Hate To Say It But You Stink..

Ok I know it sounds rude but haven't you been around certain people and noticed a not so nice odour and in your head you're definitely thinking that they stink. I've been worried about my own body odour in the past, especially on Summer days when you can't help being a bit sweaty and I'm pretty sure I'd be offended/upset if someone was to tell me that I smell.

Well a couple of weekends ago I happened to notice that my 7 year old daughter shall we say smelt a little, trouble is I wasn't quite sure how to tell her, I mean I wasn't really prepared for this part of her growing up just yet, in my head I was thinking that my 9 year old hasn't even hit puberty yet so this really shouldn't be happening…..

Layla's Cinderella Inspired Rainbow Cake

So my little monkey turned three a couple of days ago and her request for the day was everything to do with Cinderella. Trouble for me is that I am no professional cake maker so I wasn't sure how to translate this theme onto a birthday cake. Lucky for me I found some lovely personalised cake toppers on eBay so all that was left to do was actually make the cake. I set myself the hard task of making a rainbow cake.

First Friends Magazine Review

There are many comics and magazines available however most of them seem to be aimed at children aged 5+, there aren't a lot that suit younger children. The First Friends magazine aims to change this.

This comic is filled with stories, letters, numbers and colouring, as well lots of familiar children's cartoon characters.

Colour Me Mindful Review

Adult colouring has become more and more popular over the years. Colouring books have become effective at reducing stress, a brilliant diversion from day to day life. I have always been a fan of colouring, infact I made a video of my current colouring book collection last month. So when I was asked if I'd like to review Anastasia Catris's collection of Colour Me Mindful colouring books I literally jumped at the chance.

In this set I received three books : birds, tropical and underwater.

Cuddledry Supersoft Bamboo Hand Towel Review

As a Cuddledry Super Blogger I get the opportunity to review some of their latest innovative products. The last review I posted for you all to read was for their fantastic poncho swim towel. Now I can share with you my thoughts on their supersoft bamboo hand towel.

Turning From a Toddler Into a Threenager

Today my youngest daughter turns the grand old age of three and I would like to know where the last year went? It seems like yesterday when my baby was turning into a toddler. I'm happy to report that we've survived the terrible two's (just) and now we are venturing into the year of the threenager.

Having had three other children you would think that I'd be fully prepared for what lies ahead but I can tell you that I am certainly not.

Read With Me #30

Hello, welcome to this weeks Read With Me :) So the Summer holidays have officially begun for us and I am now trying to decide which is the best day to take all the kids down the library.

I'm used to taking just the one child with me, might be a tad noisier with four but I'm eager to start our Summer Reading challenge.

I've actually caught the reading bug again, managing to read 8 books in the past 2 weeks.

There have been moments where my kids and I have all been reading at the same time, would be a funny sight to some I'm sure!

One of my favourite reads was Imperfect Chemistry by Mary Frame. A real light hearted read that if you don't take too seriously will have you laughing out loud. Summer reading at its best I'd say.

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 Week 30

Week 30 of project 365 and this is the first day of our Summer holidays. I've been on count down for this for what seems like forever. This last term at school has dragged for both myself and the kids, I think we were all more than ready for a break from it all.

Day 200

Making the most of the sunshine.

Driving, Not As Easy As You'd Think

I got my provisional driving licence way back when I turned 16 years old, that's nearly 14 years ago, don't go trying to work out my age now will you!! Well it took me until 2011 to actually start taking driving lesson, lets just say life got in the way.

Turns out my little brother and I decided to start learning to drive at around the same time so we were in competition with each other as to who could pass first and how many attempts it would take us. The not so little pip squeek beat me, managing to pass first time.

Eat, Sleep, Reflect, Repeat

A few years back that title would have definitely said eat, sleep, rave, repeat. I was no stranger to staying up all night and going straight into work the next day so actually scratch that eat, rave, repeat.

However times have changed, my lifestyle is no longer the same. With four kids raving is no longer an option, not sure I could stay awake to do it anyway but my evenings are somewhat different. Once the day is done and the kids have all been fed, washed and put to bed, I find time to silently reflect on things.

                  

Homemade Fruity Ice Lollies

Summer is finally here, hooray!!! So of course the kids like nothing better than eating lots of ice cream to cool them down. I've already shared a couple of recipes which are healthier alternatives such as my frozen yogurt but when I spotted the below ice lolly moulds in Tiger a couple of weeks ago I felt the need to come up with some healthier calypo like recipes.

LeapFrog Interactive World Map Review

I blog about LeapFrog books and products quite often and each time I find myself more impressed with what they have to offer. One of my most recent reviews was for their LeapReader, with so many books compatible with it, it's become a great reading companion to my children. Well last week we were lucky enough to receive LeapFrog's Interactive World Map.

Barbie Spin n Ride Review

It is no secret that all of my girls are huge fans of Barbie. This is a doll with many talents who manages to reinvent herself constantly, keeping up the times if you will. The latest Barbie to hit the market is the Barbie Spin n Ride Pups set which is available at Smyths toystores right now.

Paracordz Review

I'm sure the loom band craze didn't escape you, if you weren't doing it then you must have atleast of heard about it, especially that well known expensive loom band dress!!!  Well apparently the time has come for loom bands to move over to let a new craze take over, I'm talking about paracordz.

I was recently sent the new Paracordz Factory magazine along with a basic kit so that my girls and I could have a go at using them and see what all the fuzz is about.

The Importance of Summer Holidays

The Summer holidays is a time that divide peoples opinions. Some think that they are too long and that both kids and parents become bored very quickly. Others, like myself look forward to them, we find them necessary. I find myself on count down for the Summer holidays as soon as my children go back to school in September.

There are a few reasons why I feel this long period away from school benefits both child and parent :

* Studying/learning from long periods of time can lead to boredom, kids not concentrating as hard. This last term for my girls was 8 weeks long, it seemed to really drag and now we are nearing the end my kids attitude towards school and work has really changed, they've gone from enthusiastic to can't be bothered. I think this shows that a break is needed, in a sense it gives them time to miss what they've been doing.

* A long break from school gives our minds time to refresh, to recuperate. I mean our body needs time to recover when it exercises so surely our brains should be given the same option. Learning is tough at times, especially when you struggle in a certain subject, so really the Summer holidays are just giving us time as a family at home to settle down and destress together.

Ben and Holly Little Explorer Challenge, Week One Insects

If you missed my post last week, I told you all about the shiny new badge on my sidebar. I am a Ben and Holly Ambassador, yay! I also explained about their Little Explorer Challenges. Each week a new set of activities are released over on their website and of course my girls and I are joining in.

Read With Me #29

Hey there lovely readers, welcome to this weeks Read With Me. I'm well and truly on count down for the Summer holidays now, this is the last week of school although I know lots of you have already started your holidays.

So what have you got lined up as your Summer holiday reads?

My kindle is fit to burst with books so I'm not even sure where to begin!!

I'll be joining the girls up to this years Summer reading challenge. If you've not heard of it before it's easy to join in.

Head down to your local library, your child needs to read 6 books and collect stickers as they do so and some other fab rewards along the way.

It is a great incentive to get children reading!!

You can check out my latest library haul here to maybe give you an idea of what books your kids might like to borrow.

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 Week 29

Totally on count down for the Summer holidays now, with one week of school yet to go I'm getting rather jealous of some people's status across social media, I can't wait to have long days with my kids.

I think for that reason this week seems to have dragged, nothing really happening and the sun disappeared too but onto this weeks project 365 round up.

Day 193

So the hubby and I went out with friends Saturday night, turns out by the end I was a bit worse for wear shall we say. Next day I found out hubby took photos and he made a nice little meme up for me.

                   

Last Minute Pun-Tastic Teacher Gift Ideas

Ok so going by my social media time lines there are an awful lot of you already enjoying your Summer holidays. However if you are like me, my children still have a full week left at school, boooo I hear you cry. This also means that gifts to teachers are yet to be given so I'm sharing with you three pun-tastic teacher gift ideas which are simple to make but I feel the homemade element gives them a special touch.

Ready, Aim, Fire That Water Gun

We've been experiencing some pretty good weather these past couple of weeks. A heatwave that was promised for once appeared and the sun has been out more often than not. Now I'm not one to complain, I much prefer the sunshine to the wind and rain however it can be a tad too hot at times especially for the kids. But you can't miss an opportunity to get outdoors so what better way to fend off the heat than having an epic water gun fight in the garden.

Breakfast On The Go - Banana and Coffee Smoothie

It is no secret that I love smoothies and I have been making more and more of them since purchasing my Nutribullet (seriously everyone should have one!!). They are simple to make, they take away the need for cooking sometimes and it makes sure that I actually get my 5 a day.

There are so many varied flavour combinations, the possibilities are quite literally endless. I am forever experimenting with different ingredients and ok they might not all look the most appealing but they certainly taste good.

My latest creation is great as a pick me up but also fab for anyone that doesn't tend to have a big breakfast/needs to eat on the go.

Introducing the banana and coffee smoothie….

Dragons at Crumbling Castle Book Review

Terry Pratchett is a well known author who sadly passed away earlier this year, his books are loved worldwide and I was really pleased when I was given the chance to review Dragons of Crumbling castle as it gave me a chance to introduce my eldest daughter to all the fantasy that this clever man managed to imagine and produce.

Dragons have invaded Crumbling Casle, and all of King Arthur's knights are either on holiday or visiting their grannies.

It's a disaster!

Luckily there's a spare suit of armour and a small boy called Ralph who's willing to fill it. Together with Fortnight the Friday knight and Fossfiddle the wizard, Ralph sets out to defeat the fearsome fire-breathers.

A Coconutastic Degustabox

I will say straight away I think this has to be my favourite Degustabox this year. Packed full of healthy goodies with some alcohol thrown in for good measure, I was really impressed and have found products I will definitely be purchasing again. So what was inside??

The Happy Paper Club Makes Me Happy

I've always been a big fan of stationery. When I was younger I wrote diaries and loved collecting different ones along with different pens to write with too. I've always preferred putting pen to paper and this hasn't changed since I've got older.

I wrote recently about beginning to write letters more often and this got me back into buying stationery and this is when I happened upon The Green Gables and further more their Happy Paper Club.

The Happy Paper Club is a monthly stationery subscription box that delivers items all to do with paper and stationery straight through your letter box.

Changing Things Up

I'm becoming like a broken record but I've found myself slipping further and further into a rut with my eating habits and even though I keep talking about how much I've begun to love exercising this year, my motivation to get up and do it in the mornings is also beginning to waver.  I have been avoiding the scales for a few weeks as I've got a strong feeling that the numbers won't be what I want to see.

Exercising definitely releases those endorphins that get me feeling good however sometimes the routines can get a bit boring, the same with the foods I'm eating and I feel the need to change it up a little.

I've recently taken to buying Women's Health. There's a great mix of articles inside including some yummy recipes, health tips and exercise routines, definitely worth a read ladies.

Ben and Holly's Little Explorer Challenge

You may have noticed the shiny new badge that's made it's way into my sidebar. I am lucky enough to be one of Ben and Holly's official bloggers, I think I was actually more excited about this than the kids, it's ok for the parents to like the children's programmes right??

Well over the next few months I'll be sharing with you reviews of their live show, giveaways and so much more but to kick things off I want to tell you a little bit about Ben and Holly's Little Explorer challenge.

Read With Me #28

Hello there, welcome to this weeks Read With Me. How are you all this week? Got much reading done?

I have to admit I only managed a couple of books in the past 2 weeks.

I read more of the kids books with them than I do of my own.

Our latest library haul shows a variety of books to give you some ideas.

Things have got extremely busy of late with school trips, days out etc.

I'm on count down to the Summer holidays where I can sit in the garden and read whilst the kids play.


One of the books I'd like to recommend is Freya North's, The Turning Point.

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 Week 28

July always seems to be a busy month, lots going on with school and there's Layla's birthday to prepare for, only 2 and a half weeks to go until she turns three eekkk. Well the weather this week hasn't been too great, all those people complaining about the heat finally go their way but that didn't stop me from taking photos for this weeks project 365.

Day 186

My best friends daughter was being christened and my husband and I had the honour of being asked to be godparents, we are already godparents to their son, I talked last week about what being a godmother means to me.

Have I Been A Drain On Society??

Money, it really is the route of all evil. If you have very little of it then you struggle to pay for things but when you have more it never seems to be enough.

In light of the recent budget announcements I felt like I had to say my piece. Whilst I agree with parts of the budget, I was made to feel annoyed and if I'm honest slightly angry at others.

As a family of 6 I hate what's been said re child tax credits. I didn't choose to have children in order to get benefits, I chose to have them because I love being a mum and I knew regardless of money my kids would be loved and well cared for.

However over the years I can't deny that tax credits have helped us pay the bills but my husband and I have always paid our taxes etc so really why shouldn't we be entitled to get something back?

But now the government are making those of us with larger families feel like we are scroungers, as though it as a bad thing to have more than two children. Are we forgetting that back in the day it was normal to have lots of children and back then it definitely wasn't done in order to get benefits.

Chia Pudding Recipe

One of my favourite breakfasts, especially in the hot weather is overnight oats. There are so many great variations and the fact that it can be made the night before makes it really convenient. I have discovered another exciting breakfast alternative that can also be made in different flavours and again making it up in advance making a perfect in a rush breakfast choice, I'm talking about chia pudding.

Now chia seeds themselves are a great ingredient. Packed full of nutrients, high in protein and the carb content is mostly fibre so brilliant when you are on a diet. They are the perfect addition to meals when you are on a diet as the protein and fibre content are known to help you lose weight. I use them in smoothies, on top of salads and in my breakfasts.

Lola Pug Book Review

I was recently sent a wonderful children's book, Lola Pug. Written by Carina Lagnado and illustrated by Emily Colenso, this sotry tells the tale of the adorable dog, Lola the Pug…

Outdoor Fun With Little Tikes

One of the things I wanted when we started looking for a house to buy was a decent size garden as the one we had previously was little and not exactly child friendly. Now we have lovely space outside. It isn't huge but it certainly allows for us all to be outdoors and enjoying the good weather (when we actually get some).

We even have a shed to store things in which of course now means that we need to fill our garden with some outdoor toys!! The eldest two have things like hoola hoops, scooters and roller skates but I wanted something more for Layla so that when her sisters are at school she can still play happily by herself.

Petit Fernand Name Labels Review and Giveaway

Name labels, they are a must have when you have kids, especially when they start going to nursery/school, it's surprising how many things can go missing, gets worse when children have the same pair of shoes or lunch box for example.

Now I've admitted in the past that I can't sew, I know that's bad but my wonderful mum has always been the one labelling clothes for me so when I found the wonder that is iron on name labels I was able to label my own kids clothes, go me!!

I was recently contacted by Petit Fernand who asked if I might like to review some of their products, I opted to review their school pack (£30) which contains a huge 140 labels.

My Top 5 Exercise DVDS

I've never been a fan of exercsing infront of people, infact I've never stepped foot inside a gym. I know,  I know, noone will be watching me or even care that I'm there but I can't stop that silly fear that someone will be looking and I'd rather not embarrass myself.

This is why I much prefer to work out in the comfort of my own home, I can do it as and I when I please, I don't need to wait for exercise equipment to become free and best of all it costs me nothing, well except for the cost of the exercise DVDs that I use but when you think what a gym subscription costs then it's a minimal price to pay really.

So today I'm sharing with you all my top 5 favourite exercise DVDs, the ones that I have tried and tested and have actually given me the results that I require.

1. 30 Day Shred by Gillian Michaels

This is my go to DVD whenever I want to get back into fitness and kick start off any sort of weight loss. With three different levels and each level giving you a beginner and an advanced version of the exercises, it certainly leaves you feeling like you've done a decent work out, be prepared to sweat!!

Read With Me #27

Hey there lovely readers, welcome to this weeks Read With Me. This is the perfect time of year to catch up on some reading.

Whether it be chilling in the garden or relaxing by a pool on your Summer holiday.

I think peace and quiet seems easier to come by as the kids are more preoccupied playing in the sunshine themselves.

My eldest daughter actually enjoys finding a secluded spot away from her sisters to catch up on her ever growing collection of books.

She is coming up with quite a list for her birthday and Christmas, especially with all the library books she keeps reading.

Speaking of library books please do take a look at our recent haul here.

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 Week 27

July and we finally had a few days of Summer weather. It was so nice being outdoors, playing in the garden, time with friends at the park, watching the girls taking part in their school sports day and seein my little brother, really wish he lived nearer to me. Overall I have to say it has been a good week.

Day 179

A walk over in Folkestone and we found this on the outside of one of the buildings.

The Godmother

In 2012 my husband and I were given the privilege of being Godmother and Godfather to our best friend's son. I felt very proud and honoured that we had even been considered.

Three years on and we have just been offered the same great privilege, this time being Godparents to our best friend's daughter.

I am so lucky to have this lovely family in my life, they really are an extension of my own family.

Cauliflower Crisps Recipe

One of my downfalls with my diet has always been crisps. The saying with pringles is true, once you pop you just can't stop. I can never have just one bag and if I open up one of the larger bags lets just say it doesn't last long.

I've been trying lots of healthier alternatives, a good one to reach for is nuts, infact one of my favourite snacks now is the roasted chickpeas that I showed you last year.

However I like to mix it up a little. I'm sure you've seen vegetable crisps being sold in supermarkets, I have eaten carrot crisps, beetroot crisps and even apple crisps so I thought I'd have a go at making my own.

My vegetable of choice, cauliflower.

Now this might not be to everyones taste but trust me, don't knock it til you've tried it. I've spiced these up a little with a touch of smoked paprika and chilli. The end result a crisp and tasty decevingly healthy snack.

In A Dark Dark Wood Book Review

I was recently sent the debut novel from Ruth Ware to read and review. In A Dark Dark Wood is psychological fiction it's best. Someone's getting married. Someone's getting murdered….

Leonora hasn't seen Clare for ten years. Not since Nora walked out of school one day and never went back. Until, out of the blue, an invitation to Clare's hen do arrives. Is this a chance for Nora to finally put her past behind her? As the champagne corks pop, the secrets begin to flow, and a hen do for an old school friends begins to take a sinister turn…

This book is with out a doubt a thriller. I was hooked from page one. I have to admit I'm surprised this is Ruth's debut novel because it is so well written.

Here we have Nora or as we will come to know her, Lee. She has secrets but doesn't everybody? And when she is suddenly invited to her previous best friends hen do questions immediately arise. Why is she contacting her after all this time? Ten years to be precise. Is it purely about re capturing a long lost friendship or could there be more to it??

Magic Blackout Blind Review

Sleep, I love it but can never seem to get enough. Research has been conducted and shows that sleeping in complete darkness is actually healthier for people and helps to ensure a good nights sleep. But sometimes the black of night is hard to come by. For example when the clocks go forward and the evenings are lighter, or for people who work nights and have to sleep during the daytime hours. This is where Magic Blackout Blinds can help.

Book Of The Month - Disney Princess Adventures Under Sea

Every month LeapFrog pick a new book to be their "Book of the month", last month it was the turn of Jake and The Neverland Pirates, well this month sees the girls taking over as Disney Princess Adventures Under Sea is their top pick.

The princesses have got a book all of her own which is compatible with both the LeapReader and LeapFrog Tag but can also be read by itself. 

My Little Pony: Putting Your Hoof Down DVD giveaway

Those loveable My Little Ponies are back again in a new feature length DVD, Putting Your Hoof Down will be available on digital download and DVD on the 6th of July and this one is all about Fluttershy :

Sick of being pushed around by others and being a doormat, Fluttershy takes a class on assertiveness taught by self-help guru Minotaur; Iron Will. Fluttershy is thrilled with her new found confidence but when her concerned friends Rarity and Pinkie Pie confront her about her recent behavior, she mistakes their concern for an attack and retaliates by insulting them. Distraught by the upset she’s caused her friends Fluttershy locks herself in her cottage.

Concerned about her, Pinkie Pie and Rarity come by to try and coax her out by explaining she doesn't have to be a bully to be assertive. Fluttershy must learn that there is a time and place for being self-assured, and it doesn’t necessarily have to involve being bossy and mean. This concept is suddenly tested when Iron Will pays her a visit demanding payment for his services…