Happy Father's Day to My Hero

I'm incredibly lucky. I have a wonderful dad. He's my real life hero, but I've especially noticed this in the past years where I've been a single mum. Before, I realise, he didn't want to step on my husband's toes. But now there is no one to upset, he can offer his help more.

My dad has his own foibles, possibly a little eccentric in some things, and is certainly stuck in his ways, but I love him for who he is and the support he gives me. 

Although he does spoil me, it's not in ways of giving me everything I want, monetary wise. But if I need his help on something, he is ALWAYS there. In fact, I'm so used to things being done almost immediately, that when one of my son's takes too long to do something, I get very impatient, because I know with my dad, if I asked for him to help me with something, he just does it. 

My garden wouldn't be as wonderful as it is without his input - that's where I am spoilt - and the planting of all the plants over the past twelve years! 

He moved to Weston-super-Mare just before Ben, my eldest was born, so has been here with me nearly twenty one years. It's meant he's been a big part of the boys' lives growing up as Grandad Ron, too. He's taken them on walks and bike rides in the school holidays when I've had to work. We usually go out on his birthday. The Bishops Lydeard to Minehead steam trains being a favourite.

Please note, I don't have many good photos of my dad, because he doesn't really like being in photos, and then, when I take a sneaky photo, he's always blinking or talking! 

Dad's truck! 

Happy Father's Day, Dad. And to all the amazing daddy's out there! 

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.

Thou Shall Not Chase

Maybe I should title this the trials and tribulations of a dating single mum...

I mean, when I am messaging some guy I hope to date, my eleven year old is looking over my shoulder and asking "who am I texting?"

"Just a friend." *lie mode cancel*

I just don't have that many friends, let alone ones that text me regularly. The day he realises this I am rumbled.

When someone does start texting me regularly I actually have to put my phone on silent so that the kids don't get too curious.

So, yeah, I've ventured, on and off, again, with the online dating malarkey thing.

I'm a sucker for punishment. Obviously.

And it's nice to get a text message, to feel wanted, that someone has thought about you enough to message.

However, it's a game half the time.

But I've got to start somewhere, right?

The thing is, I'm not even sure I'm ready. I get bored with it quickly - well, men, I get bored with men. And I don't mean in a slutty way. Nope, I just get bored with the messaging, or when they don't message, or when the messages have clearly been sent by their dick... In the end I'm doing the Jessica Jones eye roll gif. Yeah, you've seen the one!

A conversation with a very wise friend recently, she confirmed what I already knew - as she's been on the planet a bit longer than me - men really do think with their dicks.

I just now need to remember this - always!

I've now got a trust issue (thanks to my previous relationship - insert Jessica Jones Eye Roll Gif again)... I mean, when dating, messaging, whatever, I'm thinking; does he just want sex, is he a player, or is he genuinely looking for a long-term relationship? Or will he say he wants long-term, and just leave once he's done with me.

The ones that appear genuine I don't fancy.  They're not unattractive but I just don't fancy them! There isn't the spark! I really want there to be but it isn't there. And they're real sweethearts and I've got to turn them down for another date.

And go back on that bloody app!

Then there are ones I find attractive, but there can't be much of an interest for them... because they don't even message me back! Really should just stick to my Thou Shall Not Chase, and let the guys message me first.

The other ones I do find attractive, that there is a spark, I'll be like, is he a player, will he bolt at the first argument, can I actually trust he's genuine?

There is so much I want to put on my profile, but it'll make me look bitter and twisted, and insight inappropriate comments probably. But I just don't want to play games, and Thou Shall Not Chase!

What I have discovered also is the double standards. Guys want pretty women, with a great figure who keep themselves fit, yet they're not exactly 'fit' themselves (when I come to meet them). They have the nerve to tell me they don't find overweight women attractive... but when I'm meet them, they are overweight themselves! Now, I'm not looking for someone who is obsessed with the gym. I just want someone who takes health and fitness seriously.

Also, all these men are looking for strong minded, independent, interesting women... but they actually don't know what to do with one once they've got her. Heaven forbid she disagrees with them. (Oh, they'll walk out of a perfectly good relationship... that's what they'll do...) Really, they want doormats... only they don't find them attractive.

So do you want to know why I write romance? Because like I have on my website profile, let's face it. men in reality don't exist like the heroes in books. And occasionally, us women like to meet men who don't constantly think with their dick... These men can be found in books.

The Clean Shave Debate

Okay, so I've returned to the online dating scene. (What can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment.)

At one point I did have on my profile I was considering waiting until beards were out of fashion.

Most of the men - because it's the trend I assume and not because they're lazy - either have beards or stubble. But I am not a fan of facial hair - so I'm finding it hard to find guys to date.

Some guys wear it well, I won't argue that... It can look rather sexy... that's okay until you come to intimacy and you've got sensitive skin. How many men actually groom their beard/stubble?

Personally, I think it ages a man's face... so I empathise with guys in their twenties trying to ditch a baby face if they have one. But I'm not dating those... I'm looking for men in their forties. (Who look then much older with a beard *insert eye roll emoji*)

Anyway, my preferences aside, I was thinking the other day, as I was editing my latest novel, do readers prefer the heroes to be clean shaven or with facial hair?

I write all my heroes clean-shaven, basically because I prefer my men clean-shaven. Nothing like kissing a freshly shaved face. Lips softer, less grazing, and usually the smell of soap or aftershave... mmmm.... I don't want my heroine, like me, left with stubble rash and a red raw face.

So readers, when you're reading romance - do you like your heroes clean-shaven? Or have you not thought about it before? I'd love to know your preferences.

And romance writers - do you write your heroes with or without facial hair?

And I'd love to know how you combat kissing a man with stubble in reality! So tell me your secrets!

(On this note it will give me an excuse to post two pictures of Tom... clean or stubble?

Do you have a celebrity you prefer clean or not?)

News For US Readers! All 3 books are $0.99

US readers! All three of my books are currently $0.99 on Amazon Kindle! (or do you write it 99 cents?) 

Such exciting news! I'm not sure how long this offer will last so grab your bargain now, and escape into the English countryside, with feel good stories and adorable, handsome heroes! 

My debut novel, set mainly in Cornwall and my introduction to Tinners Bay:

Plus One is a Lucky Number

Sophie needs a favour, a wedding favour...

Sophie’s going to a wedding where the invite is strictly plus one… but with her single girl status not exactly fitting in with the bridesmaid dress code, and the best man being none other than the ex she would rather forget, Sophie needs a favour and she needs it fast!

Luckily for Sophie, her dreamy but distant co-worker Adam Reid owes their mutual friend James big time…and his gorgeousness more than fills the role of the ‘Perfect Boyfriend’!

As they take off to the sunny shores of Cornwall for the wedding weekend, it’s not long before pretence leads to passion and Sophie and Adam must decide; is their relationship real or is it all for show?

Plus One is a A Lucky Number Amazon.com link: http://amzn.to/1dPRM72

My second novel is set in Bristol, the city near where a live...

One Fine Day 

Just a boy standing in front of a girl…

Actor Steve Mason has it all … gorgeous looks, the perfect starlet girlfriend hanging on his arm and his name on every Hollywood producer’s lips. That is, until it turns out the ‘perfect girl’ is actually a perfect PR stunt! Dumped and with his name plastered across every tabloid headline, Steve decides to head home to England, questioning if he’ll ever find a woman who genuinely loves him for who he is, and not just his place on the Sexiest Man Alive list.

It’s been fifteen long years since Ruby last saw her big brother – but the new LA version of Steve complete with designer wardrobe, California tan and an American accent is too much to bear – Ruby hardly recognises him and decides it’s time to get her brother back!

With Ruby’s help, Steve goes undercover as he plays the part of a regular guy who leads a regular life. And then one perfectly fine, ordinary day he meets lovely, funny, down-to-earth Lydia. But when Hollywood comes calling, will Steve be able to leave both Lydia and his little sister behind?

One Fine Day Amazon.com buy link: http://amzn.to/1xQ1JIx

And my latest novel, returning to Tinners Bay...

Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage 

A Cornish Escape

After her house is set on fire and her love life is left in tatters, Maddy Hart can’t believe her luck when a friend offers her the temporary haven of Wisteria Cottage. Overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Cornish coast, the fresh air feels like a fresh start for her and her broken heart.

Peeking out of the cosy cottage windows, Maddy’s surprised to see her gorgeous but insufferable neighbour Harry Tudor has been employed to landscape the garden. But as the wisteria winding its way around the cottage begins to bloom, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom…

Meet Me At Wisteria Cottage Amazon.com buy link: http://amzn.to/2jZ6CO7

Enjoy! And remember to leave a review if you enjoyed my books! Thank you x x x 

I Have Standards

Firstly, if I sound shallow at any point in this blog post I apologise. But I do have standards.

Tuesday I decided to put myself back out there on the old on-line dating again.... Friday I was contemplating coming off. I was so depressed.

And now I'm writing a blog post to get it off my chest.

I thought, maybe I might chat to some, get some dates out of it, take the whole approach more casually.... Be much more aloof or blasé with it all.

However, the guys making contact are not giving me any confidence about myself. Not only are they not my type, but they really are punching above their weight. I know I'm no Jennifer Anniston by I'm fairly attractive... And I know it's hard to tell with a photograph, but you can tell from some if you're going to find someone physically attractive. (Plus I do read their profiles, too).

I know looks aren't everything... but I do look for something, I can't put my finger on what, but they have to have 'something'. (Okay, so I'm looking for a forty-something Tom Hiddleston.) I clearly say I want someone who believes in health and fitness, and they're messaging me with their double chins and beer bellies!

I know from past relationships (#MrAquarius) I need someone who matches me intellectually or they'll be intimidated. I don't do it deliberately... Men just feel it. They don't like women smarter than them.

There are the same faces on there too! They haven't even updated their profile or their pictures in the last two-three years. I mean, sort it out guys, if you want find someone. They are either crap at relationships or players. One guy messaged me saying he'd noticed I'd checked out his profile. I replied, I usually don't. I told him the reason I'd checked out his profile was due to his main image not giving me a clear indication of his looks - he was standing in the distance, you couldn't even make out his face. (He did thank me for the heads up and changed it).

Then there's the guy I dated last summer, (#TheBoyWithTheDragonTattoo) he still has his profile active, saying he 'wants a relationship'. When I clearly know he just wants a fuck buddy. Back then I should have known someone lying about their age was on there for the wrong reasons....

That man had the audacity to sit in my kitchen and tell me he wasn't a player, he didn't understand why good women put up with shit men.... blah blah blah... made out he was a really nice guy, who I thought was looking for similar to me. No he wasn't. He was a player, and although he didn't treat me technically badly, he lead me on for two months, when really, after a couple of dates he should have knocked it on the head. Maybe he did really like me, and had a 'rabbit in headlights' moment, or I wasn't right for him... But I'm lead to believe he's not as nice as he thinks he is. I will never know the whole truth. I am tempted to ask, but tell myself rise above it. But I hate that he's possibly playing with another woman's life...

You know, guys, if you are going to 'play' me, if it's just going to be sex, I want you to at least be drop dead gorgeous so I do get something out of this too.

And like it says above, I don't need you....

I'm resigning from on-line dating. It's not for me. It's a great concept, but like everything in life, it's being abused by lowlifes.

I know it's worked for some.... but I'm not convinced it's for me.

The Dating Game...

Pomegranate or broken heart?

Now, maybe I'm being terribly old fashioned here and need to get with the 21st Century, but I believe a girl should be asked out by a boy, and shouldn't be the one doing the chasing.

But maybe I'm wrong, and so I wondered what others thought. Because, now in my single state, I sometimes feel I'm failing miserably at this dating game...

I put it to you: should the men be asking the women out? Or do the men like to be asked out too? Or is that a big turn off?

Any excuse to post a picture of Tom Hiddleston

Now from a woman's point of few, us girls have some insecurities. Us normal girls don't want to appear like bunny boilers. To ensure the guy really is interested, we like to be asked out. If the guy is doing the chasing it means he's interested. We don't want to appear too heavy by texting too much, or needy, we want them to make the first move. And what if the guy really isn't interested, and you're texting, calling etc. Are you just being a pest?

This is what runs through us girls minds. Or at least mine...

I know when I write a hero, he always does the hard work. Okay, so my heroine might let on that she likes him, and gives him the green light, but it has to come from him. The man pursues the woman. He makes the realisation that she's the one for him etc.

Favourite scene ever in Love Actually

I believe men should open doors for women. It's nothing to do with equality. It's about manners, about being a gentleman. However, it being the 21st Century, on a date, I don't actually expect the guy to pay the whole bill, but when he does, it's rather nice.

And what about flowers? Do you like receiving flowers (if you're a girl) and (as a boy) do you like sending/giving flowers?

Are girls playing it too cool and losing the guy's interest, or is it a sign he's not really all that interested if he doesn't make the first move and doesn't contact?

What about mobile phones and texting, and even social media, are they making us lazy? I laughed out loud at this line in Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy. Bridget is comparing texting and Twitter in the 21st Century to letter writing in Jane Austen's era, and Talitha puts her straight...

"Bridget. Sleeping with a twenty-nine year old off Twitter on the second date is not 'rather like in Jane Austen's day'." 

What are the new dating rules?

I want to know... answers on a postcard please... or just leave in the comments below.

I need this information so that I am prepared for the day when Tom Hiddleston calls me for a date. I'll know exactly what to do!

My Type Of Guy

Friday night I watched "What's Your Number?" with Chris Evans (the American actor, not the British radio DJ with red hair!) and Anna Faris.

Evans as Captain America!

Now, I recommend this film on the nudity of Chris Evans alone! He usually has a towel or something covering his nether regions, but OMG the man is LUSH.

The film is fun actually, a chick-flick romantic comedy, and starts very much like Bridesmaids, the heroine sneaking out of bed to do her make up and brush her hair so she looks pretty when the guy she's in bed with wakes up.


Anyway, I'm not here to talk about the film, I'm here to talk about the blue eyes.

I do tend to love blue eyes and blond haired males... and my heroes in my books will take on this.  Bradley Cooper anyone? ...Daniel Craig, Josh Holloway...

But with my latest addiction of Henry Cavill - The Man of Steel - he certainly doesn't have blond hair.

It's certainly left me torn between Captain America and Superman!

So do I have a type?


I think it has to be the eyes! I prefer blue over brown... It has nothing to do with being Drop Dead Gorgeous and one fit body... I'm looking at only their eyes - honest!

Even in real life, I tend to fancy men with blue eyes...

Do you prefer your heroes to have blue or brown eyes? Or do they just have to be good eyes?

My Ultimate Favourite Hero

As I'm not able to jump up and down and shout about who I'm publishing The Wedding Favour with... because I haven't signed the contract yet, and don't want to jinx anything, but thought I better blog about something. Here, I am talking about my favourite hero!

No it is not an excuse to post lots of lovely pictures of Henry Cavill... honest.

Superman, aka the Man of Steel is my ultimate hero. He has a strength no other man has and his heart is good. Lois Lane was extremely lucky to have this guy looking out for her.

I grew up as Superman being played by Christopher Reeve. And I will always love his renditions. Looking back, the films were probably a bit cheesy, but then it was for kids, and in the 70s and 80s that was the style of films.

I even enjoyed watching the entire series of Lois and Clark. Dean Cain being another very handsome Superman alternative. I was 20 years old when this started showing, and was hooked to the TV weekly.

A few years back they did bring out another Superman film, and it was to follow on from Superman 2 of the Christopher Reeve film. It was good... but I wasn't as impressed with it, like I was Man of Steel.




Henry Cavill - did I tell you he's British? - had moments where he looked like Christopher Reeve actually. The film is excellent, but maybe more sci-fi than some might like, as it takes the story of the first two Superman films. It actually gives us much more insight into Krypton and General Zod. I loved it! But this man did help...

Yes, so okay, this blog post was an excuse to put up lots of pretty pictures of Henry Cavill... I can see him being my next inspiration (in looks) for a hero.

Who's your favourite hero, and why?

Every Woman Should Have One Of These In Her Bathroom...

... Someone to hold her towel.

BUT...

OMG! What day is it? I almost forgot! Thursday already? Really? It seems to have arrived really quickly this week. It means tomorrow is Friday, and I'm back to working the weekend :-(

I need to do something to cheer me up, (this morning didn't go so well with the kids) and hopefully you guys too... How about this one for Shirtless Thursday?

Actually he's not wearing anything but a towel... does this still class as shirtless? Well, he's certainly not wearing a shirt, I suppose.

Surprise Number One!

OMG! There I was just phoning around estate agents, and getting a bit of housework done when the doorbell rang. Who could that be, I thought.

Only Daniel Craig.

Yes, on my doorstep!


Apparently with his tight schedule, but knowing it's my birthday Friday, he thought he'd pop in this week to give me a sloppy kiss and a birthday hug. Bless.

I told him, I did, I told him, he's the best James Bond EVER!

He's such a nice guy, ladies. 

Favourite scene in Tomb Raider where my love for Daniel Craig began!

Every Woman Needs A Guy Like Ratty

I’m extremely excited. Ever since reading Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft (January last year), I’ve been extremely fond of the hero, Ratty.  He’s my favourite hero of Sue Moorcroft’s books, (closely followed by Martyn Mayfair) and possibly my favourite hero I’ve read so far – and he has joined me on my blog!

Sue is up to her eyes in ‘writing related activities’ (as I call it) so she sent Ratty along for an interview instead. 

So a warm welcome and a bit of a ‘Squee’ to Ratty!

Hi Teresa,

Thanks for inviting me onto your blog. It’s great that you remember me so fondly, as it’s a while since I hit the scene. I’ll answer your questions below.

• What is the favourite of your tattoos? Where is it and why did you had it done?

 

My favourite is on my left forearm and it’s a milestone with the words ‘One Miles’. For this to make sense, you have to remember that my name’s actually Miles Arnott-Rattenbury. In fact, there’s not only one Miles – but there’s probably only one like me. Why would I have tattoos? I like body art when it’s well done and means something. I have a car wheel on my shoulder and a Porsche on my other arm to represent one of the first cars I rebuilt and made serious money on. If I had all the cars that I like then I’d be the world’s most tattooed man.

• And if you were to have a new tattoo what would you have, and where would you have it?

Musical notes, I think, because I play guitar. Maybe on a musical stave that encircles my bicep. (I may have this work done, now I’ve thought about it. It would look hot.)

On you, Ratty, I have no doubt it will look hot!

• What would your ideal date with Tess be (whether she'd actually like to do it or not)? Candle lit dinner in a posh restaurant, drag racing at Santa Pod or something else?

A weekend at the Monte Carlo grand prix. You can get really close to the Formula 1 cars as they scream round and a family friend has an apartment there so we’d have somewhere civilised to retreat to when we needed alone time. I’m big on alone time … Tess isn’t as interested in cars as I am but her new commission is for a kids’ book about a racing car, so she’d be busy drawing. I love to watch her draw. She’s such a talent and she gets so intensely interested in what she does. The Monte Carlo parties would be excellent.

If Tess doesn’t want to go, could you take me... please? 

• Your garage is burning down, and you can only save one item - what would it be?

Are all the people out already? I love my cars but I would need to get my friends out. I would want my tool chest if I could get it, because it holds all the tools I’ve been buying all my life. It’s a big metal one on wheels so I think I’d stand a good chance.

Very good to think of the people first!

• If you weren't restoring old cars, what would your next best job be?

Wow. I’ve never even thought about it because I’ve been so focused on bringing those beautiful cars back to life. Maybe I could get work with a racing team. I’d love to be involved with the drama and everything – so long as I could get back to base often.

• Where’s your favourite place in the world?

Bed.

• What do you love?

Good friends to hang out with, beautiful women, music, fast and/or beautiful cars, fun, jeans. Making money. Surprising people. Kids. Things that make me laugh.

• And last but not least, what do you hate?

  

Injustice. Pretentious prats, suits, cruelty. Hypocrisy. Making money at any cost.

Wow, thanks, Ratty. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I wish you and Tess much happiness together.  So there you are girls, Miles Arnott-Rattenbury aka Ratty can be found in Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft.

Sue’s latest book, Dream A Little Dream will be out in November! Sue will be here in November to talk about her latest hero. I can’t wait.

And if you're interested, my review to Starting Over is here on Goodreads. 

Advent Calendar: Day 3

Oh, today it is my sister's birthday, and she turns 24. Happy birthday, Katie!

I got the inspiration for day 3 by viewing Lucy Monroe's blog interviewing Liz Fielding. She talks of The King's Speech - which I haven't seen, (it's on my list to watch) but gave me inspiration to post my next favourite actor and character... Colin Firth aka Mark Darcy. (Who knows later, even Mr Darcy may appear.)

3rd December

Oh, and this is Christmassy, as it's at the end of the film, and it's snowing.

New Found Inspiration

I promise this is writing related! Honest. No, really, it is.

Last night, in my tiredness and lacking enthusiasm to actually write, I was watching You Tube videos.

With my lovely new radio that I have in the kitchen, courtesy of my dad, I've been listening to Kiss quite a lot because they play non-stop music sessions. Radio 1 is great in the morning, but sometimes I find it a bit dull during the day.  With Kiss I get to boogie in my kitchen!

My dad and I have been discussing music videos, because he usually puts a music channel on in the background when there is nothing on the TV, and has been telling me about some clever videos. So with this in mind, too, last night I was searching them out.

My favourite song at the moment is 'Moves Like Jagger', and I wanted to listen to it. I found out the band was Maroon 5. (Yes I know, I should know this stuff, but before the arrival of my radio I have been very ignorant to the muscial world).

So, watched that video, then watched some more of Maroon 5... and couldn't not stop watching Adam Levine. As you can see, he's not my usual type. I tend to prefer blonds. Yet, the occasional tall, dark, skinny guy takes my fancy too. He will be inspiration for a hero, I know it!

This particular video (below) is very sexy in my opinion. (Plus I've put another on Tumblr which features Rhianna where he looks so hot in a suit).  Let me know what you think. Is he your type, too? Great voice all the same! (I'm loving the music, which always inspires my writing).




So guess what album I'd like to see in my Christmas stocking...

My 100th Blog Post Heroes Special

This is my 100th blog post this year!

Inspired by Sally Quilford's 48 favourite fictional heroes, she gave me the perfect idea for this special post. Here are some of my favourite fictional heroes, most of them are films and television, though I have thrown in a few from books, too (but they're not so much fun without the visuals).

Not in any particular order ...  i.e. I wouldn't kick any of them out of bed ...

Men ARE From Mars

You know that really annoy habit men have, you know, where they can't see things for toffee?  Like, for example when my hubby is actually cooking something, (sometimes I make him cook the roast on a Sunday, and wished I hadn't for the stress levels it causes!) he'll say he can't find the ingredient he wants in the cupboard, or gets irate that he's got to pull a jug, the cheese grater and something else out to get to the bowl or item that he needs.  (Maybe I'm more patient than I take credit for).  And even then he can't see it.  I've often found things on the shopping list to buy, and looked in the cupboard to find an un-opened jar in there.

I know I'm not alone.  I've asked other wives, they say the same thing!

The other day was a prime example.  My son got a Meccano remote control car for his birthday.  Basically, you build it out of Meccano then play with it.  Now, with all the toys, we put the instructions in a drawer in the study, because we're organised like that.  However, I knew that these instructions would be required, because there are three models to build, so I placed them up on the shelf in the playroom, on one of the top ones so my three-year-old didn't get hold of it.  But it was there, like a book would be on a shelf.

A shortened version of our conversation:

"Where are those instructions?" Hubby asks as I walk through door from work.

"In the playroom."

"I've looked.  They're not there."

"They are.  I'm sure of it.  On one of the shelves.  You've checked the shelf?" (I do doubt myself sometimes).

"Yes." He grumbles.

So, I go upstairs because we could argue till blue in the face, and I knew it was quicker than trying to explain.  And there - low and behold! - they are on the shelf, where I put them.  Not even hidden.  If someone had truly looked for them they would have found them.   I hand them to my husband, and I admit I am just a little bit narky by this stage, saying, "You looked really hard, didn't you?"

So then, that night, my son is asking for a toy and I can see it on the dining room table, and I'm telling him where it is and could he see it?  Right in front of his bloody nose!

And it was like I'd had a light bulb moment, realising that life would be like this, living with three men in the house!  My two sons, at nearly-four and six have the man 'I can't find it' bug even now! 

It's funny how when I write my heroes, they do not suffer from this bug, and I've not read one yet that has the 'I can't find it' bug.  I was thinking about it this morning, how I do have a character, in another story idea, I might have to give this trait to.  The story will revolve around him and his sister, rather than the heroine having a 'point of view'.  (Actually although he's the hero, his sister will be the sort of heroine). And was just imagining the sister getting frustrated with her brother because he'll be making himself at home in her house, and of course, can't find a thing...