Party Night then Dressage Event

Oh my word isn't it hot today!

Ive just got back from the dressage event to say I'm hot is an understatement, i have 3 pairs of socks on ! i got my boots secondhand and had to get a bigger pair ..lol

The morning started out a bit nervously, we decided to go along to the party last night and celebrate our anniversary with everyone there, so my fella was rather worse for wear.. He got me an olive tree as a gift which i thought was rather amusing as i don't really like olives (he does) lol

I didn't drink as i knew what i had to do today, but managed to have a brilliant night, all my sisters were there which was a real giggle, especially as they were all looking rather happy...lol we went late afternoon so started the afternoon thrashing each other at badminton (i haven't played that for years) talk about a giggle, even my fella had a go, but as the night unfolded it was a really good night, we all managed not to fall into Julies pond, although there was a few near misses :) there were people there we hadn't seen in years so it was great to catch up, i wouldn't want to live on that street though, 3 houses all were throwing parties on the same night! one of my sisters was hungry so took it in turns to go eat all the food from the other 2 then come back..lol

Although a didgeridoo isn't the normal thing you find at a party Damien who had lots of fun with it decided to get it out.. lol hes a personal fitness trainer (who shaves his egg rolls for customers to look at while they work out...lol he was telling us all about it too) its true !! hes also a very gorgeous bloke so can get away with it..

I came home giggling my head off and that was just on tea ! but a big thank you goes to Julie this morning for really making it a brilliant party, her gardens like something out of china with little raised levels and hideways pretty lights, it was amazing to see..

My sister had taken down her fences so the guests could all use her garden too, so between us we made the most of the space...

There was one lady there that cracked everyone up all night, talk about drunk, every time she went near the pond we were all on standby, that's the lady in this picture, which says it all really..lol I bet shes got a hangover from hell today..she was so funny and chased Damien about for most of the night..

Anyway back to today..

I was really nervous about not learning what i was supposed to memorize..oops it was a bit nerve wracking as everyone was busy doing their own thing outside in the arenas practising so i just resigned to the fact i was going to put this one down as an experience, i kept looking at the sheet but couldn't get my head round the course, i was thinking about the other stuff on there and what they were looking for, if i messed up the course that's one thing, but at least i could work on the other bits.

We were sent in the arena in two's, after being able to practise outside first, me and the another girl who's been riding for years were next in , she told me she wasn't worried as she knew the course inside out, she was riding Dolly, so i whispered to pip to help me out .. he must have heard me bless..



Thankfully they allowed my teacher to call out the course, which really helped, I'm sure the judges could hear my tummy going over, but it all went well although they didnt warn me there would also be spectators! it was my first attempt at dressage but WONT be my last now (I'm already entered into the next level) so i will make sure i practise, get it memorized and not leave it until the week of the event before i join, its all good acting spontaneously sometimes but NOT for dressage events (that was a nuts thing to do) the amazing news is i got scored higher marks than the other more experienced rider i was in with (which she didn't look very pleased about), but i did mess up on one of the circles (it was more egg shaped !) we were told they were marking low today but anything up from a 5 upwards from these ladies was good.. I got all 5s and 6s except on my egg impression where i got a 3...lol
I'm really pleased i had a go, even though Ive been worrying about it, now Ive done it once ill drop the nerves next time and up the practise.

Lauren came to watch so all the photos are thanks to her bless, i would have given Pip a mint when we finished but as i asked Lauren to hold them for me, there wasn't any left .. she ate the lot ! so ill take a few extra tomorrow.... at my jumping lesson......

Its been a really good weekend, I'm knackered, my house looks like a bombs hit it and I'm now going to start on my mum duties..

Ive had a couple of hours out today to be Jo...now i need to get this lot on track and ready for the new week !

I dont need to look at that on paper, though, i have memorized that lot through experience....hehe

Double Celebration

Its been a beautiful couple of days, the weathers been amazing !

Yesterday i spent the afternoon chilling out in the garden, people call it weeding, i call it clearing up behind the messy blackbird who empties my bird tables as soon as i fill them..lol Ive been watching her every morning and couldnt work out why she did it, but yesterday we found out.

She pops back after spraying all the food everywhere with so many little ones, my garden was alive with little happy visitors singing away beautifully.

Its amazing how much those simple things can lift your spirits, i ended up out there til gone 9pm and walking out there this morning with my cuppa was an absolute pleasure, it looks really beautiful.

We have grapes cherries, apples, tomatoes, lettuce, god knows how many herbs and a mixture of edible things, but i really enjoy being out there so its good all round..

The weeks been pretty mad for my fella as usual, hes doing himself proud and somehow manages to keep up to date with everything, we have had some help from our friend whos managing to teach my fella so much new stuff my head spins when they talk about it, ive been taken back by kindness some people have shown, its a lovely feeling.

Last night we hit the Staithe for our Cuban salsa class, we all get hard weeks where the works endless and have had a few of those recently, the only difference is we are both working for the same thing now and know what we want to acheive, so support each other all the way, but we both feel we want to kick up the dancing a bit more again now.. it was so hot in there last night, but really added to the night, it was like being abroad..lol

Its our anniversary saturday (16 years) AND my fellas birthday on Tuesday (21 again of course) so i may book up a nice table somewhere and take him out for a meal, putting up with me deserves a medal, so tonight im staying in and getting some practise with him to try and remember all these dances moves we have forgotten, its funny really but when your heads so full of work and ideas buzzing round like mad, its hard to remember much more after that, we both felt it and thankfully were able to just giggle at each other when we stood on each other or messed up everything..

We have been invited to a party Saturday night (yes another one!) but were not sure yet if we are going or not, so playing it by ear, its an old friend of ours and i know the alcohol will come into play as her parties are always lively.. so i may not go as yet, im sitting on a bl**dy horse sunday and dont want to live that dangerously...lol

The sad news of the day of course has to be about Michael Jackson, the pop superstar died last night aged 50! it just goes to prove you never know when your times up.

He was alarming at times and seemed to have many problems in his personal life, but i tended to just enjoy the music and ignore all the other stuff, he had to be troubled to try and change the way he looked like he did, it became freakish, but i know how it feels when you dont like yourself and felt like that when i was with Geoff, so i wont be judging or answering all the wacko Jacko jokes im getting text this morning.. hopefully he will be remembered for his music gift he leaves the world with and not all the bad stuff...

Anyway have a great day everyone, that weekends fast approaching !

Im not sure yet what im going to do with it yet except for one thing..

Im gonna enjoy it regardless...hehe

Blondes have more fun

Its been a hectic couple of days, the weekend was a blur we were both snowed under with work, so didn't do anything except that, but it has to be done, so you may as well just get on with it and try to keep smiling while you work.. we had invites for two different parties Saturday night and couldn't manage to make any of them sadly, these things happen i guess, my fella was working on something important and i last minute went to spend some time with my grandad, he had another operation last week and was feeling a bit sad so my sister phoned and asked me to go see him, Im glad i did, she was right..

I took the kids back Sunday and they cleared the biscuit tin in about ten mins flat which made grandad laugh, He's feeling much brighter today thankfully and recovering well, but he's been through so much this year and is looking forward to spending some quality time with nanny, and hopefully without all his hospital visits.

Fathers day was lovely we did spoil my fella all day, the kids all did little things for him without me having to remind them, which was thoughtful, we have such good kids, probably as hes such a good dad...

Yesterday was spent packing, followed by trying to sort out a new newsletter, Ive done so much work on the website blog this week and have missed writing in here, this is the place i get to write everything i want to, its like coming to visit a friend..


Last night i went riding as usual, i went down to the stables early and spent some time just walking about by myself, it was such a beautiful night for it, unlike last week when we rode through the storm..lol


I got to ride Pip for the lesson which was really good fun, for a small horse he doesn't half move quick ! as soon as you sit on him you can feel the excitement, he loves to run and is lovely to ride.
Im not sure how i managed to do it, but Ive got myself into competing in a dressage event on Sunday (which I'm rather nervous about) it seemed a good idea at the time when Wendy was talking about it, but it wasn't until she gave me the sheet that i realised what id got myself into, I have to memorize the course and what i need to do but hopefully get the horse to act beautifully for me, anyone who knows me will know I'm far from posh, so to sit on the horse trying to look elegant, suited and booted is going to make me giggle like hell..lol
I dont even own a tie ! I'm going to have to beg and borrow just about everything to do this, so i am dressed appropriately, black jacket, white shirt, black tie and black jodhpurs...Oh my word getting dressed up to get dirty eh...lol

I met up with my friend Anita after the class who has just got back from a holiday in Egypt. talk about looking healthy.. I had just filled the kettles up with the outside tap (well i cant work without a cuppa) but missing the lid completely with the tap, so stood there giggling away to myself looking like a drowned rat, i haven't been able to go see her horse while she was away, so caught up on saying hello to all the livery ones.. I do miss them, i used to look after those horses when i worked every Friday as a volunteer up there, so have to get back as soon as i can.. ive tried for the last 2 weeks but had to work so ill try again this week..

I managed to get some photos last night but i cant use the flash when it gets dark (it scares the horses) so apologies for the dark pictures, they are much more beautiful in real life though..

We started the horsecare and knowledge class at 8pm and Kevin led out a big black horse and handed me a huge electric clipper !! hehe cutting peoples hair im game for, but giving a horse a haircut is totally different.. it was a hell of an experience though, although you do have to keep your wits about you at all times, they are so unpredictable.
I thought we did quite a good job, but bare in mind it was really dark by the time we finished 11.45pm and i couldn't really see..lol
Im praying that horse still looks as good when the morning comes and she gets out in the sunlight, i bet they will be wetting theirselves up there today, when they see our version of clipping in the daylight.
We finished the night cutting, pulling, plaiting and grooming manes and tails so the horses got a good pampering session and plenty of sneaky mints when Kevin wasn't looking...

I managed to get some photos of Roger last night, the big white french horse who's so very ticklish and beautiful ! so you can see just how big his head is, its nearly as big as me put together, but i really love this horse and would love to ride him.. kevin said id look like a pea sitting on him.........:) so ill keep pestering of course til he lets me..whats wrong with a pea riding a horse !
If you tickle under his main he lowers his head right down and tilts it, his top lip comes out like Elvis and quivers like mad, i cant help but fall about laughing, ive never seen anything like him..

I'm riding Pip for the dressage event so very happy about that, hes small but lovely, if it was Billy or Jack id be panicking big time and have major league sore legs as much of it is all controlled by legs, without needing the reins, its scored on points and you need so many to pass (130 which ill get nowhere near of course) but whatever the outcome, at least i had a go.
Some of the girls have been practising for months and muggins here leaves everything til last minute again. I need to set up the garden with the same layout as the arena AKEHCJHF (i hope ive got that right, if not please help!) and run around looking like a loony pretending im a horse ! lol
My fellas threatening to video it and put it on YouTube... so ill wait til every ones asleep and get up extra early. nobody gets up early here except me and the birds so 5 am ill be giving the birds a comedy show for a change...lol


My fella wanted to come along and watch (that's a first!) but i didn't really want him to..

I'm pretty nervous and will probably mess it up even worse if i know I'm being watched, especially as he hasnt seen me ride since my first lesson at Kimblewick.. lol I like putting him through the hours of conversation after each lesson to tell him all about it anyway, why spoil that fun...hehe

I'm doing this competition for me, so want to go it alone ..

Im nervous but also very excited at the same time..


Anyway its time for a bath and a cuppa, we're working tonight so its another long one ahead and i thought it may wake me up a bit more.


No rest for the wicked eh ! whatever did i do in my past life? I hope it was good ! lol


Have a great evening everyone.

Happy Birthday Sharon

Happy birthday Sharon !

May your day be full of fun, sangria and salsa.. which im sure it will be..

This special lady makes us all feel amazing, she wiggles and shimmees the night away like noone else we know, always smiling and lights the room up as some people shine from inside..

So as today is her special day, we want to wish her..

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

Loads of Love xxx

Men !

I'm having a good old rant tonight, just to clear the air of all these blue words i keep wanting to shout at my fella....lol

Why is it men accuse us women of talking too much? its not us, its them !! he honestly doesn't stop or shut up sometimes..hehe

(its our 16th anniversary next Saturday too) aren't i that kind considerate partner sometimes..lol

Tonight i was promised a meal together, time out and off the computers and what do i get ? on my own again !!

"I'll be just ten more Min's Jo" which was only 97 Min's ago and hes still jabbering away on Skype, thank god they called him.......

The dinner (smoked haddock) is still sitting in the fridge, Ive taken the kids out to the fair he promised to do the parental duty with and attend with me at the school, I was bored silly on my own, the kids kept shouting "please come here mum, look at this" (that means i need some money) so when i ran out i decided id come back and leave them to it, i want to go throw a bucket of water over his head at the moment as im tired and hungry, so decided its better to talk to you guys instead and calm down...

is throwing things allowed if it doesn't hurt them? or shall i put it down to just being tired and go sit in the bath with my headset..

its been a busy week, neither of us has stopped and i know we both need to (ok well i need to, he has other ideas)... trouble is getting him to switch off - he really loves to work and loves what he does ! so i guess i should stop being a grump and just cook the meal for him...

He had a really good meeting today and landed himself a brilliant website to build so is on a high, i am really pleased for him and proud of what hes done as this beauty will also be a second income for us both as we get a percentage of anything that sells , but since he got home at 3pm i haven't managed a word yet, as i cant get him off that phone, its past 7pm .....

I love his company so even for an hour, so if hes not out of that unit by 8 I'm off ! I'll pinch the car and go off wandering somewhere in protest, probably to the nearest fish and chip shop as im starving..lol

It is a case of all work no play this week, I understand why and accepted that without complaint so buried my head into J-lou and the website blog and allowed him time, but once i get him inside the house tonight I'm hiding up those keys so he cant get in to get his laptop out, that way he will have no choice but to spend some time out with his grumpy partner ....lol

Anyway thanks for listening you guys ! i feel better already and you've just saved him from getting wet................hehe

Wet Through

Wow What a day i experienced yesterday!

Everyone was giggling here as id booked the day riding , so what do we get ..lol Yes a wonderful storm.

The afternoon started brilliantly i met up with Jean and did our jumping class, it was really exciting we had Soloman and Roger, they were both brilliant and really made the class easy as you could feel they both really wanted to jump. Solomans known to like clearing his 5 bar gate quite a lot and wander off round the school and although hes got huge feet hes lovely to jump.

Lauren really enjoyed her class as there was only 2 of them in there so they got lots of time to do all the things they enjoy, she didn't stop giggling (or talking) but when i got back last night she was snoring for England ..lol watching her sleep with a smile on her face told me how much she enjoys this.

Last night for me was the highlight of the day, it was pissing down ! my fella was convinced the evening would be cancelled and looked shocked when out i went in the middle of a storm to go horse riding....lol But its not something you do everyday is it? anyway it was amazing..

Walking across the car park i could see all the girls lined up on the horses ready, all were soaked but not one wasn't smiling!

I was put on Jack again, who's turning out to be working brilliantly with me, he does get spooked easily so we were lead down to the arena, his ears were back as usual (he doesn't like the other horses near him) but behaved so well for me.

Once we were in the arena he came to life, all night there was no stopping him and the others, it was as if the storm hyped them up, cantering round there with the rain teaming down and the thunder and lightning blasting through was totally amazing and one of those things i know will stay with me.

We spent the rest of the night outside in the storm doing bandages on Kevins racehorses legs giggling away dripping wet..

The only downside was i couldn't do any pictures as my camera phone isn't like me and doesn't like the rain much - I do..

Yesterday gave me a wonderful day, the storm added such a magical feeling to everything and the best part was my fellas face when i knocked on the door near midnight looking like a drowned rat smiling wickedly..

He just looked at me shocked then smiled and said "ill put the kettle on then shall i "

He knows me well....lol

Riding day

Woweeeeeeee Its Monday, Ive been looking forward to today..

As a treat my nan paid for me to do a hack on my b/day, sadly i wasn't capable of riding anything let alone a horse so had to cancel it :(

Today as the weathers been so lovely and I'm back to being fit Ive booked up a jumping lesson with a friend from riding so at 2pm today we are gonna be out in those fields and hopefully staying in those saddles, Jeans looking as forward to it as me and has already been texting ! yes another early bird..lol

I did ask my fella to see if he could borrow Marks car and come along to take some pictures (its a convertible so perfect that way) but hes snowed under with work.. I know he didn't come to bed til 4am so understand totally, i admire his dedication so much, there's a lot happening for him this week so ill go along today and tell him all about it when i get back tonight !! (i bet he will look forward to that one) lol

Its back with Lauren at 4 then back for me for my normal lesson at 6.30 ! followed by tea and the NVQ so its another late night but a perfect way to start the week for me. I'm so excited.

Ive got up extra early done all the emails and packing and ready to roll..

I was disappointed that i didn't get the hack and spent my b/day in bed but some things are worth waiting for... Lets hope today's one of those days..

Have a great day everyone, ill try and get some photos...

Celebrity Fashion - How to dress Free

Its been a busy week, Ive done lots of work and kept my head down, it feels like Ive got a list to get through but I'm taking it a day at a time and just keeping myself going..

My fellas been working on the website blog for me and changed it into what i wanted, so now comes the job of finding my creative head and adding some good stuff..lol that's been easier said than done.

I had such a weird call today its had my head in turmoil, in the end i called my partner and asked for some help.. lol I honestly didn't know what to think.. I'm such a mug at times..

She started by saying she had found my shop http://www.j-lou.com/ and loved the gear, she told me her name (which ill withhold) and said, she was in charge of a big company who deals with celebs, i listened patiently even though my mobile was ringing, the kids were all appearing home from school hungry and the house had started to become its usual chaotic self..

Anyway the story went on, did i watch TV? "No" i answered honestly "I only watch a couple of programmes or an occasional movie when I'm too tired to think or need to unwind"..

She went on about a programme that had previously run, called 'Last choir Standing' I remember my daughter watching that, so told her i had been aware of it but that was it ! she explained that one of the groups who were on the show were now setting up as a four man group, (the name ill withhold too) but that EMI were going to sign them who also had Leona Lewis and El Divo on their books, wow I love all of them and their music.

She said that she wanted to help me get j-lou on the celebrity map and that they had a photo shoot booked Saturday with this new group and thats where i came in...lol (heres the good part)

Would i give her 2 dresses each for the two ladies who both looked and had figures like Beyonce's of course... OMG... id go and measure them up if they look half as good as that lady does, shes so beautiful and talented and one of my heros (sorry getting carried away ) hehe

I didn't know what to make of this woman, she may/may not be genuine, who could tell. How the hell do you know who you are talking to on the phone and that you are not going to get stung again ? I had this happen years ago by an actress Annika Svenska who was presenting channel 4s 'Out There' a similar call saying she would get my label noticed and help, i stupidly got talked into making her 17 outfits to wear on her show with so many promises, never to hear from her again.... at a time when my kids were all tiny and i was battling to start my business, when you start out in this business you don't know how ruthless people can be do you , i learnt that one the expensive and hard way..

After about 30 Min's on the phone with this lady today telling me all she would do to 'help me' i explained that i run J-lou on my own... I'm not some big company that could afford to do this and lose money to sponsor some up and coming celebrities.

I couldn't have been more honest and made it clear that i am full time working mum to 5 kids and that i work hours most people wouldn't believe, but she carried on...

It went from , she would only need 2 dresses for these two Beyonce look alike ladies and she would do this that and everything else in between to help me and link to the website, by now i was totally lost as i kept asking where these photos would be put that the photo shoot was for? Surely if EMI or Mr sex on legs Simon Cowell was working with this group they could come up with funds to dress them for a photo shoot? but she wanted me and my look, i was getting pretty flustered by now at being treated like a mushroom so asked for her details so i could think about it and get back to her, she did give me her address and details... but she needed to know now, as if i didnt want to take this huge opportunity she was offering she would find another sponsor that would, Debenhams was mentioned as apparently they would jump at the chance... Yes they also have pot loads of money at their disposal for advertising, i don't ! i probably could come up with the pot !!

She then started to go through my site giving me code numbers of what she liked and asking me to write it down, i thought she said 2 dresses each? perhaps my ears werent hearing right ! at one point there were 13 on the list and some of them she wanted 2 each of, by now i'm wanting to get off the phone !

Thankfully i told her i couldn't make any decisions, id look into her company and talk to my fella, that she should call back and talk to him, which she did....... Thankfully he did get a word in and stuck up for me.......

What do you do when situations arise like this? it doesn't happen often but it does happen, they pick out your website and fill you so full of their celebrity jargon, you don't know what to believe.

My fella told her that i couldn't send out £600 worth of dresses to help this new pop group but that if EMI would like to purchase them we could offer a discount to help, her response wasn't so polite of course....lol

I didnt know what to think, or if indeed this was a ' huge missed opportunity' , but the truth is i couldn't afford to do it.. are people not aware that we are all trying to stay in business and having to work our bums off in the middle of a recession?

I have 4 lots of school uniforms to buy, endless bills (like the rest of us normal people) and cant work any more hours if i tried, so if the lovely Mr Cowell one day stumbles across my blog and frowns at the mad woman who turned down his amazing offer of giving away her kids school uniform money and next weeks shopping allowance to dress star studded celebrities, i hope he'll understand why..lol

Perhaps we should all ring up the big companies and see if we can get any free clothes?

I may have a big heart and want to help people, but sadly i don't have a wallet like Mr Cowell does.... (or even his high waisted trousers) but i do have some rather nice low rise jeans....lol

Anyway...................

If all else fails she can always try those helpful politicians.....lol

I hear they can put anything down as expenses and not be answerable, so reaching out to the stars probably hasn't been claimed for yet !!

I did say probably...............hehe

Burning The Candle At Both Ends

Its been a totally brilliant week ! so much has been happening hense my lack of blogging...lol

Where do i start?

Sunday; We went to our friends house for a BBQ with the kids, it was a real giggle i ended up staring in my kids version of a home movie with a dinosoar as my leading male but thoroughly enjoyed myself , The weather was glorious so we all made the most of it and stuck on Shakira, dancing out on the patio ......I would show you the photos but i looked like a chicken ! lol

Monday; Was the all day and night Dancecuban fiesta party day ! OMG This i have to say has got to be one of the best parties ive ever been to, we did class, after class trying new things, my kids were all up on stage doing regaetton with Sharon! that was brilliant even the boys loved it. By 6 i had to pop home to shower and change and drop off the kids, that was the hardest part of the day sitting there waiting for my eldest to come home at 7 was deadly i honestly wanted to go to sleep ! talk about a lightweight !! lol

We went back for the evening party without the kids so could enjoy the mojitos and they didnt let us down, the whole event was one not to be missed, so much atmosphere that place was so alive, we were treated to drumming with Jose and his group, Ariel did Orisha and then had everyone lined up in a mass of excitement and regaetton, i will never forget that night, I had some brilliant dances with my fella not to mention some of the guys there, they are the ones i used to look at it owe and would hide up or pretent to be changing my shoes when they even so much as looked at me, now we're dancing with them ! it was totally amazing..

Tuesday: I woke up again with a dreaded migraine, serves me right for doing so much the last 2 days, using energy i didnt have but decided id find it anyway , I paid the price.. Id still do the same tomorrow though and wouldnt have changed a thing, sadly i missed my riding as i wasnt fit to ride, the day was a blur of sleep and elephants in my head...hehe

Wed; I finally started to load in the new gear ! its taken me days, we were either out with our friends or me in bed in between so i was glad to see the site filling up again..

I wore one of my new silk dresses to the salsa evening and have never had so many compliments! im getting better at being able to wear dresses now and enjoy wearing them to dance in... some of the girls have ordered them so if we all turn up dressed in the same we will just join up to do rueda !! lol where theres a will theres a way, dont they say.. :)

Thursday: Again back to salsa ! my god are my legs killing me now, I had the most amazing dance with a young man who certainly knows how to shake it..lol My word that danced pushed me but apart from standing on him at the start (nerves) i got through it and went home knackered and completely on a high !! a few of us girls sat outside under the stars last night to cool off, it was breath takingly beautiful , the moon was so low it felt like you could reach out and touch it ! Thursday nights are amazing up there, we have such a brilliant group of friends, it feels like you're part of something really special.......

Today; Im a wee bit stiff i will admit ( understatement) but have managed to get through the housework and orders, so im gonna try enjoy the sunhsine, my house is empty (and very peaceful) the kids are all out and my fella is in a meeting for the afternoon.. lol Ill tell him ive been really busy of course, but go sneak out in the garden to do some sunbathing..hehe

Tonight we are out again ! theres a salsa night at the Talk not to be missed ! so im not gonna..lol

Tomorrow im aiming to hit the Keir and Rompe the night away in style... so by next week i should be feeling so fit ! .................

Fit to drop of course.... lol

Have a brilliant weekend everyone...

Bank Holiday Entertainment

What a beautiful day! the suns out already and the birds are in full swing this morning, its glorious...

The last couple of days have been really good for me, im feeling a little stronger than i was so must be doing something right, we made it to salsa Thursday after a long day doing photos, it was so good, i love being up there with our salsa friends.

I had to smile this morning as my daughter managed to fit into my jeans so is walking around like a little clone, god they are growing up so fast! its half term this week so instead of the usual panic and dread trying to juggle work and kids im kinda looking forward to it, they have changed since coming back from our friends last weekend and are all helping out more, the difference is amazing...

Ive got 2 days of photo editing and listing in front of me now , but i dont mind as Monday is the Dancecuban Cuban Charity fiesta day.. All day and Night you will find us up there shimmeeing away with a great bunch of people who whilst having fun, stuffing BBQ, dancing, classes and an occasional drink we will also be raising cash for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, so its going to be an event not to miss... Why dont you come along and join the fun?

Ive got my T shirt ready and camera and am gonna have a go at every class ...

All the salsa community has joined forces to make this one spectacular event...

When all these guys meet up together like this, you know its going to be a day and night to remember... Just ask anyone who was on that coach last time they all did !! hehe

Fabuloussssssssssssssssssssssss

So grab your tickets from Richards dancecuban site (or pay on the door) and come along to join the fun, theres everything from kids regaetton classes to Orisha, so something for everyone..

Dancecuban

Iron deficiency - Out of Steam

Ive been confined to home today.. how boring is that !

I was supposed to be doing something different but yesterday proved to be another day of passing out on everyone so I'm not allowed out to play !! lol

No seriously i really wasn't well, all day i felt dizzy until eventually i passed out again, god Im giving all those jokes about dizzy blonde's so much ammunition....lol

I did speak to a Dr whos suggesting a blood transfusion now, this just gets better...... now i have bad blood too ? if they cant get the iron into your blood then they will give you blood with iron in it..

Some days im fine but then some days im waking up feeling like ive drunk a bottle of vodka and it isnt nice, i had to miss salsa Thursday because the same thing happened, perhaps i really am just dizzy....

I had no idea anemia can be such a pain, the fainting is one thing but when i wake up i have a stinking headache, pins and needles in my face and cant see clearly for hours, so if anyones got any good ideas to try, please pass them on.......

Meanwhile my fella and Mark are in Birmingham (looking very smart in their suits i must add) and im stuck wondering what to do with myself, i had the day planned but don't want to worry my fella so i promised id stay at home and take it easy..........god isnt it boring !! lol

Tomorrow im doing photos so im looking forward to that , looking at all that beautiful stuff all hanging ready and not being able to get it listed is frustrating......

Dirty Little Stopout

Last night was riding so the usual dash to get everything ready in time, id been given homework last week for the NVQ im doing up there and had forgotten to do it ! I had all that time over the weekend with no kids and completely forgot to get it done, so yesterday afternoon im running around panicking trying to get it done... what a blonde thing to do....lol



The whole night was great though, Kevin took it easy on me as i was doing back to back lessons then straight into the course so i got Pip first lesson , who was as usual lovely and Roger for the second who's a nippy little thing but has a bad habit of cutting out corners..lol

I'm making so many new friends up there and really look forward to Mondays..

I really enjoyed the course although my fella got a tad worried and decided to ring me at midnight when i still wasn't home for tea....haha It is a long night as theres so much to cover and its only going to get worse, so ill make sure i eat next week before i go, chicken curry then going straight to bed isn't something id recommend...hehe

Im not aching this morning yet so it looks like tomorrow will be the day...

Today is photo day ! ive got some amazing new stuff but for some reason the winds picked up this week and made it hard, ive got a lot of silk stuff so im hoping looking outside this morning, todays the day...

Right time to wake the kids up, we have a week long list of events for them at school as a thank you for completing sats week last week, today its canoeing and rock climbing so ive got to get my but into gear and get the lunches ready....lol

Have a great day everyone...

Thank You

Oh my word, ive been in the wrong house this weekend !

Our friends came and collected the kids after school Friday, who in the right mind would take my 4 to theirs for a whole weekend...lol

No seriously these guys deserve medals, all weekend they have given up their time and home and gave my kids one hell of a brilliant weekend. They had cooking pizza competitions Friday night followed by games room, pool table and jacuzzi so the kids were in their element ! yesterday we picked them up took them to a party then was asked to drop them back ! I couldnt believe anyone would want to do that let alone spend so much time like they have done doing stuff with them all, they hired a private swimming pool , took them out for dinner so by the time they got back to us all 4 were totally worn out..lol

I had to giggle as my house has never been so quiet, it felt so weird not having them around us and me having to constantly juggle work kids and housework..

They worked out straight away my lot NEVER shut up ! constantly the triplets all talk together so it just gets louder and louder and half of why you feel so tired is because of the noise levels, you're trying to listen to all three at the same time all wanting something different..lol

We invited them back to ours last night so we could cook them dinner as they both understandably looked really tired , but the kids havent stopped talking about their weekend since they got back, they really love these guys..

Lauren has come home a different little girl and even made the beds this morning !! Its done us all so much good as the kids needed a break as much as we did, so my house feels a much happier one today...

Ive managed to do so many jobs i never get time to do too......lol (Credit to Sandra for the clean patio doors everyone keeps trying to knock themselves out on)...oops

Ive even managed to get plenty of rest which in this house doesnt ever happen..(didnt get breakfast in bed though, not even a cuppa!)

We've had a whole weekend just being Jo & Steve which we have made the most of while the kids did so much fun stuff, so this weekend was a very special one for everyone! thanks to you...

You guys have given up your whole weekend to do this, and have to go back to work this morning, i know how hard my lot can be..

So from us 6 back here (steve still in bed) coming to your house this morning ... is a HUGE

THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH......

xxxxxxx

delta goodrem-Born to try

I hope this helps
Im here if you need a friend xx

Belated birthdays

Its nearly the end of another week! yipee that weekends nearly upon us again...

Yesterday was a bit of a blur, i came down with one of my dreaded migraines so got to spend my birthday stuck in bed most of the day ! lol normally I dont ever get a lie in here so i suppose i can say i spent the day doing things i wouldnt normally do .. it was just one of those things but thankfully although i missed my hack out with the horses i have rescheduled it and thankfully made it to the meal out with our friends last night..

That made up for the whole day we met up with our friends and spent the evening thoroughly being pampered and my fella thoroughly enjoying too much wine and celebrating for me.. haha

Hes guaranteed to get any party started thats for sure.. I had a lovely night and went to bed very happy... pity this morning i got up and the ruddy things still banging in my head ! I wouldnt mind if i had downed a few vodkas id even say i deserved it ...I wish i had done now...lol

Im looking at a huge vase of flowers this morning staring at me, you guys must know me pretty well I love flowers ! I also got Lillies and bluebells from one kind guy who had the misfortune to be here working with my fella when my migraine came tuesday (quazimodo look and all) so bless he turned up yesterday peeping round the door timidly to see what i looked like ...lol I did tell you that its pretty scary .... you are the only person apart from Sandra and Fay whos seen me like that... so ill accept the flowers happily as they are my favourites but dont tell anyone what i looked like please !! haha

Right im off to bed to try and get shot of this elephant, ive been packing since i got up kept the customers happy but need to get right by tonight, its salsa night and im not missing that for nothing........ so ill see you guys later !

Have a great day everyone, and thanks for all your happy birthday messages, im finally getting to read them today and open my cards..lol

Jack and Jo

Lol.. Boy do i ache this morning !

Yesterday was a busy day i had a list of things to sort out but got through the day and did most of them thankfully, ive been trying to keep today day free so we can go out and collect new stock, my fellas hurt his shoulder so cant do much at the moment..

Last night it was back to back riding with my daughter starting at 4 until eventually i arrived home at gone eleven from riding then straight into the new horsecare course which started last night, it was really good... We got to see the competition horses who are amazing, one who also decided he'd try to eat my jacket !lol

Kevins got a new horse up there who ive fell in love with hes huge and white but decided he likes to kick through the stable when hes bored, they dont realise how strong they are are, my friend showed me where his tickle spots are so i spent time watching him tilting his head amusing myself as i was tickling him, he was bred in France simply for meat thats why hes so big, it makes me feel sick just thinking about it, lucky for him a girl saved him and brought him here, hes not very old and is so beautiful...........

Last night i was back on Jack for the lesson who was much better for me thankfully, its not easy sometimes as i always seem to get the 2 horses that dont do what they are told and started the lesson scaring the crap out of everyone..lol,

I was the 4th one on last night so as everyone mounts we all line up outside the stables to go down to the arena, behind me Dillons rider is mounting but hes playing up so everyone was asked to move forward, the horse in front of me didnt move so i tried to cut through round to the back , Jack doesnt like other horses so you have to be careful with him. Anyway to cut a long story short he finishes up face to face with Ice and non of them would back down, Jack was up on his hind legs trying to kick out, Ice was coming forward so there was me sitting doing a lone ranger impression til jack decided he would back down, its not the first time hes done that when im riding him so all night i was getting the lone ranger soundtrack from the other girls..lol

Walking him back after lessons to his field is still my favourite part of the night so when Kevin asked me if i was going back there to work there i said yes, i realise how much i miss my Fridays, i can work harder on my other days, but that place gives me something money simply cannot buy and is so good for me spiritually..

Anyway as promised i took my camera so im posting a couple of pictures of my favourite time of the night with Jack..

Sangria Nights

Its been a brilliant weekend, we were just going to chill out and not do alot as my eldest was off camping but theres others just as spontanious and mad as us out there that changed the whole weekend for us.....lol

Yesterday our friend came round and asked us if he could borrow our daughter for an hour to go shopping with him, brilliant i thought as the boys were all out on trips and it was only her at home, she also loves shopping, so to get time on our own sounded great, we were both fighting over the bath who was going to jump in first..haha

Anyway within an hour as promised he brought her back armed with bags full of fresh food stuff that he then startedto unpack and prepare in my kitchen!! i had to giggle as i couldnt quite work out why he was unpacking his shopping all over my worktops but i daren't say anything so just looked on amused... lol

He stood there with Laurens help and prepared the biggest pot of steak stew i have ever seen, the vegetables were amazing, the kitchen smelt amazing ...lol

Our friends came back to ours to share the meal and my fella got the firepit working, the kids were so excited i couldnt get them to go to bed.. The whole night was totally lovely, we sat outside til the early hours drinking home made sangria eating so much good food and all thoroughly enjoyed the night, it wasnt planned and was totally memorable ..

I got to open my birthday gifts early (i was asked to) they had got me the most beautiful hanging led light set that now hangs proudly on my apple tree, it changes colour from blue, green to red and lights up the garden lovely... sitting there by that fire just chatting and enjoying the night is the type of thing we love doing, my other gift was a beautiful glass storm lamp in my favourite colour which now takes pride in the center of my table........... How thoughtful was that......

When i asked what inspired him to want spend his day cooking for us he said that steak was good for iron levels and as id had a bad turn the day before he wanted to help and come cook a nice meal ! that is one of the nicest gifts ive ever had...

Not many people surprise me like that, its the type of thing i would do for someone, but you dont expect others to think the same do you, so last night we got to spend a wonderful night with our friends and kids and share the night, just like they shared their day..

They are taking the kids away next weekend to their house for a sleep over !! my god are my kids excited, they havent stopped talking, its the first time they have ever all been out together and we have had a kid free zone.. im not sure yet what me and my fella will do yet with such valuable time (but im sure ill make the most of it..lol) its the first time anyones ever offered to give us a break like that... the kids love being up there so i know they will enjoy themselves, so i just wanted to say Thank You to them...

What you did was so sweet and very much appreciated.. the steak is going for round two tonight as it was that good, and enough for an army so tonights dinner is also down to you, you've given me one of the laziest weekends ive had in ages, no cooking or working just being able to enjoy the sunshine outside in my garden all day .. its been really lovely.....

The highlight of my night was definately that tin though !!lol the kids have been telling all their friends about that ghostly lucky hand we have hidden amoungst the plants !!........... (it was brilliant) half of the neighbourhood now believe we have a severed hand in that tin and want to see it !! lol

Well this weekends certainly brought many surprises, i thought it was going to be pretty uneventful as we couldnt get out with Ryan away or do much.. but its turned out absolutely brilliant...

Thank you so much for caring and making everyones weekend here... one to remember......

My Kind of Wonderful

Its been such a good week, we went to our friends last weekend with the kids as they were throwing a party, what a night! it was totally brilliant, we were all dancing the night away while drinking sangria that stuff is so wonderful, the food was amazing (and enough for an army) which was brilliant as my lot at any party feels like one !... lol

Ive been spending many hours outside tendering my new found hobby (growing just about everything edible) and still love getting up early sitting in my garden watching the early birds, theres so many doves out here now everyone seems to be coming to mine for food.. you would think with the kids id be used to that, but it never fails to start my day smiling out there, its my place where i can wake up with peace and a cuppa!

Riding was a giggle Tuesday as i got Jack instead of my usual bad mood Billy but he looked half asleep ! he wasn't as bad as Billy usually is but my legs still hurt, you would think after this time they would be more used to it, but no, im smiling away the next day so my fella doesn't take the mickey.. my eldest son came and watched me which was lovely as he said unlike his dad he really enjoyed himself, the last time my fella went to watch my daughter ride they found him in the car park, seat reclined fast asleep (which didnt go down well) so i dont ask him anymore to come with me, just enjoy myself and talk him to death when i get home (well i have to do that so he knows how i feel when he runs on about seo work! ) haha

We've had Dayle up cutting hair twice so my longish length is now no longer ! hes been trying for weeks to cut it his way and after the drs and bad iron levels i thought it would do it good so went for the chop ! it was a bit shocking at first as i constantly twiddle my hair when im engrossed so it felt weird, my friends have been great though and said they prefer it, i think if im honest so do i, it looks nice and healthy and feels so much thicker, i wouldn't let anyone else near my hair with scissors but i trust Dayle and know how good he is at picking styles to suit people, we all look at styles in books and wish, but if your hairs not capable then we have to get real, so im glad i got it cut.

Hes been up since and transformed my kids from messy to youngsters that look so trendy, this morning for the first time my daughter came down in a skirt shoes with a little heal and tights, i had to look twice, she looked so grown up her hair was past her bum and a pain for riding, so its now modern and a length she loves, it shows with her new found confidence too...lol

Last night was cuban salsa at the Staithe. Sharon and Richard arrived back from Cuba yesterday afternoon and came straight out to be with us all, how tired must they have felt ! Sharon was wiggling away all night and by the looks of it has picked up some amazing regaetton moves, im so looking forward to doing those in class ! hehe Ive got my very own dance cuban T-shirt now to wear in the summer and cant wait til the 25th of May, its the salsa fiesta day, all day and night you will find us up there dancing and enjoying ourselves im really looking forward to it.

We've been having such a giggle in the class as Jackie (queen of rueda) Helen, Pat and Rose have all been helping out and taking Thursdays classes, these guys have given us so many giggles over the last few weeks, many new moves and we've really enjoyed having them there so im hoping they keep coming along now, they have been teaching me to dance on the 2 for son which im now picking up, every time i see Helen i just want to shout 'Fabulous' she makes everyone around her laugh so much and is such a wonderful character, They call me and Steve the Burrowers ! (its when we went to London with them all and fed the mini bus from our never ending magic bag !) never knew i had one of those did you... I really love these guys and look forward to seeing them every week, we're all meeting up Sunday and going along to see Max so im looking forward to having a giggle which i know we will have with these guys..

It is so nice to see Sharon and Richard again they both look so well and cubanised, so the summers looking good !

Its my birthday this week which im excited about, so much of my life started changing this year for my 40th (life begins in more ways than we expect) so 41 is one im looking forward to......

Im starting the day out hacking through the fields which is one hack i hope to remember fondly and finishing the day in a place ive grown to love......

My fellas got me the gift i wanted most which is a course on horsecare that runs over 6 weeks, im starting on Monday so wont be home now til midnight !! haha Im allowed to take my camera to this every week so will fill you all in on the fun, im doing everything from mucking out (at 10oclock at night) to cutting the manes, so im like a child in a sweet shop this week, thats just got a huge bag of sherbet..........

Have a brilliant weekend everyone, im getting my favourite salsa track on tonight and grabbing my fella for a dance......

Shakira - Hips Dont Lie Live

This ones for you guys !! Lol
Thanks for such a great night ..

Sunny Days

Its been a brilliant week! the weathers been gorgeous how often do we get to BBQ in April..

This weeks been packed solid, we've been out dancing to our usual haunts and had a great time, Richard and Sharon are now in Cuba so we got Jackie and the girls Thursday, it was such a good lesson the whole night was brilliant, boy didn't i panic when i got pulled up to rueda with 3 of the really good dancers, they were calling moves i didn't have a clue what they were but jackie's lead was so expert i managed to get through most, we've decided we are going along Sunday to see Max and his brothers at Keir and pushing ourselves a bit more..

We haven't done much dancing over the last 3 weeks as we thought my fella had chicken pox, luckily it was an allergy so now we have to make up for the lost time, you soon forget your moves when you take a break, Ive got something special planned for tonight that i hope will help him so hopefully this weekend should be as much fun as the rest of the week has been...

Mondays riding was brilliant as i learnt so much, i also learnt that Bad mood Billy wont behave for two weeks on the trot ! god was he a total pain again, its so hit and miss with him , if he decides hes not moving that's it..lol Kevin made us all spend time sitting on a barrel to get everything right and boy didn't that hurt ! i know now that my seating still needs some work...

Last night we threw a party to celebrate my eldest sons birthday, my house was full of happy people all there to show him how much hes loved, Ive got a few of his mates still up there sleeping but all in all the night went so smoothly, my fella did us all proud and cooked up a storm on the BBQ, I really had such a great night..

Its Dayles 18th on Wednesday so as you can imagine Ive been saving up, and am going to put him through his driving lessons to help him find his freedom, once he gets that there will be no stopping him....lol hes such a lovely lad I'm lucky to have such a good friend in him..

Tuesday hes coming round to sort everyone's hair out before he flies out to Egypt, theres a queue waiting ready, Ive agreed to let him cut mine shorter ! eek My lack of iron sadly did take it toll on some things i can't reverse quickly and my hair paid the price, so I'm going backwards to go forwards and starting again....

Today I'm catching up with emails work and then seeing how fast i can do the housework, i have treated myself to some new jeans which are 5 feet too long so I'm getting the machines out and seeing what i can come up with, Ive already chopped the waistband off and started making adjustments so it should keep me entertained for an hour..

Next week is going to be a good one, I'm in London middle of the week, meeting up with Cheryl and our friends afterwards, partying with a great bunch of girls (and a jacuzzi) on Friday and slotting everything i can fit in between...

I hope the weather stays as beautiful as it is today.........

Have a brilliant weekend everyone...........