We all get obsessed sometimes. The important thing is to drop it before you start yakking on and on about it to someone who doesn't give a rat's ass.

It's Sunday evening, it's dark outside and I'm in my pyjamas on the sofa. If it weren't for my noisy neighbours playing their stupid video game REALLY LOUDLY, things would be perfect. I shouldn't complain too much though because I have had a very lovely weekend.

My horrible sicky headache lasted through til Friday morning (it came on after watching The Apprentice on Wednesday night, I wonder if it has migraine-inducing qualities?) so I was feeling a bit miserable at the start of Friday. Luckily for me it did finally go away, and Nic and I were able to go out for a date that evening. We went to Strada. Despite it being a chain restaurant, I really like the one in Leamington. The staff are friendly and the food is good, and the first time Nic and I went out for a meal together it was to Strada, so I have a sentimental attachment to it. The meal was wonderful, and so was the bellini I had as an aperitif.

On Saturday, Lauren, Lysy and I went to Coventry to go to the annual vintage sale in the Criterion Theatre. We got there early, and it was a good thing too because there was already quite a queue forming outside. The sale was very small, but they had some amazing dresses and theatre costumes, and all very reasonably priced. Lauren bought herself a few dresses, Lysy bought a waistcoat for The Scientist, and I scored a few metres of very garish 70s curtain fabric:

I was very pleased with my find. I'm not going to make curtains out of it, and have a summer dress in mind for the fabric. As it cost all of £3 I was pretty happy! There was a lady selling vintage dress patterns, all in excellent condition and some dating back to the 20s. However, even her 70s patterns were £12 - £15, which seemed a bit steep to me, so I limited myself to the fabric.

Well, I didn't quite limit myself to the fabric. On my way home I stopped into House of Fraser and bought myself these:

Shoes number 34: Bertie Sardinia shoes in black

Yes, more Sardinia shoes! I wore my nude ones yesterday and was reminded afresh of how much I love them, so resolved to buy the wedge versions. I thought they'd make for a reasonably sensible pair of black shoes. I did try on the wedges, but part of what I love about the nude shoes is the elegant shape so I went for the court shoes again.

We had a very exciting evening planned. Lysy had told us a few weeks ago that Ghostbusters was being screened at the Spa Centre, so we went in last week to buy our tickets. I hadn't seen the film since I was a child, and had forgotten most of what happened in it, so it was like watching a new film for me. Lauren had never seen it, and Kate and Rich love it so we were all very excited about it. I had sort of planned to go in costume but got a bit lame at the last minue and decided to wear my new dress instead. Luckily, Nic, Lauren and Amy made a bit more of an effort:

Nic doing his best to look ghoulish as a Victorian gentleman. A man in the pub opined that if he was half of Burke and Hare, he must have been the Burke, but I thought he looked great!

My new dress from Blue Banana and the first wear of the black Sardinia shoes

Lauren as a sailor, with Amy as Marilyn Monroe

The film was great. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing in on the big screen (despite the conehead sitting in front of me) and it was much funnier than I had remembered. I don't go to the cinema often enough (mainly because I hate other people in the cinema, grrr) so it is a real treat when we do go, especially when the film is so much fun! After the film we stopped into the Clarendon for a drink. It was predictably rammed, but I was very impressed by the amount of people in costume and the sheer inventiveness of some of them - this wasn't just men in women's clothes and sexy taxi drivers. I didn't manage to get a photo of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Splinter, but Shredder here should give you an idea:

This costume was home-made!

We finished our evening in the Somerville and had an excellent time, staying out much later than I had intended, so it was a good thing that today had an extra hour in it!

I blame Pub Club

This one doesn't need a caption

Nic and I have been very lazy indeed - we did some shopping in Lidl with Lysy

we didn't buy this, shamefully

followed by lunch and a browse around the markets. I love lazy Sundays, it's the best way to get ready for the week ahead.

Now, I'm away to post a kebab through the letterbox downstairs. Have a good week, everyone!

It's red hot, mate. I hate to think of this sort of book getting in the wrong hands. As soon as I've finished this, I shall recommend they ban it.

A short little blog this evening because a)I have been having a quiet week and don't have much to write about and b)I have a horrible headache. It's been alleviated a little bit by a shower, a cup of tea, some paracetamol and some mini dime bar sweeties but still. I should give the old laptop a rest I think.

I wasn't in the office today. I had a work-related appointment in Birmingham and worked from home this morning. Nic came with me to Birmingham in the afternoon and we had a rather lovely time. I had randomly aching feet and decided to wear my red cowboy boots, and paired them with the vintage dress I brought home from Paris:

I managed to fit in a little bit of shopping before my appointment. Nic took himself off to the comic shops, while I had a look in the vintage shops in Digbeth. I came up trumps, as well, finding a beautiful blue prairie style dress with a full skirt and pockets! Photos to follow when I wear it - it needs a slight bit of alteration as the neckline has a strange tucker detail I'd like to remove. I met Nic when I was finished and we had lunch, before having a wander around a few shops. I finally got to see the Tony Hancock statue - he was born in the Hall Green area of Birmingham, in 1924.

Other than that, it's been a quiet week. My darling Nic came to Coventry yesterday and took me out to lunch, and I have a lunch date tomorrow with Louise. Then it's finally the weekend, and I have a date with Nic and a trip to the cinema to see Ghostbusters to look forward to. So all in all, I might be a bit more interesting the next time I post something here! I'll leave you with some photos, I've been messing around with my camera a bit over the past few days...

I've been working all week in the secure room with test papers. This is the view out the window

Best cup of tea ever

A spooky witch in a sexy dress has been bugging me...

We haven't actually met but I saw a photo of you, you were wearing a white dress? Standing outside a church? It might have been someone's wedding?

As a child, I was fascinated by The Waltons. The story of a large family growing up together on the side of a mountain seemed to me to be parallel to my father's childhood, as he grew up in a large family on the side of a mountain. There were some differences, admittedly. The mountain Daddy grew up on is one in name only (really it could more accurately be named 'Steep Incline') and recent events have proved that his large family have more in common with the Manson family than with the Waltons (Daddy excluded, and boy how I wish I was exaggerating!) However, my interest in the fictional representation of families continues and recently I have been giving some thought to continuing my series of listing stuff I like. So, without further ado I present:

Fictional Families I'm Fond Of

I'll start with The Waltons

The Walton clan outside Ike Godsey's General Store

The Waltons is one of those shows that I loved as a child and have rediscovered as an adult. It's been unfairly remembered in popular culture as being saccharine and sentimental. Well, it is sentimental but not in the pejorative way in which the word has often been applied. I find the exploits of the Walton family endearing, thought-provoking and moving. Based on Earl Hamner Jr's childhood in rural Virginia during the Depression, The Waltons has at its centre a large and loving family. There were seven children, parents and grandparents and extended family also. What I find so interesting about this family, and about the show, is the way in which we're able to watch them growing up together. Early episodes focused mainly on the eldest, John Boy (the fictionalised Hamner, and the narrator of each episode) but as the family grew up each member got their own episodes. The family are often seen squabbling and bickering, misunderstanding one another and disagreeing. They experience emotional and material hardship but always pull together and each episode ends with the family all together. In our sarcastic age the values of The Waltons seem outdated but I confess that this is what I enjoy, and what makes this family so special to me. I have a particular soft spot for the way in which the grandparents live with the family, and the gently teasing relationship between Esther and Zeb Walton is a joy to watch:

Zeb Walton, played by the wonderful Will Geer

John and Olivia Walton's relationship is also a joy to watch. It's a loving partnership of equals, of people who are lovers as well as parents.

The Conner family

I've written before about my love of Roseanne, and the Conner family are the reason for this.

The Conners, fetchingly attired in the finest 80s fashion

While the Conner family may seem miles away from the Waltons, I have similar reasons for feeling so fond of them. This is a family that always comes back to one another. I like the way that family life is presented uncensored. We see the family eating together around the kitchen table but, as likely as not, they're eating something Roseanne has microwaved. Becky is a straight A student, but she's an absolute terror as a teenager. Darlene's wiseass attitude doesn't quite manage to hide her middle child angst and DJ is pretty weird. Roseanne doesn't shy away from the fact that families bug the crap out of one another, and this makes it both entertaining and moving. I particularly enjoy the way in which sisterly relationships are played out (having two younger sisters of my own it seems very pertinent to me!) Roseanne's best friend is her younger sister Jackie and we can see how an often adversarial relationship can also be extremely supportive and fulfilling. There are echoes of this in the relationship between Becky and Darlene as well. Family traditions and concerns are represented well, particularly in the various Hallowe'en episodes. Roseanne frequently cracks wise about booting her children out, or about selling them, and this provides a humorous counterpoint to some of her real concerns. Roseanne and Dan are often seen trying to become better parents than their parents were, and this is one of the things that makes this family interesting and endearing to me.

The Lacey family

Tyne Daly, John Karlen and Sharon Gless

Again, I have written elsewhere and at length about my love of Cagney and Lacey. Obviously the partnership of the women is at the centre, but Mary-Beth Lacey's home life is an extremely important aspect of the show. Her marriage to Harvey Lacey is central to how Mary-Beth sees herself. While the wonderful John Karlen doesn't guest in every episode, Harvey is present in some way in every storyline. The marriage is in some ways unconventional - as a detective, Mary-Beth is the main earner and is often the one coming home to find Harvey waiting for her with dinner in the oven. That said, their marriage is always presented as a partnership. They argue (I love it when Harvey Lacey shouts. It's always awesome) and they talk over cases, they disagree and they worry about one another. Their two sons (and later, a daughter) don't play the same kind of role in the drama as the children of the Conners or the Waltons, but the family dynamic is of dramatic importance. Finally, one of the things I adore about the way we see the Lacey family is the fact that we often see Mary-Beth and Harv talking over things in bed. Nice work for John Karlen - putting on his pyjamas and kissing Tyne Daly!

The Shipman-West family

I didn't expect to like Gavin and Stacey when my friend Laura first lent me the DVD. I'll admit, I was snobby about the fact that it was on BBC3 and the soundtrack is full of bands I hate. However, I was quickly won over by the show's warmth and charm and mainly by the large extended family that makes up the show's core. Much more than being about the burgeoning romance between the eponymous characters, Gavin and Stacey is about the wonderful eccentricities of family life, and the marriage of two families as opposed to two individuals.

Both the Shipmans and the Wests (and oh how the serial killer names gags tickle me - another main character is named after Peter Sutcliffe) are delightful families to watch. Larry Lamb as Mick Shipman is straight man to Alison Steadman's hilarious Pam (-e-laaaaa) Gavin is their only son, Pam's 'little prince', but such is their love and generosity that Gavin's friends become surrogate children. This is most evident in the way in which Smithy is absorbed into the household, even after Gavin has moved to Barry for work. I think what appeals to me so much about TV family is the way in which the eccentricities and foibles of each individual are accepted and tolerated and even loved. Stacey's Uncle Bryn is a good example of this. He's like an overgrown child, but the simple pleasures he takes in life (such as updating his Myspace page, listening to James Blunt and working out in his home gym) are accepted and he even forms an unlikely bond with Smithy. It's this ability to rub along together, to turn a blind eye to one another's strange notions that makes this family so likeable. I also adore the way we see the family members come together to spend time with one another and I admire the way James Corden and Ruth Jones give space to these sorts of get togethers. A particular favourite of mine comes from series 3, in which everyone comes together for a curry and a night of drinking in the Shipman home. Nothing happens that especially moves the narrative forward, but so much humour and joy is to be found in watching the family interact with one another.

The Cranes

I'm including this family because they spend so much time together! Also because John Mahoney as Martin Crane is undoubtedly one of my favourite TV fathers. The Crane brothers are close...perhaps too close, as episodes frequently make play of the fact that they spend so much of their time together and have so many shared interests. I really enjoy this aspect of Frasier. There might be an element of wistfulness on my part because I'd love to be able to spend so much time with my own siblings, but I am also drawn to the sibling dynamic, particularly because of the rivalry Frasier and Niles display in almost every matter. The rivalry is most profound and most amusing when it concerns their relationship with their father, Martin. He is constantly amazed by how different his sons are to him, and finds his dog Eddie easier to relate to and to understand. Despite Martin's inability to understand his sons, and his frequent irritation at their genteel ways, he is an involved and caring father. While he finds it difficult to express his love, and often resorts to telling Frasier to shut his big bazoo, it is clear how much he loves and is proud of his sons. And of course, he loves Eddie, who is as much a part of the Crane family as any of the human members.

Eddie Crane, played by the wonderful Moose

Frasier is also interesting for thinking about the way in which our relationship with our parents changes as we become adults. Frasier finds himself living with his father again after decades of living independently and much of the humour comes from both father and son having to make this adjustment. Many of the more moving scenes focus on this also, making Frasier emotionally rewarding as well as funny.

That's the lot for now. Of course, there are lots of other TV and film families I enjoy watching but, you know, you don't want to be reading this all night. Let me know in the comments if you feel I've made any glaring omissions, or if you disagree with me, or you just want to tell me how awesome I am.

The clock's moving on this one, Greg. If we don't move this guy soon, I'm going upside his head.

I have a bit of a dearth of outfit shots from the past week, folks. Rest assured, it isn't because I haven't been wearing clothes but making time for photos has been a bit low on my list of priorities. I did get one from last Sunday, and one from today, and I'm calling them both for the Shoe Challenge:

Sunday, 17th October 2010. Ruby Belle Sailboat dress, Marks and Spencer Cardigan and Irregular Choice Oz Shoes

Although this dress is very definitely a summer frock, I think it just about works for early autumn with these tights. The shoes clash a bit, but they clash with everything. It's part of their charm. I love these tights as well, they're so bright! I'm sure a lot of people would avoid them for that reason, and because they don't want to draw attention to themselves. I think they're fun. They really do draw attention though. I wore them to work in the week (with my Knightley dress and purple shoes from Faith) and as I stood on the platform at Leamington station I definitely noted some surprised (some disgusted, heh!) looks at my garishly coloured legs, but feck it. I think they're awesome.

Sunday 24th October 2010: Marks and Spencer dress and patent belt and Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa Lady Dragon shoes

I bought this dress in the RSPCA charity shop last week. It came with a belt, but it has a fussy clasp detail that looks like something out of The Girl From Tomorrow so I substituted my faithful skinny patent belt. I don't think it photographs very well, but the skirt is a very flattering cut and it feels quite glamorous to wear. Today was the first time I wore my cherry Lady Dragons and I love them. It makes me feel very happy to look down at my feet and see the cherries, and I do know how frivolous that sounds. These shoes also get stares, because they are pretty ridiculous. I may not be able to wear them much over the next few months as it is definitely getting colder, but the sun was shining enough today for me to chance wearing open-toed shoes.

I did attempt to do a wardrobe switchover a few weeks ago. I didn't really have any winter-specific clothes to take out of storage (and also: no storage - just the shelf in the top of the wardrobe) but I did put away some of my more summery dresses. Not all of them, and I think that as it gets colder I'll have to be a bit more ruthless because there are a few that just will not layer up sufficiently for the winter. I was weak, because some of them are just too bright and pretty to sit in the top of the wardrobe for months (I'm looking at you, Corbusier Atlantis dress) I was also a bit depressed by all of the black dresses (I have my dresses arranged by colour, fact fans) so I moved those to the end. I can still get at them, but they're not the first things I see when I open the wardrobe in the morning.

When it gets to this time of year, I always start longing for (and usually buying, because I have no restraint) really flamboyant, colourful and totally unsuitable for the weather clothes. This autumn it's the turn of the halter-necked circle skirt dress. I didn't have a specific one in mind (although, that said, if any mysterious Daddy-Long-Legs style benefactors are reading this, I really like this one by Tara Starlet from Aspire) Personally, I blame Natalie for looking so amazing when she wore one to a wedding) and also Amber for this photo, in which she looks incredible. Yeah, thanks ladies! Anyway, I was in Coventry on Saturday with Nic, Lysy and The Scientist, and I bought one. Pictures to follow when I wear the dress but needless to say, it's flamboyant and bright and completely unsuitable for the coming winter. It's fabulous, however, and I'd like another one.

I've been reading lots of interesting blogs recently about body image and personal style. Bright Side Dweller, Already Pretty and Rabbit Write have all made that part of my brain fire up. I didn't take care of myself physically when I was ill - I was finding eating very difficult because anxiety was making me feel sick all the time and, as a result, I lost weight. Not a huge amount, but enough to be noticeable to people who see me all the time and the variety of reactions I got to this has been really interesting and thought-provoking. Two people - a colleague and a good friend - pointed it out with a note of concern in their voices. A few more people commented on it as a compliment and, while I know they meant well, it was hard to take it as a compliment. When I looked in the mirror and could see my collar bones more prominently, for example, all I could see was how stress and anxiety had made something as basic as eating really bloody difficult. I didn't feel great about my body, I didn't feel good about anything.

I'm not setting up a fat/thin skinny woman/real woman thing here, it's not what I mean - just that, it bothers me that a physical manifestion of a negative emotional state could be seen as a good thing. No-one who commented meant anything shady in their comment at all, but it's sad that commenting on my weight could be thought of as a compliment. Other bloggers have written about this more eloquently than I have, so go and read the blogs I've linked to. I have noticed that, since I've been feeling better and eating better, how I feel about my body has improved. I've been dancing around the kitchen, enjoying cooking, taking pleasure in climbing the stairs or the brisk walk to the station in the morning and I've been wanting to wear brightly-coloured and ridiculous clothes again. This is nice, and it's another reason why I am glad and grateful to be feeling like myself again.

On the subject of food - my dinner has just gone in the oven (veggie sausage and chilli bean casserole) so it's time for me to say good evening to you all. Have a lovely Sunday evening!

Doctor, we're losing him! Well don't just stand there, Nurse. Get him some eggs chopped up in a cup!

Shoes! My new shoes arrived this morning!

Shoes No. 33: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa Lady Dragon Cherry shoes

I have a real weakness for peeptoe shoes, it seems. These pretties are even lovelier in real life, the cherries are amazing! I'm not sure how much chance I'll have to wear these as autumn is definitely drawing in, but a thing of beauty is a joy forever and there's always the spring.

Last night my lovely Nic took me out for a wee early evening date to Wilde's and I wore one of the Max C dresses I bought from Paul's of Aughnacloy:

Needless to say, I put on a cardigan and a coat before leaving the house! Wilde's was excellent. It was before dinner so it was very quiet and it was happy hour, so I got a large glass of wine for the price of a small one. I'm a simple pleasures kind of girl, what can I say? Nic and I had a really pleasant evening eating home made channa dall and watching an episode of The State Within. It turns out that it's not really about spies, and that I can follow it okay. Also, Jason Isaacs is HOT:

Mmmm...I think he's a bit like a posh English Jon Hamm. Or at least, he is in The State Within. Dishy!

I went back to work this week and it was surprisingly okay. As a way of getting me acclimatised to it I'm on somewhat modified duties and it really is helping to ease me back in. While my workplace is closing down, my job is not at threat at the moment but I will have the option to take voluntary redundancy at the end of January. This is what I'll do, I think. The redundancy terms are really generous and while the ideal situation would be to be able to start a new job straightaway I'll be able to manage if that isn't possible. Anyway, having a possible end date in mind is actually really soothing, so I'm largely feeling okay about my return to work. I'm keen not to run before I can walk, if you will forgive the cliche. One of the important things about having time away was the space to think about how things affect me, and how I can deal with it. I've been trying to apply CBT techniques to stressful situations and it isn't like a magic wand, but it does help me to feel more in control of myself. I'm a terrible one for spiralling, and this is something I feel like I'm gradually getting under control. We'll see though, I've got a few upcoming things that I'm feeling nervous about and I'm trying hard not to let my propensity for worry talk me out of doing things that are good for me. All in all, however, I am feeling a lot more like my old self, and long may it continue!

So, I'm going to have to cut this short here as Nic and I are having an early dinner tonight. Then I'm off out to meet the Sew Make Believe ladies. We're all expecting a Very Happy Event at some point over the next few weeks, and we're getting together to celebrate that. I plan to wear my cherry shoes over the weekend, with a bee-yoo-ti-ful sailor dress I bought from ebay so expect some pictures soon!

It's a southern expression, Joe. I saw it on Morse. It means 'crisps' and or 'nuts'.

I usually find myself feeling very melancholy on Sunday evenings, even if I don't have to go to work the following day. I'm not feeling that way this evening, at least not yet (maybe I will by bedtime) and it's really nice. It helps that Nic and I are watching Doctor Who and The Sea Devils (not quite as good as Doctor Who and The Silurians but it does have some really excellent exchanges between the Doctor and The Master) and that we have had a very lovely weekend.

I whiled away Friday afternoon by reading and pottering around while Nic got some work done. I'd had all sorts of plans for things I wanted to do, but in the event just reading and being lazy was just what I needed and wanted. Nic spoiled me for taking me out to dinner in the wonderful South Indian restaurant around the corner, Kayal. It was extremely busy, so much so that we were there for nearly two hours in the end. However, the food was excellent and the company even better and so I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I wore my new navy dress, courtesy of ebay:

Fever Sparkle dress and Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon shoes

I'm very pleased with this dress. It cost the ridiculous sum of £6.99 and was brand new with the tags still on. It's 100% silk as well. I'm not sure that it photographs all that well, but I like it all the same! Anyway, after a delicious dinner we went along to the Somerville Arms to celebrate lovely Tom's birthday. It was a strange evening in some respects because the crowd was very mixed but I was pleased to meet some new people and of course, I always have an excellent time in the Somerville. Also, I think Tom was pleased with his Doctor Who related gifts, though they may have seemed incomprehensible to some.

As usual, we ended up having a very late night, much later than planned. I was somewhat bleary-eyed when I dragged myself out of bed on Saturday morning but a strong cup of tea and a very hot shower got me going. Nic and I were going to Northampton and I wasn't sure what to expect (the lovely Bec having described it as the 'Middlesbrough of the South' the previous evening!) I know, Northampton may seem like a strange choice but there was method to our madness as we were going to a talk given by Alan Moore in the Guildhall.

I really didn't know what to expect of Northampton. Predictably enough the railway station was disgusting but I was pleasantly surprised to discover a really interesting town beyond it. Nic and I had a little bit of time before the talk and spent it exploring around the town centre. I found an absolutely brilliant vintage shop in Gold Street Mews called Kontraband. I was very good and didn't buy anything but I was so pleased to find it. The prices were very reasonable, the owner knowledgeable and they even had a gorgeous Horrockses dress and matching bolero for me to look at and caress! I'd go back to Northampton just for that little shop, to be honest, and some research tells me that there are a few more such treasures to be found in Northampton. We were lucky enough to stumble on an antiques market being held in the Market Square and had a very enjoyable browse around that before taking our seats in the Guildhall.

I don't know a great deal about Alan Moore. When Nic and I started going out he gave me Watchmen and V for Vendetta to read, and later From Hell as a Christmas gift. I enjoyed all of them a great deal, and each of them were mesmerising reads. He's an interesting figure also, and one of Nic's favourite writers so I was keen to hear him speak. The Guildhall was the perfect setting also, it's a really beautiful building. The talk had been arranged by the Northampton Sight Savers and the proceeds were going to charity.

Here I am with my ticket, starting to feel a little bit excited.

Alan Moore was fantastic, a really engaging and entertaining speaker. He gave us a brief history of Northampton and its various troublemaking sons and daughters, as well as giving two readings. One was of one of his short stories, entitled Partners in Knitting and the other was a poem about Northampton's impoverished Boroughs. He took questions (including one from me!) and finished the afternoon with a signing. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and was very struck by how kind and clever and funny Moore was. A highlight for me was seeing the seven year old boy who was sitting in our row having his copies of Watchmen and V for Vendetta signed. Alan Moore was delighted to find someone so young reading his books and warmly said so, much to the little boy's delight. Nic had some of his books signed and we had a very nice chat too - but you will be able to read about that over at Squeezegut Alley soon!

After the talk and signing Nic and I wandered up the beautiful St. Giles Street, stopping in St Giles Cheese to buy some cheese. And a cupcake, which was so good it almost (almost) made me reassess my feelings about cupcakes. Still, this one was only good because it didn't have too much frosting on it. I thoroughly enjoyed our day out in Northampton and we plan to go back. I'd like to explore the Guildhall more, and visit St Peter's Church on Marefare and also spend explore some more of Northampton's independent shops.

We were lucky with the trains home and arrived back in Leamington earlier than we'd planned, which was lovely because it meant we had the whole evening ahead of us. I treated Nic to a chippy tea from Lansdowne Fish Bar, and we caught up with Friday night's episode of New Tricks which was really excellent. It was such a wonderful, relaxed evening. Nic was on a bit of a high from meeting one of his favourite writers and we were two very happy people when we curled up in bed with a hot water bottle and our books for an early night. Of course, the planned early night didn't quite come to pass because I was so absorbed by my book, but nonetheless, I felt very happy.

We've had a simple Sunday today. I wanted to take some books and videos to the tip shop and having a browse there is a good Sundayish thing to do. I bought Nic a few records, and added to my collection of Illy cappuccino cups (for 20p!) We played on the swings, had a browse in the market and a picnic lunch in Clarendon Square. All of this was unexpectedly tiring and I ended up falling asleep on the sofa when I got home, but that's not unusual for me.

Black dress from Oasis (but it came to me secondhand) Purple cardigan from Warehouse and purple shoes from Faith

I pulled this black dress out of the wardrobe this morning. I really like it, but so rarely wear black that I often forget about it. It's a great dress for the autumn and winter because it's so versatile and I love the little bow on the neckline. I must make more of an effort to remember to wear it!

The past few days have been excellent. I've been so low over the past few months and feeling like this again is so wonderful. I feel happy and hopeful for the future, and it's so good, I hope that it continues!

Now, Nic and I are going to give The State Within a go this evening. I think it's about spies. I really hope I can follow it!

I consider myself to be a good judge of people. That's why I don't like any of them.

Last Friday the lovely Louise from Princess Prudence Diaries wrote a blog about her personal style, having been tagged by another blogger. As I have a few outfit photos to share from this week, I thought I'd take up the baton myself! So firstly, to the outfits...

Monday 4th October 2010. I'm wearing the Emma tunic by Fever, which I bought on Ebay. I wore it with the bottle green Oxfords I bought in Paris and some beads I bought in Topshop about 7 years ago. I'm calling this one for the Shoe Challenge as well because it's the first time I've officially worn the Oxfords. This dress is really cosy, and it has pockets. It's huge, though, even for a tunic, but I think it looks pretty good with my little patent belt.

Thursday 7th October 2010. This is one of the dresses I bought last week in Northern Ireland. It's from Tesco, surprisingly enough. I'd actually seen it in the Guardian a few days before and managed to buy it in the sale (it was already reduced, and then reduced by a further 20% at checkout) I don't usually buy clothes in the supermarket (in fact I try to avoid shopping in the supermarket when I can) but I thought the classic style of this would mean I'd wear it for a good few years to come. I'm wearing it with suede bow court shoes from Topshop and my Joules Dunscombe bag.

Friday 8th October 2010. I'm wearing my much-loved Fever Maisy dress with a black cardigan and my new United Nude peep toe shoes. I'm having a bit of a navy thing at the moment, I've painted my nails with Barry M Nail Paint in navy! I'm not sure about the shoes with the dress. I like the clashing stripes, or at least I think I do! I'm going out tonight to celebrate a friend's birthday and have another navy dress to wear, pictures to follow over the weekend!

And on to the questions...

1. What's your favourite fashion accessory?

This is a tough one to answer! I really like hats. Hats, and handbags. The handbags thing is reflected in the fact that I was given three handbags for my birthday this year! I have a relatively small hat collection and, while I don't like to play favourites, I'm looking forward to being able to wear my bowler hat a bit more this winter:

2. Who is your fashion role model?

I don't have one particular fashion role model. In fact, I'm not sure how well I get on with the idea because while I might admire Katharine Hepburn's style, she and I have such drastically different bodies it wouldn't do to try to emulate her. I really enjoy reading blogs and take inspiration from people like Amber, Fi and Caroline because all of them are like me - trying to strike a balance between paying the bills and dressing fabulously! I won't lie to you, I am definitely influenced by what I see on TV and in films. Like almost every other woman in the English speaking world, I love the clothes on Mad Men and sometimes I'll decide to have a Joan day and sometimes a Betty day. I love the clothes on Sex and The City, even the ridiculous ones. And of course, I have a weakness for the beautiful evening dresses sported by Myrna Loy as Nora Charles in the Thin Man movies.

3. What do you always carry with you?

A book, my mobile phone, lip balm of some description (I have many of these) and my purse.

4. How would you describe your style?

Well, I would definitely always rather be overdressed than underdressed. I think I'm fairly flamboyant. I love wearing bright colours and interesting shoes. I try to combine this with more classic shapes that flatter my figure. I think I'm stylish rather than fashionable.

5. What's your favourite - jeans, heels or sunglasses?

Ha, clearly heels. I have a weakness in that direction, as regular readers of my blog will already know!

6. What inspired you to blog about fashion?

I don't just blog about fashion. What inspired me to start blogging about what I'm wearing and what I think about fashion was a mixture of things. Undoubtedly, I was influenced by other bloggers. I also wanted to think a bit more about what I wear and what suits me. Taking fairly regular outfit shots has helped me to do that, and encouraged me to feel good about myself as well.

7. What is your favourite fashion store?

I have a debilitating weakness for dresses from Fever. I've bought some from their shop, some from ebay (many from ebay), some from Aspire Style...you get the picture! I've had good success from ebay generally, as well as from charity shops. I do like vintage shopping as well, and I'm becoming increasingly proficient at making my own clothes, which makes me very happy!

8. What's your favourite clothing fabric?

It's hard to beat cotton. I don't mind man-made fibres too much but I am really fussy about what I'll put on my skin. I hate that fabric that makes a crackly sound when you stretch it!

9. Who are your favourite designers?

I don't know if I really have favourite designers. I'm not too bothered about designer labels in terms of clothing. I would love a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, and maybe one day I'll buy a pair (I love Amber's Very Very wedges) I think I'm more attracted to clothes that make me feel good, rather than the name on the label. That said, I wouldn't turn down the opportunity to wear a Vivienne Westwood dress!

10. What or who inspires your style?

It might sound really lame, but I wear what I like. I buy things that I look good in, and that make the most of the features I like about myself. I have so many shoes because I like my legs and my dainty feet, for example. I do also take inspiration from my friends, all of whom are truly fabulous and stylish.

11. Would you choose to buy something high quality or make it yourself if you could?

Since I have been learning to sew, my concept of what is 'high quality' has changed a bit. I'm not saying that I'm no longer interested in shop bought things, but it is nice to look at something and think that I could make it myself. So I'm going to sit on the fence here and say both.

And that's it. I'm not going to tag anybody, but if you're reading along feel free to do this one yourself, of course!

Other than that, I am short on news. I've had a quiet week, enlivened a little by the fact that I bought some more shoes. I know. In my defence...no, hang on, I have no defence. They were on sale, they were pretty, and as they haven't arrived yet I'll have to provide a picture from elsewhere on the internets:

Yes, more Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa Lady Dragons (phew!) Alex alerted me to the fact that these had been reduced to £33 in the Asos sale so after about a minute and a half of dithering over whether to buy them or not, I bought them. I figured, I love my other Lady Dragons so much I knew that I'd wear these a lot. And, you know, CHERRIES. After a short time of dithering, Alex bought herself a pair too. And weren't we the clever girls to do it, because almost immediately afterwards the price jumped to £66. Maybe Asos had made a mistake, but who cares. I got some shoes with cherries on! Pictures to follow when they arrive and I'm prancing around in them. Until then, you can see them on Amber, who wore them here and here.

And with that, I'm off. Happy Friday, everybody!

I'm no good at judging the size of crowds Ted, but I'd say there's about seventeen million of them out there.

Good grief, I can't believe it's Tuesday evening already. This week is going to slip away without me accomplishing anything, if I'm not careful. I'm taking steps though, one of them being writing this blog. I'm good, aren't I? Virtuous and all that jazz. Heh.

I thought about writing a comprehensive blog about the week Nic and I spent with my family in Northern Ireland but I think instead I'll just give you the edited highlights. My dinner is in the oven, you see. We had such a good week, and of course it just flew by! Our first full day at home was Sunday and it was rather lazily spent. My sisters were away, so my parents, my brother and Nic and I headed over to Cookstown for a browse around the shops. Actually, we mainly went because there is a cafe there that my dad just loves. He likes it so much he'll drive 15 miles for one of their peanut butter and banana bagels. That's what we did, and the bagels were worth the drive! We spent the afternoon watching Laurel and Hardy DVDs with my mum and dad, which was great fun indeed.

Monday saw us pottering around in Dungannon. The weather was grand - cold, but dry, so we went up onto Castle Hill to get a good look at the view:

Dungannon might not be much of a tourist spot but as it's my home town I always enjoy a day rambling around it, with the obligatory coffee in Menary's of course! Nic and I walked home via the Black Lough, which is also very beautiful:

My official photographer (Nic) thought this would be a good place to take an outfit shot for me:

Smurfette dress (Colette Patterns Macaron) and Converse, worn with the Fever Paddington coat. That dress is staying blue, by the way!

We spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday pottering around the house, which was lovely. Nic undertook his scientfic experiment to see which crisps taste better, Tayto or Tayto:

He's not too sure about the Tayto we bought in Dublin...

Looking a bit happier here, with Tayto in Dungannon (clearly this photo is taken in a supermarket, we did leave the house once or twice!)

Happiness. Tayto NI are the clear winner here. I wish this was one big bag, but it was an 18 bag multipack.

I wanted to get in on the action too.We didn't buy both big bags.

Tayto NI FTW, then. This wasn't the only shopping we did in Tesco. I don't usually like to shop in the supermarket, but neither of us could resist the clothing sale and so Nic bought a few pairs of jeans (for the first time ever, since I've known him. He looks good in them, though!) and I bought a dress. I don't like the idea of cheap throwaway clothes but the garments we bought, while not exactly classic pieces, will be worn and loved and well cared for so I didn't feel overwhelmingly guilty. Nor do I feel guilty about the two Max C dresses I bought in the sale in Paul's of Aughnacloy - photos to follow when I wear them, but you can get a preview here (I bought the blue one, and Nic bought me the red one)

We were blessed with gorgeous weather on Tuesday and Wednesday so made the most of it. My parents' fruit trees were bearing fruit, so we picked some plums and some delicious sweet apples:

Nic picking some plums

A crop of delicious sweet apples

We also spent some time with my parents' dogs, Paddy and Minnie, taking them for a walk out the road and up the hills around our house:

Minnie is every bit as evil as she looks

On Thursday we headed to Ballymena with my parents and my brother. My brother had an appointment at a specialist dentist and was told he'd be unable to drive home, so my dad drove. I'd never been to Ballymena before, and I thought it was pretty nice. Good independent shops and charity shops, and a few really nice cafes. While my poor brother was being worked on by the dentist from Little Shop of Horrors, I did some shoe shopping. I bought these United Nude heels, greatly reduced in the sale:

Shoes number 32: United Nude peep toe heels

Nic was in need of a nap when we got back from Ballymena, so I went out with Daddy. He was doing a bit of work in the home of my first ever teacher, Mrs Connolly, so I went along with him. It was so nice to see her again - the last time had been when I was five years old or thereabouts, and she was exactly as I remembered her! Later that evening Nic and I went out to my favourite bar in Dugannon, Hagan's. We were meeting my good friend Paul, and a few drinks in Hagan's has become something of a tradition. It was a fab night, and we even had our photos taken for the Hagan's website! (as yet they haven't gone up)

On Friday we caught the bus down to Belfast. It was such a lovely day, a bit cold and changeable but the right sort of day to see Belfast. I had a browse around the various vintage shops while Nic bought some comics, and we had a delicious lunch in Little Wing Pizzeria on Ann Street. In the afternoon we went up to the Lisburn Road to meet a dear friend, E. She and her boyfriend had just got engaged so it was extremely exciting to see her and catch up with all her gossip, and hear some of her wedding ideas! On our way home from Belfast we called in to see my grandma and aunt, before getting home for dinner.

On Saturday we were flying back from Dublin, but luckily our flight wasn't leaving too early. We had time to stop in Aughnacloy to have breakfast in Coffee Bean and call into Essential Hair, so I was able to say bye to both of my sisters.

It was a thoroughly lovely week at home and it really did me good. It was wonderful to just spend time with my folks and I came back to Leamington feeling much more like myself. It makes me very happy to see Nic with my family as well, he fits in so well and is able to cope with the relentless teasing he gets from them!

Also, it was a very educational week. Nic and I don't have TV so a week of watching TV at home taught me LOTS. Mainly that I don't need TV, but some other gems I picked up included:

1. Shoulders are your best friend, and they're also the greatest gift you can give to yourself (thanks fashion stylist lady on Ireland AM)

2. Shoes are designed to be worn on your feet (seriously)

3. You can sleep in a tent hanging off the side of a cliff (this was in a reality show in the arctic with Shane Ritchie)

4. Don't call round to Gerard McSorley's house unless you have been invited. He doesn't like it. (I learned this when watching Veronica Guerin)

5. If you need to stake out a cowboy builder, Dominic Littlewood is your man.

So, all in all it was a very enjoyable week, and I'm already looking forward to getting home at Christmas. I have some outfit shots from this week, but I'll share them with you in a blog post tomorrow.