I'm taking part in Mamatography 2012

A few weeks ago I read about a great challenge for 2012 from Diary of a First Child...

What is the challenge I hear you all ask... very simple, take a photo everyday of 2012.  A photo journal of my year, for example, today would be a pile of tissues as I'm feeling under the weather.


I hope you will all pop over every Wednesday to see what my life, good and bad has thrown at me and my family.

Boo xxx

Feeding the ducks

Roo loves to go and feed the ducks, so yesterday I thought I would combine this with a little bit of sales shopping.  We jumped in the car and headed off to nearby Potter Heigham on the Norfolk Broads.

All was going fine, there were some ducks where on the pathway...

But then we had an influx of ducks and swans heading our way...

Unfortunately one of the swans decided that they didn't wish to wait for the bread and had a bite of Roo's finger.  No blood or damage I must stress, but was very shaken by the experience.

I think it maybe a while before we go and feed the ducks again.

Boo xxx

I hate my birthday!!!

(image credit)

Today is my birthday, that day in the year I dread coming around.  Now it's not because I don't want to be another year older but due to the lack of interest and bad luck my previous birthdays have encountered.


I think I first remember hating my birthday when I was 9 years old, my mum had thrown me a party at home and one of the girls who lived across the road broke my little brother's toy gun he had received for Christmas and I was so upset.


Ever since then I don't think I have really enjoyed my birthday.  As most people who celebrate their birthday during the festive period will tell you, your birthday falls into one of two camps... 


a) less presents, well you just got loads for Christmas so why would you need anything special for your birthday?


b) Forgotten, yes that's right forgotten... the old 'oh I didn't realise it was your birthday, sorry' excuse (year after year)


During the year I make a big effort for those special to me for their birthdays, secretly hoping that when it comes to my birthday they will return the kindness but NO!  I organise parties, meals out, birthday cakes and lovely presents, taking the time to make sure I get the perfect thing for them.


Come December 29th and what do I get??


A birthday cake... no, unless I go and buy it myself from the supermarket
A card... maybe if anyone remembered to post it in time
A well thought out and meaningful present... usually not, probably wrapped up in Christmas paper and hastily bought in the sales as whoops they forgot it was my birthday until the last minute.


I am bitter... YES
Do I think it will change... NO


So now every year I do the whole 'oh I'm not bothered about my birthday' to save myself from thinking that just maybe this year will be different.


Just one year I would love to have a special day, where a meal out (or similar) has been organised without me having to book anything.  A cake has been arranged, again without me having to go and purchase it.  I realy don't care about the presents I just would love those special to me to make an effort.




Maybe next year...

Boo xxx

#SilentSunday - 25/12/11

Boo xxx

Merry Christmas 2011

It has been a of a year of mixed emotions but the festive season is now upon us, so time to forget the worries and enjoy the fun and happiness that Christmas brings.

Wishing all my family, friends, fellow bloggers, readers and companies

a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Boo xxx

Dear So and So... YODEL delivery driver

Dear YODEL delivery driver,

I know that this time of year you are busy and that you just want to deliver your parcels.  I know it is a pain when you arrive at my house and find nobody home.  

Last week I arrived home to find a card through my door stating 'behind wall'.  I'm assuming you meant my front garden wall... well its only 2ft high, open to the world and on a main throughfare for those going to and from the town centre.  So it will be no surprise to hear that when I looked behind said wall there was nothing there.

Luckily the company I ordered from were understanding and have arranged for a replacement to be sent out but with a different delivery firm!

So in future please leave me a card and I will a) arrange an alternative delivery day or b) go and collect from your depot.


Do NOT and I repeat DO NOT leave my parcels in a 'safe place' because my idea of a safe place and yours vary quite a bit.


Many thanks and Merry Christmas

Boo xxx

Tigger's Christmas Party

Last week Tigger's nursery were holding their Christmas party and as it was a day that he did not usually attend  I said that I would take him in so that he wouldn't miss out.


A letter was sent home at the beginning if November with the date of the party and that if we wished for Tigger to visit Santa then we would need to send in £1.50 to cover the cost of a present.  I could not  believe the cheek but of course I didn't want him to miss out so paid up.  Then a week later another letter arrives, thank you for allowing your child to attend the Christmas party blah, blah.  We are asking all parents to please bring in a item of food which must be shop bought and in the original wrapping so that we can read the ingredients to check for allergies.  Unbelievable, first they ask for money for a present , now food, all they are providing in the hall!


I arrived a few minutes late and found everyone coming out of the hall and heading to wait outside the church.  I overheard another mum say something about waiting for Santa to arrive.  So there we stood in the cold waiting for Santa, many of the little ones had come outside with no coat on and must have been freezing.  Lucky as we had just arrived I had taken our coats off so we weren't so bad.


After a few minutes I could hear bells jingling and music playing but could not see anything, when suddenly Santa and sleigh arrived.  The nursery had arranged for our local Lions Santa to come in his sleigh and hand out the presents.

Once we were all back inside in the warm the party felt very disorganised.  We were told that it would take a while for Santa to see all the children so we could help ourselves to food whilst we waited.  They had unfortunately placed the food right next to Santa's grotto so it was a little unclear as to which queue people were waiting in.  Most people decided to choose food first so I thought I'd wait for Santa.  After a few minutes of waiting we were able to go in.  I sat Tigger down next to Santa and pulled back to get a photo, but as you can see Tigger was not impressed by Santa and wanted to get away.

After having to pay £1.50 for his present I wondered what 'tat' he would end up with...  To my delight I helped him open the present to find a beautiful Colours book by Priddy Books.

(image credit)

After Santa and his present I thought it was time to see what there was to eat.  There was so much food that had been brought in but Tigger was only interested in the chocolate fingers and biscuits.

Tigger is really too young to understand and enjoy parties apart from the food.  We did end up leaving early as after we had seen Santa and had some food there wasn't really much else happening.

Boo xxx

Searching for the perfect dolls house

Mr Boo decided a few weeks ago that we should get Roo a dolls house for Christmas, I had my reservations as to whether she would play with one etc.  However, Mr Boo thought that she would love one so I started to research for the best one...


I cam across the beautiful Rosebud dolls house from the Early Learning Centre.

I was on offer at half price so I ordered straightaway.  When it arrived I looked at the box and thought that it would be perfect for Roo.  However, I noticed in the top corner of the box dolls and furniture not included.  Wait a minute I have just spent £50 on an empty dolls house!!! OMG!!! Why anyone would spent the full price of £100 is beyond my understanding.


So it was returned and I carried on searching...


After looking at the Toys R Us website I spotted their Universe of Imagination dolls house that came with 100 pieces included.

On offer for half price I thought that I would drive to our nearest Toys R Us and pick one up.  I got it home and was delighted with amount of items included within the dolls house.  However, it is unfinished so you can choose whether you wish to paint, varnish or leave as it is.  Mr Boo thought it would look great painted and we decided on a white house with a pink roof.


I called into see a friend the next day and got talking about dolls houses and she explained that her little girl had a Chad Valley dolls house.  I asked if I could take a look and to my surprise it was a dolls house I had discounted as it did not look like it came with much furniture.

I knew that after seeing the Chad Valley dolls house that I would need to return the one from Toys R Us as I really didn't feel confident in painting it.  Plus when would I find the time to do it in??


Back to Toys R Us to return their dolls house and off to Argos to pick up the Chad Valley one... I hope Roo appreciates her dolls house (and all the unknown effect I have put in to finding her the perfect one)

Boo xxx

Conversations with a 5 year old - Harry Potter

(image credit)

Roo and I were watching the final installment of Harry Potter yesterday morning (she loves HP).  There is a part in there were Harry dies and is speaking with Dumbledore (sorry if this spoils it for anyone)

Roo: Harry hasn't got his glasses on

Me: Well thats because he is in heaven

Roo: He won't be able to see

Me: In heaven you don't have any imperfections, so Harry won't need his glasses

Roo: Oh, I see, so in heaven no glasses! but in Hogwarts glasses!

Boo xxx

@Slimavite - Week 8 (#MUMenTUM)

Starting weight: 12st 2lb (31/10/11)

Weight: 11st 7lb (1lb gain)

Oh dear a 1lb gain for me this week.  If I'm honest I'm really surprised its not a bigger gain, as this week I have ate and ate and ate.  I would love to say it was all good things but... no... chocolate, cake, big meals (tut, tut).

This week has been difficult in two ways, firstly, it's Christmas and everyone keeps tempting me with 'oh go on, it's Christmas! nobody diets at Christmas!'.  Secondly, it's cold (brrrrr) and the prospect of drinking a cold shake doesn't always appeal.  I really must try warming the milk and seeing what difference that makes.

Of course gaining a pound means that I'm a pound further away from my shoes... 

Chin up, here's to next week...

Boo xxx

#SilentSunday - 18/12/11

Boo xxx

So you're trying for a baby...

A Christmas present that could help you receive the gift of life

Trying for a baby can be costly but you can now receive a gift this Christmas that can take away the burden of associated money worries, and help you on your journey this festive season.

This Christmas, create a private fundraising page on Pinktimeline.com to share with family and friends, at your discretion, to raise funds for specialty consultations, fertility treatments or even to set up a nursery. Make gift giving easy this festive season by sharing a link to your story and ask for donations in place of gifts.

Zita West, fertility expert and midwife to the stars, advises, “Sometimes couples don’t realise what a large support network they have. Those closest to them often want to help but don’t know how to bring up this sensitive subject. So, the fundraising page can be a way to bring everyone together to show their support. This can have a tremendous impact for the couple during this exciting yet stressful time.”

The fundraising resource allows couples to provide a description of what they’re raising funds for, set a goal, track progress and add updates. They can share the link to their page with family and friends. All donated funds go directly to the couple through PayPal.

The first 100 couples to create fundraising pages will even receive a £50 contribution from First Response, who offer a range of Early Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests, to get you started. You can create receive a meaningful gift this Christmas by creating your own page today, just visit Pinktimeline.com.

Pinktimeline.com also provides details on what is happening to a woman’s body during this time and includes Zita’s tips for staying healthy and relaxed. There is even a forum where you can connect with others who are also waiting to test. After testing, you can head to the results page where there is next step advice from Zita.

No one likes to wait, especially when it’s for such a life-changing answer. Zita says, “the 2-week wait, the time between ovulation and the time to test, is a time of great uncertainty for many women while they are waiting to test and they are hoping to see a positive pregnancy test showing those two pink lines.”

That’s why First Response, who offer a range of Early Pregnancy and Ovulation Tests, has teamed up with Zita, to offer support to those trying for a baby through a new website, www.pinktimeline.com.

“As a midwife, I’m often asked about what lifestyle changes need to be made at this stage. Women can visit pinktimeline.com for tips on little steps that can lead to a healthier you and a healthier pregnancy,” says Zita.

Did you know? First Response can tell you first!

First Response has patented ultra sensitive technology that can detect really small amounts if the pregnancy hormone. That means you could get the answer with First Response 1 day before any other pregnancy test. First Response tells you first. Always read the leaflet. 62% of women tested effectively 5 days before their period was due. Why wait longer than you have to?

First Response Early Pregnancy Test is available in single and double test kits, retailing at £8.39 and £10.99 respectively.  For further information visit www.firstresponsefertility.com or www.pinktimeline.co.uk.

Boo xxx

Disclaimer: Sponsored post, I was sent this information and thought it interesting and wanted to share with you.

GUEST POST: Toddler Naptime Guide for Parents

Many parents struggle when it comes to naptime with their toddlers. Knowing
what to do to get toddlers to even take their naps can be quite challenging, but there are a few tips to help parents with this issue.


Falling Asleep


Toddlers are old enough to fall asleep on their own, and parents shouldn't have to stay with them or pat them to sleep. This can be tough, but the best way for parents to handle this is to talk to toddlers about the situation and leave the room. After a day or two of crying, the child will figure out that he is okay and fall asleep on his own. This can be tough for parents, but children must learn to put themselves to sleep. Parents can help toddlers go to sleep by themselves in a few ways. They can turn on soft music for the toddler to listen to, give the child a stuffed animal to hold, or even turn on a lamp to make the child comfortable at naptime.




Staying in the Bed


Some toddlers want to get up and play as soon as their parents leave the room instead of staying in the bed. The only way the toddler can fall asleep is if he stay in his bed. This can be a challenge, so try this idea. Start by giving the toddler three straws to hold when he gets into the bed for his nap. Tell him that every time he gets out of bed, he will lose a straw. If he can keep at least one straw, then he will earn a reward. Rewards can be stickers, cookies, or even small, inexpensive toys. After a few rewards, the toddler will learn what is expected of him, and rewards will no longer have to be used.




Staying on Schedule


A toddler's naptime should be at the same time every day. Toddlers feel
comfortable when they have a routine to follow throughout the day. They thrive on routines. A toddler who is used to napping every single day right after lunch is more likely to go ahead and get his nap over with than a child who is unsure of when he gets to take his nap. If a toddler attends daycare, parents should follow the same naptime routine at home as the school does. This just makes it easier for the child to nap both at home and at school.




Toddlers Need Rest


Toddlers must have their rest, or they tend to get cranky and upset by the end of the day. Their bodies need this time and suffer when they don't get it. Think about how active toddlers are throughout the day as they run, play, and learn. Their little bodies need a moment to rest before they start this process all over again. Therefore, parents must put their toddlers down for a nap. Parents must do this even when the child doesn't seem tired. The key is not to stress if the child doesn't actually go to sleep. Toddlers should be put down for a nap and expected to sleep or rest. If the toddler doesn't fall asleep after an hour of quiet rest, he can get up and play again. Parent shouldn't worry if naptime turns into rest time a couple of days a week.


Parents have the responsibility of making sure their toddlers get the
recommended amount of sleep each day. Naptime is an important part of a
toddler's day that shouldn't be ignored even when toddlers choose to assert
their independence and fight naptime. These tips can make naptime easier.




This post was written as a guest blog post by mum’s mall - a specialist price
comparison site for maternity products, toys, kids & baby clothes featuring over 50 online stores. Find mum’s mall on Facebook and Follow mum’s mall on Twitter.

Boo xxx

My Way! Cartoon Network competition

A month or two ago I was lucky enough to review the My Way! Spinbrush and as regular readers will know Roo thought it was fantastic.

They have got a fabulous competition running in conjunction with Cartoon Network.  Take a look at the video for more details...

Girls vs Boys, a little healthy competition with 5 prizes to won each week... why not let your little ones have a go


Enter here

Boo xxx

Disclaimer: Sponsored post I was asked to post this information, however I have not received any product or financial compensation for doing so.  I thought it was a fun competition for the little ones to enter... Good luck

Conversations with a 5 year old - Christmas Dinner

Roo had her Christmas Dinner at school today, she usually takes packed lunch but thought she would enjoy the dinner so booked her in.


On the way home from school I asked her if her dinner was nice...


Me: How was your dinner?
Roo: Yummy
Me: What did you have?
Roo: There was no peas or broccoli but there was some green things with seeds inside
Me: Oh. Did you have mashed potato? (she loves mashed potato)
Roo: Yeah... but it was inside something
Me: Inside something? What?
Roo: It was inside a crispy thing, it tasted nice though
Me: Sweetie, that is a roast potato!




Kids say the funniest things

Boo xxx

Christmas Baking for Roo's Teachers

On Sunday, Roo was pestering me to let her make cakes for her teachers at school...


This is what happens when you say yes to a five year old...

It all starts so well, mix, mix, mix...

Well someone has to lick the bowl...

 Roo found the food colouring and decided that her teachers would love red and blue cakes...

They wouldn't be complete without red and yellow fondant icing...

What do you think? would you eat these?

Boo xxx

Christmas Childcare

As with any working parent, childcare is a nightmare at the best of times.  However, I always find Christmas the most stressful to try and make alternative arrangements.


I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week so I am very lucky that I don't need to find childcare for all five days of the week.


School finishes on the 16th and reopens on the 4th Jan.  The Nursery closes on the 23rd reopening on the 4th, which leaves me with a number of days to find cover for (how full time parents find childcare cover is beyond me).


This year Mr Boo's company has decided that managers must work all Saturdays and Sundays in December which means he will have two weekdays off which is helpful for childcare issues however it also means we don't get very much family time.


Mon 19th - Roo is with Mr Boo
Wed 21st - Roo is again with Mr Boo
Fri 23rd - I have a day's annual leave


Normally Mr Boo would have Christmas Day off and work Boxing Day, however his company have decided that managers do not need to work Boxing Day this year (yay!), however this leaves me with a childcare nightmare as this means he has taken is two days off for that week.


Mon 26th - Bank Holiday
Wed 28th - NO CHILDCARE!!! I cannot take annual leave as there will be no cover for my position since the 22nd and paperwork will be piling up.  My mum now lives away, my in laws are going away, my sister in law will (hopefully) just have had a new baby (so can't really dump two more kids on her).  So I very kindly offered my managers a solution... Let me have the 28th daytime off and I'll come in for 3hrs on the 27th & 28th evenings (once Mr Boo is back from work).  Luckily they agreed to this (I really do have the most understanding managers).
Fri 30th - I have a day's annual leave


Mon 2nd - Bank Holiday
Wed 4th - Normal service resumes




What are your childcare arrangements over the festive period?

Boo xxx

@Slimavite - Week 7 (#MUMenTUM)

Starting weight: 12st 2lb (31/10/11)

Weight: 11st 6lb (2lb loss)

Another 2lb loss this week, slow and steady.  Last week I was feeling so tired and washed out, which I think was partly to do with my monthly visitor and partly due to the amount of things I seemed to need to complete at the moment.

This week I am feeling much more confident in managing my tasks and hopefully this will allow me to keep on track with my shakes and not indulge in too many festive treats (fingers crossed).

I'm hoping that by the end of 2011 I can get to 11st, if not into the 10st's.  If I do manage to get there I'm hoping to purchase these:

from my Slimavite Goals/Treats I set myself a few weeks ago.

Boo xxx

One day at a time...

After writing my 'Exhausted' post the other day the realisation hit me that maybe I am not Superwoman...  This is a difficult pill for me to swallow.  I have fought to be independent for so long and only asking for and accepting help when I absolutely have to.


So my new thought process is instead of trying (unsuccessfully) to complete several tasks within one day, I will each day set myself a new task to focus my efforts on.




Friday, I managed to wrap most of my Christmas presents (only one box to go) and write out the non-photo cards.


Saturday, I finally took the children's Christmas photo and for the first year printed the photos myself, with thanks to my new Kodak Hero 7.1 printer I won recently (thank you @Kodak_UK and @Britmums once again).


Sunday, washing and ironing.  General house tidy up. Baked cakes with Roo as she wants to take some into school for her teachers.  Attempted to catch up on Google Reader (I think this is a losing battle really as just when I think I'm on top of my blog reading I look and the number has gone up).




Plan for next week...


Monday, blog posts and reviews.  This may move to Tuesday as I have a dinner date with my best friend (first of the Christmas present exchanges)


Tuesday, Tigger has a Christmas Party at his Nursery so Roo is getting picked up from school and having tea at her best friend's house.


Wednesday, finish off the Christmas present wrapping


Thursday, deliver Christmas presents to friends and Roo can take the Teacher's gifts in.


Friday, last day of school (panic!), need to push raffle ticket sales for work as when I last checked they were not going to well.

Wish me luck

Boo xxx

Christmas Photo - 2011

I finally got round to taking the children's Christmas photo yesterday

(long overdue, believe it or not I usually have this done by the second week of November!)

Every year I like the kiddies to wear this year I had the dilemma that Roo didn't really have anything red.  So I thought why not use their football shirts, anyone who knows us know that they all have matching shirts (apart from myself), including Tigger's build-a-bear dog (complete with matching football boots).

I thought getting the perfect shot would be easy as both of my children love the camera.  However, the Waybuloo's were on the TV at the time and trying to get Tigger's attention was so difficult.  I even turned the TV off but he just sat looking at it, puzzled as if to say 'what happened to NokTok?'

My cutie pies

As many of you will now I was lucky enough to win the recent Kodak Big App Challenge, for which I won a Kodak Hero 7.1 printer with lots of photo paper and ink.  So this year for the first time ever I attempted to print me own photos and place them in my pre-made Christmas cards.

As I was a photo printing virgin I was so pleased to find that the Kodak Home Centre offers many different resources.  Editing and cropping my photo was easy and when it came to printing I could select paper size, as I was using A4 paper it selected that I could get 3 photos per page and even gave me the option of optimised for cutting, allowing easier cutting once printed (need to invest in a paper cutter... my scissor action isn't great).

 The official photo

What do you think?

Next year I think I will attempt to make the whole Christmas card

Boo xxx

#SilentSunday - 11/12/11

 

Boo xxx

Sudocrem Superchef 2011 competition

Instructions on how to enter the Superchef 2011 competition:

Step 1- Prepare, bake, fry, steam, boil or stew your own Christmas themed recipe then take a picture of your creation. 

Step 2– Visit and ‘Like’ the Sudocrem Facebook page and click on the Superchef Competition page

Step 3- Follow the competition page instructions: Enter your name, upload your picture and paste your recipe into the text box provided

Step 4- Keep your fingers crossed that our judge, Aggie MacKenzie takes a shine to your creation!


Competition Start Date- 7.12.2011
Competition Finish Date– 4.1.2012
Competition winners announced– 5.1.2012

The Prizes:

1^st Prize: 3 day cookery course for 2 in France and £200 contribution towards travel.

2^nd Prize: £150 Christmas Hamper from Selfridges

3^rd Prize: £75 Marks & Spencer’s vouchers

Boo xxx

Disclaimer: Posted in conjunction with Blog-Match to promote Sudocrem and their competition

Exhausted

Sorry I've been quite recently, I haven't blogged as often as I should, I certainly haven't replied you all your wonderful comments.


My excuse... I am exhausted...


Juggling two children, one of which refuses to spend the entire night his cot without spending at least sometime cuddled on the sofa with me.  Ensuring that the other keeps up to date with all her school events (Christmas Fete, Christmas play, Film Club, Cooking Club, Panto, Christmas Dinner, Christmas Party etc the list goes on).


Work is so hectic at the moment, I used to work everyday (9-2) but now work M/W/F (9-3) and although I have cover on the days I am not there, its just not the same.  I am a control freak, I know this, I have accepted this, but nobody quite does things the way I want them doing so I am now squeezing in my previous workload into shorter hours.  Add to this our annual Christmas raffle, which I organise every year, I have not promoted this half as well as I should have and ticket sales are way down on what we were hoping to raise.


Christmas preparations, I have only just written out Roo's school cards, I have not taken this year's children's photo for the family cards, which in turn means I have not printed, written or send them.  I have wrapped a handful of presents and that's it.  On a good note I have bought most of what I need to get so it is just a case of wrapping and distributing.


My house looks unloved, messy and I'm kind of hoping that the 'lived in' look takes off big time because my house would fit in a treat.  I have fallen into the iron as I need trap instead of making sure I have all the shirts and uniform required for the week ahead.

Mr Boo I have neglected my gorgeous, hardworking husband... Sorry x


I just need some extra energy to allow me to get through each day.  Unfortunately I don't drink coffee (maybe I should start!)

Boo xxx

Share your Google+ pages - Linky

With the news that Google Friend Connect will be disappearing from all non-Blogger accounts, I though I would start a weekly linky for everyone to share their Google+ pages

Boo xxx

WINNER: Mamas & Papas Baby Toys

CONGRATULATIONS

Jamie Lee-Norris

(@jlnorris2010)

Please DM me your details and I will send out ASAP

Boo xxx