CURLY AND CANDID

On Valentine’s day I received a big red box from the post-lady. At first I was a bit panicked because Roy and I don’t do Valentine’s and if he’d had a change of heart about this then I was going to have to go and buy something for him quickly. Fortunately there was no need for me to join the 14th Feb shopping madness as this box was from Warner Brothers- for me!

I’d forgotten Warner Brothers had said they were sending something out to be honest so when I realise it was a lovely surprise. Why am I mentioning this now over a month after the loved-up day? Well, I’ve only just finished the films. Roy and I watched Crazy Stupid Love on St Vals (excellent film!), my youngest sister and I watched Valentine’s Day a few days later and I’ve watched a few during those magical two and half hours when my youngest has his afternoon nap. Talk about guilty pleasure!

Sent for St Val’s but perfect for any time, which has got me thinking…. gift ideas! Roy and I have a big family. I am one of six siblings and he is one of fourm then there are inlaws and nieces and nephews, not to mention parents. Thinking up original gift ideas which aren’t going to bankrupt us isn’t the easiest task but thanks to Warner Brothers this Xmas, and possibly a few birthdays are now sorted.

I’d do a themed box of films with popcorn and chocs. Not only are these great looking presents but not hugely expensive and as you can pick up DVD’s, choc and what not over a period of time they are perfect those those sticking to a gift budget.

The Julia Roberts box (obviously including Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride etc). I might end up keeping this though, I am a BIG fan of Julia and more so Mr Gere.
An action box, perfect for brother-in-laws.
War film for Dad?

So, if you were going to make a box up which theme or actor/actresses would you theme it around?

*Please be aware that I may steal any ideas posted in comments and blatantly pass them off as my own when using them for family gifts.

Yesterday I was child free for no fewer that FIVE hours, a hardcore work day and a half with lots achieved (thanks Mum, thanks primary school!).
Today looks set to be slightly different. First of all I have Taylor at home, secondly I have a veg box delivery, then three or four couriers arriving (one of which had better contain the new printer ink!), a phone call or three and a new suite being delivered.

Just your average day in the realm of the working Mum! I have furniture on top of furniture, I can’t currently get to the kettle (this is going to cause a problem at some point), I believe the house-phone is on the sofa which has a large armchair on top of it and I’m pretty sure that *ding* sound was an email from an editor wanting a new piece doing “like yesterday”.

I’m not phased by this madness, in fact this is quite tame really but seems worse because of the quiet and organised environment I enjoyed so much yesterday.
I have fallen back on my trusty to-do list to get me through everything.

Don’t freak out.
Don’t touch the armchair on top of the sofa, it will fall on you.
Consider ringing the furniture delivery company to see if they can deliver a takeaway coffee at the same time as the suite.
Assume that you gave your work mobile number to everyone due to call and forget the missing house phone.
Do pieces of work x,y and z and have a coff….doh! Drink water, it is better for you.
Check emails and work out how to silence the *ping* noise that sounds super loud when it is new work with a short deadline.
Send invoices, this will cheer you up no end.
Sod it. Do what you can, deal with the furniture people, try not to get squashed, arrange for the old suite to be picked up and do some admin that can be stopped and started as required. Today is not going to be a head down and produce millions of words types of day so don’t force it. You have already decided to work this evening while the kids are in bed.
Ask neighbour to make a coffee.

Yes, as super organised and calm as I usually am (cough), it seems that I am just going to have to embrace the fact that today is not going to be the most productive type of day, stop fretting and move on.

And find some sodding coffee!!!

For film addicts and gift shoppers

The Working Mum – the less productive edition