The Most Magical Place in the World

This time last year a very special bag, was secretly packed and hidden under my bed.

This time last year, Mum, Mr & I were whispering and almost jumping with excitement.

This time last year, it was the night before we were to embark on a surprise trip to the most magical place in the world.

Even Mr was excited... and that rarely happens.

This time last year Lobster was tucked up in bed, completely unaware that when she woke the next morning, she would not be going to school.

She... We...  would be going to Disney Land Paris.

The place where anything seems possible

 Where everyone is bound together by the true innocence of childhood

Where words were created to sum up the wonder of friendship and love. 

"Here together. Friends forever. Some things were just meant to be, and that's you and me." - Winnie the Pooh

Where dreams you never knew existed come true

DisneyLand really is the Most Magical Place in the World. 

25 Days of Yankee - Day 2 Christmas for an Angel

Christmas for many this year will be a time of joy, celebration, excitement & fun. Christmas will be filled with the wonder of children, the magic of reindeer and Santa and maybe even snow.

For many, me included, Christmas will be spent with those held dear to us, those we love, those we cannot imagine life without.

For some however, Christmas day will be tainted with loss. Some will not be able to hold their loved one dear and whisper 'Happy Christmas!' in their ear. For some, Christmas this year will be a reminder of all that is lost, of all that they long for.

This Christmas, with a little help from Yankee Candle, we will take a few moments to remember a very special Angel Baby who came, graced the world with her smiles and big brown eyes, and left too soon. On Christmas night, once the food is all eaten, presents all played with and songs are all sung, when the post excitement silence kicks in, I know my dear friend will need the comfort and love of her family and friends. I'll be lighting a candle and placing it in this very special Angel Glass Tea Light Holder to remember her beautiful Matilda Mae, and all the other angel babies who were taken before their time.

The tea light holder itself is from the Angel Glass collection designed exclusively for Yankee Candle and comes in 2 colour ways - clear & red. Featuring a beautiful glass Angel, it is the perfect festive accessory, and a truly lovely symbol. At a price of only £12.99 I think one of these would also make a wonderful gift for any candle lover.  

Thinking of you lovely lady. xx

25 Days of Yankee - Day 1

I have been so excited to open the first door in my Yankee Candle Advent Calendar. 

Every time I have walked past it, the wonderful smells of Christmas have filled

Behind Door number one was a Yankee Candle Tealight in what I think to be Christmas Cookie scent (Ii can't be sure, as there are no labels anywhere!).

It has been burning, filling our lounge with a subtle sweet and homely aroma in prise of place on the mantle piece.

We haven't got our tree & Christmas decorations up yet, but as we sat as a family watching Sunday night television, having this burning definitely filled the room with a hint of festive cheer!



Here's a sneak peek of what's to come on my #25DaysofYankee! Stay Tuned!

The Search for the Perfect Dress... Mission Accomplished!

So today, on a mission to find the perfect dress, My Mum, Lobster and I got in the car and set off for Bluewater to shop 'til we dropped!

However, in true Holt style we missed the turning and so carried on through the tunnel to Lakeside. This is Libby after finally realising we were in Essex! OMG! 

First Stop was  New Look - quite possibly my favourite clothes shop in the world! I can always trust that I will find something that will fit me perfectly and feel comfortable.

I had been browsing their website all week and this was one I had my eye on, and was fairly confident it would suit me & fit well. And be perfect for the occasion. It seemed just the right amount of formal, with a hint of glitz. I love the colour too, navy is definitely my comfort colour.

 Sadly I was disappointed. It felt too short for me, and gathered in all the wrong places. There;s no question that the dress is beautifully made and would be perfect for the event.  Just not for me and my big bum & hips!

I had also spotted this gorgeous red sparkly number, but was certain it was too glitzy... After all I was looking for something 'formal' & 'not to glam'. But with Mother in my ear repeatedly saying 'But it's a Christmas Party! You're supposed to look glitzy at Christmas!' I tried it on with a number of other sparkly and not so sparkly dresses.

When I tried it on, I loved it! Loved Loved  Loved it! It was greeted by 'Oohs' & 'Aahs' from Mum & Lobster, My only concern was the back, as the sparkle stops and is replaced by a slinky off red fabric which clinged to every lump & bump. Needless to say knickers would be a no go, and that's something I struggle with. Especially with it being as short as it is. Nevertheless, it was on the short list...

I tried this one next. I love the gorgeous detailing at the top, and the mesh panelling was something I'd seen so many people wear and look gorgeous that I wanted to see what it was like on me. 

I can't lie, it was lovely. The shape was so flattering and really suited my figure. The mesh panelling just wouldn't have been suitable for a work occasion. 

So after a few immediate disregarded numbers, this was the last one on the hook to try. I was pretty sure it wasn't going to suit me, let alone be suitable. It had been thrust into my hands with a begging & pleading Lobster 'Oh Pleeeeeease try it Ami, Just try it'.  

 And so I did. I am so glad I did. 

It's shorter than I would usually go for, but the fact that the arms are covered meant I didn't feel over exposed. 

The lining material was soft and silky and comfortable. The shape flattering. The sparkles.. Sparkly.

If you haven't worked out already... This was my perfect dress. 

I won't ruin the full surprise just yet, I'll save the photos of me in the full outfit until the night! 

After all that hard work we paid Sainsy's Pie & Mash a visit.. I savoured every mouthful of it... Now to try and slim down, just a little bit, just so I am totally happy on the night! 

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What will you wear? 

25 Days of Yankee - Yankee Candle Advent Calendar

Anyone who knows me, who has visited my home will be aware of my love for candles. It is a rare evening when I do not have a candle lit. I relax watching the shadows on the ceiling created by the dancing flames, reflect as smells waft around and take me back to memories past. In the summer I like floral scents, they flow through the house like a gentle breeze filling every room with smiles and ease. During the colder months of the year I prefer cosier homelier smells. Winter berries, orchard fruits and woody notes.

I adore Yankee Candles. For me, they mark special occasions & represent quiet, quality time with friends, family and alone. It has become tradition that on each birthday I receive my favourite Cranberry Chutney Yankee Candle from the Mr. I try so hard to make it last all year, only burning it on special occasions and when I need a bit of a pick me up. To me, Yankee Candles are special and deserve to be cherished.

This year, I am very lucky to have been treated to a Yankee Candle Advent Calendar. A candle lovers take on your traditional almost unheard of cardboard picture book and for me an improvement on the usual cadbury laden numbered box of chocolates. Not that I don't have one of those this year too - candles & chocolates? Now where's the wine!?

"Count down to Christmas with this collectable advent calendar from the world's favourite candle company! Every day reveals a tealight candle in one of six seasonal scents, including an extra treat in the 24^th! Light a new Candle each day and celebrate the festive season with your favourite Yankee^® fragrances."

I cannot wait to open that first door and engulf
my house in one of the 6 fragrances on offer in this fabulous calendar. Only one more sleep to go!

Over the next 25 days I will be sharing and reviewing products from the Yankee Candle Christmas Collection. All items have been purchased by or for me from www.yankeecandle.co.uk.

Search for the perfect dress...

So as of Sunday it is officially Party Season!

Time to pull out the Bridget Jones pants, condition the winter damaged hair like mad and dress to impress.

Back in July, in preparation for a friends wedding I went a little bit dress mad and bought nearly every dress I liked from my favourite High Street shops. I ended up wearing this dress from Primark, which the Mr very quickly named 'The Plate Dress' as it reminded him of his Grandma's china. Charming!

I digress.. Anyway, this shopping spree has led to me having a wardrobe full of beautiful summery dresses, perfect for Weddings, Christenings and Summer occasions. None that are remotely suitable for the chilly December evenings we will no doubt be subject to over the next month.

Which leads me to a bit of a predicament...

I'm not sure Mr could cope with another dress shopping frenzy, and I really would like something new to wear to my work 'Jamboree!' on the 20th.

It is gong to be a formal affair, but one that isn't too dressy. If it were really dressy, I think I would like to wear this dress from New Look. I love the way it elegantly fits around a curvy figure.

I need something that isn't too long, nor too short, too sparkly or too plain.

Any thoughts?

This is all too much.

You'll have to excuse my ramblings - I need to clear my head.

Tonight was a Sean night. They come once or twice a week.

Never on a Thursday. Rarely.

Mum's been ill for some time. Various symptoms. Various possibilities.

Pain
Bleeding
Fainting
Collapsing
Tiredness
Low appetite
Weight gain

Stress.

The first solution - op to remove the 2 large Kidney Stones that have grown very quickly.

Second Test for Ovarian Cancer. Must wait though. One thing at a time.

Why can't they just find out everything, and zap the lot all at the same time?

My phone buzzes.

'We're poorly here.'

Libby's away. That leaves Mum & Alfie.

What's wrong Mum? Have you passed out? Do you need the hospital?

Whats wrong with Alfie? He was fine this morning. Fine all night.

'We need to go home Sean.'

'Now.'

Tears in the car. Quiet tears. Stress.

Don't tell me to stop crying.

I know they're bloody tears.

Arrive home, locked back door, no key.

Knock on door, no answer, knock again, no answer. Panic.

Door Opens. She looks so ill.

Dark circles. Off balance. Ill.

Blood.

Blood on the floor.

Droplets.

Puddles.

Sick.

Alfie.

His ears are down. His eyes sad.

My baby. My healer. Panic.

What's he eaten? Is it blood? Is it ketchuppy sick?

Libby really must stop leaving her plate down for him.

Not blaming. Observing.

Put Mum to bed.

Coat on. Lead out.

Where's the blood coming from?

So we walk.

Me & Sean. and Pup.

He perks up, walking around the park. Calm. Calm Stress.

No blood.

Home.

Clean.

Tidy.

Libby's bed. I'll be closer to Mum. Alfie prefers it in here.

Blankets. Quilts. Water.

Sick.

No Blood.

He's sucking his mouth, drinking lots and sick. Wandering around. He's not comfortable.

Breathing heavily now. Slowly. Normal pace.

Howl. Cry, More sick.

Panic

We're going to the #MMWellyWalk... Are you?

On 2^nd November 2013 we are going to the #MMWellyWalk at Beale Park in Reading. It is going to be a fab family fun day in aid of a great cause – The Lullaby Trust. The event is in memory of a beautiful angel baby, Matilda Mae, who died on 2^nd February 2013 at 9 months of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. You can read more about her legacy at www.edspire.co.uk.

We are going to be wanging our wellies, singing songs with Gymboree, painting, cutting and sticking with the Rainy Day Box Company, naming a giant teddy bear, frolicking in fair ground fun with Beebies Baby Store, bubble blowing, capturing magical moments with Scryver photography & Virtual  Booth, taking a trip on the Beale Park Miniature Railway, eating cakes courtesy of Charlotte’s Kitchen Diary, reading stories, playing games and so much more! 

There will also be lots of chances to win some fantastic prizes, meet some amazing people & bid for Wellies signed by the stars!

We look forward to seeing you there too! Tickets are available at www.beebiesbabystore.com and are £9.99 each. Under 11s go free!

 

My Gym Induction

I've joined the gym. It's been something I've wanted to do for a while, but one thing or another has conveniently come up.But now I've bitten that bullet and am going to try and commit to 2 sessions at the gym per week.

I wouldn't say I'm unhappy with my weight or size, 2 weeks of the month I'm a size 8-10, the other 2 weeks I'm a size 10-12, but there is always that little bit of pressure from peers or media to be the 'perfect size'. The talk of diets and work outs often fills my work days, each week a different goal or regime.

So I start today at a weight of 9st 2lb. My goal is 8st 6lb.


We arrived at the gym (Mum & I) at 2pm, ready for my induction. Me, feeling quite confident that this would be absolutely fine. A walk in the park.

For anyone of you who have seen The Backup Plan, I was going to be Zoe (played by J-LO), cool, calm, not even the hint of sweat.

First came the Bike. Steady pace (85). Effort grade 7. 'Yes! This is great!'.

Then the treadmill. Mum was allowed to walk briskly up hill at speed 5, I began at speed 7, a brisk jog.
Gym Instructor: 'You're looking very comfortable there.'
Me: 'Yes, this is good.'
Gym Instructor: 'In that case, lets put you up to speed 12 and see how you get on.'
Rising to the challenge, still feeling confident I smiled and upped the speed. Not comfortably, no, but that was the point right? 'Push yourself Ami'.
Gym Instructor: 'Do you run a lot? You are looking quite at home there.'
Me: 'No, I walk though.'

This was going well, I was obviously keeping up my 'Gym Goddess' appearance, even if I did feel like my legs were about to drop off.

Thirdly, the cross trainer. I quite like this. I've got the 'right rythm' apparently. Mum on the other hand does not.
Gym Instructor: 'We'll try 10 minutes at effort grade 7 for you Ami.'
Me: 'Brilliant.' With a smile, and a tiny hint of Oh My God 10 minutes!? How about we try 8 in voice.
So there I was 4 minutes in, my legs feeling a little jelly like, and a slight icky feeling in my tummy.
I stopped.

We moved on to the stepper, I did two steps, then that awful feeling of 'Oh My God, I am going to be Sick!' came over me. Dizzyness, the works... Then you'll never guess what.

I fainted.

Inspired.

For a few years now I have worked closely with the Blogging community. I have laughed at funny tales, cried at heart breaking stories and admired the courage and honesty of bloggers who openly share their thoughts and feelings with the rest of the world.

Outside of the blogging world, we live in a place where sharing your innermost thoughts is often branded airing our laundry, we live life thinking that nobody else would be interested in what we are thinking, that people have their own lives and thoughts to be dealing with.

Since starting my business I have come across many blogs which have inspired me to share. Share my thoughts and experiences in the hope that one day they may inspire or help someone the way that these have me.

So, now I'm about to find out what it's like to be a blogger and not just a bloggee.

I hope you enjoy.

A x