How do you spread your festive cheer?

The lovely bloggers behind some of the blogs that I read either have babies or are about to have babies, and I think that Christmas must be so much lovelier with children in the house.

So as I was searching for Christmas decorations and all-things Christmas (just for me not because of any children!) I was amazed at the amount of kiddie-related decorations that I came across, either with Baby's 1st Christmas or My First Stocking.

I also came across these wonderful baby photo cards with Christmas themes (and even without for other seasons). You can choose from their background images or you can upload your own and then you add a photo of your child/children to send to your friends and family.

Aren't they just the cutest thing to send to relatives abroad who may not have seen your child yet? I just love the personalized nature of them (which is something that we're losing because everyone sends emails or Facebook messages) and I think it's sad because receiving cards in the mail is such fun. As is sending them :)

Do you send Christmas (or Season's Greetings) cards to your friends and family?

Homebody

I'm back home. It's nice to be back. The comfort and the familiarity of everything around me is something that is always nice to come back to. Although I did enjoy London, especially because I've been there so many times that I feel comfortable walking around the city. I 'know' the area and I'm used to the Tube system and the people. I'm also used to the shopping of which I did a lot! :) I had a great time going round the shops in my spare time and buying new clothes and new things. I increased my suitcase weight by 11kg! I didn't actually manage to buy everything that I wanted. I'm still after a pair of black trousers. Why are they always so difficult to find?? I did, however, buy other trousers and jeans, several tops, accessories and my star purchase - a gorgeous pair of high heeled black lacquered court shoes. I also bought some items for Paul, including COD Black Ops, which I understand is what most women are currently complaining about because the game is garnering more attention than they are!

London Trip

London

This is where I currently am. I'm attending a conference on Social Media - and also getting in some shopping, theatre and family and friends while I'm here.

I went to watch Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre this evening and it was such fun! The audience comprised 98% females and 2% males! It was such a lively, fun and high vitality show and I'm so glad that I did go and watch it. (I was somewhat apprehensive about going alone and travelling alone but it was fine).

Tomorrow is the second and final day of the conference, which means another delicious lunch at the Marriott Hotel -very posh!- then it should be dinner with a friend and Friday morning I'm back on the plane and heading back home.

Revenance - One to Watch

Yesterday evening we attended a local theatre production entitled Revenance. You would not have seen it or heard of it before because it's an entirely original script written by Malcolm Galea (of Porn - The Musical fame).

The production lasted just an hour and it was absolutely brilliant. I loved the idea and the way it was written, but more than that the way it was performed. It was thought-provoking and intense and you needed to pay attention. But it was also humorous which added a nice touch. 

If this play is ever performed again (outside of Malta) then do yourselves a favour and go and watch it. If you are in Malta, then it's on tonight (Sunday) and next weekend (19 - 21 Nov) at MITP so book your tickets now. You can then grab some dinner after the show because it finishes by 9:30 p.m.

We went to a lovely little restaurant in Valletta called La Mer. And it really was little - no more than 30 covers! In fact we took the last available table and were warned that the food might take a while; however, that was fine by us, at least they had the decency and foresightedness to inform us. The menu was lovely and varied with specialisations in Arabic, Indian, Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine. We first had an Arabic platter to share which was very tasty and then had an Indian dish as a main which was also lovely and filling. Their dessert menu is somewhat plain unfortunately but what they have is still delicious. We'll definitely go back because there are so many other dishes that I want to try!

Ode to my Man

Yesterday was cinema night. We've had a cinema voucher pending for about 2 months and we finally set a date and went to watch a film. We first had a spot of dinner at a chicken place by the cinema (very nice; and even though they first got us the wrong order their handling of it was very good so we'll return) and then went to watch Life As We Know It because we had seen previews of it on TV and it seemed funny enough.

We really enjoyed it and I recommend that you watch it if you enjoy romantic comedies that aren't too slushy. Paul enjoyed it so it passes the 'man' test :)

However, before we went in to the theatre we were watching previews of forthcoming films and they showed Harry Potter (for which I obviously got very excited) and then P says the sweetest thing: Let's see if we can book tickets now for opening night.

Alas, we couldn't book then. But it was still such a sweet thought.

Blogger Secret Santa

Are you interested in being part of a blogger Secret Santa?

Then head over to the Novelista Barista's Secret Santa post and sign up. You have until November 15 to do so.

The more, the merrier :) Let me know if you're signing up by leaving me a comment!

Happiness is a Butterfly

I saw this quote on my friend's Google Buzz so I thought I'd share it with you.

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you

- Nathaniel Hawthorne

November Planning

Did you all have a great Halloween? I spent mine at the theatre for Death of a Doornail which was well-received and audiences seemed to have fun with it.

And now it's November and I've got my evenings back - yes, I had been moaning about this a bit; however, despite not having packed evenings November is proving to be a rather eventful month - in the good way.

We've got events happening every weekend with concerts, plays, stand-up comedy and the cast party of DoaD. And in between all that there's my trip to London which I'm very much looking forward to. I'm attending a Social Media conference which should be interesting; however, I've got a few free hours available on my first day and I plan on getting some shopping done. I need some new clothes badly!!!

These are just a couple of items that I've got in mind...

I love this Accessorize bag but it's too expensive to buy in Malta so I'm going to treat myself

I've been wanting tall boots for a long time now but I've got wide calves and it's a nightmare. These are New Look, however I'm going to need to try on!

Sensible, high court shoes with a steady heel - simple choice from New Look!

I'm going to check out the jeans at GAP because the pair that I bought about 10 years ago are still in excellent condition!