Don't Look Back in Anger

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And so we come to the end of another year. Am I sorry to say goodbye to 2010? No. Not in the slightest.
For me the year has been somewhat surreal, spending four months of it in hospital and changing more than I ever thought possible (both physically and mentally). I'm lucky, and oh so thankful to be here now, to wave goodbye to 2010 and beckon in a fresh start.

What this year has taught me:

- My friends and family really are the best. Massive thanks to them for sticking by me, I couldn't have done it without them.

- The kindess of strangers can be truly overwhelming. The support I recieved from fellow bloggers blew me away. Every e-mail, comment, text, letter, parcel (and in a couple of cases, visits) was, and always will be treasured.
Thank you. ALL of you.

- I am stronger and more capable than I ever realised.

- Life is not defined by numbers. Weighing X vs Y vs Z doesn't actually change what you feel in your head.

- My tights obsession knows no bounds.

- Red hair is FUN.

- There are some truly inspiring people in the world. And new friends are as valueable as old (this one's a shout out to the girls I met on the unit, I love you ALL...)

- Flash just gets cuter by the year.







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I know I sound sappy and sentimental, but to everyone who reads and supports adaisychaindream,
who has provided an oppurtunity to try and wear things I otherwise wouldn't be able to,
who's left sweet comments, sound advice and general randomness,

Thank YOU.

Lets make 2011 count.

xxx

penultimate

We're so very nearly at the end of 2010, I can't be the only one breathing a massive sigh of relief?
Today is the day where I finalise my resolutions, go pottering and generally try not to dwell of the year that wasn't.

The snow we had on the ground has long gone, replaced with mist and dreary grey skies,
so I counteracted that with a bright outfit!



I love this dress, it was given to me by a friend and it always makes me happy. The different coloured spots means it lends itself well to many a colour tights, but green remains my favourite.





You can also better see the cardigan I bought on boxing day. I have lived in this since. I'm tempted to go back for the cream one too, though me and cream is just a disaster waiting to happen!
My only other sales buy so far is a gorgeous leopard print skirt from River Island which I plan to wear very soon!

Tomorrow = a look back at the year

Saturday = a lie in, and a resolutions post.

Are you ready to embrace 2011? What's been your high and low point of 2010?

I'm With The Designer

I'M WITH THE DESIGNER is a Street Style Brand founded in 2010, with a focus on quirky, stylish and effortlessly cool jewellery and casual wear.
Already proving popular, it is now being sold online at BIG CARTEL. I'M WITH THE DESIGNER will soon also be available in selected London boutique stores and other online stores.

Hayley Scott is a fellow blogger and the brains behind the brand, she got in touch with me to let me know her shop had launched today, and I thought I'd share the love. There is a lot more to come from this girl, so watch this space! My favourite picks so far...






1. I'm with the designer cotton tee, £12

2. Sugarpie Hunnybunch necklace, £15

3. Boss Lady necklace, £16

4. Fabulous Necklace, £10

Add I'm with the designer on Facebook and get 20% off for a limited time!

In the New Year expect a photo shoot and lookbook, too!

What do you think?

xxx

29th

Well, I survived Ikea yesterday, I think it took us longer to get in to the place than it did to get around it, and I got what I wanted, which was some cheap white plates and bowls for ceramic painting.
The Cath Kidston sale was awesome, although I ended up buying full price stuff! There was so much I wanted that it was easier to resist the sale altogether, really.

I ended up with egg cups (which match my plate and bowl)

And this sweet little purse. I was orignially going to get the blue version, which was in the sale, but loved this colour more.

If your a fan of Cath Kidston (and have more money than I do) get yourself down there!

Today's outfit is a bit of a random combination, but it's warm, comfortable and I'm past caring what I look like for now!





I look so dumpy without shoes on, haha. Oh dear.

This is my winter coat which was my main Christmas gift from my parents. The photo does it no justice at all, but it's no longer on the M&S website so I can't show you how it's supposed to look! The material is fine cord and it's just so warm, without being bulky.



I'm also wearing this charming bangle, of which my Mum has matching. It's her favourite quote ever and means a lot to the both of us.



What are everyone's New Years plans? I'll probably stay in (just for a change) with my parents and brother, unless anyone wants to invite me to their wild party! I can't afford pubs and clubs, especially not on NYE!

xxx

the inbetween

I love the days inbetween Christmas and New Year. Everything slows down, emphasised by the manic of Pre-Festivity organisation.
The days lend themselves perfectly to spending time with family and exploring new belongings. Yesterday was a perfect example...a quiet morning of nail painting and reading, a drive with Mum, a peaceful evening and two games of scrabble (I am yet to win a game)

This is an appalling photo, but it shows (kind of) the cardigan I got from New Look







Oh hello beaten up hands.

Today is shopping day...Park Street; Cath Kidston Sale, YES PLEASE
and Ikea...not so thrilled!

How do you spend the inbetween days?

Presents

Because I love seeing what other people got!

(missing is my Winter Coat, that will be shown at some point and a gorgeous tea set from a friend)

I also didn't get the rabbit bear, that's Pie who you've seen before, the outfit was a present *still a child*

Has anyone hit the highstreet yet? I haven't, bar passing through town en route to the grandparents, where I picked up a cardi I'd wanted from New Look for £12. Tomorrow my parents, brother and I are going to Park Street and Ikea...HELP!

xxx

Festive Outfits + Chritmas Stocking

Hello!
So..who had a good Christmas? and who was Spoilt Rotten?

*raises hand on both counts*

I think we had the most relaxed Christmas ever, it was just...perfect, really. So relaxed that I forgot to take any photos, but as long as my memory holds out that'll be rectified today when we pay our Boxing Day visit to my grandparents.

I do have photos of my Christmas Eve and Day outfits though!







Christmas Eve- New Look velvet bodycon dress under F&F couture (Tesco) skirt. I wore this to work's lunchtime Christmas party where I was welcomed aboard and given a gift of tights from the partners...yeah, I'm gonna fit in just fine there! Christmas Eve was otherwise quiet with a couple of friends dropping in...Best Friend knows me too damn well; tights, marmite chocolate and a Solid Perfume from Lush (about the only product from there I'm not allergic to!)







Mum still takes great pleasure in putting together a stocking for me! She always gets it spot on! I think my favourite item was the gloves (no more cold hands) or the little mouse ring I'd fallen in love with from ASOS.

Main presents included a new winter coat from M&S, loads of craft stuff (ceramic painting and sewing), makeup, nail stuff and oodles of gifts from friends...tights, tea set..the list is endless. I'm a very spoiled girl.

My gifts to people appear to have been a success, which means a lot to me.

For the day itself I wore this dress which cost the grand sum of £7 from TK MAXX. It's loose shape makes it perfect for festive feasting!



Anyway,
I hope everyone had a fantastic day! Tell me what you got,
any truly laughable gifts?

Much love xxx

Twas The Night Before Christmas

(image from weheartit)

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Merry Christmas darling readers. I hope you have a fantastic day however you spend it!

the night before the night before

Ack, tomorrow is Christmas Eve! Scary stuff. I don't ever start feeling truly festive until after we've celebrated Mum's birthday...so here's to Santa hats and glitter all round!

Mum thanks you all deeply for the birthday wishes, she was really touched by them. I think she had a nice day,
we ended up going on an epic trek to post Christmas cards through doors yesterday as the roads mean driving isn't a very wise idea. Oh man 2 hours later and numb from cold we were regretting that idea!



I wear this jumper dress entirely too much! I love it though the baggy shape is somehow flattering and I always get a bunch of compliments. These tights remain my current favourite, I'm trying to narrow down my Tabio wishlist as I'm hoping to expand my tights collection somewhat in the new year...I mean, why not get in to triple figures? I'm almost there!



I can't resist posting photos of Flash, he's just so...easy to capture (he doesn't move very fast these days!). He's such a sweetheart in his old age and just loves to cuddle.



I'm so in love with this necklace from MyFlashTrash and I'm more than a little bit obsessed with the site! The owner, Amber has a real eye for sourcing unusual designs from new and emerging talent and there are new arrivals almost daily.

And finally...I have a JOB! I was offered it last week (nothing majorly exciting, admin at a doctors surgery) but kept quiet until I'd made relevant phonecalls and it was all official. It's going to be 12 hours a week which isn't an awful lot but I haven't worked in so long I'm excited to get back in to it!

And that's it.

Are you all ready for Christmas now?

xxx

Special

(from weheartit)

Today is someone's Birthday. A someone who is very precious to me. Someone who has seen me through the toughest times without ever losing faith. Someone who is like a best friend as well as a mother.

Happy Birthday Mum
(please don't kill me when you see this post).







"Dance like no one is watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like no one is listening, Live like it's heaven on earth"



Have an amazing day, you deserve it

xoxox

rough around the edges

I'm still poorly, I hate having a cold, my head feels all fuzzy and gross. I couldn't resist wearing my latest buy though, this knitted skirt from Clothing at Tesco...a perfect winter warmer at £14! Ohhh annoying, checking just now it's since gone in the sale!

I ended up teaming it with a jumper stolen long ago from my brother, purely for the comfort and warmth factor. I do need to venture out in the snow and ice later, but I'll be well concealed by layer upon layer.





And for laughs, a picture of me bundled up against the cold yesterday. The hat is so ridiculous but it totally keeps me warm!



xxx

Monday looks like

Full of cold,
blizzard like weather outside...






that leads to a Flash dedicated post. More kitty spam of him in his hat and scarf. I wish you could hear how loud he purrs when he wears it!

xxx

Random Snaps from Saturday

Just a typical day, but I thought I'd share a few photos.










What has your weekend looked like?