Crochet Minion Hat Pattern

The  generosity of some people still amazes me! Thank you so much for this awesome FREE pattern, once I find a good yellow I'll be giving it a whirl :)

Crochet Minion Hat Pattern


:)

2013 summed up

As we turn a page into a new year, and a new chapter, most of us reflect on the year behind us. It's rarely all good; but rarely all bad either. Here's a few high and low lights of my 2013.

January signifies birthdays for 3 of my boys. January of 2013 they turned 11, 15 and 19. My first born turned 21 in July! How time flies.

March was the month we decided we'd had enough of our excess fat. I joined Slimming World (once again) and the much more determined journey began. Gavin joined in at home and we made progress immediately! By November we had both lost 3½ stone (49lbs/22kgs) each!! Dropped a few clothes sizes and began to feel 'normal' again. We wouldn't have done it without the solid support of each other... and of course and my fab Slimming World consultant who kept me focussed when I needed it (Thanks Sam! x).

We had a few new members of the family arrive during 2013 too! In April our nephew, Hunter was born! July welcomed our great niece, Annabel and very soon after in August, our great nephew Milo joined us! ☺ Lotsa babies!!

June. Gavin and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary! I love him so much! ♥

August was my birthday. My 40th birthday to be exact!! I had a great day; as I was determined to do so. I had my 'OMG I'm going to be 40' melt-down shortly after my 39th birthday, so it was well out of the way for spoiling things. I loved every minute of my day ☺♥

August was the beginning of a short but nerve-racking experience. I had a recurrence of some sensory/nerve issues earlier in the year and was sent back to my neurologist for some further tests. September, I had nerve conduction studies and an electromyography, neither which were very pleasant! Followed by the all important MRI scan. October had me going back to see the neurologist for my results. I was told I have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). I blogged about this HERE if you missed it ☺

September saw my youngest son move from primary to secondary school! This has happened way too soon...lol. It doesn't seem that long ago that he was starting school! 

October found me in a new job! ☺ 

And November gave me good news about my back. I've had pain in my back for such a long time but an MRI (yes, another one) showed nothing of any concern. It's definitely a muscular issue and not nerve or skeletal which is good for me as there's no surgery involved just hard work trying to get it working properly again.

...and that's about it. That sums up my 2013!

So what are my 2014's resolutions?

• To try and be more optimistic or is that less pessimistic?
• To get fit. Starting with a swimming membership in January.
• Learn more about MS.
• Crochet more....heehee!

Wishing you a very happy and healthy new year!
 

Gold heaven

A long lost taste of nostalgia! My Nana always had these Elizabeth Shaw chocolates at Christmas time. Haven't had any for such a long time so when I spotted them at the local shop I just HAD to have some!

Does anyone else remember them?

☺

Toast love!

Enjoyed a simple but delicious breakfast this morning. Sometimes it's the little pleasures in life that are truly enjoyed.

☺

Sprouts!

Sprouts! Love them or hate them you have to have them at some point during the Christmas holidays! Today is our day!

Crocheting Christmas

I've decided to do it old school this year and make a lot of Christmas decorations instead of looking at what's 'trendy' in the shops. Of course the easiest way I can accomplish this is by crocheting! Here's a few bits I have at the moment...

I only have a few of these made so far, but I have about a dozen or so smaller ones in a different style.

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I tried this Christmas tree first of all as a sample. I made it 2D so I could hang it like bunting but I'm not sure I really like it yet.

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This one I made 3D and without the trunk. I think I like the plumpness of this one. Maybe a few more and different colours and I'll decide!

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Hmmmmm, I wonder what else I could make? Any ideas fellow followers?

 *

Autumn

I just love the warm colours of autumn.  Here are a few snaps I took a couple of weeks ago in Pavilion Gardens and at The Slopes. I think it might be time for a revisit to see the colour change :)

 

 

New MS blog I'm following

My MS Odds

I thought this blog had an easier understanding of MS and who it can affect :) x

Finally a diagnosis

OK so here we go. Yesterday I had to go back to my neurologist to get my results from my brain /cervical spine scans. 

I have Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).

MS in a nutshell is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms), my diagnosis being the former. 

Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely; however, some may remain permanent. The last time this happened to me was in 2007 which left a slight numbing of my left little and ring finger. My recent attack which was about 6 months ago has all but gone away now just leaving my hands feeling very slightly numbed, this may/should improve but there's nothing to say it will disappear for good. There are many symptoms and variations of MS which seems to be affecting me in the sensory aspect as opposed to motor (which is good for me). 

There is no saying when this will happen again or if it will happen again. There are no clear cut rules as there is no known cause. My neurologist did say that there is no need to be pessimistic about it and that there is no reason I can't live a normal life. He also believes that my back pain may be unrelated and is now sending me for another scan on my lower back! 

Although it would be nice not to have a diagnosis that's with me for life, I do think it could have been a damn sight worse! If I have issues to deal with I guess I'll deal with them; I can't change things. I will have the support and information I need from an MS nurse should I need it. I know I have Gavin too which is a great support! 

So there we go. No more poking, prodding and needle jabbing!

Would love to win this for a lovely lady I know x

Post by Naughty shorts.

...part deux

...well I found one! An older pic of myself that's a little more than head and shoulders.

So, part two of my comparison pics so far...

Weight loss comparison photo

Just a little comparison photo I made; for my own benefit but I thought I'd share it with the world. 

On the left was taken October 2011 and on the right just a few days ago; September 2013. 

I've lost 3 stone so far which also converts to 42lbs or 19.05kg 

 

 I'm currently trying to find a full length photo of myself for another comparison. Thing is; when I've had a pic taken and I didn't like it I've deleted it; digital photography at its best!

Pizza heaven!

This would go down VERY nicely in our house! :)

Bakewell Bank Holiday

We made a last minute decision to go to Bakewell today seeing as though is was a Bank Holiday and the sun was shining! The bus ride there and back was horrible though! Packed with standing room only a lot of the time and VERY rude, impatient travellers. But... we had a lovely day :)

I took my camera! Here are a few snaps:

Magic with hook and needles: Flower Applique

I found a new site today. 

Gonna have to try this for starters!

FLOWER APPLIQUE