Wednesday 31 December 2014

Project 365 Days 355 - 365

I honestly can't believe I made it, this is the not only the last day of 2014 but the last day of this years project 365 and I am so pleased to say that I saw it through to the end.

My pictures may not have been the most interesting or the best taken but I am so grateful to The Boy and Me for the idea to actually take on this project as it has given me so many wonderful photos to look back on, lots of brilliant big and small moments to remember.

I will definitely be taking part again in 2015 although my eldest daughter will feature less as she isn't as eager to be infront of the camera lately.

Onto the pictures, a bumper edition for the final project 365 of the year :

Day 355

The girls were having fun making crackers.

New year, new targets?

So it's New Years Eve 2014, did I stick to what I said at the start of the year? My list went something like this :

* Take more pictures of my children : 

I can definitely say that I took more pictures of my children. Joining in with project 365 made sure of this, I managed to take a picture of each of my children, every day of this year. Some days had seperate photos of all them whilst others had group shots, I must count just how many pictures I took. I will definitely continue to take more photos, it has been wonderful seeing just how they've changed over the year.

* Regular family activity time :

Well this happened to a point. With Daddy Hazelden working away so much it did become difficult but we managed to fit in a few activities including visiting Dover Castle a lot!! We also learnt a bit about geocaching and took to exploring our local area.

* Home improvements :

Ok so this didn't happen. Mid year we got evicted from our home as the landlord was selling our house.  Lets just say the second half of the year has been stress filled!! We finally bought our own home 2 weeks ago and will hopefully be doing some home improvements in the new year, watch this space…

* Make more time for me :

I think I failed miserably at this one. Cramping into Living in my mums house made it difficult to get any space what so ever, the only me time I got was at 2am when everyone else was sleeping. What I'd really like now is for Daddy Hazelden to build me my very own reading nook.

* Learn to love myself :

Believe it or not I feel I half achieved this. Ok so I'm not a big fan of my body still but I stopped obssessing over the scales so much and I stopped worrying about the food intake, although I am looking forward to getting back to running in 2015.

My targets for 2015 :

So this time I've decided to not set myself any targets, I'm going to go with the flow just remembering one simple thing, the best things in life are free. Living, laughing and loving is what I will be doing in 2015.

Here's to a happier and less stressful year ahead, cheers.

xxxx

Tuesday 30 December 2014

The Gro Clock Review

I have some children who like to get up just a little bit too early. Keeping them in bed has proved to be a struggle, now I don't mind sharing my bed but not before atleast 6am!! I was recently asked if I'd like to review a item from The Gro Company and immediately the Gro Clock sprang to mind, it is a product that a lot of people have recommended to me before so I wanted to see if it had enough magical powers to work on my children.

Monday 29 December 2014

Children's Books For All Ages

I was recently sent a wonderful collection of books, one for each of my girls. I reviewed Ten On The Sled separately here but I thought I'd share my thoughts on the rest of the books in this one post. The other books I received were : A Children's Treasury of Lullabies, Monster Party and Calvin, Look Out!

Sunday 28 December 2014

Saturday 27 December 2014

Before Buddy The Elf Left

I know Christmas is over, hope you're all as sad as I am!! However I still wanted to share with you what our beloved Buddy the Elf got up to before he left to help Santa out.

I think Buddy was feeling a bit bad for getting drunk the previous night so he came back with crafty gifts for the girls to do. They had fun making snow globes, crackers and festive cakes.

Friday 26 December 2014

Another guest post for you all today, a little change of pace with a poem from Sarah over on Hills and Daffodils.

Ten tiny fingers...

Once upon a time you were so small, 
Now you are growing up- so tall, 
Ten tiny fingers on two tiny hands,
Now two large hand prints as high as you stand,

The yells for "MUMMY!" were once for a fall,
Now you hardly yell for Mummy at all,
Lullabys we once sang so softly, 
Now you sing "LET IT GO!" so boldly,

Wednesday 24 December 2014

Tidlo Magnetic Number Set Review

Numbers, they're used everywhere, sometimes we don't even realise that we are using them and to be able to recognise them may sound simple but for some it is a difficult thing to grasp in the beginning.

My 4 year old is one of those having difficulty. She can count up to atleast thirty with ease but recognising numbers on a page is proving hard for her.

I was trying to come up with ways to help her, working along with her teachers and we came up with a few methods.

Rhymes worked well when learning her letters so her teacher dug out some number rhymes to see if that would make things click.

To an extent they did. She now recognises 3, 4 and 8 remembering the words used to desribe them. Three looks like handcuffs and is known as thieving three, four has an oar (like on a boat) and 8 is like a long snake.

Repeating really drummed them in to. I purchased a white board so we could easily write them down and rub them back out again. And then I spotted the Tildo Magnetic Number set over on The Toadstool, our white board is magnetic so this was the perfect addition to reinforcing Gracie's learning.

Tuesday 23 December 2014

Tips For a Stress Free Christmas

Whilst I'm busy getting settled into my new house, I have wonderful guest post for you, I'll hand you over to little pickle :

Hello, I am Pickle and I am just two years old. My blog is over at www.icklepickleslife.co.uk I am very excited to be writing this Guest Post! Thank you Mama Mummy Mum! This is my third Christmas, and I am very excited. I thought I would share with you some tips for a Stress Free Christmas.

christmas 2012

Monday 22 December 2014

Read With Me #51

Hello. Now I know you're all probably busy wrapping presents and doing some last minute Christmas shopping but I don't feel my week is complete without a Read With Me post.

read with me
I will keep this weeks post short but sweet.

I'm not sure if there will be a Read With Me post up next week so I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you who joined in this year.

It has been wonderful reading so many lovely reviews and recommendations.

Seeing activities which extend stories and ideas on how to get children excited about reading.

Every single comment, share and link up has been very much appreciated.

Here's hoping you'll continue to link up in the new year.

Ten On The Sled Book Review

I have a lot of traditions that I follow at Christmas, one of them being that I like to purchase the girls atleast one new Christmas themed book.

This year I was lucky enough to be sent one to review. Ten On The Sled by Kim Norman is a beautifully festive book, perfect for children and families.

There were 10 on the sledand the caribou said, 
"Slip over! Slide over!"
 … and a grand, snowy adventure was launched. 
Climb aboard - there's always room for 1 more.

It is a board book with 22 pages, filled with rhymes, counting and most importantly, fun.The story counts down as different animals falls out of the sled that they are riding in.

Sunday 21 December 2014

Saturday 20 December 2014

Project 365 Days 348 - 354

So we've been in our  new home for a week now, it's been chaotic getting everything unpacked and in place but I've never been so glad to sit on my own sofa and sleep in my own bed. Oh and of course put up my Christmas tree. I was without internet and was trying to struggle with 3G (first world problems) but we finally got WiFi back today.

It was the girls last week of school and we've had church services, parties and lots of present and card giving, I think they are getting really excited for Santa now. Mix in a sickness bug and throat infection, lets say it has been a tad hectic!!

Onto the photos….

Day 348

Today included snotty toddlers, sick bugs oh and eating lunch in the shed?

More Elf Antics

Another week closer to Christmas, less than a week to go, are you ready?? Whilst we get used to our new house, Buddy has been making himself at home…

Buddy wanted to leave a message for the girls, he just happened to make a mess of the bathroom whilst doing it.

elf on the shelf toothpaste mess

Friday 19 December 2014

Making Your Own Christmas Tree

I don't know about you but I like to have more than one Christmas tree in my house. The husband however isn't so keen, so I've been making smaller cardboard versions to pop around the house instead. They are so simple to make and of course you can paint them whatever colour you like and decorate them as you please.

You will need :

2 Pieces Of Cardboard (the bigger the cardboard, the bigger the tree)
Scissors
Paint
Christmas Decorations

1. On the first piece of cardboard draw a Christmas tree with four branches on either side, making sure to leave the end of each branch pointing upwards so that the decorations won't fall off when hung on them.

2. Cut the first tree out.

make your own Christmas tree

Thursday 18 December 2014

Warm Chicken Salad Recipe

I love food and it is true that some organic food manages to taste better than normal foods. Did you know that Aldi actually stock a few organic and special foods? I actually didn't but I was recently sent vouchers so that I could try out their range and come up with a yummy dish in the process. Below is my recipe for a warm chicken salad.

warm chicken salad recipe

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Wanderlust Pink Lining Bag Review

Changing bags, every parent needs one but with so many on the market these days it's hard to decide on one suitable. I had the pleasure last year of reviewing the Pink Lining Yummy Mummy bag and I had nothing but good words to say about it, so when I was given the oppurtunity to review their Wanderlust bag recently I was expecting good things, I just didn't know how good….

pink lining

Superphoto Review

I've mentioned previously that I take an awful lot of photos, all of which are currently stored on my phone. The trouble is, I never get around to getting them printed out but I do like to have the chance to sit and look through them.

I was asked in August whether I'd like to review a photobook from Superphoto. I was grateful for the opportunity and was already thinking about which photos I could include.

The photobook which I was asked to review was their landscape 20 x 15 cm worth £9.99

Tuesday 16 December 2014

My Own Little Angels

I had one of those proud mummy moments last week when my 4 year old and my 6, almost 7 year old took part in their school's nativity play.

Gracie along with her reception class mates was a little sparkly snowflake.

Monday 15 December 2014

Read With Me #50

Welcome to this weeks Read With Me. I have to admit even I haven't had much time to read this month. December seems to be the month where the whole family gets busy!!

read with me
However I have managed to fit in a couple of really good books.

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon. Honestly this womans writing is superb. This wasn't a typical romance as it had a paranormal element to it but it didn't make it any less brilliant.

Rules of Protection by Alison Bliss. Romance and drama mixed in with a good amount of humour and wit. This book had me laughing out loud whilst feeling quite emotional.

and

Jag by Stevie J Cole. This book was dark, raw and gritty. Yes there is a relationship entailed but the story was so much more. Showing a more real side of addiction, no sugar coating.

Talking International Book Giving Day

I'm already thinking into the future and I have a date for your diary for next year. The 14th of February next year isn't just Valentines day, oh no, it is also going to be International Book Giving day.

Books are so important and the hope on this day is to encourage as many children to get reading as possible.

And to help encourage them, illustrator Chris Haughton has designed a unique and vibrant poster, made to capture everyones attention.

Saturday 13 December 2014

Project 365 Days 341 - 347

Another week closer to Christmas and another step closer to the end of the year. I have to say I'm quite proud of myself for sticking with project 365. I think with the festive feel of the month, I've got a lot more excited about taken photos again.

So what have we been up to this week?

Elise had to have two teeth taken out as the big teeth had already grown but the poor baby ones didn't want to budge. I got to watch Freya and Gracie in their school nativity, a real proud mummy moment watching Freya take lead part. Gracie had another eye test and passed with flying colours. Oh and did I mention we got our house keys, yay :)

Onto the photos….

Day 341

A rainy day made better with a North Pole breakfast. A gift from Buddy the elf. Waffles, milkshake and santa shaped fruit, not forgetting the syrup!!!

Elf Update

Wow another week has flown by. I suppose it is time for another elf update, just what mischief has Buddy been getting himself into this week??

On day 6 it took a while to find Buddy, he'd managed to get himself into the fridge, obviously in need of a midnight snack.

elf on the shelf in fridge

Friday 12 December 2014

Things To Know When Buying a House

So todays the day, we are finally moving into our new forever home after living with my mum for almost 4 months. Along our journey of buying a house I have learnt a few things which I thought I'd share with you all.

Estate agents are not to be trusted.

Estate agents will lie.

Estate agents will tell you what you want to hear.

Estate agents do not actually want to help you.

I think you can see that there is a running theme to my all seeing all knowing knowledge that I've gathered.

Honestly they tell you that buying a house is one of the most stressful things that you'll do and I whole heartedly agree. A simple process turns into a long drawn out, prolonged journey that results in lots of angry and inpatient people who just aren't communicated with like they should be.

Thursday 11 December 2014

Making a Book Birthday Cake

Everyone likes birthday cake right? And it sometimes becomes 100% better when it is made especially for that person. My eldest daughter recently requested that I make her a birthday instead of buying one from the shop. The problem being that I am not an expert baker and I was worried that it would end up a sponge disaster but I impressed myself. I didn't make a master piece but I'm proud enough that I wanted to show it off.

Elise is a huge book worm so I chose to make her a cake that resembled a book.

book birthday cake

Wednesday 10 December 2014

What To Buy The Husband?

I don't know about you but I'm married to one of those men that buys everything for himself so when it comes to buying presents for my husband I really struggle to come up with ideas.

Now I know it may seem boring to some but something I can't go wrong with these days is workwear (think he's showing his age). I know I know it's not got the wow factor but atleast I know it is something he'll wear/use.

Over on Scruffs they stock everything from underwear and belts right up to nice warm winter coats and sturdy boots, so you can buy stocking fillers and big presents all in the same place. And the best thing, they look good enough to wear out of work so you really get your money's worth.

You can check out some of their stocking filler selection below :


scruffs workwear

November's Degustabox, What's Inside?

It is that time of the month where I show you what's inside my Degustabox. November bought with it a mix of food and drink, some good, some not bad and one not so great. Read on to see my favourites and my never agains…

When I Grow Up….

A question we are asked often when we are younger, what do we want to be when we grow up? I think the answer changes a lot as we get older. House of Fraser recently posed the question to my children. Asking me to pick items from them which best showcased their chosen career path. Below you can see just what my kids aspire to be at this moment in time :

Layla (2 years old) would like to be a fairy princess (£23).

Tuesday 9 December 2014

The First Hair Cut

There are a lot of firsts where are kids are concerned and they are all as equally exciting and memorable as the last. All of my children have had their first hair cut very late on. Born bald and with slow growing hair, I never felt the need to even give them a trim and I think I was always reluctant to cut anything off because I hated the fact that everyone always commented "isn't HE lovely", "oh look at HIM, so lovely". Yep even when dressed head to toe in pink they always got mistaken for boys.

But the time came to finally give Layla her first hair cut. Her hair is now resembling the "mullet" style. Not a good look but I adore the tiny curl she has at the back, when pulled straight this one bit trails down her back, unlike the rest of her yet to catch up locks.

Monday 8 December 2014

Read With Me #49

Hey there. Welcome to this weeks Read With Me. So how many books have you bought for Christmas presents? Do you have many books on your wish list?

read with me
This is where I am such an easy person to buy for because there is a constant list of books that I want to read that continues to get longer rather than shorter.

Some at the top of my list of wants at the minute are :

Once Upon a Time by S K Hartley

Jaden by Tijan

First Debt by Pepper Winters

My children also have a lot of books on their lists to Santa, something I love as it means we have lots of new stories coming for bed time reading.

The Adventures of The Cuddle Pirate Book Review

the cuddle pirate book series
Books are good for not only letting your kids imaginations run wild but also for teaching them things. Kelly Elsworthy has released a series of books aimed to help children learn about healthy eating, the difference between things like and fruit and vegetables and sugary junk foods.

The Cuddle Pirate and his crew go on many exciting adventures on both land and sea. They love to eat healthy food and every time little boys and girls eat all their healthy food, he and his crew visit them for adventures. His adversary, the central villain of the series is known as the Sugar Shark. He and his gang only eat unhealthy foods such as chocolate, sugar nd fizzy drinks and are always trying to spoil the Cuddle Pirate's adventures.

Saturday 6 December 2014

Project 365 Days 334 - 340

Another week over and the count down to Christmas has begun. This weeks project 365 is a bit more positive, it has been a good week after the last few weeks of drama.

Advent calendars at the ready and our elf has returned for another year.

I was able to go on the school trip to the pantomine with the girls, I have to admit this was my first ever time seeing a pantomine and it was so much fun!!

And the best news is that we finally exchanged on our house, completing next week!!

Day 334

Today was Elise's birthday so of course it had to be a picture of my now nine year old.

Buddy Take Two

So Buddy has come back. Here to keep an eye on the kids and letting Santa know whether they've been naughty or nice.

Last month he sent a postcard announcing that he would indeed be returning and he came back with gifts.

Day one

Advent calendars for all and a surprise gift for Gracie to take in for her class mates, time to grow some candy canes!!

elf on the shelf brings advent calendars

Friday 5 December 2014

Personalised Baubles

I love crafting at Christmas. I shared with you last week how my kids and I made our very own festive wreaths, well this week I have an even simpler craft for you and your family to do, personalised baubles.

You will need :

* Baubles, whatever colour you like and however many you like.
* Christmas stickers

personalised baubles

Thursday 4 December 2014

Sweet Chilli Sausage Rolls Recipe

I love a good sausage roll but sometimes it can come across as a bit boring, it doesn't have the wow factor that other foods have. I confess that I've never made my own sausage rolls before but having looked at different recipes, I decided that it wouldn't be that hard so below is my twist to the classic pastry food.

sweet chilli sausage rolls

Wednesday 3 December 2014

LeapFrog LeapTV Review

It is no secret, we love LeapFrog products in this house. They are perfect for the ages that my children are now so when I first heard about LeapTV I was eager to have the chance to test it out, I mean the kids were.

leapfrog leaptv

My children love to play on Just Dance on our Xbox however we struggle with the kinect picking them up on the camera properly sometimes. LeapTV is designed specifically for children aged between 3 and 8 years old. In simple turns it is educational yet active video gaming.

Spicers of Hythe Hamper Review

We all have those family members that are tricky to buy for a Christmas, the ones who are a little fussy or perhaps have no need for anything in particular. My solution, buying them hampers. I was actually lucky enough to be sent a lovely Christmas hamper from Spicers of Hythe recently and lets say my tummy was rather grateful.

spicers of hythe hamper

This company stock a range of luxury food hampers and gift baskets, there is something for everyone, from the cheese lover to the tea drinker, the ones with a sweet tooth to those who like a glass of wine. Being from Kent myself, I'm thrilled to be able to showcase a local business.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

The Last Step Towards Independence

Layla was my last child. It doesn't seem two minutes ago that I gave birth to her yet now she is a fully fledged little person, no longer a baby. She walks, talks, feeds herself and rarely uses her pushchair anymore. My youngest daughter took her last steps towards independence the other day when she said goodbye nappies and hello knickers, that's right completely potty trained, day and night.

Potty training has definitely been interesting and all of my children have been so different with their approach so I  just wanted to share with you 5 easy tips to make the experience better for both parent and child.

There are the usual signs to look out for :

* They know when they have got a wet or dirty nappy.

* They might tell you when they are weeing or pooing, so they have good communication skills.

* They may be drier for longer periods of time.

Now this might be a good time to start trying but this doesn't necessarily mean that they are ready.

Monday 1 December 2014

Read With Me #48

Welcome to this weeks Read With Me. What have you been reading lately?? I have slowed down recently but I still have a couple of recommendations for you.

read with me
A favourite author of mine is Kirsty Moseley, one of my all time favourite books is The Boy Sneaks In My Bedroom Window.

Her latest book, Poles Apart certainly disappoint, a pole dancer and a motogp driver, when their two worlds collide things get interesting, complicated and exciting.

Humerous and romantic mixed in with a bucket full of emotion and you have a winning combo well worh checking out.

And a book that I am happy to re read a lot!! Archers Voice by Mia Sheridan, one of my best reads of the year.

The Book With No Pictures Review

The girls and I were lucky enough to be sent a PDF copy of The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak. This book was published earlier this year in the US and quickly made it's way to the top of the New York times bestseller list, infact is has become one of the most talked about children's non picture books of recent times.

the book with no pictures