Happy 80th Birthday, Dad!

Yesterday we celebrated my dad's birthday. He was 80! 

He doesn't look it or act it, mind you! 

He can out cycle me and walk for miles and miles. He doesn't ever get tired! 

We were planning on a trip to visit the steam trains (Bishops Lydeard to Minehead) which was the day out we used to do when the boys were much smaller, Dad's birthday falling in the school holidays. 

But they no longer run on a Friday - which was his birthday!  

So we did our next favourite thing, other than visit a National Trust place, and visited Slimbridge, The Wetlands.

The last time the boys and I went, we were coming out of lockdown, and Dad didn't come with us. (I used to have membership.) 

It was FAB to get to feed the birds again, especially one very confident swan. 

Ben, never a lover of dogs, is not afraid of swans!

Slimbridge did not disappoint. There had been some further updates and new bits to explore.

It brought out the big kids in us, although we didn't venture into Wellyboot Land - they grew out of that area years ago!

But it was a tranquil day bird watching, with a canoe safari thrown in for fun, too.

The cutest thing was watching one of the otters sunbathing and playing with her stone. 

And finally, after all the years we've been visiting, we saw the water voles! Hurrah! 

Plus we picked up a couple of Gromit Unleashed sculptures, as came home via the A38 (rather than M5) and stopped at Thornbury, too. 

All in all, we had a Grand Day out! 

Happy birthday, Dad! 

My garden would not look as awesome as it does without your assistance. 

I am always grateful the help you've given me over the years. Not sure where I would be without you.

Here's to more fun days out!  

Love Teresa x x x 

It's My Mum's Birthday!

I want to wish my mum a very happy birthday! 

Although from the age of eleven I lived with my dad, (long story which I won't go into) my mum has always been there for me, and I can tell her anything. She really is my best friend. I always have her full support. 

I certainly have some of her nuttiness and she's raised me to be strong and independent. You're generous, kind and thoughtful. 

They say you can't choose your family, but I would choose you everytime to be my mum. 

So, Happy Birthday, Mum!

I'm sorry I can't be with you on your special day to celebrate 76 years of being on this planet. I'll make it up to you the next time we get to catch up. (June.)

Thank you for also being a wonderful Nanny to Ben and Kieran. 

Love Treesie x 

(Your first born, who made you a mum, and your favourite ha ha! - inside joke with the siblings!) 

Happy Paperback Birthday!

Plus One is a Lucky Number first came out in eBook on the 29th August 2013 - which officially made me an author. 

It's like having your first child, and you're officially a mum. There's no going back! 

Anyway, you can imagine our surprise when, as newly made authors, we turned up at HarperCollins HO for a party, to see our paperbacks out on display. 

(In the photo is Jane Lark, Lorraine Wilson and Charlotte Phillips.)

Plus One is a Lucky Number came out in paperback on this day - 8th May - 9 years ago in 2014. Different cover back then. It's had a makeover now and is free in Kindle Unlimited if you want a warm, uplifting, fun romance. 

This is one of my favourite romance tropes, the whole pretending to be in a relationship. Films like The Wedding Date, The Proposal and Just Go With It are favourites of mine. 

When Adam kisses Sophie, is it for real, or is it for show? 

Buy here on Amazon

No Longer A Teenager

So where have the last 20 years gone? My boy has gone from baby to adult, what feels like very quickly. No longer a teenager! 

Now working as a Construction Engineer apprentice - all that lego building has paid off. 

Happy 20th Birthday, Ben! 

Keep being you... but if you could just tidy your bedroom more that would be great...  

Love you, always, even when I'm grumpy, Mum x x x 

Firmly In My Fifties

It was my birthday at the weekend, and I went for a National Trust adventure at Stourhead. 

I had been toying with getting a bus into Bristol for some day drinking, and being home by 8pm and in bed ha ha! 

However, we opted for some exercise and fresh air, as only the middle-aged will appreciate. 

Therefore, my birthday involved plenty of walking with a cream tea for lunch. Perfect. 

I went with one of my friends who I've been visiting a lot of National Trust places with this year.

For the middle of October we were very lucky with the weather, it only got a little chilly when the sun went in. But we were starting to see the changes in the trees, and what I love about National Trust is they'll always have a good display on. Everywhere we went there were pumpkins and the reminder of Autumn. 

Then, in the evening we went out with the 'kids' - who are not so small now at 17 & 19 - for dinner, and a well deserved bottle of pink prosecco - or two! 

Thanks to everyone who sent cards, gifts, and messages. All very appreciated 😍

I know I've been quiet on the blogging front, but I've been working on my next novel, editing and polishing to resubmit to a publisher, and submit to some agents... Wish me luck! 

Why Do We Feel Guilty?

Yesterday, I took the day off to spend some quality time with one of my friends to celebrate her birthday (which is actually today!)

I let my friend decide what we would do - it was her birthday after all! 

Our day was spent walking around Clifton and the Downs, with garden centre visits and charity shop mooches along the way. It was thoroughly relaxing and a great day out - despite the weather. 

(The weather is another subject - hot one minute, cold the next!)  

However, in the morning, getting ready for my day out, and deciding what to wear as no idea what the weather was going to bring, the guilt I felt for not writing, or working my business fell heavy on my chest. 

That feeling that I should be doing "something" weighed me down.

Is this a writer thing? Or a business owner thing? Or is it a mum thing? Or even a woman thing?

Or is it just me? 

We are allowed the day off, right? Why do we put this guilt on ourselves?

And in the end, walking around Clifton was hugely inspirational for my books, so I could chalk it up to doing some research! It was where I based One Fine Day, and will feature the sequel (when I finish writing it.) 

And my favourite part of the day, other than the carrot cake, was spotting Gromit on the balcony of a house. 

Seventeen!

And here it is, ladies and gentleman, I am now the proud owner of another seventeen-year-old. 

It's incredibly scary how fast they grow! 

Happy 17th birthday, Kieran. 

He's probably too cool now for this blog post, so I just won't tell him I've posted it. 

He only allows his photo to be taken if I promise not to put it on Facebook ha ha! (This is the most recent one I have of him which is probably the least embarrassing.)

Kieran is growing up to be a fine young man. He's still into his football - sporting a broken big toe just before Christmas! (That was fun.) He had to have surgery, having a pin inserted. (He has had more A&E visits than his brother.) 

Having left school last summer, he's studying a T3 in sports science and still loves his food. In fact, he's eating me out of house and home! 

My cheeky little chappie has become a bit grumpy in his teenage years. He's always been keen on doing his hair - that certainly hasn't changed. Yet now, it's this floppy fashionable style that seems to be the trend. 

He's not so much Kamikaze Kieran anymore. Or Kieran the Destroyer (of toys). But he still tends to be fearless and prepared to give most things a go. 

He's actually working on his birthday, but has his first driving lesson booked for the 27th March. So, everyone, off the road! You've been warned! 

Carry on being you, my darling boy, just try not to be so grumpy and mean to your brother. You do love him really. 

My dad used to joke that having two boys I would be like the mum played by Wendy Craig in Butterflies. 

And with two boys owning cars, I can see this becoming more and more true. And I just don't have the driveway space! 

At least I don't place a tablecloth over the remnants of the meal before. 

Anyway, you'll always remain my cute, baby boy forever in my heart.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and I love you very much.

Mum Xxx 

Life At Nifty Fifty

I thought I best blog about turning 50. 

It happened last week, and if you follow me on Instagram, then you'll know I was doing a reel in the last days of my forties - much to my sons' delight. (You're so embarrassing, mum!) 

The interesting thing is, I just filmed myself, no make-up - maybe brushed my hair and did it. Twenty years ago, or even ten, I would have needed full make-up on and a change of top! 

Being fifty doesn't really feel very different. Age is just a number really, and with a positive mindset, you'll keep yourself young. It's just the body that will let us down sometimes ha ha! But even then with good diet and exercise, you can help keep your body working too. I am trying to grow old gracefully, or disgracefully... depending how you want to look at it.

But my aim is to work on my fitness and my health so I can continue to live life to the fullest. 

Turning fifty has meant that I have been spoilt with cards, messages and presents. And CAKE! (Thank you, Sara, The Bentley Road Baker!)

My day was spent with some good friends at Bath Thermae Spa and then a late lunch at The Ivy. 

I had drinks on the Friday evening with even more of my valued friends, and visited my mum on Sunday, to get another cake - carrot cake made with love by Mum. 

And then, just to add more grey hairs, an adrenalin filled day at Thorpe Park on the rollercoasters! 

Anyway, I never get depressed about being a year older. Some people don't get to make it to fifty... or whatever age. We should always be grateful for every day we get to live life. 

Some days are harder than others, as life can throw curveballs at times, but I have found writing down my three positives from my day just before I go to bed has helped me have a much more positive outlook on life, and even when I look back over the year. 

Carrot Cake!

I've focussed on the good, not the bad.

For things to change, you've got to change.* (*by Jim Rohn)

I started journaling in 2017 when my self-esteem had reached its lowest. By the end of 2019 I came off online dating. And in 2020, where I discovered in Lockdown I was happy on my own, I joined UW to improve my financial situation and fund my writing passion. 

And through this business, it sent me on a massive personal development journey.

Life is good. I am happy, albeit perimenopausal - ha ha! Here's to the next 50 years! 

Happy 14th To This Boy

Seriously, where is the time going? I have two big teenage boys!

And this one is shooting up! Worried he was going to be short, he's now catching his brother up. He's almost the same height Ben was at 14! (I'm so glad I started measuring their height in my new house. Lord knows what I'm going to do if I have to move. But it really put a smile on Kieran's face when he saw this!)

Although he will give me the teenager attitude, he is always thoughtful, buying gifts for either me or his dad when he goes away. He is the tidiest of the two and does help me around the house. (I don't need to nag too much.) For example, he doesn't leave wet towels on his bedroom floor, like his brother! Grrr!

He's a fantastic footballer, and although he hasn't been able to play much this past year, he's been dedicated to his fitness. He does well in school, the teachers always praising how good he is. So I have to be doing something right. He likes his routine, but lacks a little bit of confidence at times, when he really shouldn't! But we'll work on that. 

Although he still has no fear, and will always be my Kamikaze Kieran! 

Happy 14th Birthday, Kieran! 

I'm extremely proud of the handsome, young man you're turning into. Just be a little kinder to your brother, hey? You love him really! 

Enjoy the TV bed! Although now I don't see you so much as you disappear off to your bedroom like a typical teenager. Come and see me occasionally! Please! You'll always be my little buddy and little joker!

Love you to the moon and back x x x 

One of my favourite photos!

Happy 16th Birthday, Ben

This isn't funny now. Where has my baby gone? Quite literally! He is taller than me! Ben is growing up too fast. He is now 16!

I know this is where most parents harp on about how kind and amazing their kids are. And of course they are. We're all biased. But I like to keep it real. My son drives me completely potty at times with his inability to keep his room tidy or put things back, or close doors, or turn lights off. He's so laid back it frustrates me! Realistically, Ben and I do have our off days. I don't always like the woman I become when I have to nag him to put his washing in the wash basket. 

However, Ben can be my little (but taller) buddy. He's happy to go for a walk, join me on National Trust adventures, sometimes help out with dinner... He is also quite funny, having a similar sense of humour to me. (I've found someone I can watch Red Dwarf with). He is also hard working (when not distracted). And his laidback, calm attitude will just stand him in such good stead for life. He is quietly confident, which does not make him arrogant.

This week, he has returned to school after having to self-isolate for 10 days, thanks to the NHS Track and Trace app pinging. (Lord knows how this happened, we were in Lockdown, and Ben isn't the sort of son who walks the streets and hangs out with his mates outside corner shops!) However, all of Year 11 got sent home on Friday to self-isolate for another 14 days. So Monday, Ben decided to still go into school and work there - even though he's the only Year 11 in! There are 6-7 other children in his year that could do this but they've chosen to stay home. I do think this shows his sensible nature; not to follow the herd, to be independent. But it also shows his dedication to learn. 

This year has been so hard, with cancellations on things you so wanted to do, from your D of E Silver expeditions to your work experience with Highways England, yet you've taken it all in your stride.

So even though we do have our off moments, I do love you immensely, and I'm incredibly proud of all you've achieved so far. And I will always be here for you. After an ectopic pregnancy at 29, I wasn't confident that I'd have children. But just over a year later, you did come along and light up my world. 

Happy 16th Birthday, Ben xxx

My Birthday Month!

For those of you who don't know, October is my birthday month, so I've been rather busy catching up with friends.

I'm a little late on the blogging about it, as it was a few days ago my actual birthday.

I got to see my mum, which was the best present ever. We don't get to see each other much at the best of times, but Covid-19 has reduced the visits further. 

Our next date scheduled is Christmas, as I actually have about 10 days off this year, the way Christmas and my shifts fall. However, at this rate, we might be all eating outside, if we're not allowed to mix inside. 

Anyway, today has been quite random, because usually I'd be a work work. So, today feels like a Sunday. I even had the boys home as they broke up for half-term yesterday. (They get 2 weeks off).

I sent off my manuscript - Christmas At Kittiwake Cove - to my agent, so I feel I'm in limbo land writing wise. Hence, I thought I'd blog. But now I'm sat at my desk, I'm thinking... what the hell did I want to blog about? I lie in bed, failing to sleep, thinking up topics I should blog about. And now I'm here, I can't think of one. 

Maybe I really should do the dusting... (that I've been ignoring...) 

This blog post is a good opportunity to say my latest newsletter is here if you'd like to read it. And if you don't want to miss any of my newsletters, then you can subscribe here! 

Oh and if you're looking for belated birthday gift ideas; Tom Hiddleston, Henry Cavill or even, after binge-watching Fleabag with my mum, Andrew Scott would be just lovely. (Andrew Scott is HOT when not playing the psycho Moriarty!)

Thank you for reading! Look after yourself, and stay safe, 

Love, 

Teresa xxx

Officially TWO Teenagers In The House!

Happy 13th Birthday, Kieran! 

This morning at 7.15am!

Today is a little tough. Although he's not at school on his birthday, (hurrah!) he's not with his friends either (boo!) This boy can't have a party!

It's officially the first day of the lock down too, after Boris Johnson's speech last night at 8.30pm. So, apart from his dad, he can't have friends over, and we're not going to the cinema and out for dinner like we would usually. Birthday celebrations are having to be deferred.

He still had me up at 7am - well, his alarm went off at 6.45am, and I told him to get into bed and give me a cuddle! Ha ha!

Waffles for birthday breakfast!

After a breakfast of his choice - waffles (My waffle maker is getting used regularly, and I can see with the kids home more, it'll be out often - if I can get the flour!) - Kieran also helped in the baking of his favourite cake - Cinnamon Nutella Cake. He doesn't really like cake - weirdo - but he does love this cake and asks for it every year.

So although the home schooling schedule is a little relaxed today, he's at least done some DT (in old skool that's Home Economics). He also did PE with Joe.

Happy birthday, my wonderful, funny, bright, cheeky, thoughtful, thrill-seeking, footballing teenager!

Where did my cute little, cuddly boy go?

Still enjoys licking the spoon! 

We have Pizza Hut delivery booked for tea tonight, so not a complete disaster!

2017

Proud Owner of a Fifteen Year Old

As I write this, (yesterday) fifteen years ago, I would have been in labour... I went into labour on the 2nd of December, around 11pm after a day of being on my feet (wanting to bring the baby on), thinking I'd have my bundle of joy on my sister's birthday (3rd of December).

Oh, no... thirty-three hours later...

Ben entered the world as he meant to go on in life... taking his sweet time about it. He's not really in a rush now, at fifteen! He arrived at 6.36am on the 4th December.

He might drive me potty at times, away with the fairies, leaving doors open, lights on but he makes me incredibly proud as he does put a 110% into everything he does.

He loves school, he loves learning and he loves sport! He is like a sponge, always absorbing information and facts.

I'm lucky to have a boy who is academically bright as well as sporty. He is an allrounder. He might not be the best at everything, but he's pretty good at it all... and like I said, he puts the effort in. The school have praised him on his attitude to learning.

Ben is growing up to be a thoughtful. intelligent, easy going young man, even a little profound and mature in his thinking. He is very logical. He may be laid back but I know, through his lack of caring of image and what others think, he shouldn't succumb to peer pressure.

He takes after me, liking posh chocolates and coffee. (I haven't encouraged wine just yet - obviously!) The worrying thing is he is as tall as me now. And I reckon by Christmas, he may even be taller!

Happy birthday, Ben! I love you so much x x x

12th Day of Birthday

On the twelfth day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

A Coffee Machine 

I really, really, really want a bean to cup coffee machine, with milk frother and everything. My old machine gave up the ghost, and deciding pods weren't exactly environmentally friendly, I didn't replace it. Bean to cup machines are far more expensive, so I'm saving up. I keep saying the next book sold, I'm buying a machine with the royalties.

To be honest, I love opening presents! And now my boys are old enough to let me open them, so it's more exciting! Before, when they were much younger, they would open them for me.

Yes, imagine my angry face. But how do you tell a four-year-old you don't need help opening presents!?



Today is my birthday, so I'm hoping to have dinner out with the kids and my best friend, and her children. I have more plans for my birthday month, which I'm sure you'll hear about if you follow my Twitter and Facebook accounts!

11th Day of Birthday

On the eleventh day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

Tom Hiddleston

I would love to meet this guy in the flesh! My obsession started when I saw a YouTube video of him dancing, and it was instant love for the man! (I then stalked more YouTube videos of this man!) Nothing sexier than a man who can dance - in my opinion anyway.

Brilliant actor, fun guy (or at least he comes across that way). Blue eyes and blond hair! Love love love!

I have a Pinterest Board just for this guy too! He's on my inspirational hero list for writing.

10th Day of Birthday

On the tenth day of my birthday, I would like sent to me...

A Fiat 500

I swear, I need David Beckham's garage. There are too many cars I'd like to collect. One day, when I no longer need to take the kids on holiday to Cornwall, I want a Fiat 500. New model obviously. I love the powder blue, and I like the idea of a convertible!

I've actually written one into the book I'm currently writing! My heroine, Beth, drives one.