#BlogLife220 - Curiosity killed Garfield 4 (Q&A)

Why do you do follow up posts? Is it because it's popular or do you just have more to add?

Not many of my posts are popular so that isn't the reason. I always feel like I want to expand but I don't want posts to be overly long or short, just a nice balance.

Do you use Pinterest or Instagram or any other messengers. It's 2022. Don't you want to be trendy and conform to the norm?

Ha. No I never have wanted to be a sheep. Pinterest and Instagram are image (altered) based and that holds no interest whatsoever for me, still to this day.

As for messengers, too many things are repeated and having a fresh vibrant conversation is thrilling. 

If you are saying the same things, answering the same enquiries and just yawning at dull men sending half a dozen inappropriate or tedious pictures, it's not entertaining.

I think it's incredibly sad if you don't have a brain and can only send pics, pics, pics and not have any intellect to go with it. Zzzzz..

I know you said you don't read anymore, has that changed or what were you favourite books?

I still can't get into books like when I was younger. The magic has gone but there are still some books that stick in my mind.

No gentleman - Kate Walker.

This book threw me and had me hooked at the same time. I read it over and over.

It was her perspective vs his and the two were fascinating. The author Kate Walker took me on an incredible journey.

It wasn't predictable. I didn't know what was going to be said next.

I loved it until my mama decided my bedroom was her personal domain and decided to give some of my things away without bothering to ask permission or inform me....

Bet me - Jennifer Crusie

I knew where this one was headed but I loved the build up, certain aspects of repetitiveness and cliche annoyed me but I would still recommend it for the laughs.

Stephanie Plum series - Janet Evanovich

The first couple of books were great and then it just seemed recycled. I was hoping she would grow the hell up, evolve and pick a boytoy.

Why do you touch on so many themes? Why not stick to one? Shouldn't you be focusing on one to capitalise on that specific audience?

I'm not sure if I ever tried that approach but I know myself and if I just pinpointed and ran with a solo topic...

I would bore myself, let alone anyone else. My interest would just wane and instead of being raring to write, I would make excuses and put it off.

I'm in my early forties and have had so many vast experiences that I can feel at ease, sharing these with you.

I love writing fiction and truth. It all gets me excited. When I say I'm a writer/blogger...

Okay I'm not a professional and I don't have a huge following or an abundance of reads for my books but I put my whole heart into my words.

I think that allows me to call myself a writer. People may not always agree or find it compelling but at least they can say..

Hmm she is intelligent. She's not just saying, what she thinks we want to hear.

She's just relaying her own thoughts and hoping we can relate or understand her views.

#BlogLife219 - No gentleman

Hey all. I hope you are having a good week. If you are curious about what happened with J (the latest)?

Why are they all called J? Don't ask me, I had to do a double take and thought, another one? Why not Q or Z or X for a change?

My gut instincts were saying don't get in touch and it started to stress me out a bit.

Right or wrong, this is why I made this decision...

1. He is eerily similar to the last guy. Noticing the footwear. Asking me to get in touch and wanting to go to the same Pub.

It's kinda freaking me out, it's really peculiar.

2. Again he said "Text me when you get home." 

He should be the one to get in contact and say "Nice meeting you, hope we can get together again, no pressure."

Or something along those lines, without putting it all on me. I think that would have been a better approach and put me at ease.

I don't chase, I am chased! The last guy did the same thing and I'm not a fan of it. Have some courage and reach out.

3. At one point he brought up the subject of sex and massages. 

I find that inappropriate for a first conversation or even between acquaintances, it's too much.

4. I found it amusing and effeminate that he was fussing about the rain. 

It wasn't heavy but you could feel it and he was fiddling with a broken umbrella as we left.

He stayed under the shade and for me I have to keep moving and let the pain follow me, but not catchup.

I think not walking with me was just too dainty for words. When I had no problem with it.

The UK is famous for it's rainy weather. Am I going to constantly halt, under some shelter, instead of keeping my momentum going and managing the pain?

5. The insistence or enthusiasm you can call it for meeting him twice in one week?

I was put off by that a lot. I've never even seen a boyfriend that much, let alone a stranger?

It felt a bit too romancey/datey for my liking. As though he would bide his time and wait for me to get some mushy feelings or be an opportunist and make a sleazy move.

I could be ovethinking. Maybe he is just lonely or in a rut or expanding his social circle but it felt way too much.

6. Every time I tried to explain how drained and exhausted I felt with socialising and in general daily life, he kept getting more and more bewildered.

Either he thought I was lying or exaggerating. Either one of those is not flattering. 

Just because you don't understand someone's medical conditions, there's no need to be that cynical.

"I'll look it up on the internet."

"If you find this tiring. I'll definitely be too much for you/not right for you."

7. "I don't like independent women."

Granted he mean't in a romantic setting and I pointed out that most men want to feel needed and maybe a lot of us women now are finding we actually don't require them to be happy but they do.

It certainly is an imbalance but I feel like they should build up a more rewarding life, getting to know themselves and developing further interests/hobbies.

Possibly discovering what they want out of life or in a partner instead of lying their asses of saying, Yes I want a relationship, wait, No I don't!!!

Perhaps then they wouldn't feel so clingy and instead have more enriching experiences out of life.

8. His eye contact was all over the place. 

He did maintain a bit but he also kept looking all around for the majority of the time as though he was bored or waiting for someone.

That makes a poor impression in my opinion as though he isn't having a good time but instead just obligated to be there as though I was forcing him to stay like a hostage :D

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As I was mulling all this over. I realised that I find being around people is sapping my strength.

They just draw out all my happy, peaceful vibes and leave me empty.

I think the most I would be comfortable seeing people, would be every 3-4 weeks.

It seems like a lot of time but I'm pretty much comfortable doing my own thing and keeping to my own schedule.

It's unnerving to be thrown off that timetable and scrambling to get the energy to fit all that in before the day ends and I feel miserable because it's been unproductive.

It is a nice feeling to unwind and be outdoors, shaking up my routine but I don't need it that often, just once in a while.

The same as phonecalls or chats. It's nice to share details occasionally but if it's too often, it turns out to be a burden and chore, instead of something pleasurable and meaningful.

#AgonyLife14 - Dear SS How do I get unstuck, unblocked and productive again?

Good morning! Well that is a pickle you have gotten yourself into.

I'm not sure if you have a time limit or not. I think most people just try to sit there and argue with themselves about not coming up with a zillion ideas.

A better approach would be to realise, we have all felt this way and I still do at times. It's normal.

You may be overworked, tired, unappreciated, stressed and have other commitments to deal with.

It's really not easy when we have to multi task and time runs out.

Just do the best that you are capable of doing. You can go for a walk outside, or around the workplace.

Have a brief chat or catchup. Watch a video clip or listen to some music.

Tackle another area of your workload that you can readily jump into.

Ask someone for their input. Am I going in the right direction? Could you make a suggestion on how I could improve this area?

Sometimes I take a catnap and my brain figures it out for me and it just seems clearer.

Try a new approach, even if it's different to how you normally do things, that could make it easier.

Have a refreshing beverage and some time to switch off, even if it's just for a while, that will take the pressure away.

Try not to panic and remind yourself that, although it's taking longer you are determined to finish and make it better than ever.

#BlogLife218 - The Odd Guest Out!! (fiction)

"Knock knock, someone let me in, it's only Solina. Come on it's freezing, I know you're in, I see a bunch of cars outside."

I ring the doorbell aggressively five times. "Chop chop, jokes over now. Stop fooling around."

I hear the slowest footsteps ever creeping forward. I roll my eyes, these guys are such pranksters.

The door cracks open a fraction. "Ohhh it's you Sol, sorry we didn't hear the buzzer."

"Oh purleaseee I've been standing out here and knocking and ringing for ages. Just let me inside already and quit clowning."

I look around but it seems strange and unfamiliar. I knew this place once but now it's changed.

"Have you had a makeover? This place looks peculiar?" I hear a sigh. 

"It's the same as it always was. You're the one that's different." I scrunch up my face in bewilderment.

"What are you saying? I purposely make a concerted effort to remain the same. I don't like change."

I heart a snort of laughter and a collective response. "We know." 

They all say it at the same time and give each other knowing looks that I dismiss as silliness.

I smile oblivious to the tension in the air. "Aren't  you going to offer me a seat and refreshments? You can't be unhospitable to a VIP?!"

I hear muffled giggles. "Did someone else beside you arrive that we don't know about? Actually we were just heading out."

I saw them give each other funny looks again. "Where are we heading?"

"Umm Sollie-" I shudder. "You know I hate that nickname, use my real name."

"We are just popping out to the shops. You stay here and we'll be back in 5 minutes."

Before I can add anything, they all rush out into their cars, which is strange.

I sit down on the sofa and drum my fingers on the magazine. Oh well, 5 minutes isn't long to wait...

2 hours have passed and I look at my phone and don't see any missed calls or texts. In fact I can't remember the last time they contacted me.

Oh well I'll try again tomorrow. I go into the kitchen, open the refrigerator and stare at the cool refreshing beverages.

I better not. I'll just leave.....

#BlogLife217 - Giving J the boot

Good afternoony all :)

Sorry for the late post but I have just gotten in from my market run.

I had intended to pick up lunch and a few other bits from that high quality supermarket but I got sidetracked..

Today to celebrate the end of the toothache, I decided to wear the new ensemble I bought.

Little did I realise that I had made a colossal boo boo. As it happens, both the trousers that I purchased from Yours Clothing are too big for me.

I had looked at similar trousers I owned and guessed the size to be honest, I figured it was a safe bet.

I actually convinced myself it would be too tight. Eek, big mistake. I love the style and one is actually thickly lined.

It was really windy and rainy today but I felt most toasty and comfortable.

I need a belt or something to pinch it together as I cannot be bothered to return them and it's just the waist that is far too loose sadly.

I wore the black kickflare trousers with the new shoe/boots that look childish but are surprisingly comfy to walk in.

Those are a keeper too, even if I don't necessarily like the look of them.

I did try to style my hair but it was too messy so I did twin ponytails instead.

There was a hint of purple eyeshadow but that's washed away. Oh and I teamed it with the pink/silver hearted jumper.

Now to the information pertaining to the title.... As I was striding along listening to music..

I saw a guy that looked lost or confused, he was trying to get my attention so I whipped of the headphones to help and it turns out......

He wanted to ask me out for coffee... I was gobsmacked. He was cute but you readers know, I don't date.

Now here is where it gets peculiar. He noticed my boot/shoes and loved them, just like the other guy and he is an interior designer also.

At this point, my head is exploding and I am wondering if it is the same guy but I don't think it is him.

Strange coincidence though. He says he liked the rocker vibe and is a DJ too.

I told him that I hate the footwear but it's comfy. I'm in two minds about whether or not to accept his offer for a drink.

I told him I needed half an hour to do a few things and would meet him in the coffee shop.

I guess I figured he would be long gone as he seemed to be just passing through.

I did do a weird thing to be honest and we swapped numbers to let him know when I was ready and when I was done I texted him.

I kinda didn't really expect a reply. I was 50/50 about it. Quite tired and achey but he did text and together we walked to a coffee shop on the way to the bus stop.

Then it started raining a bit hard and he asked me what I wanted and at that point I was just thirsty so I got my trusty fanta with lots of ice and he got a cappucino.

I had to delve a bit into my health aspects and was upfront about not looking for anything romancey.

But we seemed to have a pleasant time talking and laughing. He even wanted to get together at the end of the week but I still feel exhausted so I said I would be in touch.

I was supposed to text already but I wanted to get this blog out and feast on my Pret A Manger order.

Men can wait. They haven't been my priority for a long time and as I sat there, I felt more confident, more myself than I usually do in these situations.

It could have been the new clothes, it certainly wasn't the footwear, why that is the new obsession, I'll never know but I guess my naivete is gone.

I'm not desperate to escape my homelife. I can just pick and choose where I want to be.

I doubt he or most can comprehend how exhausting it is to use my limbs and still have energy for anything else.

I want to have a nap but I'm a bit too wired for that. I'll continue binging Bob and Margaret.

#BlogLife216 - Can men read?

I know that sounds rude but it's a fair question. I'm getting more and more penpal responses coming in, which should be a pleasant surprise..

I barely feel like checking them. It's as though men read a certain sentence and think Yes, yes, yes. 

She will do nicely. I won't concern myself with reading the remainder because what are the chances, my gut instincts will fail me??

There is a reason I have made my advert long and detailed with certain requisites. 

I want to know who can follow directions and understand the type of person that I would be happy to get to know and have a giggle with.

The latest disaster wanted photos and phone numbers? WTF??!!

Should I have put the whole thing in bold and capital letters? Would the idiots have followed it better??

I doubt it. Relegated to spam once again, for failing to comprehend my needs.

That's probably the first test. If someone could get through the post and think, Oh okay, well that sounds like me or hmm, you know, on second thoughts. I'll skip her.

It would make a huge difference and make a vast improvement on the quality of responses that come into my inbox.

If I'm going to have a long standing penpal relationship, I would want to know we are suited and a brief outline of who we each are, for just the beginning of it.

Then we have a stepping stone to move forward together. We can ask questions or clarify and either it will get stronger or we'll part ways.

But hell, it is something. If you can't even give me that, I don't see the point.

I think it's more of the one sided approach, where I've shared and they haven't, which is a button pusher.

I don't like being the only one that is open a fraction, it's uneven.

I'm not really concerned about finding someone. If it happens eventually, that will be lovely but if not, that's alright too.

I find writing the short stories quite time consuming, they are fun but they need a lot of attention.

Plus I want to keep the momentum going on the Wattpad Lethal Curves Ahead.

I'm just not sure if I want another love triangle or to open up some jealousy.

I guess I'll see when I compose the next chapter. In real life I wouldn't blur the lines between friendship and romance but in fiction, it might be kinda fun.......

#BlogLife215 - Shopper stop shopping!

Every day we are flooded with brightly coloured offers. Get a discount, get a freebie, buy 2 for 1.

We are encouraged to shop, shop and shop some more. Then it happens, it seems normal. No problems occur.

There is a dead silence, a calm before the storm and then the big red flashing font appears.

Hold it right there madam. What do you think you are doing??? You've made more than one purchase.

Who do you think you are?? A celebrity?? I'm afraid we have to detain you and confiscate your itty bitty card.

I don't care that you didn't report it. I am not bothered it isn't fraud.

You are guilty of shopping!!! A most heinous and deeply punishable crime!!

I am halting all of your purchases from now on, until you explain yourself young lady!!

It's a weekday for a start. Who purchases at that time?? Uh huh, clothes and footwear items??

That could have waited until the weekend! Groceries? Well, well, well.

Simply unacceptable. We the owners of the card, think you should use cash and us.

Mix and match a bit. I find your expenditure highly suspicious! I've called in 3 supervisors and they all agree, it is far from routine.

How dare you have the audacity to use different stores. I demand you use one per week, for all your needs.

Don't be difficult, just follow the simple, complicated, makes-no-sense-to-anyone-but us rules!!!

Write me a 10 page essay on being thoughtless with us and don't let it happen again!

You got off lightly, this is your 4th warning. By the way, have you see our latest deals??

Buy jewellery and yo- 

*Argh runs screaming from the building. You can't trick me, I'll never buy anything, ever again!!!*

*PPs for your information, it is actually my money you are holding. I have the right to use it any single way I see fit!!*

Madam, not on our watch! Now get the hell out of here! And do keep purchasing lots and lots but within the guidelines, laid out in our 300 page terms and conditions!

#BlogLife214 - What makes you laugh?

For me I would say observational humour. I love hearing people tell quirky personal stories.

It doesn't necessarily have to be relatable as long as I can envision it somehow.

I don't really enjoy the mishap videos as they seem, fake, silly, staged or dangerous.

I love when comedians tell tales about their partners and mimic them, it just cracks me up.

Their better halves must be thinking, yea, turn the mike on me. I have some really juicy tidbits to share!!

I guess it's still hard for me to divulge details about my life with others, when it comes to my experiences, unless there is an amusing anecdote included, that makes it tolerable.

It doesn't feel like I'm giving away anything too raw, it's as though I'm chatting to a friend and hoping they will smile afterwards or giggle.

I never really set out to write something amusing. If I did, I don't think it would turn out that way.

My wit is not universal and a lot of people don't seem to understand it.

I think what I do is try to be a lil entertaining with it. I don't exaggerate but I may choose certain words or phrases to make it a bit quirkier.

With all the topics that I cover, especially the emotionally draining posts, it's refreshing to conjure up a lighthearted piece.

I don't really know what your preferences are when you see I've published something new, that's why I try to play about with the topics.

From fiction, to advice, to life experiences to spoofs. I prefer to be varied.

Some people advise sticking to one thing only and doing that as best as you can but I get bored easily.

My creative brain needs to sparkle and get excited. Talking of which, my Asos goodies arrived..

I feel a bit mixed. The purply wrap top, which surprisingly fit nicely is actually lined and cuter than the picture.

I'm thrilled with it. The boots seem very high quality, for the price and there is fur lining at the sides, but not the sole, where I really need it.

A bit gutted about that, plus it looks more like a shoe, than a boot and it's a biker style.

I wouldn't say it was masculine but neither is it feminine. It does seem comfortable with a bit of a heel. 

It's a chunky style. Black with laces, black fake fur and really unattractive silver studs along the front.

It seemed more understated in the images. I'm still going to keep it.

It looks like the type of footwear kids would buy. However I wear a lot of really long trousers and skirts so it will be mostly covered up anyway :)

I don't hate it, it's fine and I do need footwear. For the price I paid it should last a while but if it's uncomfortable, it will have to be trashed.

Walking has to be as gentle as possible for me, to be able to get around and do whatever I need to outdoors.

I'll try to wear it in, inside and then bravely, nervously, take a trip with it.

#BlogLife213 - Madam you're in for the drilling of your life

Remember when you were lil? The thought of going to the dentist horrified you. It still petrifies me.

The sound of the drill, all those sterile laid out instruments ready to poke me.

The incessant.. "Open wider, hold still, wider, move your tongue out the way."

All those orders barked at me and then at the end. "Aww you were a good brave sport. Have a brightly coloured lolly." 

After I've just brushed your teeth and told you to avoid sugar.. That never made sense to me but I always gratefully took it anyway.

I think I had 2 wisdom teeth at the back removed and 2 remain and it's one of those that is tender.

The upper jaw. I've tried binaural beats and rubbing peppermint essential oil and it helps a lil bit.

I'm just trying to chew on my left side. I can't listen to anymore beats, it's giving me ear/headaches for some reason. It must be my ear sensitivity reacting to the frequencies.

I just find it strange they don't play relaxing music, while you're in the chair and are cringing with dribble and blood trickling down the ugly apron they put on you.

At least it would take the edge off the whole undignified experience. The pain seems to have subsided. I'll see if I have any salt and gargle with it.

I feel for you, if you have toothache currently. A few other home remedies I looked up were a bit controversial so I've decided not to include them.

I wouldn't want to make you feel any worse. The best treatment is to book an appointment and see a dentist.

It might just be an easy solution and then you'll be pain-free and chewing normally in no time at all.

*Mini update*

I held a freezing cold bottle to my face to numb it and then just as I thought I had run out of salt, I spotted it.

I filled another bottle with a pinch of salt and warm water as recommended by googly woogly and did that for maybe 5 times, concentrating and tilting my head to the right.

Then I brushed my teeth again. I feel so cleansed and pain free. I'm going to keep following the above steps for a while as that truly made a difference.

It's been hard to sleep of late and I just want to unwind and switch off.

My dentist always told me about electrical toothbrushes and interdental brushes like that would prevent plaque/tartar and although I do brush twice a day, it doesn't.

I don't find those flimsy wobbly brushes don't do anything, too soft. I looked on Ebay, Youtube and Amazon and have seen an electrical teeth cleaner, with a safety precaution to avoid bruising.

I think I'm going to purchase that and try and get my mouth as healthy as possible to avoid future toothaches.

#BlogLife212 - One munchie or two?

I've just tried out the Fibre One lemon drizzle cakes. 90 calories and a 5 pack, it's tasty, not too sweet or sour.

Fair size, not soft or hard, just a medium texture and chewy and delicious. 

I really want to try the chocolate one now, it's £1.25 in Iceland. 

I've also bought the Young Gastro's salmon, spinach and cheese puff pastry but I didn't taste any spinach.

That is very tasty. I highly recommend trying it out. They have a nacho cheese and cod but without the pastry. I'm not sure if I'll buy that too.

And on a non food note. I tried the Astonish peony scented toilet bowl tablets. You just drop them in either for a few minutes, scrub and then flush or leave overnight.

Although they are effective. I was expecting a heavier, fill up the bathroom with a sweet perfume odour. It's very faint and doesn't linger, which disappointed me.

I don't like spice but I've been craving sweet chilli sauce or something other than coleslaw or hummus.

I bought the Original Blue Dragon sweet chilli sauce for a £1 and it's not too sweet at all.

It's very mild heat and just adds a bit of taste to anything bland. I paired it with the veggy sausages just for fun. Lush!

I'm happy that all the clothes I ordered, came quickly, 2 days later and I don't have to send them back as they fit mostly nicely.

I'm just finding it hard to get the really heavy thick long skirts and just some cute casual long sleeved tops that aren't plain.

British fashion for plus sized females is soooooo dull. Skulls, flowers or nothingness.

Who the hell wants to wear that??? If I go on Amazon, the sellers from across the world have gorgeously stylish, vibrant attire that I feel feminine wearing and it isn't drab.

I don't know why this country can't keep up. That's another reason so many people shop online, not only for sizes but it's a whole range of delicious looks to suit everybody.

#BlogLife211 - I'm in love with.. Moiself *Valentine special*

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I barely recall when this day is but because I've been on crazy shopping sprees, I'm paying attention to dates.

I just saw Asos was having a sale and promo code so decided to check it out 20% off and I shopped through Nectar.

I bought some fur lined boots as mine are really old. Just black ankle boots and I saw a wrap around purple top which looked really sweet.

I saved nearly £10 and that's not counting the retail price. The boots were previously £60 and went down to £20.

The top cost a lil bit more but if you work it out, it was less than £20 per item :D

I've never really purchased from them before. It's a strange half slutty, half hip, half odd selection.

However I feel like I haven't bought myself anything special for ages so this is my Valentine's present to myself.

They are due to arrive on or before this Thursday. I have got to wear something under the wrap top.

No free rounds of peekaboob!

Let's talk about the joys of being single...

1. I can buy a present for myself and don't have to splurge on a partner.

2. I'm not halting my productivity by wondering, what did he mean by that? Is he mad? I wonder if he took offence?

3. I can switch my phone off to charge or due to stress without some guy grilling me as to why it's off. Are you avoiding me? Why didn't you reply??

4. I'm not phone watching, curious about why I haven't heard back or if he'll call/text today?

5. I have me-time. Activities that will make me smile and feel positive.

6. I don't feel obligated to engage in dull conversations, with awkward pauses when I'm busy doing something for myself.

7. I feel genuinely weightless at times, that I don't have to deal with the abuse and criticisms of dating. 

I feel like I'm constantly waiting for the confessions or meanness to pour out. That is exhausting!!

8. I can be as foresty and hairy as I choose. I don't have to shave my legs+

9. I don't have to wear itchy, uncomfortable tights just to cinch everything in and give me a less wobbly shape.

9. I don't have to wear bruising heels that eventually make me limp and bleed.

10. I have peace of mind, knowing that I'm not going to be having huge, life draining, ongoing rows which screw my head up.

11. Ahhh I can take a nice relaxing breath without binding, pinchy fancy lingerie digging into my skin.

Whatever your relationship status is, half this day should be about you and your needs.

I guess my point is, even if you are single, so what. Romance yourself, do what pleases you give yourself those feelgood vibes.

Who says you need a partner for that? Love yourself!

A post I read cracked me up so much I just have to share it. It's old but I love it by Invisibly Me aka Caz :D

Here is the link...

https://invisiblyme.com/8-things-i-want-for-valentines-as-a-chronically-ill-person

Let me just leave you with something else to tickle your funny bones.. (Inspired by Googly woogly).

When someone asks why you are still single.....?

1. Food has always been my first love and nobody has since measured up.

2. I'm a playgirl and I'm flirting with a bunch of randoms that keep me busy.

3. I'm married to myself and 100% faithful, if I ever suspected cheating. I would be on a big timeout. No puddings for a week :(

4. Unlike you, I don't just latch on to any guy. I take my time and field offers. My inbox is bursting.

5. I value my freedom to do what I want, with whomever I want, without someone leeching onto me, taking my energy and peace.

6. I made a pact to be loyal to my television remote control and we agreed no threesomes.

#BlogLife210 - The battle of the moods....

Who will win the coveted cup for best mood? Pmt is making me depressed and annoyed but on the other hand I feel quite high in good spirits.

Although this morning after barely sleeping I felt extremely nauseated and was dry heaving for about 5 minutes straight.

I'm just trying to look up how to avoid Paypal or bank fees or whatever the charges are, when you send to friends/family.

You can do it for free but the process is confusing. I always forget the steps in the correct order.

I'm looking at the Frequently Asked Questions and I have found the bit I was scouring for.

You have to do it like this :-

1. Click Send & Request

2. Click Send and type in the name, email or number.

3. Type the amount you want to give.

4. Instead of clicking Paying for an item or service, select Sending to a friend.

Ooh more good news. I discovered why the headphones weren't connecting on the calls.

I don't remember it happening before but I just have to click on the name of the headphones and it activate it, even though it's already set up for calls.

This happens in the midst of the conversation and now it's working perfectly.

Strange but at least it's not bugging me any further. I spoke to BT about whether or not they are getting any new mobiles and the answer is No!! Grr!

She mentioned since the alliance with EE that they are encouraging people to switch to them for their mobile requirements with a 20% off deal switch.

However the Broadband should remain with them because they are superior in that region. Odd.

I did have Tmobile (former EE name) ages ago but I'm not sure I want to go back, apparently the service dropped significantly.

I have time to decide and will see if I get a good deal and free phone out of it.

Last night I finally just went on my splurge. I saw the multipacks of Saline solution and got that.

There is a quadruple points offer going on Nectar. Spend £5 and click to activate it and it ends on the 16th February.

I also bought some tops and trousers from Yours Clothing. I thought I had purchased from them before but maybe it was somewhere else.

I got a pink star top, plain black top, this fancy purply flowery blouse and two sets of wide leg, split flare black trousers.

I've always liked the bootcut design, straight leg is so frumpy looking, especially for a shortie like me.

I'm nervous about the sizes to be honest. I hate returning things.

It should arrive tomorrow or early in the week. Everything should be trackable.

I'm excited. I still need a jumper, a new coat, some tshirts and maybe some new comfy boots but those can wait :)

#BlogLife209 - I don't care what you think..

Wouldn't it be nice to utter those words and mean it? I can say it and believe it sometimes but other times I secretly care.

I just won't be forthcoming about it. I mean just because it bothers me.. I'm not going to give you the satisfaction of knowing it. 

I guess a nice comeback answer to a spiteful critique would be..

Actually I like/love that quirk about me. Perfection is overrated. 

If I were you I would question, why you feel the need to point out someone's flaws instead of complimenting them??

That is far worse and makes you the insecure person, that you are striving to make me!

I'm going to make out I am unfazed by your heartlessness. I'll just strive to bring the focus on my own truths.

What I am feeling positive about?

What I am working on?

What I could do to improve myself for my overall wellbeing?

I'll just push your inane criticisms from my mind.

If I can be an even better person, I'll be leaving you in the dust anyhow.

Does my patience need work? Absolutely. I get irritated waiting for anything past 30 seconds. 

I'll still get on with another project but in the back of my mind - It will be eating me up!!

My time management could stand to be improved but not to a regimental fashion.

I'm not that type of person who has to have their entire day mapped out.

It tends to stifle my creativity, instead of making me looser and productive.

However because my brain can't seem to focus straight at the moment I am goofing off a lot.

I want to finish off another Lethal Curves Ahead chapter and the BookLife I'm working on but I'm just scattered in all directions.

I would feel a lot better if I could channel my thoughts coherently.

I have lots of ideas for scenarios but when I go to write it, I can't make sense of it. It's very frustrating.

(Lil side note, my hair still doesn't feel greasy. It's highly unusual. I'm not going to do any spritzes today).

#BlogLife208 - RIpping 'N' Stripping *update*

I had a ghastly night's sleep. I went to bed early, got comfy but I just felt emotionally wired, physically I was done for the day but I managed maybe a few hours.

Considering I had a morning of trying not to throw up from pmt symptoms. I felt really lighthearted and good today.

The pain was starting to get excruciating but now I'm home I can lounge and rest and savour lunch.

I bought a chicken panini with a side salad, cashews and what looks like chocolate croissants from my favourite international supermarket.

I only really like the almond and regular croissants but I thought this place screams top notch quality so I'll give it a try.

Actually it's not croissants, it's a really dry pastry with good quality chocolate encased inside. 

They are called Cocoa Milnayas. The secret is to heat them for 2 minutes in the microwave and it is so much nicer.

The pastry doesn't go soft and soggy ick, it's just more palatable and easier to munch.

I wouldn't buy them again but it was something different :)

I scoured for my Armandine cakes but alas they were no more. Too lush for words.

I went shopping for a new leave in conditioner and I've always wanted to sample the Mane N Tail products so I bought the leave in conditioner spray to see if I like it.

I don't usually purchase premium products. The price is so much steeper and it doesn't feel like me.

I'm more of a bargain hunter but with certain things, it is worth it for the genuine quality that comes out of it.

It has a sickly sweet bubblegum scent which I'm not keen on, my hair is dry but I thought spritz a few times to see what the effects are.

I'm also going to try it on damp hair and with the curlers on it should be adorable :)

I have greasy thin hair and a dry scalp. I need a super product. Ooh talking of my hair, wowser.

It looks so cute today. I popped in curlers and it's above my shoulders now and it had this fancy slight wave to it and it suited me.

I really just didn't have the time or energy to style it properly so I cheated and pinned it up.

I didn't realise that my beloved jacket has a rip at the back :( Holy moly. It's 10 years old!!!

It really held up well. I bought it from Amazon and it was not cheap but a gorgeous old fashioned design with ruffles at the back.

Also a waterfall top I bought maybe a year ago has a tear at the front :(

I need to order some new clothes. I'll go browsing when I'm less wiped out.

I used the leave in conditioner liberally spraying all over my dry hair, left it and it's not greasy or sticky.

My hair feels soft, my scalp feels moisturised. I don't have excess volume, except at the back for some reason.

My hair falls flat when pinned up and tends to stay that way. I'll be interested in how it works on my hair that's damp.

It's an improvement on other greasy products that claim to be weightless though. Pfft!

Day 2 my hair is normally greasy now but today it just feels more or less normal.

I added 4 pumps of the leave in and I still have volume at the back of my hair, which is usually flat as a pancake.

My hair still feels smooth and nourished so it seems like a good investment at £4.80.

That's twice what I usually spend on hair stuff. It says on the bottle that it is a daily conditioner and hair strengthener. 

It's 178ml and quite a chunky bottle. I doubt I will use it daily but nice to know that I can without it making my hair over saturated and greasy.

Last review my new face wash I started using yesterday from Beauty Formulas.

It cost £1.50 and is the usual 150ml. It's a daily brightening vitamin c face wash.

It's a boring transparent colour considering the bright orange packaging.

I only use a little and it coats my whole face. It's a thick gel like substance.

I haven't tried it on my face brush yet. It's easy to rinse off and leaves my face totally refreshed and stripped clean of impurities, however still hydrated with moisture.

I'll let you know if it foams up later :) I just used it with the face brush.

Sadly it doesn't produce foam but it blends into the skin nicely and I would definitely recommend it.

The scent is a faint citrus. It's sweetish but not overpowering, it lingers a little and then fades.

My face is already glowing, as though I have makeup on. I have combination skin, dry and oily like my scalp.

*Update*

On further use, the face wash actually does foam up. I think I needed to spin the brush for at least a minute and then I see it's all foamy and glidey.

I've now noticed a lot of dry patches, around the edges of my face and under my eyes.

I'm not sure if it's due to the stormy weather, it's rainy and windy and quite chilly.

I don't think I would buy this brand again. As for the leave in conditioner.

I no longer smell the bubble gum sweetness that overpowered me on the first spritz.

Weird but it's way more tolerable now. I'm really tempted to try other products in the range now.

#Bloglife207 - Blinded by sauce

I was having tagliatelle beef and veggy pasta. I know I know, pasta again? I'm shameless but it's the one thing I never get fed up with.

I stuck the fork in to do the twirly fancy pants style and the sauce squirted into my left eye and over the laptop.

It wasn't burning and my eyes weren't flooding with tears but it did sting until I flushed my eyes. 

I don't think that has every happened before. The dangers of eating food.

I am a menace, purely accidentally of course. My six month old headphones broke, the band snapped.

Joyroom they were called and that's probably standard for me. I'm lucky if they last a whole year.

The good news is I get to try out the Beats set, the Christmas red pair I received.

So far they are super comfortable. I don't think they work too far from the connected base though.

When I was in the kitchen, they disconnected. I have been using them all day and are still at 90% so far so good.

They connected easily but it's always tricky with the multiple pairings, that takes a while of connecting and unpairing to get them both to work.

A strange thing is happening with the calls. I pre connect the headphones for calls and media.

I test it out on songs and it's fine but on the call itself, even though it says connected, no sound comes out of the headphones, only the phone.

Frustrating me a bit. I made sure it wasn't connected to any other device, it should work.

Maybe I am missing something but I can't think what.... 

It takes two hours to charge fully and the battery lasted a day and a half with heavy usage.

#Bloglife206 - New J's sex chat

Afternoony lovelies, How is the weekend treating you? It's bitterly cold and I'm wrapped around a heated blankie or I was but I keep running (aka briskly walking) to check on the food.

Chicken pasta for the curious amongst you. I had a new chat which morphed into a phone conversation with a new random J.

Very pleasant voice, not deep deep but manly. It was quite entertaining on a variety of topics.

Then the flirting began and the insistence about narrowing down my location. Ick.

At that point I had to set the record straight I wasn't interested in hooking up for any reason. 

He seemed to understand but on further probing having a spicy chat was mandatory and knowing my almost exact location was also a deal breaker :D

If I asked a random a question and he wasn't comfortable answering it. I wouldn't keep hounding him about it. I would move on.

I was doing everything I could to put him off from any romantic notion and it was mostly working until the flirty personal questions began.

I answered some and the rest avoided like the plague. I wanted to see if he would respect my wishes to be vague and at ease.

Sometimes I say to them, this isn't an 0906 number, if you want that, call them, not me.

It's just irritating, you can have an amusing chat but if you refuse to discuss sex, you're blacklisted and kicked off further interactions.

Maybe he assumes, hmmm, if I can entice her towards a mature area, she'll be looser and agree to picswaps and a romp rendezvous.

The opposite is true in my case. If you can have a giggle with me, possible light flirting and don't push me to know everything then I'll keep you around because you're more flexible.

If not you're a tedious, short, temporary fly by night and I have no further use for you because someone with brains that isn't ruled by hormones is genuinely appetising to me.

#BlogLife205 - Commotion with the motion

It's 8.42am in the UK and it's currently pouring down with rain. Iceland is usually an hour to two hours late so I stopped waking up early and instead gave myself 20 minutes.

Uh oh for maybe the second time they decide to turn up smack not only on time but precisely in the first 5 minutes of the time frame, eek.

I'm trying to hustle to get ready and I can't even get my lenses on ha. I just have to fling back on my nightie and shove my glasses on and hustle to the door.

I'm trying out the sugar free Vimto squash as it's been decades and it's actually lovely, very weak but delicious.

I sampled the Vimto raspberry orange and passionfruit but hated it. Then I opted for the blackberry, raspberry and blueberry and couldn't stand it either.

I don't think it was sweet it had this tang. Ick. I'll just stick with my beloved original childhood drink.

I put two bottles of water in the freezer to mix it with but I forgot to take it out so it's an icy block.

Later on when my stomach settles I'm going to have my homemade concoction.

I'm calling it a Hotissant. Instead of using wholemeal hotdog buns which are impossible to find anyway.

I use a croissant, normally fill it with olives, hummus but I forgot to buy that so I'll just have it with the Richmond veggie sausages instead.

It's lush. The one thing you'd think you would grow out of is travel sickness.

I've always had it, cars, buses, ferries etc. I think planes were the only exception but maybe if there was turbulence that would have been a different story.

It probably seems to take effect about an hour into the journey but sometimes less.

My face feels all warm and the air seems to dry up around me. If it wasn't undignified I would stick my head out the window like a puppy. 

I was probably the only one in school clutching a bag as we have numerous field trips to study nature.

I'm not sure if you're supposed to have breakfast but I usually can't tolerate eating first thing.

I don't know if I read it or someone mentioned sucking on a hard boiled sweet helps but I do try to have something in my bag for such occasions.

I loved the original and the fruits version of Foxes mints, they weren't too strong like polos.

However there are times when it just doesn't work. The other thing that is nice is the cooling mist.

That can really take the temperature of the face down. I guess try to relax and maybe listen to music at these times.

If you are pleasantly distracted the journey will go faster and you won't feel this embarrassment or panic set in.

#BlogLife204 - Let's get mushy about slushie

I thought I had written about this but maybe not. Have you ever had a slush puppy? That's what we call it in the UK. 

The blueberry was my choice of heavenly drink. It's a sweet syrupy drink with crushed ice added to it.

The funny thing was that it turned your tongue whatever flavour you picked so mine was always blue.

I used to get it in the morning/afternoon in the hot summer, sometimes I would go swimming, other times Church.

Maybe even shopping. I'm not sure if I ever got brain freeze but it was refreshing just walking around leisurely being cooled by this sugary beverage.

Feeling the wind in my hair and sometimes change in my pocket. In those dinky lil retro sweet shops I always tried to get the poppets or whatever version of chocolate peanuts they sold.

I bought the VonShef Slushie £8 with some Amazon credit years ago and thought I could easily recreate the magic of slushies.

I didn't realise you needed to be an expert mixer. You could get dehydrated waited for this concoction to be ready.

You had to freeze the cup for 24 or 48 hours. Add the drink and plead with it to turn icy and then if you were lucky it worked.

Soft drinks didn't comply but fizzy worked a lot better. It was still a whole load of scraping while the drink spilled everywhere while leaking down the sides.

Also the scrapper wasn't adequate and the whole thing was a hand cramping mismash.

I ended up tossing it in the bin because the lid just went walkies somewhere and the whole thing was a hassle.

You want a half frozen drink with bits of ice inside? I mentioned this before.

Get a bottle, fill it with soft, fizzy or even mocktail drinks. Leave it in your super freeze department.

Wait about 30mins-1 hour. Remove it and there you have your own easy peasy, non scrapey, non headachey, don't need to pull your hair out, delicious drink.

#BlogLife203 - What constitutes a good chat?

I was waiting for someone that didn't show and got talking to someone else and he said I'll distract you.. 

And it made me think about how picky I am, when I am in the mood for a good conversation.

1. Don't fire a zillion questions at me, at once, as though you are interviewing me to be your bestest buddy or future wifey. Ick! That puts me to sleep. Zzzzz..

2. If you ask me a question and I reply, don't ask me the same thing a few minutes later. You have to listen!

3. When we are chatting, debating, however it is going. Wait until I've finished my point. Don't just ignore my words and proceed to talk over me.

4. You want me to do something? It's unwise to shout or try to guilt or force me into answering or acting in something that isn't in my best interests or would make me uncomfortable.

Give me some options, then who knows, I may compromise?!

5. If you mention stamp collecting and I have no earthly interest in discussing it further. Don't keep harping on about it all night, thinking I'll join in, I won't!

6. Sex isn't a hobby, if its yours, no wonder you're single,

7. At some point, you have to laugh. I don't mean that maniacal sinister cackling. I mean a chuckle, here and there.

Tell a funny story, be amused at something I've said but if you're there and haven't smiled or giggled once. Step aside!

8. Open up, give a lil of yourself, you don't even have to go into grand details but if I'm the only one trading insights. Nexttttt!

9. Don't ask me if I use messengers, when I've said I don't have any installed. What about Skype, Whatsapp? It just makes you out to be an even bigger idiot.

What happened to texting? That's quick and easy and requires no useless app taking up additional space.

I'll tell you why you want me on messenger. To showcase hideous, unflattering, unsolicited pictures that I don't want to see in high definition no less, blown up and the face images are no better!!

If I don't ask to see you, keep them to yourself. It's enough to put me off my cocoa!

10. Don't make assumptions about me. Fine you have an inkling, just ask me to clarify or for more details. I don't mind that, unless it's a sensitive area.

11. If the answer to the question, How are you? Is I'm bored. Then you're a dull person with no imagination and why would I waste my time on you?

You can't read a book? Watch a tv show? Do a crossword? Bake a cake? Nothing? Pfft..... Ta ta!

#BlogLife202 - Once sweet, twice salty

Yesterday I did manage to go to bed early, well actually it was midnight but I slept about 1ish and it normally takes a lot longer.

I wanted to wake up early in case the repair guy was premature. The regular guys shows up first thing in the morning, the others keep their appointments.

Anywhere from 12pm-8pm and it's now 10.48am. While I wait, I might as well do some blogging.

Last night I was talking to an old random but he refused to share his name, the greeting was just familiar to me.

Then he offered his number to reconnect, suggesting we Whatsapp. 

I replied that I no longer have it, which I don't. He said but you did have it, just for me....

Now this is what is strange. I looked at his number and his is not the one I downloaded the messenger for..

How on earth did he know, that I once had a messenger? Did he rewrite history and pretend it was him?

Those two randoms sound completely different. Unless I'm am getting muddled with the digits but I don't think so.

Strange I didn't feel like reconnecting so I said people usually looking forwards not backwards and that he should take care.

He optimistically thought I was going to get in touch but I'm not.

Another random I talked to was all excited to see me and thought I would be the same.

I couldn't honestly remember anything except his nickname. He said that I was sweet and enjoyable company..

I thought that was strange and I said.....Moi?? Odd because I'm usually not. I'm more likely to be moody and icy.

Oh and I've been cheating on you, talking to a zillion guys. (I was just feeling quite irritable but it was supposed to be taken in jest).

He said now I see the mood swing, well I'll leave you to it. Ha. I didn't bother to inform him, I was messing around with him.

I like to see who can take a joke and who expects me to be falsely devoted to them.

I guess when I'm dealing with the usual stresses and strains I can mostly put it aside and have a giggle but when there is added pressure and I'm supposed to be casting that aside for them to feel special.....

I can't always do that and frankly I don't want to suppress this bitey bitey mood!!

Very few will understand and stick around for it. Even when the boiler is fixed.....

I have a feeling this mood I am in will linger for a while longer. It's hard to shake...