Dear Janet, lovely to hear from you and so glad that you are enjoying the blogs. I write them for you! 🙂 Yes, The Holiday along with Love Actually, Notting Hill and Four Weddings are all films I really enjoy watching over and over again. Thank you for your kind words – I have a very clever hairstylist and it’s easy for me to look after it myself although the colour needs doing regularly. Have a great week, Love Ali xx

Hi there Pam, and thank you for your kind words. I will pass them on to my sister. Delighted to know that you enjoy the weekly Diamonique shows – there will be another one tomorrow – and I completely agree with you about the quality and the prices. I have done a lot of sorting out in the house because of the work and I’ve discovered I have a huge amount of Diamonique jewelry that I bought over the years. It is definitely some of my favourite pieces. Take care too and thank you for writing, love Ali XX

Hi there Martin and happy New Year to you too! I hope you are enjoying the Olympics – the athletes also skilful and incredibly brave I feel to launch themselves down such steep slopes or go on a bob sleigh! I’d rather be paddling somewhere warm 🙂 Love Ali x

Dear Anne, you are right I am lucky that Colin can do most of these things himself he will be bringing in a carpenter and a plasterer too in a wee while. I’m sorry you’re still househunting although I’m delighted you can make the best of your daughter’s hospitality as it were! What did you think of the Finery dress? I hope it wasn’t too long for you at the midi length? Glad you’re enjoying the special events that we are running – if you follow me on Instagram or Facebook I tend to update and give notice so you can get in quickly for the bargains! I hope you have a great week ahead, Love Ali xx

Belated happy birthday to you Tina and I’m glad your boyfriend took you out and spoilt you with a fish lunch! I’m sure you looked great in your Frank Usher leggings and sparkly jumper. Yes, the renovations are progressing – say but surely – but it needs a lot of vision to imagine what it’s going to be like at the moment! Thank you for your recommendations. I did start to watch The Responder but found it quite agitating so I’m going to give it a second go. We are very much enjoying The Bay though and Trigger Point is brilliant! I hope you’ve enjoyed the weekend, love Ali xx

Hi Elaine, to be honest Colin is the one who’s busy with the renovations but I’ve been doing all the packing which after nine years of stuffing things into cupboards and under beds has been a revelation! Lots of things to the skip but a great deal to charity and I know our home will be cleaner for it! 🙂 I love a recommendation, and the Christmas Day meal sounds great at The White Horse. I think Jo and I ought to book ourselves in early this year. Very glad that you enjoyed your time and it shows – there will be one tomorrow! Love Ali XX

Hi there Cherry, it does sound as though you know exactly what is going on in my life at present, and have been through it already. I don’t think I could bear the thought of moving out and on, if I put that much work into somewhere but it’s all about making the right decisions. Renting is a great idea though if you want to avoid the mess next time! I hope you liked the dress, although probably would’ve been more like full length if you are a petite. I am certain they will bring different links in as we had towards summer. Thanks for keeping in touch, love Ali x

Dear Susan, I’m very lucky I know to have family and such close friends nearby and I highly recommend a visit to that lovely pub. But you’re right when you talk about juggling life and work and family etc. It can be difficult and I’m just praying that the rising prices don’t scupper our budget! It’s taken the years to save up to do this but it will be worth it. Thanks for keeping in touch and I hope you and yours are well, love Ali X