Ellenarnison

LATEST ARTICLES ( 927 )

• Christmas Shouldn't Be This Difficult

  

  Little faces lit up with joy, families coming together over good food and laughter and a few days off the treadmill. The most wonderful time of the year. Why... Read more

  Posted on 16 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Great Gadget Gift Ideas

  We all know a self confessed tech-geek who gets overly excited about the latest fashionable innovations in the go-go-gadget world. Read more

  Posted on 16 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Why Are There No Boy Angels in the Nativity?

  

  It was nativity play week again. And following in a fine and noble family tradition, Boy Three was the second cow at the stable. A role he played with style... Read more

  Posted on 13 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• The Difference Between Dirt and a Stain

  

  They are both ugly, out-of-control things that prevent their host from attaining perfection. But that's where the similarities end. Read more

  Posted on 13 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Short Story: Two Letters That Cross in the Post

  

  By way of a wee change, I thought I'd post a piece of fiction I wrote a while back. Pic: William Arthur Fine Stationery Dear Max, By the time you read this I... Read more

  Posted on 10 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• The Joy of Kitchen Appliances

  

  Kitchen appliances as gifts... discuss. Tea's up or your tea's out? Pic: H is for Home Imagine the scene. It's Christmas morning and you've already been up sinc... Read more

  Posted on 10 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Win a Night for Four in a UK Travelodge

  

  Pic: Heather Buckley I'm fascinated by Brighton. But I'm not sure why. It might be the Mods and Rockers of Quadrophenia or the bad boys of Brighton Rock. Read more

  Posted on 09 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• What to Look for in Stylish Wedding Bands

  Choosing wedding bands is a big decision for any couple planning to get married. After all, these rings are meant to last a lifetime, so it’s a decision that yo... Read more

  Posted on 09 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Do You Pay Your Kids for Exam Success?

  

  Boy One is sitting his prelims at the moment. He tells me he's worked hard and feels "enough nervous but not OMG nervous". We've talked about planning his... Read more

  Posted on 08 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Twinkle, Twinkle - How Many Lights?

  

  Christmas, it seems, has arrived at the Palace of Bundance. How do I know? Well, the house is throbbing with lights and anywhere there was a previously clear... Read more

  Posted on 08 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• New Drink Drive Limit: Just Make It Zero

  

  Last night Fionaoutdoors and I caught up for a long overdue supper and news swap. It was lovely only this time something was missing. Gin. Gin is what was... Read more

  Posted on 06 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• The Things You Should Open at Christmas and the Things You Shouldn't

  

  Oh yes. It's all about secrets, surprises and unwrapping some delights at this time if year. And that's the best and the worst of the season. Worst? Yes. Read more

  Posted on 06 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• My 12 Questions of Christmas

  

  This year I'm actually fairly jolly. Ho ho ho and all that, but some things are baffling me: Who said we have to get all our shopping done by the first weekend... Read more

  Posted on 05 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Turkey For Foodies

  

  Going on holiday is one of those activities that starts off stressful but ends with you feeling lighter in mind and much heavier in body; as eating your way... Read more

  Posted on 05 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Time off for Your Period - Don't Be Bloody Ridiculous

  

  Astonished. Really, I am. Apparently 42 per cent of people* think women should have paid leave every month during their period. Read more

  Posted on 04 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Middle-age: the Nightmare No One Warned Me About

  

  My legs were tangled in the sheets - I couldn't run. And a weight pressed my chest keeping me pinned down. I needed to get out away. Read more

  Posted on 01 December 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• How Santa is Destroying Christmas for Our Kids...

  

  Claus for concern pic: Kevin Dooley via Flickr It's supposed to be magical. Children waiting for the kindly, bearded chap to deliver their heart's desire into a... Read more

  Posted on 30 November 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Taming the Tiger Parent by Tanith Carey

  

  The other Friday evening I drove 34 miles between the end of school and, eventually, gin o'clock. It was all on the account of my kids and their various... Read more

  Posted on 24 November 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Mo and Roxy Razzaq: RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes 2014

  

  When is a corner shop not a corner shop? When it’s an award-winning pillar of the community. Good neighbours: Not Kylie and Jason but Mo and Roxy, with their... Read more

  Posted on 19 November 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION

• Maw’s Mafia: RBS – Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes

  

  Marvellous mothers: Maw's Mafia with Bill Paterson after receiving their award (Pic: STV) “Take care.” How often to people carelessly say it by way of goodbye? Read more

  Posted on 19 November 2014 DIARIES, SELF EXPRESSION