It’s time to go home!

Today is a very sad day! We have to leave this amazing place and return home. This place has been absolutely amazing and has exceeded our expectations a thousand-fold!

Our flight is scheduled for 10 am so its another early start. I have already packed most things the night before! If you know me, I can’t leave anything until last minute. Obviously, the toiletries we need for today can’t go in until last minute, but you know what I mean!

I’ve pre-booked our pickup. They have confirmed they will be here at 7.15 am, and they are punctual.

I take a last look across the old town from our balcony. I’m going to miss that view!

This morning I made sure I was up early enough so I could sit one last time on the balcony, drinking my tea, taking in the view! I wanted to make the most of every minute here!

As we travel in our taxi to the airport, I get one last chance to look back and see the view from above of Kings Landing and the Red Keep – aka Dubrovnik! The sun is shining on the orange roofs below. The sea is clear and bright blue. This place certainly has some magic!

It is only a short trip to the airport. Getting through security is very quick and easy. We have 2.5 hours to kill. There isn’t a lot to do here but as we are early, we decide to grab a drink and something to eat. Whilst small, it is very comfortable.

After a while we decided to head down to our gate to wait to be called for our Easyjet flight home.

Just before we board, I decide I should pop to the ladies! I have a middle seat so its not always easy to get out on the plane, without disturbing the person next to you! Plus what if they are sleeping, do you wake them? I’m not sure if you should!

I pop off and do what ladies do. I’m walking back to the gate. I’ve seen a man looking out across the runway looking at the planes and think nothing of it. Suddenly he turns and gets his leg in front of mine! There is nothing I can do. I’m falling at a pace. Ahead of me I can see the edge of the lift and metal bollards, they are heading towards my head at speed. I can’t stop myself. I quickly put my arm up to try and protect me. With a thud I hit the floor, bollard and lift!

At first, I can’t move. I’m somehow wrapped amongst the bollard. Thankfully I didn’t hit my head, but my leg, arm and hand really hurt. The man has rushed to me so apologetic. He knows he was completely to blame and is mortified. I’m suddenly aware of a lot of people around me waiting for their flight home!

The man wants to call for help but I assure him I’m fine. I need to get my flight home and its boarding soon! He helps me up! I’m trying hard not to cry. The pain is horrendous. I can’t show the man how I’m feeling, he feels so bad as it is, and it was an accident. These things happen.

As he helps me up, he apologises again and asks if I need anything. I say I’m fine and not to worry. I slowly walk off trying to put a brave face on it.

As I walk back to my seat, I don’t know what to rub first. I think I’ve broken a finger at least! I quickly mention to my hubby that I’ve had a fall but then our flight is called so we board the plane!

I travel home feeling very bruised and battered.

After a horrible drive home in the pouring rain we relax and unwind! As I take my coat off, I see the extent of the damage. A beautiful bruise on my right arm. My right hand is also swollen, and I can’t move my little finger. The pain is horrible. Bruises start to appear on my leg and knee too! My hubby suddenly realises it wasn’t just a little fall after all!

I soldier on for 10 days now. The bruises are starting to fade a little, but my hand is still in pain. I decide that maybe I should have got it checked out sooner, so book an appointment with my GP.

After checking it he confirms that yep I have a fracture!

It is amazing how in a split-second things can change. I’m not cross at the man. It was an accident. I’m sure he is still feeling mortified about it. And if anyone knows me, if an accident is going to happen it has to be me who will have it!

At the end of the day, it was still the most amazing holiday. It isn’t goodbye Dubrovnik, it is until we see you again! We will be back!

Korcula & Peljesac Day Tour from Dubrovnik

So today was our last full day in this beautiful place. The trip so far had exceeded our expectations, so we had already set the bar quite high for today’s trip.

Another early start saw us outside the Hilton Hotel around 7.15 am! Today’s trip was on an organised trip on a coach.

As the coach pulled up it was relatively empty so we headed towards the back.

For the duration of the trip we seemed to have the back half of the coach all to ourselves. This was fantastic, especially when we started to take in the views! Oh wow. Could Croatia get anymore beautiful?

Our first stop was a little town called Ston. Its white stone buildings greeted us. It had been badly damaged in the 1979 Earthquake and was gradually being rebuilt. The main church looked magnificent in the morning sun.

As we walked around the small town though it was sad to see so many buildings still in need of repair.

To the back of the town was a Salt museum. It wasn’t open at the time we were there but we were able to wander in and have a quick look!

Salt is still produced there so it was great to see.

After a stop in a little cafe for a cup of tea it was time to get back into the bus for our next and main stop – Korcula.

Korcula is a little island in the Adriatic Sea, which you can only reach by boat.

Now guys, when I tell you this place was stunningly beautiful, I am not kidding! The town is full of history, with Parco Polo being one of its residents. It is postcard material. On the one side of the island you can really feel the wind coming off the sea, however the opposite side is lovely and sheltered. With cafes and restaurants stretching along the sea front, you can’t ask for anything more relaxing to stop off for lunch.

We were given just under 3 hours on the Island, I think we could have stayed forever.

The return to the mainland was with deep heart! We were just so relaxed here. It was like a magical place!

To help uplift us, the trip then took us to a little winery in Peljesac Pennisala.

We were treated to a little taste of white, light red, full bodied red, cherry liquor and Grappa! I have say all but the last one were lovely, but I still prefer my slimline wine. Before heading back to Dubrovnik we were given a tour around the winery before being able to purchase some wine to take home. As we were leaving the next day, we couldn’t take up the offer sadly.

After an amazing day, it was time to head back! It had been a magical day!

The trip was around £55 per person so definitely worth it.

For our last night there was only 1 place we could possibly eat! Yes you guessed it – Restaurant 1836. This was truly a fabulous Restaurant and I would recommend it highly.

Tomorrow we head home! This holiday has been amazing and I strongly recommend you take a visit one day soon! It certainly exceeded all our expectations!

Make sure you check out my YouTube Channel to see it’s true beauty!

Day 3 – Montenegro

Today was a very early start. We had arranged a private tour for the 5 of us to Montenegro. Due to having to go through border controls, we had to be ready by the old gate at 7 am.

If there is a small group of you this is a great way to get around! Your guide will custom your trip based on the time you have. For us it was a full day tour, 11-12 hours. It worked out at about 64 Euro each but this included our own minibus and guide just for us!

It’s important to check if you are doing some day trips if you need your passports. As we were going to a different country, today we did.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect in Montenegro.

As we drove across the border the landscape really unfolded. Beautiful mountains framed the view!

Our first stop was a chance to get out and see the view across the ocean. Stunning. An old abandoned building to our left showed us the reality of this country.

Our next stop was to take in views of 2 small islands, both with churches in the middle! Both very tiny but beautiful. Our guide explained that we could take a boat over to one of the islands if we wanted to, which of course we did!

The trip went from Perast and took only 10 minutes and cost only 5 Euro each. I should mention that Montenegro only accept Euros.

There was so much history in such a small place. The views again were breathtaking.

Back on the mainland we took a few minutes to visit the old town before heading to our next destination.

Kutor is a stunningly beautiful old city. Walking around the tiny streets it is steeped in history. There is a city wall however you can’t walk around it like you can in Dubrovnik.

If you look carefully at the photo above you will see the wall stretching up into the mountain. This was a theme over here. You could walk up that part of the wall however you would need a full day and proper walking boots to fully experience it, which we didn’t!

We did go up the parts of the wall you can see in the main frame which gave great views over the harbour.

There were some amazing yachts moored there! A girl can dream!

Budva was our next and final stop! A smaller old town greeted us. Our guide took us around again and explained the history to us.

A quick stop off for a late lunch over looking the ocean was perfect. Food and drink is a lot cheaper here compared to Dubrovnik. Beer for example is under €3 a pint.

At around 3pm we headed back to Dubrovnik. Our timing was perfect as the heavens opened!

As we reached Dubrovnik the sun blessed us again!

I’d decided to cancel our original restaurant booking as it was slightly too far. We were later home than expected so only had 30 mins to shower and change, so we decided to go back to Restaurant 1838. It was so good last night, why not !

It didn’t disappoint! I had the mussels again! Oh and of course they gave us those amazing drinks again. I’m definitely going to try and make them when I get home!

Another great day in Dubrovnik! Well mostly in Montenegro, but this was turning out to be a fabulous trip!

I’m looking forward now to preparing my YouTube videos over the weekend to really share with you the beauty of this trip.

Tomorrow is our last day in the beautiful country. We have another trip planned! Stay tuned !

Day 2 – Game of Thrones

Today I’m so excited. We have booked on the GOT walking tour. It’s scheduled for 2 hours and promises to show us where some of the episodes were filmed.

I’d booked the tour through a company called – Get Your Guide. I’ve used them before and find their website really helpful. At only £17 per person it is very reasonable.

We met our guide Boska at the meeting point. Today was an unusually large group – around 19 of us, so we were given headsets so we could hear him fully.

To say Bosko was passionate about GOT is an understatement. In fact he auditioned to be an extra and was successful, but for personal reasons he couldn’t take it!

Funny enough, our taxi driver from the airport was an extra. He showed us very proudly a photo of him waking behind Cercei when she did the walk of shame!

We started our tour by walking up to the old fort! As with Dubrovnik it’s a bit of a steep walk, but the views are really worth it!

The entrance fee to the fort isn’t included in the tour price so you need to factor another 50 Kuna per person (approx £6).

Once inside the fort the magic of GOT unfolds. You do need a little bit of imagination due to the fact that on the set the fort has more levels due to special effects, but Boska has plenty of pictures to help you visualise it better.

Filming was done in July and August mainly, when Croatia is at its hottest! Can you imagine how the actors and extras coped in that heat in their costumes! It apparently got a little bit smelly as the weeks went on with long days and no time to wash the costumes!

I was amazed at how many different scenes were filmed from this small location. It was mainly used as the Red Keep, but other locations were also filmed there!

The view of the old town from the top is spectacular. If you are not a GOT fan it’s worth going up for that alone!

It was reassuring to see the local cat keeping guard for us !

You can also see the park where Joffrey and Sansa were married! Hubby and I had walked through it the day before completely unawares.

You learn all about the tricks of filming including using mirror image to move islands ! How do you tell? Check how many left hand people are in the scene!

Next stop was the harbour where Jon Snow said his good byes along with other scenes.

We then walk back into the old town. Thursday and Saturdays are cruise ship days so the town can get very busy. To avoid the crowds we were led down some lovely old alleys until we reached the steps where the walk of shame was filmed.

I was stunned at how much they compensated residents to move out or close businesses down to allow them to film. Even paying per window for them to keep their shutters closed!

All in all this was an amazing tour. I would certainly recommend it as a must do.

The tour ended with a photo opportunity in the iron thrown!

At the harbour was a lovely restaurant which we visited for lunch. Such a stunning setting and a perfect end to the morning.

As we finished lunch the rain started. Not hard but enough to send a lot of the people from the cruise ship back so the town wasn’t so full.

We decided to visit an exhibition on Photography of War. The Entrance fee is about 50 Kuna but worth it.

It’s not a joyful experience. Very humbling and heart wrenching. Photos over 2 floors on wars in Iran, Yugoslavia’s, Croatia, Afghanistan, Bosnia etc. The truth behind war! I’m so glad we went but it brought tears to my eyes.

It’s hard to imagine that Dubrovnik was in a war zone not that long ago. You would never know today.

After a relaxing walk around another part of the harbour we headed back to our apartment to get ready for dinner.

Tonight’s restaurant was called 1838. It’s right on the waters edge by the main entrance to the old town.

This restaurant is an absolute must.

The food is amazing. I had the mussels (89 Kuna) with a side salad (35 Kuna) and shared a litre of their house white (140 Kuna).

As with the previous night we were greeted with a complementary starter and plenty of bread.

When we paid the bill we were given the best drink I’ve ever tasted! Prosecco, lemon sorbet and vodka! OMG, I loved it!

It had been another great day. Tomorrow had more surprises to come !

Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss when I start uploading my videos next week. Here is today’s : https://youtu.be/niVu4o0xHdw

Day 1 – Dubrovnik exceeded my expectations!

I’m currently sat on an EasyJet flight from Dubrovnik airport en-route to London Stansted! I live in the midlands so I really have no clue why I chose Stansted, but hey ho!

The flight is under 3 hours. Not too bad.

We arrived 5 days ago. Our flight was 6 am so we arrived with almost the whole first day ahead of us!

We arrived at our apartment before it was ready! Apartment Lukre is a 2 bedroom apartment, 5 minutes walk from the main entrance to the old town. Off a small kitchen area is a beautiful balcony with fabulous views of the old Town. Perfect for having dinner on or as I did, sit and enjoy a lovely cup of tea. If I was lucky the church bells would be ringing out. I never tired of it!

The owner of the apartment was lovely. So friendly. They can collect you from the airport if you wish and arrange trips for you.

They also have a double room next door to our apartment which our friends had. At 115 euro for ours and 55 Euro for the room, it is definitely value for money and a great find.

Even though our apartment wasn’t ready, the owner let us leave our bags so we could get out and about.

The 5 of us in our group headed off to the old town.

If you are a fan of Game if Thrones, you will fully understand why it was used for filming the movie!

As you walk through 2 sets of gates you come upon the Main Street! It’s beauty takes your breath away.

There is a water fountain like no other to your right. The water is cold and refreshing, so don’t forget to fill your water bottles up there.

One word of warning! There are a lot of steps in the old town! The pavements can become very slippy when it rains. It is definitely a place where you leave your heals at home! Comfortable shoes will ensure you enjoy the best of this beautiful old town!

The town is full of small streets and alleys packed with churches, beautiful buildings, shops and restaurants. It might feel daunting but you don’t need to worry, you can’t really get lost.

A must do is to walk around the city walls. It costs 300 kuna (£25) each, so not cheap but worth it! It certainly is a good workout, but the views make it something not to be missed.

Food and drink inside the old town is more expensive than outside, but you can still get some reasonably priced restaurants and cafes.

We had been warned to book our restaurants before coming, as they can get busy, especially on peak times, so we had prebook all nights.

Our first night was at a lovely restaurant in the old town – Konoba Jezuite. The menu was quite varied with mains ranging from £15-£20. Beer is £6 a pint and a bottle of house white around £23.

After placing our order they brought out baskets of bread with a pate dish. All complementary. I opted for the Tuna salad which was gorgeous as my main.

As we paid the bill they brought out cherry liquor! Gorgeous.

We took a slow walk back to the apartment via a local supermarket where we picked up some local wine and beers. It is so much cheaper. About £1.20 a can of larger and £3 a bottle of white wine.

We chilled out in our apartment excited at the day just gone and the days ahead!

I’m really loving Dubrovnik!

Tomorrow is our GOT walking tour.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel to see the old town in my video.

50 things in my 50th year….

So this year, I am hitting a big milestone! The grand old age of 50. Unlike reaching 30 and 40, I am actually looking forward to this birthday. Why? I’m not completely sure, but I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I am finally very happy with my life!

I have an amazing husband, who I adore. We have a fabulous relationship. We have the same interests in common, (well nearly), and we compliment each other so well.

I have wonderful parents and family. I have great friends. All of this means that entering into the next chapter of my life is a time to celebrate and enjoy, and I intend to!

With this in mind, I have put together 50 things I would ‘like’ to achieve in my 50th year!

1) Travel to China

Hopefully this is an easy one to achieve! I’ve been planning this trip for what seems like forever! I had seen the trip I wanted to do a few years ago, but had to wait for the company to release it. Finally, in January 2018 I received the telephone call I wanted! I could now reserve my place on the Viking River Cruise tour – Imperial Jewels of China, with added extra days before and after the tour! It is a holiday of a lifetime, but worth every penny I am having to save for it!

Amongst many things we will see the Great Wall of China , Forbidden City & Terracotta Warriors. I’m so excited. It is like a dream come true.

2)Visit Croatia

Again, another one I will be able to tick off my list this year. We have booked a 4 night trip to Dubrovnik. I am so looking forward to seeing the walled city, and where Game of Thrones was filmed.

It might be only for a few days, but I know my hubby and I will pack a lot into that time as usual!

3) Weekend away in a VW Campervan

I have a little obsession with these campervans. I’ve never been in one, and they probably are not as cosy and comfortable as they look, but I’d still love to have even just one night away with them. There is something so romantic about them. Don’t ask me why!

The downside is though, you would have to go outside into the cold to pop to the loo! For one night though, I am sure I would cope!

4) Re-visit Lundy Island

Yes this might sound a bit unusual, but one of my best ever birthdays, and probably the only one I really remember in detail as a kid, was spent on a day trip to Lundy Island. For those that don’t know, it is a little island off Ilfracombe. It is a nature reserve owned by the National Trust.

I have very fond memories of this trip, even if my mum can’t stop telling people about how I fell in the sea twice on this trip, getting on and off the boat! I do not intend doing that again, but I am planning to spend my 50th doing the same trip!

5) Eat at a Michelin star restaurant

I’m sure I have already done this once before, but not with my hubby! It would be nice for the 2 of us to have a beautiful meal, good wine, in an award winning restaurant. Maybe with views over the ocean or a city! I’m an old romantic I know, but why not!

6) Bake with Paul Hollywood

It’s is no secret that I have a celebrity crush on Paul Hollywood! I’d love to have a baking lesson from him. I’m sure I could concentrate just enough to learn something new!

7) Be my own boss

You will probably find this one a bit weird, but I would love to one day have my own successful business. Successful businesses don’t start overnight, they take time to build up. You have to start somewhere. I just need to find the right idea!

As you will tell as you continue reading, some of the 50 things on my list are probably not going to be achieved, but there is nothing wrong in having dreams and ambitions!!

8) Buy a new car with the registration of the year I was born

I’m terrible with cars. I never usually keep them for more than 3 to 4 years. Mainly as I know they will be reliable and cost me less in maintenance. My current car is now just over 4 years old. I do love it, but that isn’t the reason I haven’t changed it!

This year, the number plate will have the number 69 in it! This is the year I was born, so I would like a number plate with 69 in it! Mad I know, but I’ve got this into my head!

9) Get at least 1000 subscribers on my YouTube Channel

My new years resolutions last year were to start a blog. I did this, but I also really wanted to do a vlog. I was unsure if I would have the courage to do one, but in April 2018 I launched my first YouTube channel.

Having subscribers at the time wasn’t really that important as I was just playing around, but as the year has gone on, I have found I really enjoy it! I would love to increase by subscribers to at least 1000. Why? Just to know if anyone is actually interested in anything I am doing, or is it just for me?

I’ve learnt that the number of subscribers is a great measure of success. Not necessary of your channel, but maybe just 1 video! Just to say once in my life I have achieved that, would be great!

10) Take a hot air balloon over my home town

I’ve taken a hot air balloon over the Atlas mountains in Morocco and loved it. I often see them flying around where I live. I would love one day to go up and see where I was born and bred from above!

11) Have a weekend away with my parents

As I have gotten older, I’ve learnt to appreciate my parents so much more than when I was a kid! I am so proud to call them my parents.

When I was a teenager, I was very independent. My last holiday away with my parents was when I was 16. After that, they may have been in the same place, but I was very much with my friends.

As they get older, I realise time with them is precious. I would love just 1 night away with them, to build memories. A log fire somewhere in the countryside or overlooking the ocean would be perfect.

12) Fly first class

I was once offered a free upgrade to fly first class to New York with British Airways. There were a few of us going on a trip with work. I really wanted to say yes, but was reminded by a colleague that it would be unfair if only 2 of us got to fly first class, when the rest of the group were in standard class, so I politely declined!

I wonder how many others would have declined the offer! I’m sure they would have too wouldn’t they? Sadly, I’ve never been offered a free upgrade again, or had the finances to pay for one! Viking did offer me a deal to upgrade our flights for our China trip, but it was way out of our budget! Ah well, you never know I may win the lottery one day!

13) Complete a successful ‘Dry January’

It is probably no surprise that my husband couldn’t stop laughing when I said I was doing dry January! Not because I have an alcohol problem, but I do like a glass of wine at the weekend after a hard week.

I’ve said I’m going to do it many times before and usually last a week or 2! This year though I am going to do it! Why is this year different from all the other failed years? I’m not sure. Maybe, I am just more determined this year. Or maybe, I want to prove my husband and some friends wrong!

14) Walk 5,000,000 steps in 2019

I have had a fitbit for a few years now and love it! This year as I’m 50, I think it would be good to set myself a target. As I do on average 13,000 steps a day, 5m sounds like just the right number of steps!

15) Learn to crochet

I recently knitted my hubby a scarf for our local rugby team. I only had about 10 days to do it in. This kept me quite busy each evening as I usually only have about an hour to myself, but it also took my mind off snacking! I thought it would be a good thing to find something else to do in the evenings, and although my gran did teach me to crochet as a child, I can’t remember how to do it.

By learning this new skill, I can keep myself occupied in the evenings, and maybe produce a blanket or something that I can donate to charity!

16) Visit Stonehenge

I can’t believe I have never been there! It isn’t that far away from me so I really don’t have an excuse not to go! I love visiting sites like this. Dogs are allowed, so have even less of an excuse!

17) Swim with dolphins

There is something magical about doing this! They are such beautiful creatures and to get up close, would be a dream! Maybe when I go to Lundy Island, although the see will be a bit cold!

18) Run 10k

Ok, the truth is, I’d love to say I have run a marathon, but lets be honest, there is ambition and dreams, and then there is clear fantasy and madness! The most I’ve done is 5k so 10k would be good to go for next! Especially as I’m not even sure my knees could do that now!

19) Learn to decorate a cake with icing

If you know me, you may be surprised to see this on my list, but the reality is, I would love to be able to do beautiful piping on a cake!

I’ve made cakes for family and friends, but they were quite basic. To do something like The Cake Boss produces would be amazing!

20)Learn to ballroom dance with Anton De Beke

Many years ago, I was able to have some dance lessons with Anton. It was just a day, with a group of others. I would love one on one training to surprise my family that I could dance ballroom. Not sure how the surprise would go, but hey, nothing wrong with dreaming!

21)Be on the panel of Loose Women

When I go to the gym at lunchtime, I will watch either the end of This Morning or the beginning of Loose Women. I day dream often about being on the panel and giving my view and opinion on the topics! Ok, I’m dreaming again aren’t I?

22) Own a designer handbag

I’m not a materialistic person at all. I would rather colour my own hair and paint my own nails than waste(my words) money on getting them done professionally. I would rather put the money to other things including treating others. It would be nice once, to just be indulgent and treat myself to a designer bag!

I’d probably buy it though and regret the expense immediately!!

23) Replace my greenhouse

When I moved into my new home in 2016, I promised myself a little greenhouse. Space for it was short, but I got one which is about 2ft wide by approx 5 feet. It’s only canvas, but I love it! I’d now like to buy myself a more grown up one! I still need it to be small to fit the same space, but it would be great having sliding doors instead of zips, or to be able to see inside it!

I keep looking, and maybe this year, I will find the perfect one!

24) Reduce my daily commute to work

Well this is another of my dreams that I probably won’t be able to change this year! Not unless I find something I can do, working for myself or winning the lottery!

I currently have a 3 hour round trip to work each day! It’s very tiring, and limits the quality time I have at home. I would love to have just an hour off that back each day, to catch up on housework etc.

By the time the weekend comes, I’m exhausted. Plus, I then have to spend the little time I have doing the jobs I don’t have time to do in the week!

25) Teach Lola to walk off a lead

My previous dog before Fido was amazing. He never needed a lead on his walks, and would wait to cross a road until he was told to do so!

My youngest dog is super intelligent, but very energetic and independent. I would love to be able to have the freedom to walk her without a lead, however I fear that may never happen! I’m not going to give up though. I’m contemplating this year, taking her to dog training! Now that should be fun!

On the plus side, she is doing wonders for the muscles in my right arm!

26) Teach Fido to not bark at the door

Fido has this really annoying habit of barking every time anyone tries to exit our front door. I can’t even remember when it started, but it really is a nuisance and annoying. My hubby and I are trying all the techniques we have read about to stop it, but it’s really a slow process! If we cracked it, it would make for a less stressful life that is for sure!

27) Teach Fido not to bark at noises

I love Fido to bits, but he has some problems! One of them is noise! I am sure he would bark at a cloud some days. Door bells, phones, televisions, you name it, he will bark at it. In fact, it is more than that! He looses complete control!

We are working with him after having a behaviourist in to help us. It is very slow process and so stressful, but we will keep at it. It isn’t his fault. Something happened to him in the 16 weeks before we had him, that has effected his behaviour!

If we cracked this, I think I will be dancing on the moon!!

28) Have 5 minutes of fame on T.V. – preferably on This Morning

Ok, back to the day dreaming at the gym again! I love Phil and Holly and Ruth and Eamonn. Wouldn’t it be great to meet them on This Morning? No? Is it just me then? It would be a laugh I’m sure! Maybe I could help Paul Hollywood cook something on the programme, or even get a make over from Lisa Snowdon! You gotta have a dream!

29)Go to see a musical at least once in 2019

I love musicals. For many years I used to go to loads in London, but in the last 12 years, I have gone to very few! This year is a time to change that! There are so many great ones to see. The challenge will be choosing which one to go to first!

30) Go to a music festival or concert at least once in 2019

Again, I love live music but haven’t been to a music festival for about 9 years! I recently saw Madness live and they were amazing. There are so many more opportunities out there to see music live. Time to change this year and see more me thinks!

31) Write a blog at least once a week

Last year’s New Years resolution was to start writing my own blog, which as you can see I have done. I want to continue doing this so I can grow my audience. I want to feel I have made a difference to others, through my blogs.

32) Improve my photography skills

I’ve been into photography for a few years now, but last year, I really got the bug. I was so shocked and pleased when I entered a photo I had taken of Fido, into a Countryfile Magazine photo competition and won! I now want to build on that. My blog and vlog will help me do this, but I also want to try and improve my techniques by studying other great photographs.

33) Clean out the garage

I really do hate clutter, but you wouldn’t know it from my garage!

Because I am so busy, I just dump things in there! I have an exercise bike somewhere in there. The plan was to use it in there,while watching TV on my laptop! That was 2.5 years ago!

This year, I really need to be ruthless! Throw things out I don’t need, get my hubby to put the brackets up I bought 2.5 years ago, so we can hang things up properly, and start using it!

I may just wait until it warms up first though!

34) Help raise awareness of homelessness

I see so many people sleeping on the streets every day, and it breaks my heart. I do try and help when I can but if others could do the same, even in small amounts, it would really help.

No-one chooses to sleep outside in freezing temperatures. Just a little bit of kindness to them could mean the world.

35) Help out someone at least once a month

I feel very blessed with my life, and if I can do something nice to just one person a month, then it could make a lot of difference. It could be speaking to someone who is lonely, looking after my nieces to give my brother a rest, carrying someones shopping. Absolutely anything. It would be nice just to give something back.

36) Have a professional make over

I never spend much time on me! I’m always too busy, or feel the money should be spent on more practical things. I also haven’t a clue what really suits me, so putting myself in someone’s hand would be great.

This is probably one I won’t do this year, for the reasons above, but you never know, maybe for once I will just take the bullet and do it!

37) Have a ‘hot’ Christmas

This isn’t what you may think! I’ve always seen Christmas as being a cold time. My hubby is from South Africa so every year until he left South Africa, he had Christmas in what was his summer. I would like to see what that is like. To cook a turkey on the braai rather than in the oven.

I would imagine Santa in speedos may be a bit too far, but it is always good to experience new things!

38) Remember friends and family’s birthdays

I used to be really good at this, but over the last few years it has been very hit an miss. This year, I want to pre-write my cards a month in advance, date them in the corner of the envelope, put a stamp them, and send a week before! That is assuming I have their dates in my diary that is!

39) Be surprised

I love surprising people, but it doesn’t really happen to me. I would love someone to arrange something as a surprise for me. It doesn’t have to be big, just something that I haven’t had to organise or choose!

40) Have dinner out once a month

I get so tired some weeks. Having to always think about what to eat every day can be a challenge. Some nights, I could just pick up a takeaway menu for eat out, but I always think I could use the money for better things, so only eat out for a treat.

I should at least once a month put myself first, and go out. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but I wouldn’t have to cook or wash up after!

41) Take an hour out a week for ‘me time’

Going back to some of the things I have said above. My time is so precious, but I really need to take time out for me to do something relaxing. Recharge my batteries without worrying about anyone or anything!

I do try and get an hour on the sofa each night before going to bed, however that is usually also spent dealing with 2 dogs who decide that is the exact time for them to play fight, right in front of me and the TV!

42) Get 8 hours of sleep a night as much as possible

I seem so tired most of the time. As I get up just after 5 am, I have to be in bed by just after 9 pm to get 8 hours. Sadly, as I rarely get to sit down before 8-8.30 each night, I’m not relaxed enough to go to bed to sleep, so that time slips. I then end up with only 6-7 hours sleep!

Come the weekend, even if my body clock won’t let me lie in, the dogs certainly don’t! Once I am awake, I really struggle to go back to sleep! I’m not sure how I am going to achieve this one, but I will give it a go!

43) Drink more water and less diet coke

I am so bad with coke. I really need a healthy kick and cut it down. It isn’t good for my teeth either! I just need to try and like water!!

44) Have a girls night out at least once every 3 months

Because I am so busy, I am always tired, so when the weekend comes all I want to do is chill. This means I neglect my friends. I need to make sure I make more of an effort this year for them, as they are great loyal friends.

45) Have a date night with hubby at least once every 3 months

I have an amazing husband and relationship. I don’t want it to ever be taken for granted, so having time away from home together is really important. When we do, we feel so much better for it and have such a great time.

46) Take a canal trip

Wouldn’t it be great to take life at a slow pace! Seeing the scenery around you. Stopping off each day in different places!

I’ve been promising for years to do this with another couple. I really must do it. Even for a weekend. It would be so relaxing, and just what the doctor ordered!

47) Go to see Wasps at least 3 times during the year

I love going to see this team play. It is close to me and a great atmosphere. I really should support my local team more and have time out with something my hubby enjoys.

48) Learn the rules to Rugby

I have seen so much rugby with my husband. I was addicted to going to live matches for the World Cup in 2015, however what I know about the rules of the game are so basic! After 11 years with my hubby, I think it is about time I took more of an interest and understood why penalties were given etc. At the moment, my only real knowledge is if the team players I’m supporting have the ball or not, and if they score!

As my school report said – I must try harder!

49) Take up a new hobby

Why not! It is always good to broaden your horizons! Our local village has a choir which some of my neighbours are considering. I may go along on the 7 January for a taster session with them and see how I get on!

50) Keep in touch more with family and friends who live away

I have some amazing family who live down south or up north. I love them dearly, but I am a nightmare at keeping in touch. This year I really want to make sure I check in with them more often.

Sometimes we leave it too late. I don’t want to have any regrets.

So, as you can see this is a very long list. I’m realistic that some of it won’t happen, but it is good to have dreams and ambitions. I think it makes us more proactive.

Follow me throughout 2019 to see how many I can tick off!

Happy New Year.