that I love at the moment.

Hi All

This prompt got me thinking....I watch some lovely vlogs but I wasn't sure what would be of interest to you. But then I thought everyone has got to love a Simon's Cat video right? If you haven't heard of them then check them out, especially if you are a cat owner! The one below is called 'Crazy Time' and my cat has one of these nearly everyday...luckily nothing usually gets broken! Hope you enjoy!

I don't know how to link the video properly from the image so apologies....but if you click on the picture above it should take you to the relevant video!

Enjoy!

Arline

xx

Day 21-What's on your plate?

Hi All

Sorry for the late post and I took this post literally so hope that is ok! I have eaten nothing of any interest today so here is a piccie of a cake I got yesterday when I went out with my friend for her birthday, and a nice cup of tea. This was my little treat this evening, a yummy double chocolate chip muffin...mmmm:

A 'plate' related story is that these were my bargain plates from Ikea at 40p each lol! Unfortunately, my hubby opened the cupboard door a few weeks ago and the stand we had our plates etc on must have been unstable and it all fell on the floor! He was fine, although half of it hit his head(!), but the dinner set was not :( It was a wedding present so I was absolutely gutted. I'm not ashamed to say that I shed a tear or two but we just bought these little plates in order to get us by until we buy a new set. Are any of you sentimental over things like that? I don't know if it is still my hormones or whether it is just me being a soppy sod!

Hope you've had a lovely day!
Arline
xx