Individualism is great

We had a lovely drive out today and visited the delightful town of Melbourne in South Derbyshire. Not only is this gorgeous town steeped in history claiming to be the birth place of Thomas Cook, but
there is something very special about this pretty market town with new things to discover on every street.

As we walked around exploring the area, they are some stunning Georgian houses which simply make you stop for a while and admire their beauty. You cannot help but admire the beautiful parish church which has been described as a "cathedral in miniature" and if you enjoy a relaxing stroll you can walk alongside Melbourne Pool and feed those lively ducks.

Whilst I appreciate the history and the beauty of the area, one thing which I found so very refreshing was the town centre. It was wonderful to discover a selection of superb local independent retailers all passionate about their businesses and all delighted to see us. We had a fab coffee in
Forteys and then purchased some traditional sweets from the vast selection of jars on offer. We explored the stylish shop Lily and Lime as we looked for Christmas gift ideas and gazed at the stunning flowers in the Blossom Tree. This town has every service each modern family needs and it was wonderful to see a town centre that did not replicate those up and down the country.

So if you fancy a lovely day out for a bit of history, walks and shopping that offers you something a little different, then check out Melbourne.

Is bigger best?

Having been into town today to visit my local butcher it got me thinking about using local shops versus the big supermarkets.

I have brought all of our meat at our local butchers for nearly two years and I have never been disappointed by the excellent quality. Many people hold the misconception that the meat is more expensive at a butchers, but believe me it isn't, it's either around the same or on many occasions cheaper.

I also really like the fact that the trip to the butchers each week is more personal than the service you receive at a supermarket. It's great to be able to talk to people who have a genuine interest in you and the local area. They take the time out to ask how you are, something which does not happen when you finally reach the till at one of the big stores.

In an attempt to help the local economy and the environment, we also use a milkman and get a number of products from him including eggs, potatoes, bread and fruit juice. I know for a fact the potatoes are from a farm about one mile away and the eggs come from a farm in Leicestershire.

My next mission is to buy our fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers, I will try this next week when I go into town.

I know that it takes more time to go into several smaller shops rather than one big supermarket where everything is under one roof but the experience is so much nicer and you get the satisfaction of supporting your local economy and environment too.

Do you shop at the supermarket or local smaller shops? I would love to hear your experiences.

Looking Good

The trip to the shops was a very successful one. I managed to get some lovely new clothes and a pretty necklace and earring set (which my mum treated me to, aren't mums just lovely). I really enjoyed my time in town and it was the first time since my brother died that I actually felt like my old self.

I have just been organising my wardrobe like all domestic goddesses do and put my items into the appropriate colour section...oh yes all of my clothes go into colour order, it makes them so much easier to find. My scarfs and handbags have their own wicker baskets and shoes are paired neatly on the shoe rack. I have also taken out some clothes which I have had for years and never wear and are probably very out of fashion. I will take these to the charity shop on Monday.

It will be great to put on some new clothes and start to dress like a woman again, even if I am not going out that day, I think it's important to still make an effort.

Anyway, all in all a very productive day but do you know what the best thing of all was....spending time with my mum, it was magic.

Image is Everything

I have been thinking for some time now that I may act like a domestic goddess but do I actually look like one. When I look at the curvaceous well presented Nigella and the immaculately dressed Anthea it kind of puts me to shame. I must admit since giving birth to my daughter it has taken me a while to lose the baby weight (which I am pleased to say I have now done) and I have not really smartened up my image since leaving work. I do tend to find myself in jeans most of the time especially if I am going to various toddler groups, but is this really the image of a domestic goddess? Surely I should put more effort into the way I look and dress in a more feminine way.

I am not saying that I should dress up in high heels and dresses to do the cleaning but I think it is time to address the way I look and take more pride in my appearance. I bet Nigella does not wear baggy grey tracksuit bottoms around the house.

So I am now on mission to look like a true goddess. Tomorrows task is a trip to the shops to purchase a few new items of clothing with my dear mum in hand for some shopping advice. Then its back to aerobics in the week to tone up and a hairdressers appointment is booked for one weeks time.

Surely I too can look as gorgeous as the domestic goddesses portrayed to us on TV....well nearly as good!