Ellenarnison

LATEST ARTICLES ( 927 )

• A Home Makeover - the Quick Way

  

  I have a problem. On the one hand I love to live somewhere beautiful, well-decorated that brings me joy, yet, on the other I'm too idle and impatient to be... Read more

  Posted on 17 April 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• The Things We Learned in Donegal

  

  We're still shaking the sand out of our turn-ups because last week we harnessed the Bundance pony and trotted off to Ireland. Here's what we learned: Boo:... Read more

  Posted on 13 April 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Anger: When the Rules Get Broken?

  

  What boils your water? Is there something that sets your teeth on edge? Do you know what's going to make you see red? Will you be vexed or incandescent? Read more

  Posted on 11 April 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Things I've Learned from Family Camping in the Winter...

  

  The bucket list: A lengthy, specific list of wonderful, exciting and exotic things I'm intending to do before I die. One of the things on it is not 'go camping... Read more

  Posted on 30 March 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• International Women's Day - What Does Making It Happen Really Mean?

  A Sunday ponder: International Women's Day. What's it all about? Of course I'm in support, why wouldn't I be? Obviously, it's important and, without doubt, the... Read more

  Posted on 08 March 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Why Middle-aged Women Make the Best Spies

  

  James Bond's time is up, MI5 has come to its senses. British spy bosses have announced that they're keen to recruit more middle-aged women to the ranks of the... Read more

  Posted on 07 March 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• 5X50 Challenge - Springing into Action

  

  I know it's snowing outside, but soon it'll get warmer, brighter and springier. Then there will be no excuse for skulking by the fire. Read more

  Posted on 02 March 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• 5 Benefits of Quitting Smoking

  According to surveys, approximately two-thirds of smokers would like to break the habit, but only 30 to 40 per cent try to quit every year. Read more

  Posted on 02 March 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Do Something About Dementia: Give My Sister Your Money!

  

  My sister is a remarkable woman. She runs a successful - award-winning even - pharmacy business, keeps a dog, two small boys and a wife happy, and still has tim... Read more

  Posted on 16 February 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Keep St Valentine out of Our Schools, for the Kids' Sake

  

  "I'm very sad, mummy," said Boy Three from his seat in the back of the car. We were on the way home last night - the night before St Valentine's Day. "What's th... Read more

  Posted on 14 February 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• 50 Shades Of... Put It Away Love, It's Not Big Or Clever

  

  It's inescapable, isn't it? The grunting, lunging, lashing and lip biting everywhere. Yuk. Mr Grey will see you now. Whatever. Read more

  Posted on 12 February 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Romance as a New Parent: Or Don’t Bring Me Flowers, the Kids Would Only Knock...

  

  I wrote this a couple of Valentine's ago, but it still applies, or some bits of it do. The shops are full of pink stuff, restaurants are already booked solid an... Read more

  Posted on 12 February 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Book Review - Paris Kiss by Maggie Ritchie

  

  There's ever such a slight downward plunge in the spirits when I learn that a friend has got a publishing deal. Mostly it's nothing more than garden variety... Read more

  Posted on 05 February 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• What's the Point of Feminism When So Many Men Are Shit?

  

  It was magical. Sunlight made the mountain snow sparkle and the only sound was boots crunching. Boots crunching and people talking. Read more

  Posted on 07 January 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• School Dinners: Not So Nasty Now...

  

  I've got a theory. (OK, several) I think that school dinners are something we love to hate, that we're conditioned to grumble about. Like the weather, the end o... Read more

  Posted on 05 January 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• The iPhone Can Tell Your Family Where Your Careers Will Lie

  In this country, it’s probably fair to say we have a bit if an obsession with “real work”. And by this we’re talking about real physical work in primary... Read more

  Posted on 05 January 2015 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• What the Glasgow Bin Lorry Tragedy Might Tell Us

  

  Costly beyond imagining, but there must be a lesson in there. There has to be. This morning I was feeling properly meh, my big Boys are away and the Panther of... Read more

  Posted on 22 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Christmas: How to Cope When It Isn't Your Turn to Have the Kids

  

  Every other year Boys One and Two spend Christmas with their dad. We've been doing it this way for 12 years now. So that's around six December 25ths I've spent... Read more

  Posted on 17 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Any Fool Can Be Uncomfortable

  

  “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” That’s what my dad used to say when he thought that someone wasn’t properly kitted out for... Read more

  Posted on 17 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Keeping Your Children Safe Online

  It seems that our children are getting into technology younger and younger. Toddlers can use tablets, and kids seem to get on social media as soon as they... Read more

  Posted on 17 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION