Today I have been shopping for....

Christmas presents for my other half's daughter's.

He's having a tough time at the moment getting access to see them, but I know he adores his children, and I hope one day we will have our own little family unit.

So, anyway, today we went shopping and bought doll's. I know when I was a little girl, I loved getting doll's for birthday's and christmas. I've never actually met my "step daughter's" so I have no idea what they do and don't like.

I know it's hard for Andrew, especially when it's clear that he adores his children. I just try and be supportive and give him as much love as I can.

I want to start writing as a second career.

Writing is something that I love to do. It's the reason why I started to write a blog, and it's helped me work out problem's in the past.

And, today I have decided that I am going to follow my dream and I am going to become a freelance writer.

Well, that is going to be my second career, actually. I have stories to tell (a lot of them, actually) and I feel that writing is something I am good at, and it's my passion.

I may never make a fortune by writing, but I don't care. For once, I want to follow my heart and live the dream, instead of wasting my life away.

How to make a mango smoothie.

Even a complete beginner, like myself, can make this super delicious drink.

You need:

1 ripe mango, peeled, stoned and sliced.
1 tsp clear honey
200ml (7 fl oz) freshly squeezed orange juice.
2tbsp natural yogurt.

What you do:

1. Put the mango, honey, orange juice and yogurt into a tall beaker.

2. Using a hand-held stick blender, process until smooth.

3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

This serves 1 person.

And, there you go, super easy and really tasty.

This time last year.....

My life was so different. I was in a different relationship, one that wasn't as good as it could have been, with someone who didn't respect me or care to make me happy.

I lived in a different place. I moved because of circumstances in my life forced me too, but if that didn't happen, then I wouldn't have met the man i'm with now, so it's been good in a lot of way's.

And I actually know what I want to do in my life now, so I am focused, and have the drive to succeed now, and don't care if I fail anymore.

I'm scared of not trying. Even if I do fail, then so what?.

I've also learnt over the past couple of year's that - am stronger than I gave myself credit for. I don't crumble.

Yes, I cry, to let the negativity out, and then I just carry on. It's the only way I can live. Stay strong, positive and don't let anyone break you.

Going to make pasta with my own sauce later.

I've decided that I love cooking. I love being in the kitchen, and being able to produce something at the end of it that I can enjoy, and other's can enjoy, too.

I love craft's, and I am starting to see cooking as another way of me to be creative.

Tonight, I am going to make pasta (from a packet) with my own sauce. I'm going to get some tinned tomatoes (cheat a little) with some garlic, and add some veg, but not sure what yet. I'm on my way to the supermarket now, to see what inspires me.

Another thing about cooking; it bring's my man and I closer together, as it's a passion we both love, and that's a good thing.

I'm a quirky girl.

My philosophy in life is "why would I want to be the same as everyone else?".

After all, we are all unique, and life would be boring if we all looked the same, and acted the same, and liked the same things.

I decided a long time ago that I wasn't the kind of girl who was going to be a 'sheep' and follow the trend's. I was going to embrace my individuality, and my quirkiness, and not be ashamed of who I am.

And, here I am. I am quirky, and unique. I don't care that I'm not 'cool' or 'fashionable'. I am true to myself, and people seem to love me for the person I am, and not the clothes I choose to wear.

So, the "we need to talk" moment...

Was, actually, nothing. Just Andrew feeling bad about calling me by his ex's name, and how guilty he felt.

It was no big deal, though. I admit, I may get insecure at the best of times, but I wasn't actually worried about the name slip.

I know how stressed he is at the moment, and I know he adores me, so I have no reason to get insecure.