Project 365 2015 Week 44

Week two of half term is almost at an end and I have to say it has been a busy one. What with the clocks going back and sleep being disturbed, the girls and I have had plenty of fun, including some spooky Halloween antics, queue the photos for this weeks project 365.

Day 298

Enjoying a delicious chocolate treat from Hotel Chocolat mmmm.

#DWTrickOrTreat Challenge Round Up Two

I told you last week about the #DWTrickOrTreat challenge which I had been set. Well here is the second round up of my 13 day challenge, the question is did I manage to complete?

Day seven

We were asked to go to a gym on a Sunday, gah, now that is a trick. I don't actually have a gym membership so I opted to go for a run instead.

Quotes To Inspire Around The Home

I don't know about you but I love a good quote. Something positive and inspiring. I find they can really uplift me if I'm down and motivate me when I'm in need of getting something done. So when I finally got my own home I knew I'd want to have these kind of words all around my home surrounding me.

In a bid to add a touch of decoration to our home I decided to take inspiration from the internet and create some word art of my own.

Blueberry and Nut Loaf Recipe

The colder months bring out the baker in me. I love to bake cakes, cookies etc. I'm yet to attempt a pie but I am going to rectify that this year. I think one of the best things to do is eat something you've baked straight from the oven, just something so homely about that. My latest recipe which I'm sharing with you all is a blueberry and nut loaf. Packed full of fruit and fibre it makes a brilliant breakfast or a wonderful accompniament to your afternoon cuppa.

Smiggle Advent Calendar Review

It isn't often that I squeel with excitement, however this is exaclty what I did when I was asked whether I would like to work with Smiggle on a review, more precisely I would be getting to review their 2015 advent calendar. They must have sensed that I had been trying to persuade the hubby to buy me one!!

A Better Man Book Review

I was recently sent the latest Britmums book club novel, A Better Man by author Leah McLaren. The front cover immediately gets you thinking with one sentence. "What if the only way to end your marriage was to be the perfect husband?".

Sampling Aldi's Exquisite Wine

Wine is up there with my favourite things. It is a parenting essential just like coffee in my eyes. A friend to hold my hand after a long, tough day. And I don't discriminate, I like red, white and rose, we can all be mates, there's no need to fight over me. So when Aldi emailed asking if I'd like to sample some of their Exquisite wine range there was no possible way that I could say no.

Now I can say without a doubt that their wine is good quality and even better, a bargain price, who needs £100 bottles of plonk when you can spend less than £7 on a good bottle of red and enjoy just as much if not more.

There are three bottles of wine in this fantastic range which are detailed below :

The Exquisite Collection Limestone Coast Cabernet - £6.49 (75cl)

Bring some Aussie sunshine to a Wednesday evening with a glass of the Exquisite Collection Limestone Coast Cabernet. With intense flavours of juicy blackcurrant, cherries, eucalyptus and mocha notes, try pairing it with a warming winter meal such as steak or duck.

The Exquisite Collection Gavi - £5.49 (75cl)

Produced from the Cortese grapes grown around the town of Gavi in the outstanding Piemonte wine region, the Exquisite Collection Gavi is refreshing and aromatic boasting flavours of tangy lemon, weighty fruit and subtle waxy nuttiness. Enjoy a glass of this Italian white wine alongside antipasti, creamy pasta sauces or risotto.

11 Things Tag

It's not often I find time to do tag posts these days but when Sara from Ups & Downs, Smiles & Frowns tagged me in the 11 things tag and gave me a nudge over on Twitter I got to typing as not only did the questions she chose get me thinking, she is also a regular linker to my Read With Me linky  which I always appreciate.

So here goes nothing….

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? 
If I could live anywhere it would be Ibiza. This is a place we holiday at often and my husband and I talk regularly about buying a place there when we have the money. It holds wonderful memories.

What's your favourite time of year & why?
Without a doubt my favourite time of year is Christmas. I am the biggest kid and it is a time when so many great things happen. I get to see family members and friends who I miss throughout the year, I get time to relax and of course all of the food and presents help lighten the mood too.

Aliens Love Dinopants Book Review

You must all know by now that Aliens love underpants as of course do many other people including monsters, dinosaurs and pirates. Well those loveable aliens are back in a new book, Aliens Love Dinopants.

Read With Me 2015 #42

Hello you lovely lot and welcome to this weeks Read With Me. I big thank you as always to all of you who joined in last week.

I've been getting organised for Christmas and I have decided to do a book advent for the girls again this year.

I managed to get all of my books from The Book People, getting a mixture of bundles so the stories will suit all of my girls.

Just incase you're not sure what a book advent is, you get 24 books and wrap them up individually, then each day of December your children get to open one up.

We choose to read the story at bedtime each day and of course it is a great way to expand their book collection!

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 Week 43

It's been a strange week for us. Whilst Layla continued to go to Playschool, her sisters had already started their half term. Very odd to have only 3 out of 4 kids around the house.

Weather has typically been horrid so we've been stuck in a lot but we made the best of it as you'll see by our photos this week.

Day 291

All dressed up and nowhere to go ;) we were I fact off out to start buying timber for building a stud wall in Freya's bedroom.

#DWTrickOrTreat Challenge Round Up One

The lovely people over at DW Fitness kindly set myself and some fellow bloggers a Trick or Treat Challenge. Over 13 days we were to receive a new task every day but we weren't to know whether they'd be to our liking or not.

Knowing When To Give A Little

I think as parents we will always see our children as our babies, even when they become fully grown adults, my own mum tells me this often. So this is where I have trouble knowing when to give a little, to bestow upon them a little more independence, trust them with just a tad more than I used to.

Things seem to be changing at a rapid rate for my eldest two. At seven and nine years old, they are growing far too quick for my liking and that isn't just in height (almost over taking me) but in the way they present themselves, the things that they talk about and just what they are able to do for themselves.

Some of their friends already have mobile phones which I find bazaar considering I didn't get a mobile until I was around thirteen years old. I'm not sure that they need this sort of technology when they are so young.

However there are moments where I have had to swallow a chill pill and let them go so to speak.

Spooktastic Halloween Recipes

It's nearly time for Halloween so the kids have been requesting to bake some spooktastic cakes and cookies. I thought a nice easy recipe would be for some scrummy gingerbread biscuits, gingerbread for me is one of the foods that seem to go hand in hand with the colder months.

These biscuits are easy to make so make a perfect recipe for the whole family to join in making, including any little ones.

We followed the simple recipe provided on the BBC website, they made gingerbread men instead of anything spooky but this is easily adapted by using whatever cookie cutters you may have to hand.

Spooky House Book Review

It isn't long and Halloween will be here. The girls have been sorting their costumes, well more like I've been buying them and we've started to stock up on the all important candy. Just to get us into an even more spooktacular mood, Priddy Books have sent us a scary book in the form of Spooky House.

Dork Diaries Puppy Love Book Review

The global best selling series Dork Diaries is back with it's latest addition, Puppy Love and my eldest daughter couldn't have been more excited to receive her copy….

A Degustabox With A Boost

Upon opening this months Degustabox I immediately smiled. The item on top happened to be my all time favourite chocolate so it was a good start. I would say Spetember's box would definitely give you a boost, whether it be from a sigar rush, a caffeine refuel or a feel good drink, there is not one thing I didn't like. So keep reading to see just what products put a smile on my face…

Disney Pictopia Review and Giveaway

Board games, I have to admit I love them. They are something that I really enjoyed playing with my family as a child, even though I was a bit of a sore loser at times *coughs*. So now I'm trying to get my kids feeling the same because I'd like for them not to spend all of their time on computers, watching tv etc. I tend to buy a new game each Christmas for us all to play in an attempt to keep things interesting. Well this year we've already received our new game. We were kindly sent Disney Pictopia to review.

The ultimate Picture-Trivia family game!

My Top 5 TV Series To Watch

I don't know about you but I'm always on the look out for new TV series to watch. I'm one of these people who binge watch and get through them at a rapid rate. Some of my favourite shows in the past have been Scrubs, Greys Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, The Good Wife, Gilmore Girls, really there are so many great ones I couldn't possibly list them all.

But I thought I'd share with you my top 5 TV series right now, ones that I'm either still watching or have recently finished watching.

Parenthood

This is a show that I cannot recommend enough. It shows of family life in a real way, not a this could never happen sort of way. Realistic, raw and emotional at times, it is a series filled with brilliant actors/actresses that depicts life as we know it.

L.O.V.E Book Review

When I was asked if I would like to read an ARC of Kate Vine's latest book, L.O.V.E, the teaser of the blurb alone made it so I couldn't refuse.

Read With Me 2015 #41

Hello you lovely lot. Welcome to this weeks Read With Me. My 3 eldest are on half term week so I'm hoping to get down to the library with them.

I've found especially with my eldest two that they much prefer to pick out their own books now rather than having their mum decide.

I think it is much like with what they eat and the clothes that they wear, they've developed their own distinct tastes and know just what genres they are into.

Their book choices are definitely leaning towards the "older" side. More writing and chapters, less pictures and rhyming words.

My eldest is desperate to start reading things like Twilight. She's just making her way through the Hunger Games trilogy.

Littlest Pet Shop - Lights, Camera, Mongoose! DVD Giveaway

Today the latest Littlest Pet Shop film, Lights, Camera, Mongoose! is released onto DVD and digital download……

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 Week 42

Another week done and now my girls are officially on half term as their school puts the training days all into one week so they get 2 weeks off in October, whoop. I know introduce to you this weeks project 365 offering.

Day 284

Freya's drawers were completed, just another little improvement ticked off the list.

                  

Alistair Grim's Odditorium Book Review

My eldest daughter has taken a shine to books that involve plenty of mystery and magic recently, especially the Harry Potter books so when I was asked if she'd like to review Alistair Grim's Odditorium I knew she'd be excited to read it!

Twelve year old Grubb lives a hand to mouth existence in Victorian England, working as a chimney sweep under a cruel master. After an incident at an inn, he hides in a trunk of one of its guests, the enigmatic Alistair Grim, and is whisked away to his Odditorium, a wonderful flying house full of incredible mechanical features powered by an enigmatic substance called aminus.

Now apprenticed to Grim, Grubb begins to settle into his new life and find a new family in the eccentric crew of the Odditorium, when suddenly his new world comes under attack by an evil Prince Nightshade and he is propelled into a perilous quest. As he gets caught up in the struggle, Grubb will learn valuable lessons and discover remarkable secrets about himself and his new host.

34 Things Kids Who Grew Up In The 90's Will Remember

I may have been born in the 80's but I'm definitely a kid who grew up in the 90's. Watching my kids grown up now, looking at the programmes they watch and the toys they play with has me thinking about my childhood days and course how much better they were compared to now. There are so many things I'd like to remind you all of but I've condensed it down for you.

Here's 34 things that were great about the 90's

Pom-Bear Plush Toy Giveaway

My girls and I love Pom-Bears, they are those crisps that once you have one you need to have more. Well this season I've joined up with them to bring you some fantastic competitions. There is already one running on my Twitter page for you to win a fantastic Winter goody bag worth £50. All you need to do is follow both myself and Pom-Bear and RT the pinned tweet.

Now I have another fantastic giveaway for you lot. I have ten sets of gorgeous plush toys to be won and all you need to do is fill out the rafflecopter below.

Dining Out At Our Local Beefeater

Last weekend my family and I ventured out to our local Beefeater, The Plough, to have dinner. Dining out for us as a family can be expensive so when we were provided with £50 towards our meal I wasn't sure quite how far it would stretch but before I go into more detail about the meal itself I will say I was left pleasantly surprised.
Kids were rather excited to be eating out especially the eldest.

Super Science Experiments Book Review

I don't think it comes as any surprise that my kids love books as much as I do. The difference is the type of books we're prefer. Now my eldest loves all things to do with learning and one of her favourite subjects right now is science so when we were given the opportunity to choose a Miles Kelly book to review my daughter requested the Super Science Experiments book.

Introducing My First Pizza from Little Dish

Last year the girls were lucky enough to review the Little Dish Bigger Kids Meals which they loved, so when I was asked if they would like to have a try of their new pizza range I wasn't going to refuse.

Fisher-Price Dora and Perrito Toy Review

Dora is a programme my kids have grown up with and this well known character has grown up alongside them. No longer Dora the Explorer, she has made herself some new friends and of course this means new toys are now available, one of which is the Fisher-Price Dora and Perrito toy.

Drawing Animals Shape By Shape Book Review

I was always into art and drawing when I attended school (a long time ago now!) so it was nice to see my daughters also quite enthusiastic about putting pencil to paper. It's a brilliant way for them to show what's going on in their imaginations. But of course there comes a point where they start wanting to make things like animals look a bit more realistic and I will admit I'm not the best teacher. Christopher Hart's book Drawing Animals Shape by Shape is a handy reference which makes the drawing of animals very simple in a clever way.

Our Own Elf and Fairy Party

A couple of weeks ago I told you all about Ben and Holly's Elf and Fairy party. If you haven't had a chance to hold your own yet, perhaps you can get inspiration from the party my girls and I held last week.

The girls received their invitations from Ben and Holly inviting them to join in the celebrations.

Read With Me #40

Hello you lovely lot. Welcome to this weeks Read With Me. I'm so pleased to see new people linking up each week as well as all you wonderful regulars.

Hubby has been put on permanent nights for the forseeable future which is actually a great thing for me.

This means that I get to read books every night without interruption.

Although this could be dangerous as I'm not sure how much sleep I am actually going to be getting every night!

So many linkers last week, which I am truely grateful for but it was hard to pick a favourite so I'm sharing two.

Firstly these Goldilocks activities from Let Them Be Small, such fun yet simple ideas.

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 Week 41

What a difference a week makes. The sickness bug finally fecked off, the girls have had friends round to play and I even managed a bit of moving furniture around. However I must smack my own hand as I was a bit forgetful with taking photos for project 365 again but here are my offerings ...

Day 277 

A lazy Sunday watching Christmas films.

Unsual Gift Ideas

I'll admit I've always been one to buy my girls things like dolls and babies and it wasn't that I was trying to make them play with "girl toys" that's just what they seemed to gravitate towards.

In reality I'm a firm believer that any type of toy can be suitable for both boys and girls and even adults if that's what they want. From super heroes and Lego to Barbies and all things cute and fluffy. In this day and age there shouldn't be that divide of pink and blue.

As my children have got older their choice in the toys that they choose to pick up and play with has definitely changed. Gone are the pushchairs and princess dressing up and in their place all sorts of weird and wonderful toys.

For example they've spent hours totally engrossed with watching a slinky going down the stairs but then everyone loves a slinky right!!

Great Yarmouth History & Heritage

Great Yarmouth is bursting at the seams with history. You can enjoy its maritime heritage and architecture from Row Houses to the herring industry Smoke Houses, churches and boats.

With six Great Yarmouth museums to explore, including the award winning Time and Tide museum and the remains of two Roman forts, come and trace the fascinating Great Yarmouth heritage and history along the Medieval town wall to Fisherman's Alms Houses via the old gaol. Admiral Lord Nelson was a frequent visitor to the busy port, where wealthy merchants built their houses.

Egg & Bacon Breakfast Cups

I love breakfast. There I've said it. I'd personally eat breakfast foods not only at breakfast time but at lunch and dinner too. From porridge to cereal (mmm coco pops), there is something that appeals to everyone and what I really like is that nothing seems to complicated to make.

So today I'm going to share with you a really simple recipe which takes very little time to make and gives you time to get washed and dressed while it is cooking in the oven.

                  

This Old Van Book Review

I was recently sent a lovely book from GMC Distribution. This Old Van (£9.99) is a brilliant take on the traditional rhyme - this old man.

LeapFrog LeapPad Platinum Review

We are huge fans of LeapPads in our house, each year they seem to get better and better and I'm always left thinking that LeapFrog surely can't top what they've made but they manage to prove me wrong and they've only gone and done it again with the LeapPad Platinum.

Sickness Bugs, Bickering Children and the Tooth Fairy

So the colder weather has well and truely arrived. Hello Autumn, waves. Now I love this time of year, Halloween, Fireworks and definitely Christmas but the past couple of weeks have been how shall I say it, trying, yep that's the word I'm going to use.

With the cold has come the rain and this seems to go hand in hand with germs and don't the kids just love to share those, I always say that they share the best things.

We've already been subjected to snotty noses galore and the dreaded sickness bug, bleugh. Don't my children know by now I don't do sick!

Gracie was the first to be struck down with it, she got off lightly, 4 hours of sickness and she was back to her normal self asking for food, lucky her!

Read With Me #39

Hello. Welcome to this weeks Read With Me. As always a big thank you to all those who linked up and commented last week. It really does mean a lot and on a side note, how are we into October already?

I've found myself reading less recently. Bogged down with my blog work, the kids school work and children being poorly.

That hasn't stopped me buying books though.

It is always worth keeping an eye out for free books over on Amazon. My kindle is packed with lots of brilliant stories that haven't cost me a penny.

It's a great way of introducing yourself to new authors, makes taking the risk of trying something different worth it.

Some of my favourite books have initially cost me nothing.

Silent Sunday

Project 365 2015 week 40

This week hasn't been the best. Layla caught the sickness bug at the weekend and kindly passed it onto me on Tuesday so another apology for rubbish photos for this weeks project 365.

Day 270

While Layla was taking a nap the rest of girls had makeover time.

Spicers of Hythe Christmas Hamper Giveaway

You may remember seeing the fantastic hamper that I was sent from Spicers of Hythe a few weeks ago, a great peek into what you could possibly buy someone for Christmas. Well I have a little treat for you guys.

The wonderful people at Spicers of Hythe are kindly allowing me to give away one of their fantastic Joybelles Christmas gift hampers.

Things I Want My Kids To Know

As an adult and as a parent there are so many things that I want my kids to know. When I was younger I was one of those kids that said they didn't want to end up like their parents. Young and nieve, I thought I knew best and it was my way or the highway. It's sad that it took to having my own kids to make me realise that atleast part of what my parents were trying to tell me was actually good advice.

But I'm sure we all know that we all need to make our own mistakes and try to learn from them, we as the adults can only offer words of advice and hope that they are atleast in part listened to. So this post is an open letter to my kids, one I will let them read and keep my fingers crossed that it instills in them, even if they don't take it all on board now, they can look back on it as they get older and know that good old mum was just trying to help.

Celebrating Miffy Coming To Tiny Pop With a Giveaway

Miffy is coming to Tiny Pop in the form of a new TV series and the show is airing for the first time today the 2nd of October at 7pm.

The cartoon will of course feature the iconic bunny created by Dick Bruna and it will mark the first time that Miffy has ever been seen in CGI.

Aldi Lends a Spooky Hand With Halloween

Last year I had the pleasure of receiving a spooky package from Aldi for Halloween. This year Aldi have a new Halloween range in for their special buys and I was lucky enough to receive a spooktastic delivery from them to have a try of a couple of the items myself.

From party decorations and sweets to costumes and noisy toys, they have a great selection of scary things to choose from.

Getting Messy In The Kitchen With Persil

Persil recently launched their Cook with the Kids campaign. The aim, to get parents and kids cooking and getting messy in the kitchen. So of course my kids and I were happy to join in. I mean my moto is that the more mess the more you've enjoyed yourself.