Advent Calendar: Day 22

Yesterday we had a Christmas party for the kids at school. A group of mums (including me) organised it. Approximately 40 kids, and a visit from Santa, plus an excellent disco keeping the kids entertained with party games, but I still came home pooped.

I'm going to post my favourite now as I can't wait until the 24th - and my brain can't think too hard (remember I'm scheduling this, and I'm really tired lol!). He is part of the inspiration for my second novel that I'm in the middle of writing, and hope I'll get back to it very soon in the new year, once The Wedding Favour is out of my hair and in the submission stage.

Bradley Cooper - voted Sexiest Man... and I agree! 

For me he was the perfect choice to play Face in the A-Team movie, and I've been a fan of his ever since! (Some of the pictures below are screen caps from the film).

22nd December 

Advent Calendar: Day 21

Not long now!

Yesterday I was driving the kids to Puxton Park when my seven year old commented on how the Santa that came into the school looked different to the one we saw on the steam train ride. I had to tell him that Santa can't actually do all the visits, so he sends in helpers, so unfortunately they are not always the real Santa. He then said, "I want to see the real Santa." And I replied that he probably had, mummy didn't even know the real one from the helpers. Gosh, you gotta be a smart thinker as a mum.

Then, stupidly, I mentioned that the Santa on Saturday (on our Santa Special steam train ride) had a real beard, so he was probably the real one. Now is he going to be looking more closely at the beards?

This is the problem with all these Santa visits. Seven-year-olds get suspicious. I fear this will be the last year when Santa is 'real' for him. I think when he's in a primary school, where the kids stay there till they are eleven, they lose the belief quicker. I was nearly nine, because I went to a first school until I was eight, then onto a middle school. I still remember the arguments with my friend about Santa being real.

And, sadly, someone at school has already said to Ben Santa isn't real. This upsets me!

But a real bugbear of mine is Santa's in naff costumes. I really wish if you're going to put on a Santa visit, he looks the part. And make sure the toys aren't so bloomin' cheap they fall apart in five seconds. This doesn't look good on Santa too!

So look what you get when you google Sexy Santa. Now I'd sit on these guys' knees :D

21st December

Only 4 more sleeps....

Advent Calendar: Day 20

With these last few shopping days left running up until Christmas, have you got everything done?

I think all my shopping is finished. Yesterday I was making chestnut chocolate pots (from Nigella Christmas), which have been frozen, ready for next week. I still need to ice Christmas cake, ice a Yule log for the boys, plus make copious amounts of mince pies by the sounds of things.

Googling pictures for my next hero behind door number 20 I was reminded why I like him so much. He really does look a little like Rob Lowe actually, but it's not. It's the lovely Brad Pitt!

There were soooo many to choose from. 

20th December

Joe Black for Becky Black! (At least I think that's Joe Black)

Troy! Though he plays Achilles.

Oh, and he has blond hair and blue eyes.

Advent Calendar: Day 19

I have a busy week ahead of me. I need to ice the Christmas cake, make some desserts and freeze them (chocolate chestnut pots), plus bake another batch of mince pies. All with the boys now off school.

You can see why I'm not really finding time for writing, though my back isn't helping. I'm trying to maintain it, because I don't want it getting as bad as last time, but it does feel like it's getting progressively worse, especially when coming home from work yesterday. It felt like I'd over done it. I get tired in my back. It's really hard to explain, but it sort of exhausts you, and you need to sit down, because the muscles around your back are sort of screaming, well currently just whining, to rest.

I've got lots of things going on in my brain at the moment, too, but I hate making excuses as you've just gotta sit down and write at the end of the day. I don't think it helps that I'm actually editing, and that just feels such a slow process. When you're writing, you just want to get it down as quick as possible, so you don't care about the housework, feeding the kids, or anything, you just write.

Editing, is like... blah! Well, it is for me anyway. I've said the story, and I know it needs cleaning up, but there's just not the same motivation. Someone tell me how do I motivate myself to edit? I mean, even when I send it out (eventually!) I have rejections to look forward to. Yeah, really motivating! lol!

Gosh, wittered enough... but it is a writing blog, believe it or not. Well, it's a place I get to empty my head and get me writing in some shape or form. I get to practise typing at least!

So onto the next door, and only 6 sleeps until Christmas!

 19th December

Owen Wilson! I know, again, he might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really like this guy. The first film I saw him in was Shanghai Noon with Jackie Chan (as I'm a huge fan of his too). Owen is great a comedy. He's hilarious in The Wedding Crashers paired up with Vince Vaughn. He comes across as a nice guy. And us girlies like them sorts of guys, too.

Oh look, and he's blond!  

Oh and I have to post this one! Love cowboy hats. Okay, love cowboys full stop. :D

Advent Calendar: Day 18

Yesterday we visited Santa. We do it every year, taking a steam train from Bishops Lydeard. It stops at the first station and we get off and see Santa. Adults get mince pie and a glass of sherry, while the kids get a juice and some chocolate, plus a toy from Santa.

Today I have work (so this is scheduled and it is really weird talking in past tense as if I'm writing this tomorrow, I mean today).

You may not like my next choice, but I'm feeling Christmassy now with the tree up, visiting Santa, etc. I had a crush on this man when I was only seven-ish (I think). My first ever record bought for me -  on 7" vinyl! - was by this man, and it was called Green Door.

Yep, Shakin' Stevens! Here's his Christmas song (which I quite like. You have to skip the adds, and watch a bit, then it starts up!) I always think this is just a fabulous Christmas song, with the bells and everything.  

18th December 

Is it me or does the Santa is this video look a bit scary? 

Okay - I better post something else to please you, incase Shaky doesn't rock your boat! Will Casanova (aka David Tennant) woo you?