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Monday, November 22

What a difference a few years make...



 

Do we still read blogs?  

Do I start to write here again, will you read it?  The blow up of spaces like Instagram and TikTok is a huge push in the direction of quick watch.  Is blogging DEAD?  I remember when studying journalism in 2005, we were told print journalism is dead, blogging was the way forward, but do people actually read anymore, and do I have enough to say to be consistent and put out regular content.  

I swear I ask this question every few years!😅

I am ever growing, ever questioning and ever analysing.  It is who I am and will always be.  My ramblings may die away in the deep dark corners of the internet or.... there is a record of my life, in part accessible for all time, or at least until the next phase of the earth where all changes and the internet is relegated to an urban myth.

So.... an update, for those who are mildly interested in seeing inside some strangers brain and life for a moment.

Half of the boys are now men.  Sal is 27 almost 28, in fact I've been saying he is 28 for the past 6 months and was totally convinced that he was.  Does anyone else, rising 50, have this affliction?  He takes total offence (of course, I'm sure the requirement of our children is to be offended by EVERYTHING) in my adding a year closer to 30, but not as much as when I forget his name and call him every siblings name until I get it right!  Now that I KNOW happens to everyone! 

Louie is now a 19 year old not so 'mini' fashionisto, producer, actor, model, internet journalist and academic.  This is all information I receive through the wall when he is talking to work or friends, as most of our actual communication is done through between the teeth grunts, I'm often treated like a whistleblower and all juicy information comes to me after it is public to all.  Sorry no scoops here.

Wednesday, November 25

Countdown to Christmas



Forget about Game of Thrones 'Winter is Coming', yes I still use the phrase.  For us, that unknown monster of mystery is Christmas.  The House is currently a building site, again!  Kitchen only this time, which will be finished soon, hopefully.

There is a general uncertainty in the air; what is really going to happen?  The universe is working away in the background with a plan that none of us quite know or understand as yet and the Government has us on tender hooks, gathering around the television and radio  (Alexa, I'm not really that ancient!)  for updates.  What tier am I in?  

But I can feel it and am more or less, going with the flow.  Whilst everyone else is blogging about and posting Instagram pics of their Christmas preparations, I am, well, I am!  I was tempted to pop into a garden centre, (one of the only stores to be open) take a picture of their tree and post it on Instagram tagging Tree.  Well its not quite a lie!

Last year we were planning our break away to Barbados, what a difference a day makes, ooops, yes I sung that as I typed.  I mean, what a difference a year makes!

Is there something about the 20's

 Could anyone have guessed the intensity of this year?  Maybe? Possibly?  Is there something about the 20's?

It is well known that the last pandemic was the Spanish flu which started around 1918 and spread across the world over the next year.  Although a year behind, according to published documents, we are on track 100 years later.  

In 1820 seemed to be close to a revolution.  Protest & democracy, a fight to reform the system.  Very similar to what we see with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Obviously in the background there are a great many other 'headliners', movements and events, but is there something about the 2nd decade of a new 100 that forces change?  I am extremely interested in the topic and curious to unpick the theories.

Well now.  That was a great way to apologise and start blogging again!  Clearly I have learnt loads from my husband whose apologies are remarkably similar, random and irrelevant!  


It's ok, I know we have a love, love relationship, and that you know I don't blog unless I have something to say.  

-X_

Tomboy

Sunday, March 15

Anita Whittaker & Friends PODCAST

Justin Randolph Thompson Black History Month Florence:  

Why it is important for the modern world to accept and teach it's past and how Art transcends boundaries...



Black History Month is an irritation of Anita's as she feels it is often used as a gimmick to sweep real issues under the table and 'tick' the diversity box. 
Justin explains how, an African-American man came to create Black History Month in Florence, Italy and how he is aiming to help educate and 'involve' the wider population of Italy. 

Wednesday, February 12

BONUS POST - Happy Birthday Zach!!!




Bonus Post, Happy Birthday Zach, just because he's a super cool kid, sharp, funny, bold and self assured.  Our last baba, Zach is 8 today.

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner "
The infamous line from Dirty Dancing, is very true of our boy Zach, he will let you know not 'steal his fame' 'he is NOT baby Alexander' 'his name is Z A C H, Zach'.  His exact words!

Happy Birthday Zach we love you beyond the moon and through the stars xxxx




Zach's 1st Birthday





8 year old Zach!




Monday, February 10

The Whittakers' in Barbados 2019/20






Its been almost two months that we embarked on our first trip back to Barbados since our last trip almost 7 years ago.  The youngest two boys are now 11 and 7 so have very little memory of the time they were here last.  The 17 year old looking forward to a completely different experience, one of complete freedom and independence.

Tuesday, February 4

Anita Whittaker & Friends Podcast

Mum got a podcast


I am happy to announce the launch of the Anita Whittaker & Friends PODCAST!

Launched Sunday 02022020 at 2020hrs the podcast which is informative and fun, is a kitchen table type conversation with actual friends of mine whom I see have such amazing and inspiring stories with strong elements to learn from.


Thursday, June 20

Cracked Pots & Liquid Gold




I've realised my mind works differently to the average, and found out that close family members have been diagnosed with various mental health issues, time to learn what that actually means.


Wednesday, June 12

Back to Blog - Back to basics

Mums Make Porn Channel 4


Its been a busy old time.  I noticed the last time I published was two years ago!  Wow!  To all of you who have loyally returned, my thanks and apologies.

Thursday, March 9

A World of Curls with Creative Soul Photography

Historic Ripples...  The movement takes a step up

Have you ever had a call, text, email, message that blew your mind, and from that very first moment you knew something huge was going to happen?  Well that rush of energy along the back of my neck is what I felt when I was contacted by Kahran from @CreativeSoulPhotography







Wednesday, March 8

Planning a Home Renovation Part 3: Furniture Plan & Lighting


As an aspiring vlogger and keen photographer, lighting in my home is extremely important.  And, when you want to go luxe on a budget, lighting can 'make' a room at low cost.  Having a qualified electrician as a husband is handy because my lighting ideas are huge!

Wednesday, March 1

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY!!!!



The family and I are working hard behind the scenes to bring you a whole new look and feel to our blog.  In the meantime, keep up with our antics through our Instagram and Twitter pages.

Wednesday, November 30

Monday, November 28

Home Renovation; Living on a Building Site

Living on a Building Site; The Good Bad and Ugly!


Well, we are now only three weekends left and this past weekend was FULL ON!  The wall is out and first fix electrics in.  There is dust everywhere, I blew my nose and dust flew out!  In fact, no matter how well we covered things and closed doors, the dust has travelled.  If only it was so easy for me to travel, riding the winds to a far away place with ease and determination.  At this point, I envy dust!

We will probably be cleaning for weeks after Christmas, but for now we, dust an me, live side by side, strategically cleaning in between.

Friday, November 25

Planning a Home Renovation Part 2: Deciding the style of your Interiors

My first ever all white room

What's your style?


What is your favourite time of the year?

Mine is Spring.  I love the freshness.  The bright Spring days and cosy evenings that are not too bright too late.  Mild weather warm enough to ditch the jackets but cool enough for a cardigan in the evening.  I love a cardigan and, if I could swing it, they would all be made from cashmere and merino wool.  Soft, light and a quiet luxury.  It kind of sums up my taste.  And thats what I think of when decorating.

Thursday, November 24

Planning a Home Renovation Part 1


D I Y in a weekend just got supersized!  With only 4 weekends 'til Christmas, we are undertaking major works at home 😱...  I know right.

Monday, November 21

Organise your Laundry in 7 ESSENTIAL STEPS



The Holiday season is almost upon us, and if you're anything like me, it means extras and chaos.  One way to prepare is to declutter all your spaces now, and put an organization system into place.  I have already shared with you my fridge and laundry spaces, if you haven't already, check them out >>>
Fridge Organization & Understairs Laundry in a Small House

Saturday, November 12

Small Space Living: Fridge Organization


Living in a small 3 bed railway terrace with 5 other people and a handful of animals can be a challenge.  Yes I am a little OCD, but, my main reason for being organised at home is that if we weren't the time it takes to find anything is a waste that I can not afford.  Being practically housebound for four weeks with a broken toe, gave me time to reflect and re-plan all of my 'hidden' spaces.

Tuesday, November 1

Growing Pains; Living with Teens

Painting of Wings outside Redemption Bar Shoreditch, London by Diarmuid Byron OConnor

Do you remember what is was like to be a teenager?

Most of the time I don't.  Especially when my teen is acting up.  I get mad, I mumble, I shout and even confront.  Then I remember.  I remember that I NEVER want to be a teenager EVER again.  I hated that period of my life.  It hurt.  Physically, mentally hurt.  I had so many emotions, hormones flying around, confusion.  And my body!  Bloomin heck.  I was an A student before I hit 13 when I honestly couldn't control my anger, confusion, angst or hormones and completely flunked my finals.  It took me forever to recover from my teen years, Im not sure I have yet.

Monday, October 24

Frubes Challenge for Petite Filous Frubes and BritMums


Its is just the first day of the Half Term and the boys have happily been tucking into their Angry Birds Frubes.  Over the weekend I rearranged the fridge so they were able to grab their own healthy snacks, so far it's been success.  A clear topped container of Petits Filous Frubes and Frube Pouches, and a container of fruit.  Even the husband has been dipping in, by Wednesday I'll have to replenish our stock!  Good thing I popped them into the basket for my online shop already!