H

I was going to do this yesterday but it turned out to be busy.

I had a meeting at ten at Costa's to talk about a big work project.

I went to the local soft play ( Quayside kids) with my wonderful friend A and her gorgeous daughter ( who is my mini- me). While she bounced and ran around, we drank tea and had a good chin wag. What a combination: kids happy and getting fit, mums have peace and getting their jaws fit.

I went to buy a new handbag at a local farm shop ( a black Ameri- bag/ shoulder bag- have you heard of them?) with my mum. We had tea and chatted ( more jaw exercises!)

I went to get weighed. My diet started on Wednesday morning. I have lost four pounds. Hurray. It's hard work but at least I can still drink coffee.

I went to a birthday party last night at our good friends D and M. It was very jolly, even though I wasn't drinking or gobbling down the gorgeous buffet and sticky birthday cake. Bright side: you can still enjoy yourself without partaking, and we didn't need a taxi home. I could drive!

So, now that other half and teenager have gone to rugby, I have some peace to do my 'H''s.

Harrods- I could go every day. I would go for a cappucino in the foodhall, laze round the perfumes and cosmetics, lust after the fab handbags and leisure goods, have sushi for lunch, go and shop in the stationery department, have a look at the clothes. And the next day- do it all again.

Harvey Nichols - same again

Hagaan Daaz- pralines and cream. That is why I am on the diet perhaps?

Hearts- valentine's day is coming... and I love heart jewellery.

Husband- I love him to pieces ( even if he does support Man Utd)

Hypnotherapy a cd a day keeps stress at bay

Honey- healing and tasty

Hotel- Four Seasons in Paris. To die for.

Halloween- all that dressing up and fun.

HANDBAGS- my grand passion. For some folks it's shoes, clothes... for me its bags. Favourite brands Louis Vuitton ( but I don't have a bag sadly ....yet...) and Mulberry.

Health- I am so happy and blessed to have mine back, and I thank God every day. Carpe Diem.

Spooks and Ghouls- a dead night

Have to admit being a bit disappointed last night. There has been such a build up all week to Halloween, and so many promises of fireworks too ( much as I hate them, I love bonfires). We booked a meal out at the local pub last night and expected much festivity. The pub (which is usually packed out) was dead quiet ( excuse the pun) and there was a singer on who made every song sound the same ( three cords on the guitar etc). He did the Eagles, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen and it was indistinguishable! He was very keen and well meaning though, bless him

The only sign of Halloween life other than the decorations ( see pictures taken by teenager!) was the pumpkin and garlic soup.

In desperation teenager asked if we could have drive round to see if there was 'anything going on'. We saw- nothing. It was so quiet. Suddenly- one firework, and then nothing more. I read during the week that if you want to buy fireworks here in Northern Ireland you have to have a licence. That seems fair enough- until you discover that they cost £30 each! Aggh! No wonder folk are put off....