Happy Days Linky – Back to School and off into the world of work

Happy Days Linky – Back to School and off into the World of Work

Happy Days Linky – Social media will be packed full of smiling little faces stood in front of their front doors with their brand spanking new school uniforms, shiny shoes, bags and book bags all eager to start or be back at school.

Monday I was totally the beamingly proud mum sending off my ‘little one’ for his first day at work! Ryan started his first day as an Apprentice Carpenter today. He went off wearing his new work uniform with his high vis vest in his bag, his packed lunch and a smile on his face. Unfortunately he wouldn’t pose for the obligatory standing in front of the front door which is a bit of a shame. Nonetheless, it was a total proud parenting moment.

Routine – Tuesday Isabelle went back to school. She was pleased to go even though she was a little Monkey at bedtime last night and could barely open her eyes.

Birthday Cake Prep – With a full week at work I did something that I’ve never done before. I made the sponges for the cake and put them in the freezer. I knew that it would be stressful getting the cake made so I wanted to be as organised as possible.

Birthday – Friday was Isabelle’s 7th Birthday. The day started at around 6am and was a flurry of presents, pancakes and then a rush to get dressed and out of the door to school and work. The look on Isabelle’s face when she unwrapped her presents was what us mums and dads live for. We’re much more savvy with present buying these days. Quality over quantity. We bought her exactly what she’s been coveting for the last few months. She’s a huge Kids You Tube fan so we managed to get her a giant surprise egg which we filled with ‘blind bags’ such as Shopkins, Num Noms, Trolls and such like. Her face was priceless.

Birthday party – I am pleased to report that the birthday party that we arranged for after school at the local ibounce trampoline park was totally worth it. All the kids that were invited came (yey) and they all had an amazing time. I couldn’t resist a bounce myself and even went off the platform backwards with a little bit of encouragement from the kids! You can see that on my Instagram if you like!

More birthdays – September is the month for birthdays in our family. Clearly the result of all those Christmas party’s. Ha ha!

Sleepover – Isabelle had her first sleepover at our house this weekend. She has slept at her friends once before, and this was our turn. They had dinner then mostly amused themselves with all of Isabelles birthday presents. We watched Strictly which was a bit disappointing as there wasn’t much dancing. They did, however have a bit of a boogie in front of the TV. There was no fuss getting them to bed, and it was quite sweet listening to them whispering and giggling. They didn’t stay up all night as they’d planned and once they were asleep they were gone for the night. The morning saw them trampolining in their pyjamas before resuming trying to cram in a play with EVERYTHING. It’s fair to say that it was a success and I’m just waiting to see how long it is before we get asked again.

Photo’s – Don’t you just love it when the memories come up in your facebook feed? I love it and more so when it involves a birthday and all the pics from previous years come up. This picture is Isabelle’s first birthday when we bought her first trike. Look at that face!

New job – I know I posted about my new job the other week, but this is another new job. I’ve just had the official green light so am pleased to announce that I am the new Local Editor for Mumsnet Exeter. I’m really excited about this.

We’ve had a fab week. I hope you have too!

Birthday Celebration!

Birthday Celebration – Isabelle Turns 2!

Originally posted 09.09.12 before being a stand alone blog but such happy memories not to keep.

It was our daughter’s 2nd birthday yesterday and we had a lovely family Birthday celebration barbeque. We were deliberating over what to get her for a gift as we didn’t want to buy something just for the sake of buying. We took a bit of a risk with it but in the end I won, and got her a gorgeous wooden play house. I could picture her in my mind playing with it even in the cold weather. As long as the weather is dry she can go out with her wellies and coat on and get years of play out of it.

Children's wooden playhouse for the garden
Wooden Playhouse

Her reaction was exactly what I was looking for with squealing and laughter which made my day.

Despite my previous status of hating all things pink, I have been completely swayed with a little help of Isabelle and this was our outfit of choice. I think we may have to add some of these style dresses to the site.

Isabelle in a pink tutu on her second birthday
Pretty in a Pink Tutu

And to top off our lovely day, after much agonising over whether I could pull off the cake. This was what I managed to muster up.

Peppa Pig 2nd Birthday Muddy Puddles Cake
Peppa Pig Muddy Puddles Cake

We were so pleased with how it turned out and Isabelle knew that it was Peppa and George straight away. Phew.

Mummy and Isabelle having a birthday cuddle
Having a Birthday Cuddle

Happy 2nd Birthday my Little Princess

X

Happy Days – A missed week and Pimms

Happy Days Linky  – Celebrating the normal yet small wins in life.

Oops I missed the Happy Days Linky last week, mostly because I spent the most part of last week at home coughing, sniffing and sneezing.

Unfortunately I shared my germs with Isabelle and so she was struck down as well.

Come the weekend we felt a bit more human and headed off to one of the local pubs for some food and Pimms. We sat in the gardens (which are huge) and had a relaxed lunch and a jug of Pimms.

Running – Isabelle made up a game where we took turns in picking a tree in the gardens and she had to run as fast as she could whilst we timed her. A very simple thing but it kept her occupied for ages.

Family BBQ – Bank Holiday Monday was scorching hot so we spent the afternoon in the garden with the paddling pool out, bouncing on the trampoline and cooking and eating yummy food. Actually I should mention that I did absolutely no cooking at all. That was all down to Daddy. My actual contribution was chopping the salad and getting all the plates and cutlery out.

Tuesday – Tuesday marked the official return to work for both of us. Isabelle is back at school next week so I suppose our real return to routine starts next week.

Birthday Preparations – Birthday preparations for next week are steaming on ahead. After lots of thinking we’ve decided on a trampoline park party at the newly opened iBounce.

Birthday shopping – Again all going well. I even managed to find a site that sells the giant surprise eggs that you get surprise bags inside. Isabelle is obsessed with youtube kids so I know she’s going to LOVE this – I might just be a little bit excited about this.

Summer Fair – We spent Saturday at one of our local parks at their annual Summer Fair. We were joined by my mum, niece and nephew. We played drums, hooked ducks, won raffle prizes, ate yummy greek food, had snow cones and finished off with a play in the park.

Today we had our first roast dinner in a long time. As it was pouring down with rain we watched trolls whilst it cooked and then stuffed ourselves silly. Yummy.

Bring on this week when Monday we send Ryan off into the big bad world of adult work and Tuesday Isabelle is officially a year 2 girl.

Have a great week.

Lisa x

 

Baby Not Included takes a much needed break – St Jean De Monts

Baby Not Included takes a much needed break to St Jean De Monts

This was originally posted 30.08.12 before being a stand alone blog but such happy memories not to keep.

Although we’ve been back a couple of weeks, I’ve yet to show you the lovely pictures from our much-needed family holiday.

We went to St Jean De Monts in France and had a fantastic two weeks of sun, sea and family fun. Our journey started at Plymouth which is just down the road from us to Roscoff and then a five hour journey in the car.

Ferry journey from Plymouth to Roscoff on our way to St Jean De Monts
Plymouth to Roscoff
The beautiful white and blue house we stayed in at St Jean De Monts, France
A home from Home in St Jean De Monts

This was the gorgeous house that we stayed in. It was in the perfect location with everything from the beach, restaurants and bars all a stone’s throw away. It was quite an anomaly in the area as most houses were all on one level so we got quite used to being stared at from passersby having a nose.

We’re quite a foodie family and the restaurants were amazing and very child friendly even in the evenings. We tried all sorts from Moules and frites to Galettes (savoury pancakes). Daddy even tried Carpaccio of beef which he’d been eying up for days. I was a bit hesitant with the Galettes, but if you get a chance to have these then we highly recommend them. We were near a fantastic market which was open every day until lunch time selling everything (food wise) from fresh fish, meat, cheeses, fruit and an array of breads and pastries. The children got a bit used to the ice cream which came in every flavour imaginable.

Our favourite place

We visited some lovely places, but our favourite was the beach where we spent a lot of our days. The sand was gorgeous and the water was inviting and warm.

The beautiful beach at St Jean De Monts where we spent most of our time
Beautiful sandy beach in St Jean De Monts
A gorgeous sunset in St Jean De Monts as we took our evening walk along the beach
The sun setting in St Jean De Monts

It’s a shame that we had to come back home, but we will see that sunset again. Maybe even next year!

 

Chocca Mocca Caramel Cake

Chocca Mocca Caramel Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that is super easy to make and really yummy then this Chocca Mocca Caramel Cake is the cake for you.

Chocca Mocca Caramel Cake

What you need:

  • 2 Teaspoons of instant coffee powder/granules
  • 2 Eggs
  • 6oz/175g Butter (at room temp)
  • 2 Tablespoons Cocoa
  • 6oz Golden caster sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Golden syrup
  • 8oz/200g Self-raising flour
  • 4 Tablespoons Milk
  • 100g Chocolate Caramel Bars (We used the Cadbury’s Caramel Buttons)

Icing:

  • 100g Chocolate Caramel Bars
  • 2oz/50g Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Milk
  • 4oz Icing Sugar, sifted

How to:

Preheat the oven to around Gas Mark 4 (180c).

This recipe is based on using an 8 inch round tin. Butter and line the tin.

Mix the coffee, cocoa, and two tablespoons of hot water to form a chocolately/coffee paste.

Put the butter, eggs, sugar, syrup, flour, milk and cocoa paste in a bowl and mix with a mixer (or by hand). Add in the caramel chocolate pieces.

Add the mixture to the tin and bake in the oven for about 50 – 60 minutes.

To check that it’s ready I use a skewer which I poke into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean it’s ready.

Once it’s ready leave it for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack.

Whilst it’s cooling, make the icing.

Put the caramel chocolate pieces into a pan and heat gently so that it melts, add in the butter and milk and stir until all melted (make sure you stir all the time). Remove from the heat and add in the sifted icing sugar.

Leave to cool whilst the cake is cooling.

Once the cake is cooled, spread over the icing and your good to go.

We decorated ours as it was for Daddy’s birthday which we took to the Donkey Sanctuary. We did have some spare caramel chocolate buttons, but these disappeared!!

Lisa

If you like this recipe then you may like to try some of the other Family Recipes that I’ve posted about.

*This post may contain affiliate links which means that I receive a small payment should you click the link and make a purchase at no extra cost to yourself.

9 Top Tips for Starting Back to School

9 Top Tips for Starting back at School

I wrote this post originally when my daughter was about to start in Year 2. When she returns to school in September she will be in Year 6 and her little brother will be starting at Pre-school.

9 Top Tips For Starting Back To School

Tips

1. Make a note of all the important term dates

I don’t know about your kids but Isabelle likes to do a count down in days to practically everything.

2. Early nights

We all let the daily routine slip during the school hols so about a week before gradually return to normal bedtimes/wake-up times so that it’s not too much of a shock.

3. Name Labels

Schools encourage all parents to labels their kid’s clothes and it’s much better in terms of getting things back should they leave them behind. We used My Nametag Name labels with little Hello Kitty’s on them which made it much easier for Isabelle to find.

4. School Bags

Again there are popular bags that a lot of other children will have so either choose one that will immediately stand out or make it more unique by adding a key ring to the zip which may have their name on. When Isabelle started one mum had actually made little laminate labels with her daughter’s picture on for her bag and her packed lunch box.

5. Lunchboxes

Again I would recommend either trying to find one a bit different or personalising it as they usually all go on a trolley which then has to be collected at lunchtime.

6. School Talk

Isabelle was really shy and the things that worried us the most was her not asking to go to the toilet or telling somebody if she was hurt or upset. Whenever she was unsure about something she would usually stand and not speak or join in. We talked to her about which people she should ask for things i.e. If she needed to go to the toilet ask any grown-up in the room and making her familiar with her things so she knew what she was looking for.

7. School shoes

This one seems quite simple but then you go school shoe shopping and the gorgeous Mary-Jane style shoes are shouting at you from the shelf. WALK AWAY!! – Harsh I know but how many four-year-olds do you know that can do a buckle by themselves? Same for boys – resist lace-ups. Keep things as simple as possible. Go for Velcro straps so they can put them on and off as quick as a flash.

8. Lunch

Maybe I should have put this in with the lunch box tip but Isabelle came home on three consecutive occasions where she hadn’t eaten her sandwiches but they looked a bit mangled and she hadn’t eaten her fruit winder which she loved. When I asked her about it, it was because she couldn’t take the cellophane off her sandwiches or undo the wrapper of the fruit winder and was too shy to ask for help. To make things easier we bought a little sandwich box and some pots that she could easily undo herself.

9. Try not to show your nerves

I know this is a big ask but try and transfer as much confidence to your kids as possible. It’s okay to have a few tears as you do the walk back across the playground minus your son or daughter. I, unfortunately, was that mum whose child had to be peeled off me whilst I walked away to the sounds of her pleading me to stay. It was horrendous. Don’t let that put you off, at this point, Isabelle was still the most clingy child I’ve ever known!

These are my top tips but most schools seem to make it as easy as possible for new starters by using pictures instead of words. Isabelle was a ladybird which she liked a lot so all of her school things has her name with a ladybird next to it.

Ooh, I almost forgot. Try not to make any after-school plans for the first couple of weeks as they get really tired and ratty adjusting to the new routine. I think that may be where the term ‘Witching Hour’ comes into play.

P.S – Take loads of snacks! When kids finish school the first question is usually ‘Have you got anything to eat?’

Let me know if you have any great tips in the comments below.

*This post may contain affiliate links which means that I receive a small payment should you click the link and make a purchase at no extra cost to yourself.

#SchoolHols2017 – River Cottage Summer Festival

#SchoolHols2017 – River Cottage Summer Festival

Not sure what to get up to this weekend then head to the River Cottage Summer Festival. Running from Saturday 26th – Sunday 27th August 2017. There are loads of things for both kids and adults to take part in all set beautiful surroundings. Day tickets and weekend tickets

What’s more under 16’s get in FREE when accompanied by an adult.

River Cottage Summer Festival

What is there to do?

There is a wide range of activities to get stuck into including:

  • Performances by Swamp Circus and Rainbow Gecko Giant Bubbles
  • Play Art Junk Modelling for the artistic amongst you
  • A foraging tour with John Wright
  • Baby Massages
  • Kids Yoga
  • The Hands-On mud kitchen – Awesome!
  • Play in the sandpit
  • felting and flower workshops
  • Marine Monster Making
  • Pottery
  • Jewellery making
  • Clay modelling

River Cottage Summer Festival

Take some time out to appreciate the stunning countryside with a guided geology walk with local butterfly experts, and take part in star gazing after sunset.

Masterclasses are also available in sushi making, cooking over a wood fire and for the little ones there are pizza making and ice cream sundae making.

Of course lots of food will be available street food style from local artisan producers. Experience the Farmhouse Feast with a two-course sit down meal served in the iconic Farmhouse for just £20 with a fantastic menu using fresh, seasonal and local produce from the farm, garden and local suppliers.

There will also be a selection of bars located across the Festival serving a variety of sumptuous drinks from Chase Vodka cocktails and English sparkling wine from neighboring Castlewood Vineyard to locally sourced beers, ciders, wines and seasonal cocktails.

A team of chefs and experts will be on hand to share their culinary tips throughout the two-day weekend on the Garden Stage hosted by Steven Lamb. On the Saturday, visitors can enjoy a mix of chefs, speakers and activists including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, forager John Wright, Bake-Off star Chetna Makan and herbalist Katie from Pukka Teas. On the Sunday, award-winning blogger Ed Smith will take to the stage alongside Satish Kumar, Michelin-starred Adam Byatt and Hugh.

River Cottage Summer Festival

Festival goers can enjoy music throughout the weekend with a variety of brilliant musicians on the line-up. There is live music from midday until 10pm on both days, with entertainment for the whole family. On the Saturday, Sound of the Sirens will headline alongside The Jack Daniels Band, Them Voices Poor, Sadie Horler, Hungry Bentley, Nicky Swann and DJ Diggz. On the Sunday, visitors can enjoy music from The Travelling Band, Mr Tea and the Minions, Melissa Bel, Mark McCabe, Tori Reed and the Troubadours and DJ Diggz.

How much does it cost?

There are various ticket prices available which you can look at the options on the River Cottage website.

How to get there?

Have a great weekend!

Living in the South West or visiting for the holidays then have a look at our oodles of suggestions for #southwestdaysout – Whether you’re looking for local attractions or fabulous beaches and walks.

Lisa x

Happy Days – Our Holiday and being reunited with our pooch

Happy Days Linky

Happy Days Linky – I’m really glad that I started linking up with the #HappyDaysLinky with Katy and Sian as it does help you to reflect on the god rather than dwelling on all the rubbish.

As I write this post we’d just heard of the terror attack in Barcelona where Chris and Ryan were the day before the attack. The other attack is just six miles from where we are now. We watched the news in the bar along with all the other guests with disgust at these senseless losses of lives.

It’s scary knowing how close this is, especially as we’re in a foreign country that we don’t know all that well.

Holiday – for the past week we’ve been on holiday in Salou, Spain with Chris’ parents and sister. It was much needed and we did the usual beach and pool combination. I’m not a sun worshipper at all and at times I think I was pinned as a bit of a killjoy but I cannot stand too much sun. I have sunburn and blisters to prove this theory! Actually, at the time of writing this paragraph, I was sat in our hotel room with the air-con up high smothered in aloe Vera gel with two soaked tissues on my legs to help cool my burning hot legs. I also have cleavage blisters I’m not doing a down-the-top shot for you!


Time with the teen – Ryan has been with us on this holiday. It’s likely to be one of the last as he’s way too cool to hang out with us. However, he was here with us and talked at dinner which is a step up from the usual eating in his room or not at all. As Daddy’s birthday treat we paid for a trip to Barcelona to tour around Camp Nou, the zoo, and also see the sights which they did as a ‘lads day out.

Sibling rivalry – not sure this should be on my Happy List but it does make me chuckle (not at the time). Standing in the dinner queue we have the usual:

‘mum tell Ryan to stop looking at me’

‘Mum Ryan’s smiling at me!’

‘Mum Ryan’s looking at me in a mean/rude/horrible way’

At the time it drains me, but I think it’s like a right of passage for kids growing up as I remember doing the exact same thing with my brother and sister. It seems that an 11 year age gap still doesn’t abolish this age-old family way.


Birthdays – we’ve had two birthdays this week with both Daddy’s and my mothers-in-law’ so we’ve had two gorgeous really light cream-filled sponge cakes. Being birthdays we took them out for a lovely meal and drinks at the all-inclusive hotel restaurant – ‘order whatever you like’ we cried ……… ‘No expense spared!!’

Swimming – Isabelle has Ben like a little fish this week. She’s either been in the sea or in the pool. She has armbands but she’s learned to swim with her head under the water and jump in off the side. She’s been going to the deep end of the pool so can’t stand and she’s also been doing a bit of lilo surfing at the beach.

Reunion with the pooch – Although we were all sad when the holiday came to an end, I was looking forward to seeing Charlie again. He was really excited to see us and it was great to hear that he’d had a great week of long walks on Dartmoor with his new bestie Zac. He did have a wiggy on with me which lasted from Saturday until late Sunday afternoon which I think was my punishment for leaving him.

What have been the highlights of your week?

*This post may contain affiliate links which means that I receive a small payment should you click the link and make a purchase at no extra cost to yourself.

#Serenz Allergy Relief Review

#Serenz Allergy Relief Review

*Sneeze*

*Sneeze*

*Sniff Sniff*

*Sneeze*

*Sniff*

 

#Serenz Allergy Relief

This is the sound of our life during allergy season.

I must confess that I don’t have much sympathy for Daddy’s plight with Hayfever, and get really annoyed with him with the constant sneezing and sniffing. Oh and don’t get me started on the moaning.

He’s just started a new job and has been to quite a few houses that have cats, which has only made things worse.

He’s tried tablets, sprays, eating local honey, homeopathic remedies, decongestants, and probably a few other things that I can’t remember.

At my day job, people drop like flies to hay fever so it causes quite a lot of disruption.

When we were asked to try #Serenz Allergy Relief I was really quite excited that we have a solution both to ease Daddy of this really annoying illness, but also to free the rest of us of this burden.

 

#serenz allergy relief

So how does #Serenz work?

#Serenz is a handheld device that you can keep easily in your bag which uses carbon dioxide to gently cleanse the nasal passages to relieve taller symptoms of nasal congestion, itchy, runny noses, and sneezes.

When you first open the product you have to activate the device by using the blue key (which comes with it). Once this is done you can use them as and when you experience allergy symptoms.

It’s very simple to use by placing the nosepiece into the nose making sure there is a tight seal between your nose and the nosepiece so the gas does not escape.

You have to make sure that you either hold your breath or breathe through your nose during use which is 10 seconds per nostril, pushing the button during this time continuously.

What did we think?

The instructions were very clear and the product was very easy to use. When we read the instructions before using, we were slightly cautious as one of the precautions is that it is normal to experience a temporary nasal stinging or smarting sensation and/or watering eyes, but it did say that this was not harmful and would not last long. As most allergy sufferers would agree, it gets to the point where you would try anything to relieve the symptoms so on we went.

It’s a good size which would easily fit in your handbag and is very simple and easy to use. It can be a burden to take tablets every day so an alternative natural option is nice to have. Daddy did have stinging in his nose when used, and had some improvement of his symptoms which was on parr with taking one-day tablet equivalents with a definite reduction in nose blowing!

The #Serenz Allergy Relief is £19.90 to buy and can be bought at Weldrick’s Pharmacy Online and provides 40, 10 second cleanses which is the equivalent of 20 cleanses for each nostril.

For more information and updates you can visit the Serenz Website.

Lisa

• Please note that we were sent a #Serenz Allergy Relief free of charge for the purpose of this review.

 

Devon Days Out – The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

It’s Daddy’s birthday tomorrow but I’ve got to work so we thought we’d have a day out today and have some fun.

The Donkey Sanctuary had their annual Summer Fair so we thought we’d head there for the day with a picnic.

The Donkey Sanctuary

It was completely heaving when we arrived.

There were loads of stalls, entertainment, and activities to do as well as being able to see all the lovely donkeys.

We went with family so it was really nice being able to spend the day together.

The boys had a go at welly wanging and Isabelle had a go at a human fruit machine. I so should have recorded it as there were hands sticking out of holes holding up fruit and when the bell rang, if they were holding up the same you won.

Isabelle won a knitted donkey on the tombola which she loved, and she then made a bear on a stall that was similar to Build a Bear.

We had a huge picnic and then Isabelle presented her birthday cake that she took ages to make yesterday. It was a Choca Mocha Cake (recipe to follow).

The Donkey Sanctuary

The place was packed and there were dogs everywhere. We didn’t think to bring Charlie with us, so we know for next time we visit.

After eating and listening to music we went for a walk around to see all the donkeys.

The Donkey Sanctuary

So what do you call a cross between a donkey and a horse?

A honkey or a dorse.

Well, it’s a mule actually. I didn’t even know that this was a thing until we saw two horses, and the keeper in the pen told us they were in fact mules. They don’t look very donkey-like, more horsey.

All in all, it was a lovely day and we’d definitely go again.