ROCKING YOUR WORLD FRIDAY - THE LAST OF 2014!

Crikey, blimey o'trousers it's Friday and I hadn't realised it.  Therefore it's time for the last Rocking post of 2014!

Well the week has been lovely up to now, busy but lovely and the day pretty much went according to plan yesterday so a big win win in my book!  

This was the table before the day as it were - an Alice in Wonderland themed tree and matching Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas table, so the first positive is my hubby for accepting that I'm completely mad most of the time and happily embracing the idea and running with it - we had so much fun creating this! 

Said 14 year old helping with the heart shaped napkins on Christmas Eve, it's the little things in life! 

the tea light holders created at the last minute and the planned/unplanned bowls of rose lights!

Even cutting and laminating a set of Alice cards - we were all involved spending time together - bliss!

Loving said 14 year old's new minion onesie!

the table in natural daylight all ready for the day ahead!

It really did look pretty!

I even revamped the shelves behind and put all Alice themed items on them, and fifteen minutes before everyone arrived I created the world's fastest Alice layout to finish off the shelves!

Me and hubby before everyone arrived!

And the crazy melee after the present opening!

Started at 1pm, sat for starter at 2.30, main course around 4.30 and pudding around 7pm and everybody toddling off just after 9pm - a fantastic day was had by all!

I hope you and yours had a positive day too!

Reflecting on the year I've had a pretty awesome one, spending time, enjoying life, being grateful for each and every moment from celebrating with my little sis following her graduation!

To wandering around Chatsworth on my birthday!

Getting to meet Jen in person - finally!

Just chilling with hubby on holiday

Watching these two wind each other up - they can't help it!  They are such good friends and great fun to be around - which makes me feel very very blessed!

Enjoying the fresh air and time with family

Maize maze at night

Chatsworth at night

Colour assault challenge!

Cobwebs at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Scrapping fun with my Mum and sister

Reunion with school friends

Art abandoning was fun!

Autumn walks

Preparing for Halloween

bucket lists

Chatsworth at Christmas

And just in case you didn't know - we are all mad as hatters in this family - my amazing Mum included!

I hope you've had a truly beautiful and blessed Christmas and that your year on the whole looks and feels positive, I'll leave Mr Linky for those that fancy joining in - I'll see you in 2015!

2013 A YEAR IN REVIEW ...

Well I'm feeling contemplative (nothing new for New Year's Eve if I'm honest) and thought I'd sit and ponder the year that was (2013 that is).

It has been a mighty tough year in certain respects and in these respects it isn't one that I want to repeat. But in amongst the nonsense, anguish and at time frustrations there have been some amazing people and amazing times to celebrate.  So this post is my round up of some of the positives that have occurred this year.

Well there was the snow (and the lone post person), but snowy walks are beautiful and exhilarating!

I also started out with a fabulous intention to read these books, I didn't manage them all, but some, intending on making headway into the remainder in 2014.

 There was the refuelling stop on a snow walk in order to be able to walk back!

 And learning to sculpt sand at Harewood!

 A trip to the seaside is good for the soul!

 And catching up with friends was good fun too!

 Welcome trays at Easter!

 And trying purple potatoes!

 Discovering Mr Watt

 And genius barbecue eating meant setting up a tent home!

 Visiting Castles

 And joining in fabulous collaborart swaps!

 Having fun at paint a pot!

 And discovering the art of catching the flying icing sugar in your mouth!

 Mischief one and mischief 2

 Said 12 year old becoming said 13 year old!

 Discovering Northumberland!

 Making happy cards

 

 Family holidays

 spent enjoying each others company!

 And the joy of winning a minion!

 Outdoor theatre of the Shakespeare kind!

 Enjoying arting in the visitors book!

 Wandering around the beyond limits exhibit at Chatsworth

 And enjoying the autumn sunshine!

 Trip back to Stratford for October half term and the Mad Museum!

 Which is fabulous!

 Seeing the Coca Cola truck!

 Visiting Narnia!

 And seeing my sister enjoying tea with Mr Tumnus!

 Christmas preparations!

 These two mad women who have kept me sane this year!

My niece whose growing up not only into a beautiful young woman, but also one with a fabulous sense of humour and personality!

Joining in Secret Santa swaps - first on UKS 

 And the second via Carmen's blog!

Being asked to be part of the Wear Crafts design team - utterly amazed I was and having so much fun! Jen thank you - I hope you know by now what it means to me! 

Also to Lesley who is also part of the Wear Crafts DT, fabulous getting to know you hun!

And then there are the friends who have kept me sane this year, let me rant, cry, chat, download, you name it!

Carmen

Sarah

Jo

Sami

Susie

and of course my sister Melanie!

Being blessed with an amazing family, my hubby who is my rock and always has been, my son, for continuing to be an absolute joy and pleasure to be around and for making us very very proud.  My cousin for being there for me this year. 

I hope your year has been kind to you, but if it's been a hard one I truly hope that 2014 brings happiness, prosperity and joy to you and your home.  I'll leave you with an Irish Blessing that my Grandma used to say to us 

"May your days be many and your troubles be few.  May all God's blessings descend on you.  May peace be within you may your heart be strong.  May you find what you're seeking wherever you roam!" 

Until 2014 my good people...