I think some people have gone mad, you know.
I don't know if the recent bout of warm weather is to blame but just in case there are some confused people among us, let me be clear about one thing - it's June and the start of summer.
We have a whole three months or so to look forward to, hopefully some sun, maybe a little break - if we are lucky - and possible a little garden party or two.
So, really, there is no need for people to keep reminding me how many weeks it is until Christmas.
Ok, while green has never really been my colour, on this occasion, I am happy to play the Grinch and hopefully bring an end to this nonsense.
I have never made a secret of the fact that I love Christmas and the festive season and since I became a parent, it has become that bit more magical.
I have always been one for being prepared and often start my Christmas shopping early, usually around the beginning of October. I like to keep an eye out for bargains and buy little things as I go so I don't have a huge outlay in December.
The point is, I am a big, big, big lover of being organised but I think hearing all about Christmas being 30 weeks away, 29 weeks away, 28 weeks away is just too much - even for me.
In fact, any mention of Christmas in May and June is just a disgrace.
Recently, I have been inundated on Facebook with ads for Christmas and every week, one particular person puts up a photo of Santa holding a board telling me how many weeks it is until he arrives.
On most other days, I see many small businesses - many of whom I buy from throughout the year - telling me how they are now selling handmade craft wreaths and hand-crafted reindeer sets.
The other week, I even saw one seller writing about how she only had a few personalised Christmas Eve boxes left for sale this year as they were flying out so I'd better hurry to get one.
Every other day, sellers are putting up photos of new festive-themed crafts they have been working on and are now for sale.
Then we have the ones who like to remind us that `This time 29 weeks will be Christmas Eve - so excited'.
Catch yourself on.
Listen, I know as a business, particularly a small business, you need to be organised - I'm all for that - but I don't agree with selling Christmas products in May or in some cases, it's been even earlier.
As a parent, I know Christmas can be very costly and I understand the concept of buying throughout the year but why do we need to buy wreaths and snowmen in May?
Also, I don't think I need to know the details of the `Doctor Who Christmas Special 2017' in May nor do I need to know that you are having a special Christmas market night online in June so we can get organised.
I don't really want to read these messages in between Father's Day offers and end of term products for sale.
Everybody just needs to calm down.
We've only just enjoyed Christmas for goodness sake. It was only a few months ago and it was fab and fun and we enjoyed all the festive treats but come on, we now want to enjoy summer and then, there's still autumn to go after that.
I feel like many of you are wishing your lives away, always wanting to jump from one holiday to another.
Well, I don't and if that makes me the Grinch then so be it.
I've been called worse in my time, so Bah Humbug to you all - thanks for spoiling summer.
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Competition
Summer’s here, so that means its time to chill out and get your fun on – so how about energising your palate at the same time?
Canadian-based global food outlet Freshii has just opened its first Northern Ireland store in Belfast and it’s all about fresh, nutritious and delicious food.
With more than 300 outlets worldwide, Freshii has set up a new home at the historic Scottish Provident Building at Donegall Square West, adjacent to the City Hall.
One of the fastest growing restaurant brands in the world, the chain aims to energise with meal choices based on fibre-rich, slow-burning carbohydrates, essential fats and lean proteins, with more than 70 ingredients and home-made salad dressings created daily.
Freshii also caters for all dietary and taste preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten- free, dairy-free and wheat-free options with its range of freshly made salads, wraps, burritos, soups and range of fruit and vegetable based smoothies.
And, the brand is already planning on opening four more stores in Northern Ireland in the coming months - creating up to 50 new jobs.
To celebrate the opening of Freshii, I have three vouchers, each for a breakfast for two, to give away to three lucky readers - to be redeemed before the end of July.
If you fancy winning a voucher, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, June 20, 2017
(Q) Where has Freshii opened in Belfast city centre?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot?
Father's Day - It's Father's Day on Sunday people, so, it's time to get organised. I personally love the `King of Dads' socks from Asda, priced at £1.75. And, even better, the socks boast an anti-microbial treatment to prevent the development of odours so I'm sure they will put a smile on his face and everyone else's.
Family Fun - The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival is taking place this weekend at Queen's Quay and Titanic Quarter. The event includes live music, arts and crafts, live street theatre displays and tasty foodie delights.
So Not!
Loss - Tributes have been paid to former Batman star Adam West who has passed away following a short battle with leukaemia. The great-grandfather, who was considered a TV legend, was 88.
Not Returning - Sam Taylor-Johnson has officially announced that she will not be returning to direct the second instalment of the Fifty Shades film franchise. I'm sad to hear this news as I think she did a really good job.
Split - Supermodel Elle Macpherson has reportedly split from billionaire husband, Jeff Soffer, after four years of marriage. Sad news.
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Competition
The winners of the TanOrganic competition are Pauline Morris, from Omagh; Siobhan Daly, from Dungannon; and Analena Rafferty, from Randalstown
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Pan fried chicken goujons
You will need:
200g (7 oz) plain flour for coating
1 dessertspoon cocoa powder
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
900g (2 lb) chicken mini fillets
1 egg, beaten
200g (7 oz) fresh breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
To Make:
Mix flour, cocoa powder and pepper in a shallow dish or plate.
One by one, coat mini chicken fillets in flour mixture, then dip in beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs.
In a large frying pan heat oil over medium high heat.
Shallow fry coated chicken pieces in oil until cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
Drain on kitchen roll and serve.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
