Saturday 30 August 2014

Project 365 Days 236 - 242

So this week has been a rather rubbish one.

Lots of rain has meant us being stuck indoors.

It has also been the final week of living in the place that we have known as home for the past 9 years.

We've seen the final boxes being packed up and this morning saw us walking out of our front door for the last time.

The girls have still managed to keep a dreary week full of smiles though, just take a look at this weeks project 365 round up…

Day 236

We've been making jelly and of course the girls decided it would taste best coming straight from the big bowl ;)

Friday 29 August 2014

How Much Pocket Money?

So today I am busy moving house so the lovely Kate from Family Fever has stepped in to provide you with a post to get you thinking……

I read an article recently saying that the average child in the UK receives £12.74 a week in pocket money.

Now, I know that pocket money is always going to vary from family to family and area to area. But to me, that seems a lot? 

My children are 8, 6 and 1. We put money into their savings accounts each month, but I don’t see that as ‘pocket money’. 

The older 2 get £1 a week, and there is the potential to earn a little bit more if they help with some of the bigger household jobs such as washing the car, weeding the garden and hoovering their rooms. 

See, I did the maths. £12 a week equates to more than £600 a year, per child. I have 3. And I simply don’t have £1800 a year to give to my children. 

Thursday 28 August 2014

Huevos Rancheros Recipe

Whilst on holiday in Ibiza earlier this year, one of things we really loved was the food. Sitting and eating our breakfast at Cafe Mambo watching the sun rising was a definite highlight.

One of my favourite dishes was Huevos Rancheros, what is known as a typical Mexican breakfast.

I tried to recreate this, putting in a couple of my own twists.

huevos rancheros

Take a look at the recipe below :

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Keeping Cool in the Office: Top Five Work Outfits

When the sun is beating down on the windows at work, and the air con is trying its hardest to cut through the heat to keep you cool, the last thing that you want to be dressed in is something synthetic, knitted and oversized. Naturally, the type of work that you are in will dictate the sort of clothing that you’re allowed to wear; some industries have a particular uniform available, while some give you the chance to dress in what you like. However, if you have to dress in business attire and you need to look professional at all times, there are still ways in which you can keep cool during the hotter months. 
Here are five gorgeous work outfit ideas that will not only adhere to the business-like dress code, but will also keep you as cool as a cucumber. 
A Shift Dress 

Work dresses are available in various shapes, sizes and colours and the choice you make will depend largely on your individual style. While you may have to wear a tailored suit – in which case, lose the jacket as soon as you can – you may also be able to have a little more personal style by wearing various dress types during your working days. There are plenty of work dresses at George which are great value, including shift dresses that are elegant, stylish and above all, cool. 
Capped Sleeves 
Team a knee length skirt with a shirt with capped sleeves and you will automatically feel cooler than you would in a full sleeve blouse. Choose a blouse in a contemporary pattern to add a little uniqueness to this sophisticated outfit. 

Barbie & Me Colour Change Glam Bag Review

Ok I know we are only at the end of August but I am going to mention the dreaded C word…. Christmas.

Hamleys recently announced their top 10 toys for Christmas this year and on that list happened to be the Barbie & Me Colour Change Glam Bag.

barbie & me

barbie & me colour change glam bag

Modelling Outfits From LamaLoLi

My children are typical girls, they love clothes.

So when we were asked if we would like to review a couple of items of clothing from the range over on LamaLoLi, I just couldn't say no.

LamaLoLi is an online shop which sells branded clothing that sport a whole range of stars and heroes from popular kids and adults programmes and films.

There are so many things to choose from for both children and grown ups including things like skirts and dresses, tops and trousers, pyjamas and underwear.

I let the girls looks through the site with me and we opted for a skirt and top set and a t-shirt, both with Monster High characters on.

Elise opted for a t-shirt which is currently on offer for £4.95

Tuesday 26 August 2014

O Is For …. Organised

I think I found this weeks Alphabet Project the toughest.

There are so many words that spring to mind when I think of the letter O but unfortunately I didn't have things like oranges, otters and ogres to hand.

Below is what I finally decided on :

filofax

Monday 25 August 2014

Read With Me #34

Welcome to this weeks Read With Me. Last week I started to get the girls prepared for going back to school by sitting them down to do some learning, Gracie has been joining in with Parragon's #summerwithgoldstars which you can read more about in the post I've linked up this week.

read with me
I as always have been busy reading too.

My favourite book that I read last week just has to be A Whole New Crowd by Tijan.

Tijan is an author that I really love, each book has me gripped, I would honestly recommend every one of them.

Thanks to everyone that linked up last wee, a couple of my favourites :

Some great book recommendations over on All About a Mummy including The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty.

And Natasha from Serenity You was lucky enough to get her hands on some brand new Miffy books, I am a huge fan of books from Dick Bruna and Miffy is no exception!!

Joining Parragon's #summerwithgoldstars

Just because it is the Summer holidays doesn't mean that your kids have to stop learning.

Infact keeping their education going over the holidays can prove to be just as entertaining as playing with their toys and games.

This year Parragon launched their Summer With Gold Stars challenge in a bid to help parents keep their little ones engaged and learning over the long holiday period.

Parragon's Gold Stars range of workbooks are packed full of fun, clearly illustrated learning activities.

With Gracie starting school in September, we were sent the Ready For School Big WorkBook.

gold stars ready for school big workbook

Saturday 23 August 2014

Project 365 Days 229 - 235

Seems like it has been a mixed weather week for most people.

I don't like to think that Summer is over but even I've noticed a drop in temperature.

Packing has continued this week so unfortunately a lot of our week has been spent indoors, not that the kids seem to mind.

And on that not here's this weeks project 365 round up…

Day 229

Today we went school shoe shopping and just happened to pass the Lindt shop, well lets just say we couldn't resist.


Friday 22 August 2014

I Think I'm Turning Into My Mum

Back in the day I always swore I would never be like my mum.

Come on you all said it too didn't you.

Trouble is I'm noticing more and more that I am saying/doing those things that I was adament I'd never do.

Here are five things I bet you've noticed too :

1. You start muttering things under your breath.

We always said my mum had a friend named Arthur, all the time she was calling him , "oh for…."

2. Those sayings that used to really annoy you as a child, it's like torrets they keep popping out.

Thursday 21 August 2014

Baked Onion and Courgette Frittata Recipe

Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients and can be used to create many meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

I've tried frying them, scrambling them, boiling them and poaching them but I hadn't attempted to bake them until now…..

Read my latest recipe to see how I created my baked onion and courgette frittata.

baked onion and courgette frittata

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Keeping Active With The LeapBand

You may remember a couple of months back that I wrote a post introducing one of the latest products from LeapFrog, the LeapBand and I promised you guys a review

Well I'm happy to tell you that we have been putting the LeapBand through it's paces and I'm finally ready to share with you all what the girls and I made of it.

For those of you that haven't heard of the LeapBand yet, let me give you a little more info :

It is the first wearable activity tracker for children, designed to not only get them learning but to keep them active whilst having fun too. It combines virtual pet play with physical activities and even doubles up as a watch!!

We received the LeapBand in pink but it is also available in green, blue and orange as well, making it suitable for boys and girls.

leapband

July's Degustabox, What's Inside???

It is that time of the month when I tell you exactly what I received in my monthly Degustabox.

I do love a good surprise and I have to say I think this may have been the best box to date.

So what was inside??

zeo drinks

Zeo Drink £1.29 each or £4.29 for four : Avaialable in three flavours : Peach and Grapefruit Burst, Citrus Crush and Lime Zest. These carbonated drinks are not only tasty but refreshing too. They leave this strange yet welcoming tingling sensation in your mouth after drinking. A perfect choice for those hot Summer days.

Tuesday 19 August 2014

N is for ….. Nails

The past couple of weeks of the Summer holidays have been a bit rubbish if I'm honest, I've spent a lot of time packing up our house ready to move and I feel like I've neglected the girls somewhat.

So last week I stepped away from the boxes and decided we were going to have a girly day.

We had fun with arts and crafts, making dresses, bags etc.

Baking was done, lots of yummy cakes to eat.

And of course no girly day is complete until a bit of pampering has occurred.

This meant that N stood for nails.

Monday 18 August 2014

Read With Me #33

We're nearing the end of August, Summer holidays almost over and I can't believe I only just found out about the Mythical Maze Summer reading challenge. Good job we decided to visit the library last week!!

read with me

Is this something your children have been joining in with??

Talking of challenges I'm only 18 books away from completing my Goodreads 2014 reading challenge.

I've read 132 books so far this year.

My favourite book from last week had to be Ugly Love from Colleen Hoover, I don't think this woman can write a bad book!!

Some brilliant posts linked up last week, a big thank you to everyone who took the time to link up and comment.

The One Plus One by JoJo Moyes Review

For those of you that read my blog, you will know I'm a real book worm. I am always on the look out for different books to read, even better if they are by authors that I have yet to try.

I was recently selected by Mumsnet as one of ten bloggers to review The One Plus One by JoJo Moyes.

I've heard of JoJoMoyes before but I hadn't picked up one of her books before.

the one plus one jojo moyes

The blurb :

Jess Thomas, with two jobs and two kids and neber enough money, wears flip flops in the hope of Spring. And whenlife knocks her down she does her best to bounce right back. But there are some challenges even she can't meet on her own.

Ed Nicholls is the good guy gone bad. He had it all, then one stupid mistake cost him everything. Now he'll do anything to make it right.

Ed doesn't want to save anyone and Jess doesn't want saving but could Jess and Ed add up to something better together?

The One Plus One tells the story of Jess and her quirky family.

Saturday 16 August 2014

Project 365 Days 222 - 228

The Summer holidays are flying by.

We've had a week off packing and instead made the most of having time off, even if it did decide to rain for half of it.

Trips to the library, baking, crafting and sleepovers.

Take a look at this weeks project 365 round up.

Day 222

Elise was showing off her new top, Gracie was pretending to paint my nails and Freya and Layla managed to find yet another hiding place.

Friday 15 August 2014

Keeping The Summer Holidays Interesting

Last month I signed up to join in with Britmums latest challenge, 42 days of Summer in association with Mcvities BN biscuits.

I think a lot of parents dread the Summer holidays.

There is not only the worry of keeping the kids entertained but there is also the stress of the expense of days out but over the years, I have discovered that having fun need not cost lots of money.

Here is what we have been up to since the kids finished school at the end of July.

1. Gone to the library

Doesn't cost a penny to borrow books and you can visit as often as you like to swap books.



2. Played at the park

I think you will be surprised when you look at just how many parks you have near your home. And as much as people think that the park is only for younger children, I am here to protest, I still love to sit on a swing and see if I can touch the sky.

3. Trip to the beach

I do like to be beside the seaside. Whether it be a sandy beach or one covered in pebbles, there is lots of fun to be had. Building sand castles, searching for hidden treasures or just breathing in that sea air.

Thursday 14 August 2014

Jam Filled Muffins Recipe

I haven't done any baking in a while but seen as I am on a mission to empty all my cupboards ready for moving, I decided making cakes would certainly clear some space.

What I made depended on what ingredients I had left and in the end I decided on some simple muffins, but plain muffins aren't any fun are they so I thought why not fill them up with jam…..

jam filled muffins

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Aloe Vera Helps To Heal Skin

Myself and two of my daughter's suffer from varying degrees of dry skin conditions and along with this, it means that our skin is quite sensitive.

The other week I put a post up on my blogs facebook page asking about solutions for soothing heat rash.

A couple of people actually suggested Aloe Vera gel.

Then one of my lovely likers asked me if I would like to review Aloe Vera Gelly from Forever Living.

forever living

Keeping Hydrated With SodaStream

When someone mentions SodaStream, it takes me back to my childhood.

I think of staying at my Nan's house and drinking cream soda and ginger beer, I remember being amazed out the bubbles magically appearing in the water.

So when I was asked if I would like to review a SodaStream Play whilst giving people advice on how to keep our kids hydrated this Summer, I couldn't reply with YES quick enough.

sodastream play

Tuesday 12 August 2014

M is for …. Minnie

We've made it to the half way point of the alphabet project.

Which brings us to letter M.

This has actually been one of the easiest photos to take and not just because it didn't involve getting the kids to stand still.

minnie mouse

Monday 11 August 2014

Read With Me #32

Hello all. Welcome to this weeks #ReadWithMe. Are you managing to read with all the kids off school??

read with me
I've had quite a few books sent to me to review over the past couple of weeks.

I have to admit, it has made a nice change going back to 'real' books instead of reading the stories on my kindle.

Out of the books I read the book I recommend the most is The Story of Me (carnage 2) by Lesley Jones. The highly anticipated sequel to Carnage.

Now you will need to read book one, Carnage, to really understand book 2 and highly recommend this book too.

Both books are full of drama, laughs, loves. You are taken on a real emotional rollercoaster.

Colin The Crab Book Review

I've been reviewing quite a few books that are more for myself lately so when I was asked to review a childrens book recently, I knew my girls would be happy when it arrived in the post.

gone crabbing

Gone Crabbing founder Susie Mason has teamed up with the wonderful illustrator Robert Crowther to produce Colin the Crab. A lovely pop up book that comes with a poignant message, how even the smallest of creatures should be treated with respect.

Saturday 9 August 2014

Project 365 Days 215 - 221

So this week has been a bit of a struggle.

Trying to keep the girls entertained whilst packing up a whole house has proved difficult.

I hate to think that the girls are getting bored, the Summer holidays can be known to get tedious enough  some days as it is.

We will definitely be moving into my mums house for the forseeable future however we have put an offer in on a house so things aren't all bad.

On to this weeks project 365 round up.

Day 215

This fountain is in the middle of town and it is a feature that my girls always gravitate too.


Friday 8 August 2014

Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside

I do love living near the beach.

Being able to walk down the pier, watch the boats coming in and just sitting on the pebbles eating ice cream never gets old.

However you can't beat a sandy beach.

Whilst Daddy Hazelden was off, we drove down to Greatstone beach in Kent.

Not too far from us.

greatstone beach

Thursday 7 August 2014

Giant Frozen Yoghurt Buttons

When it the weather is hot ice creams are the go to snack in this house.

But what happens when they've eaten all the ice lollies??

You make giant frozen yoghurt buttons of course.

A quick and easy recipe below that creates a yummy yet relatively healthy snack.

giant frozen yoghurt buttons

Wednesday 6 August 2014

Teatoxing With Skinny Love Tea

From some of my previous posts about weight loss you will know that I suffer quite a bit from bloating and generally yoyoing with my weight.

I was recently asked if I would like to try Skinny Love Tea.

Their purpose.

To aid weight loss, improve digestion, reduce bloating and to increase metabolism.

Now I'm not a huge tea drinker but I do drink green tea as it definitely helps maintain the weight I have managed to reach so far, so I was intrigued to see whether this tea would have any lasting changes on my body.

I received a 2 week classic combo (£18.99) which contained :

14am Teatox tea bags
7pm Cleanse tea bags

Dry Like Me Review

I am now approaching one of the last milestones that paves the way for Layla to become more of a child than a baby, potty training.

Getting my kids out of nappies has always been one of the more stressful times when it comes to parenting.

Dry Like Me potty training pads are here to help make the transition from nappies to knickers/pants an easier process for both parents and children.

dry like me potty training pads

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Win Tickets To See Labyrinth at Battersea Park Thanks To Pago Juices

I love a classic film, infact I think a lot of the older films are much better than the ones released nowadays.

This Summer Luna Cinema, the UK's number 1 outdoor cinema is popping up in amazing outside locations all across the UK, showcasing lots of movies including the classics like Breakfast at Tiffanys, Dirty Dancing, Grease and Labyrinth.

This year, these outdoor cinemas are being supported by Pago Fruit Juice.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend one of the viewings so Pago kindly sent me a hamper containing all the things my family and I would need to have our own indoor cinema experience.

L is for ….. Layla

Ok so you may remember that three of my photos for the Alphabet Project had a theme. I not completely knowingly gave my daughters names that went in alphabetical order : Elise, Freya and Gracie.

Now our surname is Hazelden so Daddy Hazelden didn't want a name beginning with H, he felt it was too much, there went my alphabet :(

In the end I had to admit defeat and because I chose all the other names, Daddy Hazelden had the final say this time round.

So…..

L is for Layla

Monday 4 August 2014

Read With Me #31

Hey there lovely readers, welcome to this weeks #ReadWithMe. Well we've made it to the month of August. Summer holidays have well and truly arrived and I'm finding I now have less and less time to read.

read with me
However in total, I managed to read 17 books last month.

The best book that I read last week was Not Yet by Laura Ward.

This touching romance is filled with love, laughs and a few life lessons.

Touching on the subject of things like autism and downs syndrome, it was well written and really gets you thinking.

My favourite post linked up last week was from Catherine over on StorySnug.

Some great recommendations of books that help children learn and understand about starting school. My 3rd child will be starting primary school in September so this was a very helpful post.

Skid by Roland Watson-Grant Review

Earlier this year I reviewed Sketcher by Roland Watson-Grant. What I didn't know then was that that book was to be part of a trilogy.

So when I was asked if I would like to review the second book in the trilogy, Skid, I happily accepted as I was eager to find out what happened next in skid's life.

'Having left the Louisiana swamp behind, the Beaumonts are finding it hard to settle into the big city. As he unpacks the boxes after their move to Eastern New Orleans, the no sixteen year old Skid finds a diary which had belonged to his older brother Frico. Among various other family secrets that emerge from the discovery is the startling revelation that "Skid" is a hoodoo word of ominous significance. This throws Skid's mind into turmoil and prompts him to launch into a quest for the real meaning of his name and the very foundations of his own being, an adventure which will pitt him against his own brother and lead him to encounter Claire, a mysterious girl who seems to hold the answers to some of his questions.'

Saturday 2 August 2014

Project 365 Days 208 - 214

This week has been another busy week.

Unfortunately someone has put an offer in to buy our house so the landlord wants us out by the end of August. Now to pack everything up.

In-between boxing up all our belongings we have managed trips to the park, visits to Nannie, picnics, lots of outdoor play oh and who could forget, a special birthday too!!!

Take a look at this weeks project 365 photos.

Day 208

We were helping my mum move a few things around in her house and whilst we were busy, the kids invaded their Uncle Alec's bedroom.

Friday 1 August 2014

Will You Be Joining Blossom's #IWantToBe Campaign

I love a good competition, as they say, you've got to be in it to win it.

Well just this week Blossom, the magazine aimed at girls between the ages of 5-8, have launched a brand new competition.



The #IWantToBe campaign is a fun way of finding out just what children want to be when they grow up.

Introducing Toogiez Review and Giveaway

I was recently approached by a lovely lady who was launching her product via a kickstarter campaign with her business partner.

The product, Toogiez.

What are Toogiez I hear you ask??

Well they are described as playable, wearable, stickable sidekicks.

These cute plushies attach to specially made cotton t-shirts but can also be taken off and played with like a normal toy.



A great concept that I was more than happy to promote.