Sequins and snow.

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This is what I woke up to this morning…

snow 2 snow 1

Not quite what I was expecting.  I thought we’d had the worst of the weather yesterday with the ice storm.  It was quite literally raining ice, and we spent the day curled up on the sofa watching the NBC team in t-shirts in Sochi.

Sarah Palin

 

As we have now had no school since Tuesday, and we are off Friday and Monday anyway for President’s day, to say I am climbing the walls is somewhat of an understatement.  I have tried to focus my attention on my trip, but that of course just gives me greater anxiety wondering if I will have to swim from Bury to London on the 28th.  Not to mention I have suede shoes on my packing list – I might just have to pack the Hunters and be done with it.

My iPad has been getting quite a work out while we watch the Barbie movie for the 20th time, and I have found myself engrossed in Pinterest on more than one occasion.  I’m currently obsessing over this look:

sequin skirt 3 sequin skirt 2 Sequin skirt 1

 

I ABSOLUTELY NEED A SEQUIN SKIRT.

It must be over the knee, but not too short, sequin covered but not too glitzy, grey or blush so it can easily be dressed down with a grey sweater, and lined so it can be worn with tights without fear of ripping them.  I don’t feel like I have found the perfect one yet but here are some that have caught my eye.

I love the red trim on this IRO skirt and it looks nice and comfy with stretch…It’s a great price on TheOutnet.com for some IRO in your closet.

IRO skirt

This Zara skirt is pretty close to what I want – it will look great with a grey cashmere sweater and wool tights.  My concern is the length…it might be titchy on me, and though I will be the first to say I love my legs, there’s legs and then there’s the chance of showing your tight gusset – not a good look.

Zara skirt

This Express Aztec skirt reminds me of the AllSaints skirt from a couple of years ago, but for a way more palatable price – just $36 this weekend!

Express Aztec

Express also have this gorgeous knee length skirt…I am tempted.

Espress knee length

I love the blush colors in this River Island skirt too – and the black trim would help it pair with black cashmere and black tights.

River Island

I saw this skirt in Target a few weeks ago – it’s a bit longer than I am looking for but the color is perfect as is the price.

Target

Finally this one is gorgeous – I’m just hoping her legs are crazy long and that it won’t be quite as short on me!

Revolve

So sequins and knitwear – what do you think – can I get away with it?

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What to buy in the UK vs. the USA.

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As part of my preparations for my trip back to the UK I collect a few shopping requests from family and friends here.  I think it is commonly perceived that most goods are much cheaper in the USA.  It’s true that many are – but there are also several brands that are FAR cheaper in the UK.

I normally have a little list of places to go when I’m back in the UK on the hunt for a bargain.

1.  Many European brands/high street stores simply multiply by 2 when converting £s to $s instead of using the exchange rate.  Plus our sticker price here is not the final price as we add sales tax on at the register, which varies from county to county and state to state.  This can make brands like Zara and H&M far cheaper to buy in the UK.

2. Classic UK brands such as Barbour, Hunter, Ted Baker and Paul Smith are usually far cheaper in the UK.  My Husband has sized himself for a Barbour here which I can then collect in the UK at half the price.

3. There are many books and music titles that are not available in the US.  I can’t find Take That’s Progress on iTunes – nor The Pete Tong Collection (I did manage to buy the latter on Amazon.com).  Again my Husband orders several books from Amazon.co.uk and has them delivered to my Mum – why he thinks I’ll have room in my bags for books I’ve no idea!  I am much more shallow, as ever, and make sure I get my hands on Grazia, Hello and the Sunday papers.

4. In the US we don’t have Primark – now it’s definitely at hit or miss store – but the bargains that can be found are amazing.  I bought my favorite pair of boyfriend jeans there for £12 last year!

5. If only we had the same power and sockets in the US and UK I’d be sorted.  My ghd hairdryer cost a fortune here compared to the UK.  We also unfortunately don’t easy access to other European brands like Parlux.

6. Of course you’re not supposed to travel with some types of food and import it back to the US but I always return with custard creams, galaxy chocolate, pickled onion Monster Munch and Bisto gravy granules:)  I eat as many pork pies and M&S sandwiches as I can while I’m there!

Now for things that you should definitely buy when making a trip the US:

1.  Makeup is far cheaper here – from drugstore brands like Revlon and L’oréal to department store brands like MAC, Clinique and Chanel.  OPI and Essie nail polishes are also only $8 a pop here – my Mum always stocks up:)

2. Sneakers/trainers are much cheaper here – though I think the choice is more varied in Europe.  They normally just switch the £ for a $ making them dirt cheap compared to the UK.

3. My FIL always pops into the Apple store to upgrade his iPad when he’s here.  The fact that Apple use universal power, meaning no transformer is required, makes it far cheaper to buy here – though it has to be said that prices are coming down in the UK.  My Mum and Dad bought theirs at John Lewis – paying slightly more – but having the comfort of the John Lewis warranty made it worth it to them.

4. Housewares are cheaper.  Want a good potato peeler (yes I’ve been asked to take TWO back to the UK), or a good apple slicer?  Buy it here at Target.

5. Designer goods are generally much cheaper here.  My Rag & Bone Newbury boots are cheaper, as are most designer bags.  You will find however the focus on labels varies significantly.  I NEVER see Mulberry here, yet I would never buy Coach or Tory Burch here as you see their logos EVERYWHERE.  One thing to note is TheOutnet.com stocks widely differing brands here compared to the UK so if you are here long enough to receive a delivery it might be worth checking out.  For example this Alexander Wang Rocco is 45% off here and yet it’s not even on the UK site.

Rocco

6. US brands that have traveled across the Atlantic are far cheaper here – J.Crew being the most obvious, but Banana Republic and Gap are also much cheaper here.

7. Here in the US most states have fabulous outlet malls.  One word of caution though stores like J.Crew and Coach often make items just for the outlets – so that bargain you think you are getting may not be so much of a bargain.

Now for my outfits from the past few days…I adore these new H&M trousers that Eve alerted me to.  The fabric is lovely and stretchy but I still needed to size up to a US 10 – the waistband is tiny – no vanity sizing here!

Allsaints leather

Sneakers – Adidas Samoas // Trousers – H&M // Sweatshirt – AllSaints // Jacket – AllSaints // Scarf – Uniqlo

I’ve been trying to wear some fur before it gets warmer.

hermes 2 Hermes

 

Boots – Isabel Marant Dicker // Jeans – ASOS Saxby (just $20 now!) // Jumper – Boden cashmere crew neck // Jacket – Forever21 (old – similar here on sale) // Scarf – Hermés (gift from my Husband)

It was cold but REALLY sunny yesterday!

Boden gilet 2 Boden gilet

 

Sneakers – Isabel Marant Bobby // Jeans – Zara (old) // Jumper – Boden St. Ives // Gilet – Boden JohnnieB

My first port of call in the UK is normally Marks & Spencer – more for nostalgia – but I do love a bit of M&S!  What stores or brands would you miss if you relocated to a different country?  I’d love to know!

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Starting to panic about packing!

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In less than 3 weeks I’ll be heading to the UK for what has now become my annual meet up with my blogging friends.  To make the most of the CHILD FREE trip across the Atlantic I’ll be staying with my Mum and Dad for a few days too, and hanging out with my brother and sister.  To say I am excited is an understatement. (Caveat for when reading in years to come :  Poppy and Hugh I will miss you LOTS but Mommy just needs some girl time sometimes! xx).

I have of course already started to panic about packing.  An extensive wardrobe really only makes things more challenging.  I have – don’t laugh – started a spreadsheet that itemizes bottoms, tops, sweaters, shoes and accessories.  It is quite a long spreadsheet and needs some – shall we say – fine tuning?

The advantage of making a spreadsheet is that it can identify gaps in your travel wardrobe.  Now as you all know far too well there are few ‘gaps’ in my closet, but one is a practical, warm, trendy coat.  I have lots of wool coats but they are quite heavy for wearing when walking around London, plus they are harder to roll up and pack , and also less comfortable for layering.  Just play along with me please…

Given my above reasoning I realized that what I really ‘need’ is a parka.  Not a wax, storm proof parka, but a lighter weight, lined parka that will be cosy, plus has room to layer over a leather or denim jacket.  I narrowed my choices down to the following:

The Asos Cocoon Parka:

Cocoon parka

The Asos parka with detachable lining:

Asos Parka

It was a tough decision – there are pros and cons to each.  The idea of a detachable lining makes the second a great option, as does the ability to cinch the waist, whereas the cocoon version has less going on.  I polled my fellow bloggers and they were no bloody help as opinions were equally divided.  In the end I closed my eyes and picked one, and now the cocoon parka is on it’s way to me!  I hope it will work well to layer over my AllSaints leather jacket.

Today I am back to black again, with a touch of leopard and red:

AllSaints jacket

Sneakers – red converse // Jeans – Zara coated skinnies // Shirt – Men’s Gap white shirt // Sweater – Uniqlo cashmere men’s crew neck // Jacket – AllSaints Monument jacket // Hat – J.Crew (old – similar here)

Friday was red and black too for a trip to the mall:

red leather jacket and GGs

 

Sneakers – Golden Goose sparkle slides (similar here) // Leggings – H&M // Dress – ASOS swing dress // Jacket – Zara (old – similar here) // Scarf – H&M (similar here)

Finally yesterday with a glimmer of sun I bared the legs – albeit just the knees:

Asos dress

 

Boots – Stuart Weitzman Nude nubuck 5050s // Dress – ASOS

I’ve been pinning some packing tips but if you have any suggestions or tips please share – after all these years I am still crap at selecting a capsule wardrobe for traveling.  I’m always terrified of leaving something behind that I end up really wanting to wear.  OK, ‘terrified’ may be stretching it…

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Yes…a sneaker post…

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Sneakers, trainers, tennis shoes – whatever you call them they are everywhere right now, and nothing could make me happier.  In my closet I have Adidas gazelles, Converse sneakers and classic Chuck Taylors, Nike hi-tops (worn way back here) and of course my ridiculous Golden Goose.

Many recent sneaker posts have focused on the classic New Balance sneaker.  They’ve had somewhat of a renaissance recently.  I remember blogging about my New Balance running shoes back here and thinking what a ‘nerdy’ brand they were.  But now that nerdiness seems to be cool.  I love the fact that they have become so mainstream – I still have a lot of love for the brand and J.Crew have some amazing colors available for the Spring.

Jcrew yellow JCrew peach

Back in 1995 I dragged my family around the streets of London looking for Adidas Gazelles in green.  You couldn’t get them for love or money after Ms. Moss made them such a style statement.  I eventually tracked a pair down in Harrods of all places!

Kate Moss

(Image: http://deadhypepropaganda.tumblr.com/)

Since that first purchase I have always been an Adidas girl.  The fact that Run DMC made the brand so freakin’ cool did not escape me either.

RUNDMC

I now have a pair of men’s navy Gazelles.  Buyer beware – buying men’s sneakers presents all sorts of sizing issues.  Not only is UK sizing different from US sizing but the men’s and women’s sizing is different too!  Please can someone standardize shoe sizes globally – thanks.  I am a US women’s 8.5 and I buy US men’s 7.5 in Adidas.

I also have a pair of Adidas Samoas – I love how ‘neat’ this shoe is and the leather is beautiful.

Samoa

These silver women’s Gazelles are amazing and on sale.  Just imagine them with tanned ankles and boyfriend jeans – lush!

Gazelles

The Samoas are also available in silver – I love the metallics – a far cheaper option than the metallic/sparkly Golden Goose.

silversamoa

For something a little more neutral I adore the grey men’s Samoas.

samoa grey

Yesterday I just had to get out of the house.  With the crazy weather here in Altanta (we spent Tuesday night pushing cars along our road) we’ve all been housebound.  This has now resulted in us all getting sick, irritable and tired.  Great.  So yesterday I bundled up and headed to the mall for 30 minutes to a) try and remember what day it was and b) blow some germs away.  I ended up popping into the Adidas store and look what I ‘treated’ myself to.

These Stan Smiths can’t be found anywhere online – at least where I have looked – they do have some of the red trim available on the Adidas site.  I really didn’t think they would be me – but when I tried them on I was smitten.  Super comfy and I love the simplicity of them.

Stan Smiths

Of course everyone else in the store was buying them so they will be on all the cool kids this Spring – me, Phoebe and Marc included of course:)

Phoebe Philo stan smiths Fashion Icons with FERN MALLIS: MARC JACOBS sponsored by MARTINI

These Samoas were a complete curve ball.  I immediately cringed when I saw them – flowers on sneakers – totally wrong.  But again I tried them on and wow – I love them!  So different, and yes girly, and they will look great with denim shorts or my ASOS t-shirt dresses.  Again I’m sorry I can’t find them online but here they are in the flesh

Floral Samoa

As a complete aside from ‘proper’ sneakers, while I was re-ordering my Limited Edition shoes (flowers again – what is happening to me?!) I spotted these fabulous ‘slip on sneakers’ – similar to the Next versions that were available last summer.  These Marks & Spencer versions are a great price too.  I can vouch for them as they happened to fall in my cart – no idea how that happens – very strange – must be a bug on the M&S site.

Black M&S leopard M&S

I’m afraid I don’t have much to report on the outfits of recent days – it really has been crap stuck at home, but not nearly as crap as it was for those stuck on the Interstates for 24 hours.  I’m sure we’ll continue to hear more about the good Samaritans who have helped those in need over the past few days.  The thaw is here and hopefully we can get back to normal again – though our politicians will feel a little beaten up for a few weeks to come no doubt…

 

 

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It’s SNOWING!

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Yes Atlanta has come to a standstill – a frozen standstill.  We’re expected to get 1-3″ of snow which is quite something for us.  So as I sit here waiting for the kids to make their way home from school I thought I’d get a quick blog post written as I’ve a feeling I’ll be required to play countless games of Uno and Chess over the next few days.  I’m sure we’ll be housebound tomorrow but thankfully I have wine, cheese, paté and bread so I’ll be alright thanks (taking a well earned break from the Paleo diet!).

I need to be careful out in the snow as I am still shuffling around like a 90 year old on a bad day.  I ran the 15k on Sunday – it was an awesome run and I felt strong all the way round, even managing a quick sprint across the finish line cutting valuable seconds off my time 🙂  I didn’t feel quite as strong after my celebratory Mexican and margarita – an ice pack on the knees was required along with a long nap…Now I’m trying to summon the enthusiasm for the Georgia half in March…we’ll see!

This is an outift I forgot to post before I had my bangs cut – I just found it on my camera so here you go – my favorite red jacket from last year.

red leather v2

Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jeans – Zara (old) // T-shirt – Gap (old) // Scarf – Uniqlo // Jacket – Zara (old)

Then from the last couple of days – it has been cold for sure here in the deep South…

all black 2 All black 3 fur Sam Edelman boots

Coated skinnies – Zara (old) // Jumper – Off duty jumper Boden (in clearance) // Boots – Sam Edelman Martina // Coat – Marks and Spencer Per Una (currently 20% off clothing, home and beauty)

Boden

Boots – Boden // Socks – Boden (old) // Jeans – Fayza Diesel // Jumper – Boden Off Duty jumper (in clearance) // Scarf – Boden (old)

AllSaints gilet

 

Boots – Stuart Weitzman 5050s // Jeans – Hudson Collin // Jumper – Zara (old) // Gilet – Verna Gilet AllSaints

I may be in my cashmere onesie for the next few days so I’ll see you once we’ve dug ourselves out!

DSC_0211

 

 

 

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Marks & Spencer court shoes in my shop – brand new!

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I took a gamble and it didn’t pay off so I now have 4 pairs of M&S shoes that are brand new and a little snug on me.

I’ve ordered the size up, and instead of the hassle and postage of returning these to the UK, I’m happy to sell them in the US with a slightly better exchange rate! These shoes have been seen on the-frugality.com and schoolrunstyle.com – they are beautiful!

All are UK 5.5/US 8

Free Shipping in the USA.

http://poppysstyle.tictail.com/

Rook and helix piercing on my right ear.

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I am balanced now, though you may not think I am sane.

Rook and helix

 

I LOVE them – thanks again to Christina and Will at www.piercingexp.com!

 

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Succumbing to the pink jacket trend.

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Pink, pink, pink – it’s been everywhere in AW13, starting with the Marks and Spencer pink duster coat that set the world alight across the Atlantic (okay so not technically the ‘world’).  I resisted temptation as lets face it I have more coats than ever deemed necessary living in the Southern States.  As time has marched on, and the Spring season starts to hit the stores, it seems that pink is here to stay for a while…and I have started twitching for pink.

This ASOS jacket is stunning and a great soft shade of pink – almost lilac.  It’s also currently reduced and will be great for seeing you through the Spring.

ASOS pink jacket

If you prefer more of a coral pink this from TopShop is a great choice.  There are only a few sizes left online but check out your local Nordstrom if you are in the US.

Top shop bomber

If you’re currently freezing here in the Polar Plunge, or just dealing with the regular January frigid temperatures in the UK, you may not be quite ready for a jacket yet.  These coats are great options and align nicely with the pastel trend for Spring.

I love this TopShop fluffy coat and this might be my choice…IF I needed another coat 🙂

Topshop fluffy coat

I can’t talk about pink coats without mentioning this cashmere blend coat by Marks and Spencer.  It looks just amazing – the cut, the color and the length.  At £99 it’s a great coat.  Should I order it just to try?

Pink cashmere coat

Whether it’s a coat or a jacket that suits your lifestyle and climate, pink is a surprisingly versatile color and can really brighten up a winter outfit.  My choice happened to be the Zara jacket – mainly as it caught my eye in the sale online – and it may still be available in stores.  Given the cold today I layered it over my denim jacket and really loved how it worked with blue denim – of course it will be perfect with grey and black too, in fact it has a black lining which works well with the usual winter color palettes.

pink jacket 1

Jacket – Zara TRF // Sweater – J.Crew (old) // Scarf – Uniqlo cashmere // Denim Jacket – Gap  (similar here just $25) // Jeans – Diesel Fayza // Boots – Sam Edelman Petty

So have you succumbed to pink yet?  If a jacket or coat isn’t for you check out Fiona’s jumper recommendations here.

 

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She bangs.

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Whatever happened to Ricky Martin hey? Yes I got bangs cut in on Friday – or a fringe as we prefer to call it in the UK.  I have to say I love it – it’s amazing what a difference it makes.  I feel younger with bangs – but maybe it’s just because they conceal the frown lines?

Before I went to the hairdressers I ran 8 miles.  8 10 minute miles – to say I was chuffed, and sore afterwards is an understatement.  But it gives me some hope that I will manage the 15k Hot Chocolate run that I have signed up for next Sunday.  I need my goals to motivate me – I just need to remember to take it slow and steady.  I’ll be the tortoise.

I managed to quickly change into my new ASOS dress before heading out to see Lauren at Plum Salon.  That ASOS VIP membership is worth every penny – I used to have to wait up to 2 weeks for a delivery and now it’s just 2 days!

Asos dress 4 ASOS dress3 Asos dress 2 asos dress1

Dress – ASOS extreme checked swing dress (I am wearing a US 6) // Jacket – Gap (old – similar here just $25 this weekend!) // Tights – M&S // Boots – Zara wedge boots (old)

And here are my bangs!  Straightened my hair a little for a night out with my Husband.  He thinks it’s very Anita Pallenberg – I think it is more Brian Jones or Keith Richards 🙂

photo

Brian has even stolen my AllSaints gilet here…

brian-jones46

For date night I wore another AllSaints sale dress.  I love this Rubie dress – it is so easy to wear and I think, really flattering as you can ruche it slightly over the tummy area.  This is a UK 10/ US 6 so it probably fits on the larger side and it has plenty of stretch in it.  Reduced to $83 from $208 in the sale here.  Slightly out of focus shot – rushing out the door again!

AllSaints rubie dress 1

Dress – AllSaints Rubie dress // Boots – Stuart Weitzman Highland boots

It’s a long weekend here with MLK day on Monday.  Just what I don’t need so soon after Christmas!  Anyhow we are trying to do lots of things with the kids outside of the house to keep them busy.  Yesterday we went off to the park and much to their amusement I wore my Zara denim boiler suit from the sale.  It’s the perfect attire for climbing frames and see-saws!

Zara boiler suit zara 2

 

Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jumpsuit – Zara (sold out similar here) // Jacket – Loft (AGES old) // Scarf – Uniqlo cashmere scarf

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25 things for 2 years of blogging.

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Two years ago today I wrote my first blog post.  I’ve evolved from a Boden wearing Mom to a Mom with piercings and a passion for fashion (who still loves Boden too!).  I have so much fun blogging and I want you all to know more about me, though you may not be interested 😉

Here are my 25 things:

1. I miss the UK everyday, but if I returned, after 15 years in Atlanta, I would miss here just as much.

2. I have a BSc. and PhD in Biochemistry and and MBA – I’m a nerd.

3. I have a constant battle with gaining weight and have tried every diet going – oddly the only thing that works is what I’m doing now – eating less and exercising.

4. I went to an all girls school and hated most of it.  All my best friends were guys.

5. I used to hate tattoos but after getting my piercings last year – I now REALLY want one. Mid-life crisis?

6. I am happier now than I have ever been mainly because I have stopped worrying what people think.  My friends are all people who love me for who I am, warts and all, and I cherish them.

7. I wear my heart on my sleeve – I have no secrets – I’m a typical Leo.

8. I met my Husband at University when I was just 19, we moved in together after 3 months, and thankfully we grew up together and made it through all the ups and downs.  He is my best friend.

9. I wish I had been a Doctor.

10. I hated working in the corporate world – I don’t like to have a boss, I don’t like rules, office attire and behaving ‘appropriately’.  I think it’s all smoke and mirrors.

11. I curse like a sailor.  I love a good swear word.

12. I am a liberal or put another way I believe in human rights like gay marriage, equality and personal choice.

13. I consider my blogging friends some of my best friends. We talk online everyday.  I would never have made it to 2 years without their friendship.  They truly accept me for who I am and provide constructive criticism, support and guidance.  They make me laugh out loud in front of my computer screen.  I love them all more than they know.

14. I miss steak and kidney pudding, fish and chips, curry, Grazia magazine, Tesco Metro, Marks and Spencer, BBC t.v., syrup sponge pudding and Hello magazine.

15. I like spending time on my own.  As loud and outgoing as I am, I can also be very introverted.

16. I wish smoking wasn’t deadly – I’d love to still have a cigarette with a glass of wine.

17. My Nana would have been 104 today.  She lived with us all her life, the kitchen was her domain – so much so that I never learned to cook or how to use the washing machine until I left home! She was born in Sheffield and widowed when my Mum was just 3. I wish I had asked her more while she was alive.

18. I have a sister (39) and a brother (30) – we are all totally different but love, respect and understand each other.  I love spending time with them when I visit the UK.

19. My Mum and Dad have always allowed me to make my own decisions – good and bad – and have supported me always.  As much as I confuse them, I know how much they love me and I love them dearly.

20. I have lived in Bury, St. Andrews, London, Lisbon and Atlanta.  I want to add more places to that list.

21. I want to learn to ski and scuba dive.

22. I grew up in tiny village called Hawkshaw.  At one point there were 6 of us living in a 2 up 2 down terraced house.

23. My first job was as an IT consultant – I can program and LOVE logic.

24. I now work part time for my Husband. I love my job and feel incredibly fortunate that I can work and that I have time for my children.

25. I appreciate and love my readers so much.  I am truly thankful to you for reading and love your feedback – thanks for your support.  I plan to keep doing this for as long as you all keep reading.

Joanna

xoxox