Wednesday 16 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 15 - Neme 10 Questions

I was tagged for this 10 questions meme by TiredMummyofTwo

What you have to do:
1) Answer the 10 questions.
2) Tag someone to do the same.
3) Go and leave a comment on the original blog post over at
Sleep is for the weak right!

3. If You Could Be Anyone For A Day Who Would You Be And Why?
I would be a Man, Pierces Brosnan would be good just for the day, to see what it is like, I mean imagine having to point and shoot when you need a wee wee tee hee!

4. What Are You Wearing Now?
Jeans(stretchy dark denim ones) red, white & black stripy t-shirt, with babyfood down the front, nothing new at this time of the evening. Flip flops, that I use as slippers at home, I really need to get some warm slippers as my feet are feeling chilly this time of year.

5. What Scares You?
My last fear to conquer is Frogs, but sshh don’t tell anyone.

6. What Is The Best And Worst Thing About Blogging?
The best thing about blogging is that you never feel alone, there are so many wonderful bloggers out there, so many ready to help and advise if needed mainly through twitter and its such a nice feeling knowing I am not the only one going through some of the challenges of parenthood!
The worst thing, is time, my goodness where does all the time go reading and trying to keep up with all the other bloggers posts, by the time I have tweeted and interacted, I am often doing my own blog very late at night.

7. What Was The Last Website You Looked At?
Facebook, I spend quite a bit of time over there, communicating with friends, one dear friend is gong through a rough time tonight and its just heartbreaking, so sending out virtual hugs to her and her family x

8. If You Could Change One Thing About Yourself What Would It Be?

My Weight! There I said it!

9. Slankets. Yes Or No?

No, aren’t they for old people, heck I am only 40 years young ;) and I personally think they are Yuk!

10. Tell Us Something About The Person Who Tagged You?

TiredMummytoTwo is a caring Mummy, who has recently done a lot for other bloggers, by contacting so many companies and holding a Christmas Tombola that ended up with 196 prizes. She works very hard and yet dedicates her weekends to her family, be it with her hubby & children or visiting the rest of her other family down South.

I feel funny tagging people, but here goes, if you feel like joining in then I tag-
fun-as-a-gran and emmysmummy. but don't worry if you don't want too x

Super Amazing Mum and comment that you have done so in order for us to find out who has been tagged and therefore find out more about our fellow bloggers!

So are you ready….

1. Describe Yourself In Seven Words
Disorganised, loving, chunkylicious, Mother, Dreamer, Articulate & Single

2. What keeps You Awake At Night
My 10 month old son Edward, still breastfed and still waking regulary, misses me I think, even though we co-sleep!

Monday 14 November 2011

Competition - Win Baking goodies! NaBloPoMo 14

I did a post about National Baking week Here and we made a Giant Cookie Cake with a new mold we had bought.

I thought someone else might like to try and bake a Giant cookie cake or be even more adventurous with a cake decorating kit, so we have these two up for one of you to win :)

(This is a new one, we are keeping ours in the hope of actually making one and getting to add the filling inside!)




To Win leave a message below, telling me what flavour cake you would make.
Then for an extra entry tweet me @sadiequinton telling me #Iwant2bakecakes

Please leave a way for me to get in contact with you, be it a email, twitter name, Facebook or your blog url

Good Luck and this will end on 24th November Midnight!

Open Worldwide, why not :)

Sunday 13 November 2011

Silent Sunday! - NaBloPoMo 13



World Pneumonia Day (Yesterday) - NaBloPoMo 11

I was drawn by a twitter headline yesterday-
Gates Foundation
Today is World Pneumonia Day. Take action to stop the leading killer of children under 5:  

in fact a few headlines by bloggers such as Christine Mosler and others by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation highlighting that it was World Pneumonia Day I noticed and that in fact Pneumonia is The leading Killer to children under 5, 1 child every 20 seconds dies, so the time its taken you to read this another so sadly has died!

It caught my eye as I have in fact three children all under the age of 5 here at home with me and my niece Chelsea at a very young age just 2 years old had pneumonia, at first misdiagnosed but as soon as they realised she was hospitalised, she was so very poorly, but had excellent health care and was soon home with us all, but we live in a great area with hospitals not too far away, ready to help, where as in developing countries its such a different story sadly.

The awfully sad thing is that this is something that is so solvable in the many problems that we have in global health, so lets hope more will be done and that more vaccines will reach those that need them.

They have found a new Vaccine and also there are some very simple ways to help prevent death from Pneumonia in infants and that is
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the child’s life reduces childhood pneumonia by 15 – 23%.
  • Using a clean cook stove reduces a child’s risk of contracting pneumonia by an incredible 50%.  
Lets hope by the next World Pneumonia Day in 2012 far less children would of died, may the word get stronger and more people help in the areas needed, more basic healthcare spread further and better globally.

Saturday 12 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 12 - SatCap


Saturday is Caption Day thanks to the fab mammasaurus
So What Caption would go with this photo?

Thursday 10 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 10 - Feeling sorry for myself!

My Dear Blog,
tonight I am feeling under the weather, a little sorry for myself you might say.
I have had a sore throat all day, a headache too, I am also very tired, so please excuse me not writing what I had planned for my post today for the 10th day of National Blog Post Month (posting every day for a month on my Blog).

I am writing, even though desperate to go to bed, as I feel it may be achievable, I don't achieve much at the moment and to complete this little mission would give me such a lift, so here I am doing my best to get this done, so I can go to bed and hope that my children stay asleep and I can get some restful sleep myself.

As a Mum we have to carry on don't we, we can't call in sick and just go back to bed, its not possible, but today I have felt like it.
I appreciate the small things in life when I can and I think this weekend the children and I will enjoy a stay at home PJ day if we can, I must remember to shop online tomorrow so no need to traipse the children to the supermarket.

Well here is to a good nights sleep and feeling oh so much better tomorrow,
and on cue I hear Edward stirring, so will go join him and cuddle up in bed, night night x

Wednesday 9 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 9 - Dear Teething baby


Dear Edward, I know you are suffering with your teeth, my darling baby.
I love you so much that I just want you to know, when you keep me awake at night, I do not mind, if I could wave a magic wand and take the suffering of the pain away for you I would.

My dribbling, teething little man.

I love that you keep smiling, that you love cuddles and I love that when you look up and see me, you smile, even when so obviously in pain!

Wishing this teething time over and done with x

Tuesday 8 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 8 - Oh No Christmas countdown!

The Countdown for Christmas has started and I am so so not ready, can we not stop the clocks just for a short while, like a month at least!


Max, Izzy & Anna meeting Father Xmas 2010

By this time of year, I am normally half prepared, having bought so many bargains for the children's Christmas stockings, in special offers and sales. This year, I have bought all of two gifts so far and I have four children, I am feeling so unprepared and not in the mood, so un-festive and I am just not sure how I am going to change this around.

I used to love Christmas, the build up especially buying for so many, but as the years have gone on, everything just seems to be so much more expensive, Christmas isn't about the biggest and best toys out there, its the thought that counts, but when you have children you just want to make them happy and lets be honest, all you get are adverts full of the brightest, most popular toys going.

I am going to try to be a little more in the mood, find some Seasonal spirit from somewhere, but I just don't know where to begin.

I do know its just 46 Days, yes you read that right, also just 7 weekends until that all important to so many, for so many different reasons day arrives!


Leaving out treats for Father Christmas x

So I have a plan, I am going to start thinking of traditional and small things that we can do as a family to prepare for Christmas and perhaps even make some home made gifts.

Maybe I will find the real Christmas Spirit on the countdown to this years festivities, least I hope I find some cheer along the way!

Monday 7 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 7 - BritMums Alternate Prompt:

Here we are one week in with National Blog Posting Month and I am opting to do the BritMums Alternate Prompt, which is -

Alternate Prompt: What changes would you make in your personal life that would make life easier/better/more joyful?

To be totally honest and Frank, many changes are needed and would really help with making my life easier, better, and far more joyful than it is at present!

I struggle greatly at times as a single Mum to 4 young children, the area I fail most in is my home.
Life would be so much simpler and easier if only I could adapt to life with routine as when I was a Nanny, but the problem is I am hopeless as a Mum.
By the time I have the children in bed, I just sit and flake, so much could be done, but I am too exhausted and get behind on everything, it all went downhill after the birth of my 3rd child and even more so with the birth of my 4th Edward in January this year.

If I could choose, I wouldn't be doing this journey alone as a parent, it would be so much easier to have someone to share the load, the good with the bad days.


I would choose to have a cleaner a couple of times a week to help me keep up to date with just the simple things in life! (that's a bit of a dream for me hee hee)

I would Move to a new home, currently my four children and I live in a 2 bed flat and its just not big enough, we are lucky to have a roof over our heads and have a warm home, but alas I am so longing for the day we have more room, where the children can have their own space and where I too can have a little corner just for me.
We hopefully will be moving within the year.

Life with children is never ending chores at times, but if I could I would have a machine that we could put all our dirty laundry into and then at the press of a button, it comes out clean, ironed and folded just ready to put away, well OK who doesn't have that dream then!

So we are asked what changes would you make in your personal life that would make life easier/better/more joyful, so in answer I need to say the most important change for me would be routine, a timetable to follow and lists!

I would love to become as a mother similar to how I was as a Nanny previously, routine, routine, routine!

Saturday 5 November 2011

Saturday is Caption Day! NaBloPoMon 5

Saturday is Caption day from the lovely mammasaurus
Go on have a go at giving this photo a caption for me, thank you x

Friday 4 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 4 - I bought my son a Gun!

Dear blog,
Today, I have upset my son of 8 and I am feeling very low about it!

You see I don't believe in guns, I never have, but alas for his birthday he got given a Nerf Gun a toy gun that shoots little spongy dart things, I told him he wasn't to use it as a weapon at anyone, but that is a big ask of a young boy isn't it!

Here is where I am on 'Mummy Fail' as I was the one who bought it for him, I am the one who gave in to the constant pestering for one, the one who felt bad when he told me all of his friends have one, I can not believe I have gone against my own beliefs and for so long stayed strong of no toy guns in my home!

Max was over the moon and I felt he could be trusted to play carefully with it, but I was proved wrong and yet right too, for he used it on his sisters and then he turned it on me too, 'ouch' those little sponge's hurt, not too badly, but still its a little sting!

This isn't the first time he has done it to and I have a facebook where I moaned when he first did it and said then that I was taking it off him, but I stupidly didn't, I left it for him to do it again!

This morning, instead of going to get ready for school, he went and hid and then started shooting at me, my goodness did he get it in the ear, yes I yelled, I do sometimes, not good but that is me being honest, we ended up being late for school too, as we had such an argument about him playing with his toys instead of getting ready for school, its always a battle to get us all up, breakfast, dressed and out of the house on a school morning today was no exception, I think Max forgets that I have not only myself but his two sisters and baby brother to get dressed to on a morning.

So as I finish racing to type this before midnight, I know I am going to do as I kept saying and after posting this, I am going to go and put the toy gun in the bin, I must live by my own beliefs and it will stay at no toy guns in this home!

I can't stop children making guns from toilet roll holders or even there fingers, but I can stop them with plastic toy ones and I will!

I Hate Guns!

Should I buy him something to replace it, no I don't believe I should, he had plenty of warnings that it would go in the bin!

Thursday 3 November 2011

NaBloPoMo 3 - National Baking Week Belatedly!


I entered into the spirit of the National Baking week (which was October 17th ~ 23rd 2011) with my 2 daughters, by trying to bake a Giant Chocolate Cookie Cake!


I was having a week from hell is the only way I can describe it, my son 9 months was teething so badly bless him, he still is in fact, he refuses to take a dummy and also any formula milk so uses me as his comfort, which I secretly love, alas though I have other children in our family that need me too, so it really was a case of quickly fitting a baking session in with Izzy and Anna whilst Edward slept a rare nap that day!


I had never used the silicon mold before, but have to say I was impressed with our first effort, I did after reading other peoples posts on baking with silicon, grease it first, so thinking that helped.



Now the thing with my darling little munchkins, is that they have no patience, none what so ever, when it comes to Chocolate, so can you picture what happened to the cake, well whilst it was cooling, Edward woke up and I let the girls lick the bowl and their spatulas clean. (we all have our own different coloured silicon spatulas, it saves on arguments and my children love baking)


Don't know about you, but as a child I so remember loving cleaning the bowl or spoon after making stuff, by licking it clean, so I happily let mine do the same, well the girls were not satisfied with just that, Izzy the ring leader had a little test of the now luke warm cake and Anna joined in without hesitation, the next thing I know we have only one layer left!




I don't know how Izzy and Anna do it, but they can't do anything without making the most mess, its as if its a challenge to see who can get the messiest, the only thing I can do after a baking session is put the monkeys in the bath!


When Max got home he too didn't wait for the decorations I had to be added but shared the other half of the Giant cookie as choclate sponge and before I could say wait for tea it was gone!

My two Mess Monsters, Anna & Izzy

 I live by chanting to myself- 'A Dirty Child is a Happy Child, a dirty child is a Happy child' over and over and that way I know my 4 Munchkins must be very Happy!

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Dear blog and NaBloPoMo 2

Dear Blog, here I am again cutting it fine to get in with this NaBloPoMo and we are only on day 2!

I like to think at least I made it just yesterday and fully intended to add to my post, alas my teething little man needed me more so I ended up in the land of nod!

I have so so so much to catch up with, its the story of my life, so I am going to use this National Blog Post Month as a reminder/Diary/notebook so here we are day post 2 and I am trying to figure out how I can use this to my advantage!

I need to blog about so much, that I will list a few items I would like to do but so far have not made time for, well not had time for!

1-National Baking week (I have a competition to run for this, yes I know its been and gone, but the goodies are still here, so watch this space, in fact will try to complete the competition post after this one!)

2-National Chocolate week, sorry but they only gave us a week, to me its National Chocolate year... cough cough I mean its an essential part of my dietary needs you know!

3-My son's 8th Birthday and holding a Halloween Party for 30 to 40 children on a Budget!

4- The Baby Show, seeing all lots of lovely goodies and items of immeasurable desire, but going on a shoestring!

5- Meeting Annabel Karmel, introducing her to our little Annabel.

6- Adding about being a 'Toyologist' now that sounds so exciting, with Izziwizzikids and Max doing a Review of Lego and also of Disgusting science, which yes was disgusting!

7- Reviewing our adventure, sorry that would be my daughters adventures with two new family members, blue cow and green cow

8- Sorting out my Blog a bit better, adding in a Disclosure policy and also linking in some new tags.

9- Catching up with some reading of some of my favourite bloggers and some new ones, never enough time

10- Competitions, entering as many as possible and also running a few more myself!

11- Thinking and discussing re the Britmums- Big sister programme, I signed up for it and am over the moon to have a big sister who I was already following and reading her tweets and also having a couple of sisters sharing our new bis sister. I need to get on with this as have many questions to ask her and the time is slipping away!

12- sort a list out for yes I am going to say is CHRISTMAS, I never buy anything at full value if I can help it, I am by nature a bargain hunter and of course from necessity being a single mum to four!

13- Half Term facing one of my fears and totally conquering it and having the photos to prove it too!

14- I will also write a wish list out for myself, lets see if I can try to complete all above and see where we go from there!

PHEW, yet again the time is running away its 23:55 and I need to post this!

Tuesday 1 November 2011

NaBloPoMo Day 1

OK so seen a few of these posted, thought what on earth is NaBloPoMo and if I type quick enough I might just might be able to join in!

It stands for National Blog Post Month and is what it says, post on your Blog every day this month!

I have 3 minutes to go, so posting now, before Midnight, will come back and add to it ;)

Sunday 30 October 2011

The A to Z of Me!

A big Thank you to Mrs Christmas, I mean the lovely Laura over at Tired mummy to Two (hope you have visited her TMOTXmasTombola 190 fab prizes) who has tagged me in this great MEME which originates from real housewife of suffolk so here goes!

ANORAK…Do you have a sad side? I used to collect Beanie Bears, finally stopped when they retired them and yes I was one of those sad people queueing up at 4am to get a Brittania bear, oh the shame!

BODY…What physical attribute would you most like to change? My Tummy, I don't want to always go on about my body, I am 40 and have accepted this is me, plumptious and yet my tummy I would change!



CELEBRITY…Which one would you most like to date and why? ooh choosing just one, I am single by the way, so if Pierce Brosnan or Colin Firth read this ;) hmmm do I have to choose one, couldn't it be one on each arm for I have two of those! But Colin would be first choice!

DEBUT …Tell us about your first ever blog post. What made you start blogging? Don't laugh but I was going to blog about losing weight, it didn't even get started and then just fell into blogging about life, I started my first post 21st October 2010, but it was a lone post until August 2011

ERROR …What’s been your biggest regret? I don't really do regrets, live, learn and move on is my thing, don't look back, for our futures are yet to be!

FUNNY – who’s making you laugh? MIRANDA love her!


GRAND…If we gave you one right now what would you spend it on? Hey silly question, I am a Mummy so my children, but it would be bunkbeds for my girls, new bed for my 8yr old as we hate his metal mid sleeper, then a little luxury a new lightweight buggy for the baby of the family & any change to get my car checked out!

HOLIDAY… What’s your favourite destination? Africa, such a diverse and beautiful continent, my favourite place being the Kruger National park in South Africa

IRRITATE… What’s your most annoying habit? sticking my tongue out when I am concentrating, thanks to my 3 year old dear daughter pointing it out as she hates me doing it!

JOKER…Whats your favourite joke {the one that makes you laugh everytime you hear it}? any that my 8yr old son tries to tell me

KENNEL… Do you have any pets? 3 cats, Jessie, Annie & Tiggs

LOVE…Are you single, married, engaged, living with a long term partner? Single

MEAL… Whats your ultimate starter, main and dessert? not fussed on starters as I feel they fill you up before the main course so tend to miss them, main meal would have to be a full Sunday roast dinner, followed by apple pie & custard or ice-cream 

NOW…If you could be anywhere right now where would you be and who with? with my children enjoying a holiday in the Sunshine like Spain

OFF DUTY…What do you do in your spare time? Being a single parent I don't get any free time, would love some, but alas my children will grow up and I will get plenty more chances to do things!

PROUD MOMENTS …What are you most proud of? Giving birth to my 4 children, they were the proudest moments of my life!

QUEASY …What turns your stomach? other people being sick, people with runny noses, other peoples children having a dirty nappy!

RELAX…How do you relax? by coming on my laptop and sometimes I even get to have a bath in peace, just not so lately!

SONG…Whats your favourite song of all time? 'Always look on the bright side of life' from Mont Python

TIME …If you could go back in time and relive it again, when would you choose? I wouldn't as wouldn't be without any of my children!

UNKNOWN…Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows? I am pertrified of Frogs!

VOCAL…. Who is your favourite artist? at the moment Adele

WORK….. What is your dream job, and are you doing it now? One where I am my own boss, and no right now my children seem to be my boss!

XRAY…Any broken bones? None so far, thank fully

YIKES…What’s been your most embarrassing moment? After giving birth to my last son, I hadn't left enough time for the epidural to leave my system and I got up wanting to visit the bathroom and my legs completly collapsed, I was mortified but the midwives were wonderful

ZOO…. If you were an animal, which one would you be? Easy I love cats so would be a Tiger, protecting my cubs is what I do best!


Friday 28 October 2011

Mums guide to insanity!: Dear Blog, my apologies for being absent

Mums guide to insanity!: Dear Blog, my apologies for being absent: Dearest Blog, my friend I do not know what to say, but I have missed you so, I have tried many times to sneak on, try to catch up, but the p...

Review: Our 3 Cats say a big Paws up Meowww!

We or rather our 3 cats Jessie, Tiggs and Annie were asked to review the new natural Vitality range from Bob Martin



I have to say, the cats seemed to enjoy them, we even got the neighbours cat joining in with trying them!
We were sent three different pouches, Beef for Peak Performance, Fish for Top coat and Salmon for Flexi-joints!
Each pouch is made up of 70% of Meat or Meat/Fish

The treats are to be fed as a treat in between normal meals.
Please remember to always have water available for your cats, Jessie seems to prefer drinking water from the tap running in the bathroom.





This is Annie who seemed to enjoy the salmon treats the best, which are good for Flexi-Joints














This is our neighbours cat Milo, who was just happy to enjoy any of the treats after sitting watching Annie have some.















This is Tiggs, looking not amused with our neighbours cats as he thought the treats were just for him!
Tiggs doesn't like sharing at all!

Tiggs enjoyed all 3 varities we were sent!



















This is Jessie, the Boss and he is the fussiest cat in the world.
I thought all cats loved fresh fish and Jess is proving me wrong, he won't eat different cat food, be it dried or in pouches, he has his favourites and that is all he will eat!
So I was amazed that he seemed to gobble these treats up!
Jessie's favourite was the Beef for help with Peak Performance!




the following is from the http://www.bobmartin.co.uk/

Bob Martin Natural Vitality Cat Flexi-Joint Salmon Treats

Bob Martin Natural Vitality Flexi Joint Treats are full of goodness, derived naturally from the careful choice of the ingredients we use to make them.
Bob Martin Natural Vitality Top Coat Treats contain 70% fish/meat (source of omega-3) and added zinc and omega-6. These ingredients are all beneficial for your cat's skin and coat. Top Coat Treats offer a tasty way to help maintain a healthy skin and coat.


Bob Martin Natural Vitality Peak Performance Treats contain 70% meat, a high level of beef (a natural source of iron) and added whey protein and calcium. These ingredients are all beneficial for your cats's muscles and bones.

Peak Performance Treats offer a tasty way to help maintain strong muscles and bones.

Dear Blog, my apologies for being absent

Dearest Blog, my friend I do not know what to say, but I have missed you so, I have tried many times to sneak on, try to catch up, but the past few weeks have been very trying or should that be tiring indeed, you see I have 4 little children and the youngest Edward who has just turned 9 months old has been so unsettled, not wanting to be asleep, put down, just wanting mummy cuddles bless him and 2 days ago, the reason why became obvious, my baby boy has his 1st tooth!



My tired little man the day we discovered his 1st tooth!

(I started this very late last night, but before I had time to finish Edward needed me and then as always I ended up falling asleep with him yet again!)

I have had no time to myself, the evenings are normally me time, when I can spend time with you my access to the outside world, my home with my munchkins is never dull, but its good to know whats going on outside from our home!

Being a single parent at times isn't easy you see, I don't have anyone to let me have a break, not even for 5 minutes, if the children need me I have to be there even if that is 24/7 and I have been so very tired, getting just the odd few hours sleep.
I don't know about you, but being tired, doesn't help my frame of mind, I have been down, but yesterday I took the children out and we had a lovely afternoon!

Its half term and I love not having to do the school run, I love lazy mornings always have and no doubt always will!

I have read others blogs, but I go to reply then have no time to do it or hands thanks to my little man, its been frustrating to say the least.

This weekend is my goddaughter to be 1st Birthday and I am so looking forward to it and seeing the gorgeous Jessica with my four munchkins.



Max with Jessica

This Sunday is The Baby show and I was lucky enough to win tickets to go with Farm and Cottage Holidays so am looking forward to taking all four children, should be entertaining, will let you know how it goes!

If anyone has the magic answer to get my little man to sleep in the day and at night in his own cot I would love you forever :)

Monday 24 October 2011

Mums guide to insanity!: Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps answered questions for M...

Mums guide to insanity!: Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps answered questions for M...: It seems so odd, little old me getting to ask the gorgeous and oh so glamorous pop-star Lisa Scott-Lee some questions! I wouldn't have a cl...

Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps answered questions for Me!

It seems so odd, little old me getting to ask the gorgeous and oh so glamorous pop-star Lisa Scott-Lee some questions!
I wouldn't have a clue about asking anything pop related, I listen, I enjoy and that's me, but one thing I do have in common with this gorgeous star is we both have children and take them swimming!

Back in September, I did a review on the Huggies Little Swimmers, I was happy to do one as its something I use for my youngest Edward when we go swimming and can personally recommend them for peace of mind.

Lisa Scott-Lee with her daughter Star-Lilly
Well Huggies asked if I would like to ask any questions to Lisa Scott-Lee from the very newly re-formed pop band Steps as she is Huggies Little Swimmers celebrity Mum having two children herself, Star-Lilly and Jaden.

So I enjoyed having the opportunity to ask Lisa some questions, having discovered that Lisa's own mother was a professional swimmer and in fact swam for England, so Lisa is very comfortable in the water.



These are my questions to Lisa and her replies -

·         Does the temperature effect how the children are in the pool?
As long as the pool is baby friendly approved then you should be fine. Visit swimbuddy.co.uk to find your nearest one. Approved pools are all set at a temperature that is suitable for children to swim and be comfortable.

·         What does Lisa use for her children, arm bands, float suits, swim rings etc?
I have used everything; the more fun you can have with the kids in the pool the better. We like the long floats and they don’t take up too much room!

·         What age will you send your children for lessons?
I took my two children swimming from birth. They don’t need to wait until they have had any or all of their injections as stated in the NHS and STA’s guidelines. But it’s when you feel ready, for me the sooner the better and my two are literally water babies

·         Do you play games in the pool with the children? like ring a ring a roses etc
There are so many fun things you can do in the water. Like singing, playing with floats or even just spending time bouncing up and down, my two love the water we do often have a few sing-along sessions.

·         Do you take them yourself or go with friends and there children?
I have done both, sometimes I take Star-Lilly on my own and other times I meet up with a girlfriend and she brings her babies along too. 

·         What time in the day is the best to take children swimming?
I enjoy going in the morning before Star-Lilly’s midmorning nap. It relaxes her and uses up lots of her energy.

·         Do you give snacks after swimming?
I tend to give her a cracker or banana and have some raisins as well.

·         How long do you tend to stay in the pool?
It really depends on her mood, some days she would stay in there all day if she could!

·         Do you let the children take toys with them into the pool?
You can take so many things in the water with you to help keep your children occupied in the water. I tend to sometimes take a couple of bath toys such as a rubber duck.

·         Have your children ever cried and not wanted to be in the pool, if so what have you done?
We have had a few strops, but generally they have been more upset about not going swimming!



I would like to thank Huggies for giving me the chance to ask Lisa these questions and to thank Lisa herself for taking the time to answer them.
I can only imagine how busy she must be, with her band Steps reforming and I wish her and all the members of Steps all the very best for the future and massive Congratulations on reaching number 1 in the album charts with 'The Ultimate Collection'

Thursday 20 October 2011

Stokke Lovers: Win Tickets for the Earls Court Baby Show

Stokke Lovers: Win Tickets for the Earls Court Baby Show: Next weekend sees the return of The Baby Show to Earls Court and of course we'll be there. We have x 5 pairs of tickets to giveawa...

Friday 14 October 2011

Reasons to be Cheerful 1 2 3 (wk 3 for me)

joining in with Mummy from the Hearts Linky of Reason's to be cheerful 123

So here are my Reason's!

1- I finally took a load of rubbish to the tip its a slow progress for me clearing out some of our rubbish, but its finally getting rid of things, like empty boxes I had kept in my shed for 7+ yrs, also all broken toys and anything that is just rubbish, its going.
I am a hoarder by nature, but in my heart I would love to be a minimalist, did I mention I am also very indecisive and so full of contradictions!



2- I managed to get everyone haircut, OK it wasn't before the school photos, but Anna couldn't see half the time unless I pinned it back as she refused to let the lady cut it, but this time she was brilliant.
It is so wonderful to find a lady that will come to our home and cut all of our hairs, the stress I used to have trying to get my tribe to a hairdressers only for them to hide under chairs etc so yes it might seem an odd and very simple reason, but getting 4 haircuts and all for the bargain price of £20 too is very much a reason to be cheerful.



3- My son enjoyed his 8th Birthday, he chose PizzaHut to visit and I have to say they were marvelous with him, I am sure he chose it because of the ice-cream factory bit after the meal, but he ate well, we all did and my mother came along too.
Max also has his party next Friday to look forward to, a Halloween Birthday celebration, all his class have been invited, so that will be 30+ children to entertain for me!




Monday 3 October 2011

Macmillan coffee morning x 2 and Barbeque's in October!



What a week, yes I really did manage to make it to two Macmillan coffee Mornings on the same day and in between them, I had my boiler serviced too!

Now that makes me super organised, actually if truth be known just very lucky!


Just a few of the balloons around my friends home







Edward enjoying cuddles with one of the ladies!



















Anna not in the mood for photographs today!
 

I am not sure how I managed it, I even baked some oat cookies, which wasn't on the plan, it was suppose to be cakes, but I changed my mind at the last minute!

A lesson learnt - when in a hurry, having to get 4 children dressed and 2 to school, don't have a shower just as the cookies are finishing in the over, as I hate to admit they ended up over cooked, nice and crunchy though!

I am so pleased to say my sons school raised £200 and Karen my friend who ran a coffee morning at her home, managed to raise over £300, so an excellent morning all for a very worthy cause too!

Karen ran a raffle, also a silent aution on top of people coming and donating for coffee and cakes, you could bid for a MOT on your car, a babysitter in fact all manner of things, even a day on a computer course!
The raffle prizes were pretty amazing too, bottles of champagne and different wines, chocolates, beauty products, even a most delicious looking chocolate cake!
Well done to Karen and her friends that helped organise her coffee morning, I look forward to the next fund raiser x



Just walking round to my mothers house for dinner!

On October 1st 2011, we actually enjoyed a barbeque round at my mothers home, we are experiencing some very unusual weather right now and I for one am not complaining, even though sat typing this, it is still so warm, you could get confused with the seasons at the moment!


We have a runaway!







This is the only way my girls can ride their bikes,
as I don't have hands spare to push a buggy as well!
Max took the photographs, he also rode his bike around to my mothers, am seriously wondering if I could manage with a trailer on my bike to carry two of them in, as would love to go cycling with Max.



Izzy, Max and Anna waiting for the food to cook!


My Mum busy as always cooking, Max and I
Loved the prawns in garlic.



Edward sitting very well and enjoying joining in,
in the travel like booster highchair we won on Facebook
with Maxi Cosi

This is Lucy one of my mums dogs, just waiting to volunteer cleaning the floor up after my mess monsters have eaten!
It was such an enjoyable evening to be sat outside with the warm air about us, the food was superb and the wine that accompanied it, went down smootly too!
You see there was a reason we walked instead of jumping in the car, it was a Saturday night and I decided to have a glass or two, think we mothers deserve a little treat now and again!



Sunday 2 October 2011

Share the Blog Love Saturdays (NOW) Sunday

I was asked by the lovely Tired Mummy to Two, if I would like to have a go at this Share the Blog Love on a Sunday!


Tired Mummy to Two  <----pop over and join in too :)

So here is just a few of the Blogs I have read, that have made an impression on me this week :)

 mammasaurus Because I loved her
 if-i-wouldnt-be-judged-harshly-i-would-say

Emmys Mummy - because she sadly reminded me of what is to come with my youngest!
The Day my Little Girl Grew Up

actuallymummy - I was laughing imagining how the Bug will win the Puppy contest
I want a puppy dear so and so

multiplemummy - got me thinking about my roll as a Godparent
what does being a godmother mean

Bod for Tea - for starting something interesting, with guest posts from parents around the world, I look forward to reading more x
parenting around planet

mochabeaniemummy - Just for such stunning photographs on a Autumn walk
when the small gets sick

Here comes the girls - Because I laughed at how true this is
how to clutter your home


Saturday 1 October 2011

Saturday is Caption Day!


See if you can leave a caption to suit this photograph of Annabel!
#SatCap is the brainwave of mammasaurus 
go on join in too :)

Friday 30 September 2011

Reasons to be Cheerful 1 2 3 (wk2 for me)

First of all wishing the wonderful Michelle over at Mummy From The Heart Blog the best of luck with her being a finalist in the MADS (Mummy & Daddy blog awards) tomorrow, I just know from the sound of her excited post, she is in for an amazing day!





My reasons to be cheerful this week are-

1- I have arranged and preliminary booked the school hall for my sons 8th Halloween Birthday Party later in October, I only decided on Wednesday to organise one for him.
Will go into more detail about it later on another blog posting!



2- I took all four children to the Dentist and it was the very first time for Anna 2 and a half to go for a check-up, Edward of course just went for the fun of it, as he doesn't yet have teeth, though they could arrive any day!
I was super pleased because as Max finished sitting in the chair and the girls had been playing on the floor, I suddenly asked the dentist if it would be OK if both girls sat together and he thought it a great idea, it worked a treat, both were impeccably behaved and did as they were asked.
So different to the last time I took Izzy who would not even get on the chair, so will not have to go back until 6 months for another check up.



Look No Teeth Yet Mummy!

 3- I am also loving this weather, its just perfect to wash all the bedding and duvets, just before winter sets in, also time to tidy a bit more of the garden too.

After I finish this post I need to go and bake some cakes for the World's biggest Macmillan Coffee morning tomorrow, I have somehow got to attend two in the space of the morning, one at Max's school and another at my friend Karen's home, but am hopeful it can be done, I mean how great to get to enjoy two coffees and two lots of yummy cakes, all in aid of a wonderful cause too!
Good Luck to all those running a coffee morning and to all those attending and supporting this great charity, hope you all enjoy your coffee's and cakes too!




If you would like to join in with the Blog Hop, Reasons to be Cheerful 1 2 3 or on twitter its #R2BC
then pop on over to reasons-to-be-cheerful to find out more and how to join in.

Wishing you all a very good week ahead, I can't believe its been a week since I last did this, Reason's to be Cheerful, most of been good to go so fast I say :)
Big hugs to all, Sadie x





Wednesday 28 September 2011

Can we keep teenage girls as little girls?

Or do we accept them as young women!

I was drawn to a status on Twitter by Duncan Bannatyne, from the popular Dragon's Den programme and felt I had to join in, have my say on the matter!

Duncan Bannatyne

I am disgusted to see Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts saying mothers should not have individual choice of how to bring up daughters
Duncan Bannatyne
In the Star today she says girls under 16 should never receive a beauty treatment with mother

Duncan Bannatyne
She says in today's Star that mothers should not take teenage daughters for beauty treatments

Duncan Bannatyne

Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts says in todays Star there should be longer period for teenage girls to recieve any hair removal treratment
Sadie Quinton

@
Link plz to where she says it, so we can share her narrow minded views!
Duncan Bannatyne

Her comment is here dailystar.
Sadie Quinton

@
Does she not know some girls mature so early and others later! They can be ridiculed at school then low self esteem!
Kathleen
by DuncanBannatyne
@
Surely it's up to the girls? It's not like you're offering tattoos or sun beds. That woman is thoroughly obnoxious.
Sadie Quinton
by DuncanBannatyne
@
Does she not know some girls mature so early and others later! They can be ridiculed at school then low self esteem!
Duncan Bannatyne

@
I think she just likes to open her mouth and be heard. Mothers requested we do treatments for teenagers with mum present
Kathleen
by DuncanBannatyne
@
Yup! I started shaving my legs at 14, the scars are proof that I would have benefitted from professional wax!
Sadie Quinton

@
some 13yr olds are just very mature and I read it as a pamperring session to be shared with mum great bonding time
Duncan Bannatyne

@
Thank you that is exactly what it is


bannatynespa.com//teentreatments they look amazing to me!

There is also a bit about it in The Daily Mail Online .dailymail.co.uk//Dragons-Den-star

So it caught my eye, I myself have two young daughters and am hoping that in the future, I can help to make the transition into womanhood a positive experience, not something to be embarrassed over and talked quietly about, its a fact we women go through many changes and one of those is maturing where we start menstruating and also grow hairs in places around our bodies as do men of course, but where as men can proudly show off there growth, a lot of us women like a smooth appearance.

Look at the ridicule some stars have had for showing fuzzy under arms, my mind thinks of the stunning Julia Roberts on an award night and the following day all the papers were pretty damning of her lack of  grooming, I am all for personal choice, but would hope that my daughters if they choose to de-fuzz then do so with guidance and help in the beginning.

I love the idea of going along to a spa with my girls, I will also state now I am all for keeping children, children, but in today's world we have to accept they seem to grow up quicker.
I don't dress my children older than they are, but already at almost four my oldest daughter has her own mind, she knows what she likes and doesn't like.
I rarely wear make-up but thanks to adverts on the telly and her friends having a certain little girly shoe, my daughter got a little make-up pack, which amused me by letting her try it, yes her whole face was covered, the sofa got to wear some too, I mean it was like a little brush to decorate not just her face but everything else too!
Its not something I would allow her to have all the time, but as a little fun on the day she got it why not, she had fun and it all cleaned off quickly.


I don't think it is for anyone to tell us how we bring up our own daughters and sons, I know I have my ideas and my three sisters have theirs.
I have watched five beautiful nieces grow into beautiful young women, even with my sisters for their mothers, so I can only hope I do half as good a job as they have!
(Love my sisters really & very proud of how their children have all grown up!)

I have friends whose daughters have tried nail varnish, its not something they do all the time, just something they see their mums doing and being curious want to try themselves, I have seen children's nail varnish that peels off easily, so if one day mine ask to try it, I may be inclined to let them, its not like they would be wearing it all the time, just little girls desperately wanting to be grown up like their Mum, the same as little girls playing Mummies and Daddies, all part of the growing and learning process!

Anna my two and a half year old, loves clunking around in high heals, yet sadly she can not look up to me, I own only one pair of medium heals that I struggle to balance in.
She sometimes manages to find them then proceeds to walk around, clunk, clunk, clunking and I watch surprised as she handles them better than I do, she loves her little pair of toy heals she got with a dressing up outfit and watch out her sister if she dares to wear them!


So I for one applaud that there is more options available to the teenagers of today, I have looked at what Duncan Bannatyne's Spa's are offering and I look forward to one day being able to share a similar experience with my daughters, I see it as a option, its not only offering young ladies pedicures, manicures, mini facials, but also limited waxing hair removal at a very reasonable rate and only under arm and legs.

I am sure by the time my daughters are teenagers, there will be more Spa's / Saloons offering similar things for teenagers, which are our women of the future!

I would of loved the opportunity to spend quality time with my mother at what I remember of my teenage years being quite fraught at times, imagine the difference had we had a relaxing pampering session away from our home environment, I may of talked more and shared a growing experience!

Let each parent decide for themselves, when is the right time their daughters are ready to try new experiences, be it waxing, getting nails done or making a first cup of coffee, for no two children are the same and only a parent can know when they are ready to experince these things!