I decided last week that I wanted to open up the blog, on a Thursday, to all my lovely virtual friends.
My first dilemma. What to call it?
I’ve always seen my blog as my virtual home, a place to greet and meet and have conversations about all sorts of things. After putting a call out for inspiration on Facebook, ‘Open House’ sprang to mind. Because it’s my home and you are all welcome inside.
I may be kind of within the ‘simple living’ genre for my blogging, but a variety of topics appear here.
Recently I’ve wanted to converse more, rather than just post my thoughts. The more time I spend on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest the more I want to hear about your lives – both virtual and in-real-life. There’s so much out there to learn about, hear about, laugh about.
It’s a short and sweet one today as I want to pass the ‘talking pillow’ over to you
(Could not resist a Breaking Bad reference).
3 things from me today:
1. I’ve recently virtually met Helen from Clutter Rescue. And I really like her. She has great advice to share including this that was featured over at Tiny Buddha.
2. A friend of mine, and a frequent visitor here, Clare has started blogging once more. Why not go by and say ‘Hi’. Clare’s lovely. Really lovely.
3. And finally I’m a little bit cheesed off today. Every few Thursdays or so I take my Mom for our pilgrimage to TK Maxx. Now, I’m no shopper, but TK Maxx hits the spot every time. Great unusual non-run-of-the-mill products, displayed in creative ways with fabulous prices. I picked up an amazing winter hat for just £7.99. It would appear it didn’t make it through the scanner and into my bag. Oh boy! Gutted! At least I didn’t lose it on the way to the car, but still – it’s my loss. My other purchases (of which there were 2) are over on Instagram.
So imagine yourself coffee (or tea) in hand sitting at my kitchen table. What shall we talk about next?
Feel free to share anything. Links from things you’ve read, blog posts you have written, anecdotes from your week – anything goes! Knock yourself out (not literally of course!)
Well Hello there….
I was thinking the other day that now i’m at the end of my degree and i kinda know what area i want to work in that having an uncluttered life has helped me so much. It meant i could concentrate on my studies and clinical skills. The housework never gets out of hand and we all sing from the same hym sheet. So what positive effects does a simple life give you Jo? The ‘talking pillow’ Is perfect 🙂
Sharron x
Sharron you really are the epitome of how an uncluttered life works. You’ve been able to focus and prioritise. Gosh cannot believe you are at the end, I remember you starting out. For me it is all about having space (and time) to focus on the important. Some weeks my life doesn’t feel so simple, and that’s when I know I need to get back to basics!
Well Hello there….
I was thinking the other day that now i’m at the end of my degree and i kinda know what area i want to work in that having an uncluttered life has helped me so much. It meant i could concentrate on my studies and clinical skills. The housework never gets out of hand and we all sing from the same hym sheet. So what positive effects does a simple life give you Jo? The ‘talking pillow’ Is perfect 🙂
Sharron x
Sharron you really are the epitome of how an uncluttered life works. You’ve been able to focus and prioritise. Gosh cannot believe you are at the end, I remember you starting out. For me it is all about having space (and time) to focus on the important. Some weeks my life doesn’t feel so simple, and that’s when I know I need to get back to basics!
Oh and my whole wardrobe is grey, black and cream. Make getting dressed so much simpler!
🙂 so much simpler. Just had a quick peek in mine, I have one item that actually has a pattern on it. Everything is totally plain. I sound soooooo boring!
Oh and my whole wardrobe is grey, black and cream. Make getting dressed so much simpler!
🙂 so much simpler. Just had a quick peek in mine, I have one item that actually has a pattern on it. Everything is totally plain. I sound soooooo boring!
I love the idea of visualizing myself having a cup of coffee or tea in your kitchen – which is just lovely judging by the pictures you’ve posted! We have TK Maxx here in the US too, but for some reason it’s called TJ Maxx. Isn’t that odd? Some are nicer than others – my sister lives about 1-1/2 hours away from me and has a great TJ Maxx in her area; the one nearest where I live is kind of junky and you really have to search for bargains. It’s hit or miss. Just finishing up my lunch hour here and need to get back to work, but I’d much rather stay and chat! Do you have a Home Bargains near you? When I was in Cumbria last year my friend took me to one that had opened in her town and I loved it! She also has a Wax Lyrical nearby – I think it’s an outlet store – and we had fun there, too. Oh my, see, with just a little encouragement I’m going on and on… back to work for me!
I love love love TK Maxx. It’s like an Aladdins cave. I’ve never liked a ‘uniform’ look, and the items in there are different and one-offs. Did you see the bench I bought for my hall? maybe not as I think I only posted it on Instagram. I will put on FB also. (See Sharrons explanation below – I have learnt something about the name!)
As for Home Bargains – guess where I was today? Haha! (in fact locally we have a TK and a HB almost next door to one another) I do all my toiletry and household cleaning item shopping there. It is A-Mazing! I purchased a notebook from there for 39p and I am not exaggerating I saw it in another store for 10x the price. My Sister came back from Cumbria just over a week ago. Its a beautiful place. Hope you enjoyed it? Where were you?
We don’t have a wax lyrical nearby. Sounds interesting….
You’re back to work, it’s evening here. Think I’m going to chill 😉 Have Fun!
I have very good friends in Cumbria, in Barrow in Furness, and have visited them probably a dozen times over the years. Twice I’ve come over with my husband and younger kids and we’ve vacationed together with them and their children in London, York & Edinburgh. Of course, none of them are “kids” any longer – their two are in uni and my youngest are 18. The rest of the time I’ve come over alone just to “hang” and spend time together. They make it so easy for me – pick me up in Manchester and then deliver me back there again when it’s time to go home. We’ve traveled the northeast coast, done parts of Yorkshire several times, gone up into the Lake District. I’ve been very, very fortunate to have seen some beautiful parts of your beautiful country. “An area of outstanding natural beauty” indeed! Last year we visited their daughter at her uni in Wales, so now I can say I’ve been to Wales, too. They have been over here to visit a couple of times as well, but not recently. We are planning a trip together (adults only) to Ireland in 2016.
I love the idea of visualizing myself having a cup of coffee or tea in your kitchen – which is just lovely judging by the pictures you’ve posted! We have TK Maxx here in the US too, but for some reason it’s called TJ Maxx. Isn’t that odd? Some are nicer than others – my sister lives about 1-1/2 hours away from me and has a great TJ Maxx in her area; the one nearest where I live is kind of junky and you really have to search for bargains. It’s hit or miss. Just finishing up my lunch hour here and need to get back to work, but I’d much rather stay and chat! Do you have a Home Bargains near you? When I was in Cumbria last year my friend took me to one that had opened in her town and I loved it! She also has a Wax Lyrical nearby – I think it’s an outlet store – and we had fun there, too. Oh my, see, with just a little encouragement I’m going on and on… back to work for me!
I love love love TK Maxx. It’s like an Aladdins cave. I’ve never liked a ‘uniform’ look, and the items in there are different and one-offs. Did you see the bench I bought for my hall? maybe not as I think I only posted it on Instagram. I will put on FB also. (See Sharrons explanation below – I have learnt something about the name!)
As for Home Bargains – guess where I was today? Haha! (in fact locally we have a TK and a HB almost next door to one another) I do all my toiletry and household cleaning item shopping there. It is A-Mazing! I purchased a notebook from there for 39p and I am not exaggerating I saw it in another store for 10x the price. My Sister came back from Cumbria just over a week ago. Its a beautiful place. Hope you enjoyed it? Where were you?
We don’t have a wax lyrical nearby. Sounds interesting….
You’re back to work, it’s evening here. Think I’m going to chill 😉 Have Fun!
I have very good friends in Cumbria, in Barrow in Furness, and have visited them probably a dozen times over the years. Twice I’ve come over with my husband and younger kids and we’ve vacationed together with them and their children in London, York & Edinburgh. Of course, none of them are “kids” any longer – their two are in uni and my youngest are 18. The rest of the time I’ve come over alone just to “hang” and spend time together. They make it so easy for me – pick me up in Manchester and then deliver me back there again when it’s time to go home. We’ve traveled the northeast coast, done parts of Yorkshire several times, gone up into the Lake District. I’ve been very, very fortunate to have seen some beautiful parts of your beautiful country. “An area of outstanding natural beauty” indeed! Last year we visited their daughter at her uni in Wales, so now I can say I’ve been to Wales, too. They have been over here to visit a couple of times as well, but not recently. We are planning a trip together (adults only) to Ireland in 2016.
Susan apparently TK maxx got the K for the uk. TJ maxx came from the States. We holiday every year in florida, tj maxx is always on my must-visits, but your right they are hit and miss. Home Bargains gets a weekly visit from me…. The pilot store (where all there stock is distributed) is not far from me. ‘Tis amazing!!
Thank you Sharron – Mystery solved! yay! So you have the pilot store nearby eh for HB? I may be popping in for a coffee soon 😉
Susan apparently TK maxx got the K for the uk. TJ maxx came from the States. We holiday every year in florida, tj maxx is always on my must-visits, but your right they are hit and miss. Home Bargains gets a weekly visit from me…. The pilot store (where all there stock is distributed) is not far from me. ‘Tis amazing!!
Thank you Sharron – Mystery solved! yay! So you have the pilot store nearby eh for HB? I may be popping in for a coffee soon 😉
What a great idea, Jo! … Today I am trying to roast two chickens at once and am frustrated and amazed that the advice online and in my cookbooks differ so widely in suggested temperatures – anywhere from 325F to 450F – seriously! Maybe the variance in advice just means there is no one best way.
Oh Jo don’t get me started about cooking poultry. I was asked to write an article last year only for it not to happen as the advice varies so greatly that everyone is so careful about what can and cant be said.
Chicken and Turkey are difficult to gauge, depending on method of cooking etc… I slow cook mine, and that is kinda scary for some people also!
Hope it goes well!
What a great idea, Jo! … Today I am trying to roast two chickens at once and am frustrated and amazed that the advice online and in my cookbooks differ so widely in suggested temperatures – anywhere from 325F to 450F – seriously! Maybe the variance in advice just means there is no one best way.
Oh Jo don’t get me started about cooking poultry. I was asked to write an article last year only for it not to happen as the advice varies so greatly that everyone is so careful about what can and cant be said.
Chicken and Turkey are difficult to gauge, depending on method of cooking etc… I slow cook mine, and that is kinda scary for some people also!
Hope it goes well!
Funny, I was just wondering if TK Maxx and TJ Maxx were the same store. So it is, lol! Love the idea about having wardrobe down to three simple, complimentary colors. I am planning to simplify my wardrobe soon, and I need to keep this idea in mind. Just getting ready to have a second mastectomy (this one will be prophylactic), so I am kind of leaning towards no reconstruction, and having a nice athletic figure instead, and I want my wardrobe to reflect the new me. I will have to keep TJ Maxx in mind as I fill out my new wardrobe.
Firstly, and most importantly, I sincerely hope the surgery goes well. And that you are soon back on your feet and shopping for your new wardrobe!
Yes the TK and TJ mystery is solved. Thank you Sharron! 😉
I’ve just been over to yours. Thank you so much for popping in for a chat. As I now have discovered you blog about homeschooling. I’ll be over lots. This is a subject that absolutely fascinates me. I intend to write a little about homeschooling for non-homeschoolers. Here in the UK we can do it, but I honestly do not know IRL one person that does. I love the idea of supplementing the Kids education at home.
Thank you again for coming by and all the very very best with the surgery.
Thank you for the well wishes!
I had no idea you were interested in homeschooling. Yes, I believe that I would do everything I could to supplement my son’s education, even if he were attending school somewhere else. For instance, the story that we’re writing together right now. He is using MineCraft for story ideas, but in the end, we’re going to change all of the MineCraft-related vocabulary and publish the story as a small work of fiction on Kindle. We would probably be doing that whether I homeschooled or not. What is IRL?
Fantastic idea! My daughters currently writing a modern day version of sense and sensibility currently and working on short stories. I’ve promised her we’ll publish it some how also! let me know when your Son’s is published please?
(IRL – ‘in real life’)
I sure will! I was a music major and I always thought it would be fun to do modern versions of old operas. Kindle looks like a great place to publish your own e-books. They even have something called Kindle Worlds where they’ve obtained licenses for some types of fan fiction.
I need to investigate! Thanks!
Funny, I was just wondering if TK Maxx and TJ Maxx were the same store. So it is, lol! Love the idea about having wardrobe down to three simple, complimentary colors. I am planning to simplify my wardrobe soon, and I need to keep this idea in mind. Just getting ready to have a second mastectomy (this one will be prophylactic), so I am kind of leaning towards no reconstruction, and having a nice athletic figure instead, and I want my wardrobe to reflect the new me. I will have to keep TJ Maxx in mind as I fill out my new wardrobe.
Firstly, and most importantly, I sincerely hope the surgery goes well. And that you are soon back on your feet and shopping for your new wardrobe!
Yes the TK and TJ mystery is solved. Thank you Sharron! 😉
I’ve just been over to yours. Thank you so much for popping in for a chat. As I now have discovered you blog about homeschooling. I’ll be over lots. This is a subject that absolutely fascinates me. I intend to write a little about homeschooling for non-homeschoolers. Here in the UK we can do it, but I honestly do not know IRL one person that does. I love the idea of supplementing the Kids education at home.
Thank you again for coming by and all the very very best with the surgery.
Thank you for the well wishes!
I had no idea you were interested in homeschooling. Yes, I believe that I would do everything I could to supplement my son’s education, even if he were attending school somewhere else. For instance, the story that we’re writing together right now. He is using MineCraft for story ideas, but in the end, we’re going to change all of the MineCraft-related vocabulary and publish the story as a small work of fiction on Kindle. We would probably be doing that whether I homeschooled or not. What is IRL?
Fantastic idea! My daughters currently writing a modern day version of sense and sensibility currently and working on short stories. I’ve promised her we’ll publish it some how also! let me know when your Son’s is published please?
(IRL – ‘in real life’)
I sure will! I was a music major and I always thought it would be fun to do modern versions of old operas. Kindle looks like a great place to publish your own e-books. They even have something called Kindle Worlds where they’ve obtained licenses for some types of fan fiction.
I need to investigate! Thanks!
I’m getting ready to edit my wardrobe down. I have been using the app Stylebook which has a calendar where you can log what you wear. You can then at the stats and see what hasn’t been put on the calendar at all and what has been most and least worn. I know I could have doen the hangers round the other way, or bits of coloured ribbon but being a geek the app works well for me. Once I clear out the unworn stuff I’m then going to start looking at the least worn and try and get down to a ‘capsule’ type arrangement – it’s a way off yet but it’ll feel good to start.
I too like TKMaxx but have to be in the right mood to rummage – I always think of it as a ‘proper’ charity shop, if you see what I mean!
Whatever works is the best way to approach it – I can see how an app would work well. I have so little in my wardrobe that I do wear everything. Well you know now I’ve said that I’m wondering do I? Hmmm maybe thats a whole blog post in it’s own right. Thanks for making me think!
I’m not a shopper at all, there’s something about TK Maxx that works for me. And yet Charity shops I struggle with, but can totally see where you are coming from.
Thanks for the heads up on the Ice-cream over at FB! If I’m down that way…
If you are ever down this way I’d love to meet for a ‘real’ coffee (or ice cream!!)
I might just take you up on that!
I’m getting ready to edit my wardrobe down. I have been using the app Stylebook which has a calendar where you can log what you wear. You can then at the stats and see what hasn’t been put on the calendar at all and what has been most and least worn. I know I could have doen the hangers round the other way, or bits of coloured ribbon but being a geek the app works well for me. Once I clear out the unworn stuff I’m then going to start looking at the least worn and try and get down to a ‘capsule’ type arrangement – it’s a way off yet but it’ll feel good to start.
I too like TKMaxx but have to be in the right mood to rummage – I always think of it as a ‘proper’ charity shop, if you see what I mean!
Whatever works is the best way to approach it – I can see how an app would work well. I have so little in my wardrobe that I do wear everything. Well you know now I’ve said that I’m wondering do I? Hmmm maybe thats a whole blog post in it’s own right. Thanks for making me think!
I’m not a shopper at all, there’s something about TK Maxx that works for me. And yet Charity shops I struggle with, but can totally see where you are coming from.
Thanks for the heads up on the Ice-cream over at FB! If I’m down that way…
If you are ever down this way I’d love to meet for a ‘real’ coffee (or ice cream!!)
I might just take you up on that!
Hello Jo and all the other ladies,
just home from work and thought I pop in to say hello.
Good luck with the Open House; I think it is a great idea and looking forward to chatting and reading.
Hi Apple – I hoped you’d pop by. You always have such great stuff to share! Looking forward to seeing you over at mine next Thursday? have a lovely week!
Hello Jo and all the other ladies,
just home from work and thought I pop in to say hello.
Good luck with the Open House; I think it is a great idea and looking forward to chatting and reading.
Hi Apple – I hoped you’d pop by. You always have such great stuff to share! Looking forward to seeing you over at mine next Thursday? have a lovely week!
Lovely idea Jo. You know I used to work as a social worker with First Nations people in Canada and they use a talking feather, stone or stick when in a group. I have been thinking a great deal about the obvious things ( waste, clutter, frugal living) though it has been fun recently to catch all the blog and social media talking change in the weather. We are coming into spring and our peers from over the water are moving the other direction. Anyway that is me. Will be back with me interesting fridge tomorrow 🙂 Oh and I am NOT a shopper so I do not even know what TJ Maxx is though I had a similar experience at Ikea once with a new duvet/doona which cost close to $200 🙁 I got over it.
It is strange when we are talking about opposite seasons and yet so reassuring, I love the fact that it may be one thing here – but elsewhere it is different! Makes me feel small and tiny and like where I live isn’t the centre of the universe (which it isn’t). I love that!
Looking forward to seeing your (nearly Spring) fridge.
Glad you got over it. I’m still in mourning. May pop over and see whether it’s been popped back on the rack!
Lovely idea Jo. You know I used to work as a social worker with First Nations people in Canada and they use a talking feather, stone or stick when in a group. I have been thinking a great deal about the obvious things ( waste, clutter, frugal living) though it has been fun recently to catch all the blog and social media talking change in the weather. We are coming into spring and our peers from over the water are moving the other direction. Anyway that is me. Will be back with me interesting fridge tomorrow 🙂 Oh and I am NOT a shopper so I do not even know what TJ Maxx is though I had a similar experience at Ikea once with a new duvet/doona which cost close to $200 🙁 I got over it.
It is strange when we are talking about opposite seasons and yet so reassuring, I love the fact that it may be one thing here – but elsewhere it is different! Makes me feel small and tiny and like where I live isn’t the centre of the universe (which it isn’t). I love that!
Looking forward to seeing your (nearly Spring) fridge.
Glad you got over it. I’m still in mourning. May pop over and see whether it’s been popped back on the rack!
This is such a nice idea! I would love to be actually sitting around drinking coffee with you in real life…shame your house is so far away, but thank goodness you have a virtual one 🙂
Such a shame about the hat!!!
It’s a beautiful spring day down here in NZ, it’s the last day of term 3 so we have two weeks off school (YAY!!!!) and I am ready to relax!
I’m going to share a link to my cousin Amy’s blog and youtube channel. I love Amy’s videos a) becuase they are really useful and about so many topics and b) because I haven’t seen her for ten years and it means I get to hear her voice! http://www.amyhackslife.blogspot.co.nz/
Have a lovely weekend!
Firstly Claire I guarantee we will have a IRL coffee round a kitchen table. Be that mine or yours. NZ is on my list. We have family in NZ and we are keen to bring the Kids over. I believe they are in your neck of the woods. And as you know you are very welcome here as soon as you’ve saved your pennies (cents?). have a lovely break. Wish we were breaking up!
As soon as I have finished the FWF post I will head on over to Amy’s – very exciting to meet a new blogger yay!
And you are always welcome here! 🙂
🙂
Aww Clare! You’re such an angel! I’m so glad you are blogging again! It’s so much fun and I’ve made some new friends! If you ever want to do some collaborations I would love to do one with you! Can’t wait to read more of your posts! Thank you again for sharing my post! Much love, Amy 😉
Hi Amy – have been over to yours and commented. The box looks uber-cool. Like it.
This is such a nice idea! I would love to be actually sitting around drinking coffee with you in real life…shame your house is so far away, but thank goodness you have a virtual one 🙂
Such a shame about the hat!!!
It’s a beautiful spring day down here in NZ, it’s the last day of term 3 so we have two weeks off school (YAY!!!!) and I am ready to relax!
I’m going to share a link to my cousin Amy’s blog and youtube channel. I love Amy’s videos a) becuase they are really useful and about so many topics and b) because I haven’t seen her for ten years and it means I get to hear her voice! http://www.amyhackslife.blogspot.co.nz/
Have a lovely weekend!
Firstly Claire I guarantee we will have a IRL coffee round a kitchen table. Be that mine or yours. NZ is on my list. We have family in NZ and we are keen to bring the Kids over. I believe they are in your neck of the woods. And as you know you are very welcome here as soon as you’ve saved your pennies (cents?). have a lovely break. Wish we were breaking up!
As soon as I have finished the FWF post I will head on over to Amy’s – very exciting to meet a new blogger yay!
And you are always welcome here! 🙂
🙂
Aww Clare! You’re such an angel! I’m so glad you are blogging again! It’s so much fun and I’ve made some new friends! If you ever want to do some collaborations I would love to do one with you! Can’t wait to read more of your posts! Thank you again for sharing my post! Much love, Amy 😉
Hi Amy – have been over to yours and commented. The box looks uber-cool. Like it.
Tj maxx is great! But I’ve sworn off shopping for awhile I have way to much stuff. I’m also trying to get my house back in order after a crazy 3 months. I hurt my knee in July so had to stay off it for 6 weeks and then we started Date harvest (my husband’s family have been farming Dates in California since 1919.) so my poor house has kinda gotten a little cluttered.
I live in a “resort” town in Southern California so the TJ Maxx here caters mostly towards tourist and retired people, not much choice for a 28 year old. 🙁 But when I go back to Oregon to visit my parents I love shopping at TJ Maxx. I’m also trying to simplify my wardrobe I still have clothes that I wore in High School 10 years ago. Probably time to get rid of a few things and i have things I have never wore with price tag still attached.
I’m also trying to get back in the habit of cooking, My husbands family had owned and operated a Date Farm since 1919 and we are just finishing up harvest which started on Aug 4th, when you haven’t gone shopping in the the last 2 months there is not much in your house in the way of food other then canned goods and when you work for 15 hours a day picking and packing Dates the last thing you want to do is go to the store so we’ve been eating a lot of take out. So today we are going shopping I’m afraid of how much we are going to spend today at the store.
Anyway I love this idea, I have often thought it would be fun to sit and chat with you as you seem like a very nice person. 🙂
Hollie thank you so much for popping by. Your comment exemplifies so much why I want to do this. Now I know all about you – and guess what? I had never thought about dates being farmed before now. I have learnt something. You sound like you have been very busy. 15 hour days are long. Good luck with getting back to the home-cooking.
Not sure if you will have seen it but I have a recipe (or two) that include dates. I use them in place of oil in some recipes.
p.s You seem like a very nice person too 😉 – if you can spare the time, please do pop over on a Thursday!
I live in a “resort” town in Southern California so the TJ Maxx here caters mostly towards tourist and retired people, not much choice for a 28 year old. 🙁 But when I go back to Oregon to visit my parents I love shopping at TJ Maxx. I’m also trying to simplify my wardrobe I still have clothes that I wore in High School 10 years ago. Probably time to get rid of a few things and i have things I have never wore with price tag still attached.
I’m also trying to get back in the habit of cooking, My husbands family had owned and operated a Date Farm since 1919 and we are just finishing up harvest which started on Aug 4th, when you haven’t gone shopping in the the last 2 months there is not much in your house in the way of food other then canned goods and when you work for 15 hours a day picking and packing Dates the last thing you want to do is go to the store so we’ve been eating a lot of take out. So today we are going shopping I’m afraid of how much we are going to spend today at the store.
Anyway I love this idea, I have often thought it would be fun to sit and chat with you as you seem like a very nice person. 🙂
Hollie thank you so much for popping by. Your comment exemplifies so much why I want to do this. Now I know all about you – and guess what? I had never thought about dates being farmed before now. I have learnt something. You sound like you have been very busy. 15 hour days are long. Good luck with getting back to the home-cooking.
Not sure if you will have seen it but I have a recipe (or two) that include dates. I use them in place of oil in some recipes.
p.s You seem like a very nice person too 😉 – if you can spare the time, please do pop over on a Thursday!
Wow Jo! What a privilege to be featured in your first open house! Thank you so much for sharing my biz + my Tiny Buddha article. I’m so glad we’ve connected and look forward to reading your future open houses! (Great title by the way!) ?
Thanks Helen – I’ve shared your challenge here and over at FB. I’ll be taking part!
Thanks Helen – I’ve shared your challenge here and over at FB. I’ll be taking part!