Friday 31 July 2015

I've been spending.... #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is....


It's been one of those weeks all I seem to have done is spend money or try to spend money....lol

I shopped for Becky's birthday which is the start of September.....Everything I bought involves either Minecraft or Minions.....lol I think she will be happy as long as she remembers she had a new phone as an early birthday present a few months ago and she has tickets to see One Direction too....

I had another faff on with Tesco when ordering Becky's birthday things....They forget to add something to the box for delivery.....They were quick to resolve the issue but last night I was back in touch about a book which was being sent separately...It hasn't arrived...It was due to arrive Wednesday or Thursday.....The other 2 books I ordered with it arrived Monday coming from the same place but not this one...I have been told to wait until next week as Royal mail are delivering.....Grr! Tesco are making me so angry lately!
 
Stu's birthday is the middle of next month.....He is easy to buy for....He knows what he wants! Tools and computer parts. I have bought a couple of things.....

I've been ready for Ellie's birthday later next month since about April....lol She also knows what she want's and I still love buying toys.....It will be a shame when she's a few years older and stops playing with toys....

I have been talking about getting a new laptop since well before Christmas. Mine is on it's last legs and has been for a while....I have got to the point now where the cardboard wedged in between the screen and keyboard part isn't keeping the screen on all the time....There has always been something else to buy but I have been slowly saving up and I'm getting there..... I really want to buy one from Curry's or PC World because of their Product Care Plan....They protect against all sorts of breakdown or damage and either fix or replace it.....I did have it on this laptop for a few years but never renewed it....Silly me!

Anyway....I actually saw one on the Curry's website for just under £200 which I thought was cheap....I ummed and ahhed about it, looked at reviews online and by the time I went back to check it was out of stock! Grr! I will keep looking!! I wish there was still a Curry's here in Ashington....The closest one is an hour away so really inconvenient to just pop in and see what they have in stock and are selling off cheap.....

I made a start on shopping for the kids school uniform for September.....I went through everything both girls really needed was trousers which I bought.....Becky still needs shirts and I might get away with just having to buy Ellie shoes....Becky's still fit at the moment and I only bought them a couple of months ago so they may still do for September....I realised I won't have to buy Ellie a coat as the Trespass one we reviewed still fits and is practically new.....So there isn't as much as I thought to buy....

People often ask why we never go on a summer holiday this is why.....3 birthdays & back to school all in the space of a few weeks....This time of year gets so expensive for us!

The Reading Residence

Thursday 30 July 2015

Eleven Things Tag....

I have been tagged by three different people in the Eleven Things tag which has been doing the rounds.....I thought it was time I got around to answering the questions set by these lovely ladies....


First was Sharon from Teen Tween Toddler who asked: 

1. What is your best memory?
As a child it would be growing up on a farm....I had so many adventures which I really should blog about. As an adult of course it was having both of my girls...

2. What is the most embarrassing thing you have done?
Got drunk because of Cheese....I was allergic to cheese for about 20 years from the age of about 10 it gave me terrible migraines....I was at a friends house having a few drinks with a few friends....She cooked some pizza and I was starving so ate some....With the cheese....It seemed to make me feel instantly drunk....I never get that drunk so to this day I still blame the cheese!! My friends will never let me forget it! lol

3. What is your favourite song?
Bon Jovi - Always!

4. Where is your favourite holiday destination?
We never go on holiday....Boo Hoo!

5. Where is your dream place to live?
Somewhere hot....Florida maybe?

6. What were you like as a teenager?
hahaha! Terrible.....I blogged about it recently!

7. Are your kids like you were at their age?
Yes! Becky especially.....Little Miss attitude. I was exactly the same as her when I was her age....I really get it now when my mother used to say you will understand when you have your own kids....

8. If you had one last meal, what would it be?
Prawn Cocktail for starters.....Scampi & chips for my main and chocolate fudge cake and ice cream for dessert!

9. Have you ever done anything you wish you hadn’t?
Yes....Stayed with an ex for far too long.

10. Fruit or veg?
Fruit....I could never eat veg again and it wouldn't bother me.....I love fruit. In fact lately I have eaten more fruit that chocolate....

11. How many children do you have?
Two....My girls....

Then came the lovely Louise from Little Hearts Big Love who asked: 

1. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
The Disney World in America....I have always wanted to go and my girls have too....One day we will get there!

2. What is your favourite book?
Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks by Mick Foley (The Wrestler) It was the first wrestlers book I ever read and I loved it....I have read it a few times since too.

3. If you had to sum yourself up in just three words, what would they be?
Shy, caring and average

4. What achievement are you most proud of?
My girls of course and my blog...

5. What is your favourite food?
Pizza! The Domino's type especially!

6. If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Do a road trip around America....Disney World would be our first stop!

7. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have three things with you, what would they be?
Wi-Fi, A laptop and a tanker wagon full of wine....That should keep me going a while....hehehe

8. What one person has inspired you the most?
My dad! He is such a hard worker....He is 67 and still works 12 hours a day even though I tell him he shouldn't.... 
9. Which cartoon character would you be and why?
Homer Simpson....No one cares if he is a bit stupid and he gets to eat all the doughnuts....

10. If you could master one new skill instantly, what would you like it to be?
I would be able to sew.....Simple but it would make life so much easier...

11. If you could be in any film, TV show or book, what would you be in?
The Harry Potter films....It would be so cool to learn and know magic and I would so kick Voldemort's butt! hehehe

And last but not least came Lisa from Lisa's Life who asked:

1. What’s your most unusual phobia?
I hate feet....They make me cringe and shudder! Babies feet are OK but adults feet! Eww! I don't even like my own girls feet....I can't understand people who have foot fetishes.

2. Did you have a favourite subject at school?

I really enjoyed cookery....

3. Who would be your dream dinner date?

My fella....lol We don't really get to go for a fancy meal out as we are short on babysitters....I think the last time we did was over a year ago.

4. What was your first job?

I worked at horse riding stables....I would muck out the stables in exchange for riding lessons which looking back was madness as I knew how to ride horses and had my own....

5. Where’s your happy place?

Right here....In my armchair with my laptop.

6. What’s your favourite art form?

I don't think I have one....I like a bit of everything.

7. Who or what were you in a previous life?

I'm shiny and new....lol If I had been here before I would know better....

8. What’s your talent?

I can manage to do 10 things at once....With demanding girls I have too...lol

9. What was the first album you bought?

Now That's What I Call Music! 23

10. Which was the first social network you joined?

My Space....lol I don't think I ever used it properly though.

11. If you were a superhero, what colour would your cape be? 

Purple. My fave colour... 

I am now supposed to ask some bloggers eleven questions but everyone I know has already done this....So I am chickening out....Sorry. Don't hate me!

Wednesday 29 July 2015

Tuesday 28 July 2015

Shopping for summer with Chemist Direct - Review!!

In case you don't know what Chemist Direct is....It is the UK's number 1 online retailer of pharmacy medications, specialist skincare products, everyday essential toiletries, vitamins, supplements and they even stock a dedicated range of products to keep your pets happy and healthy. By shopping with them you can browse a larger range than your average High Street pharmacy whilst still being able to fulfil prescriptions via their team of GPhC registered pharmacists and all from the convenience of your own home.

Earlier on in the year I tried out Chemist Direct for the first time....They recently got back in touch and asked if I would like to do some shopping for summer....Of course!!

I found some fantastic offers in the summer sale and I managed to snag myself quite a few.....


Mainly for myself I bought....

I have never been able to get away with using fake tan creams but the spray on one is the way forward for me....I have lovely tanned looking legs....hehehe 

Malibu Once Daily Protection Lotion SPF50 
£2.60 was £6.49

Malibu Once Daily Protection Lotion SPF50 helps protect against sunburn and long-term UV-induced skin damage. It offers high protection that is ideal for sun sensitive skin that burns easily.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Express Pro Summer Legs Self-Tanning Dry Mist 
£7.49

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Express Pro Summer Legs Self-Tanning Dry Mist means there is excuse to hide your legs away whatever time of year! It's time to show them off with an airbrush, natural effect tan all year round.

Malibu Continuous Lotion SPF30 Aerosol Spray.
£2.40 was £5.99

Malibu Continuous Lotion SPF30 Aerosol Spray helps protect against sunburn and long-term UV-induced skin damage. It offers high protection that is ideal for sun sensitive skin that burns easily.

Wilkinson Sword Lady Protector Razor
£3.82
 
Guarantee a safe shave with Wilkinson Sword Lady Protector Razor. It is specifically designed to protect your skin and keep it smooth and irresistible, its protective wire guards will ensure you never have to worry about nicks and cuts again. This is the ultimate razor for safety and simplicity.

For the kids I bought....

Spray on Suncream which I have used on the kids and it is fantastic....Much easier than cream you have to rub in....I was sure to stock up on plasters too....The kids have the 6 weeks playing outside during the summer holidays and we always go through plenty and Becky wanted to remove the hair from her legs....I don't want her shaving them so Veet it is.


Banana Boat Kids Ultramist Spray Lotion SPF50 x2
£6.50 was £12.99
 
Banana Boat Kids Ultramist Spray Lotion SPF50 provides fast and even coverage, meaning speedy and easy all over protection from the sun. 

Banana Boat UltraMist Aloe Aftersun Spray Gel
£5.10 was £10.19
 
Perfect for soothing and cooling, just one pump of the Banana Boat UltraMist Aloe Aftersun Spray Gel and you can enjoy a continuous mist over sun-drenched skin.

A & E Washproof Plaster Dressing 25p
A & E Washproof Plasters are durable, long lasting and can be used for cuts and wounds.

A & E Assorted Fabric Plasters 49p
A & E Fabric Plasters 20 are durable, long lasting and can be used for cuts and wounds.

Veet 3 Minute Hair Removal Cream for Normal Skin
£3.99


Veet 3 Minute Hair Removal Cream for Normal Skin ensures effective hair removal now in only 3 minutes.

Just for Becky I bought....

Teeth things....We have finally got the date that she is getting her braces and I know she will be brushing her teeth more than usual so it's nice to have a head start on the supplies we need.....I also saw some deodorant especially for teens which I haven't seen before which seems like a great idea.


Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrush Triple Pack
£1.49

Get an extra clean feeling every morning, and every night for longer with the Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrushes Triple Pack.

Colgate Total Sensitive Toothpaste
£2.05

Colgate Total Sensitive Toothpaste is formulated especially for people with sensitive teeth. It gives you 12 hour non-stop protection against bacteria for a healthier mouth and gives better stain removal to help restore the natural whiteness of your smile.

Piksters Interdental Brushes Purple
£2.39

Piksters were voted Number 1 "most used/recommended" interdental brush. Just like a normal toothbrush, you can wash the bristles out under running water and re-use your brush. It will last up to 2 weeks per brush, depending on how hard you use it and how much you bend the wire. Patients often comment on how much more durable they are than other they have tried.

Keep It Kind Missy Deodorant Spray
£2.99
 
Specially designed for young teenage skin and ideal for girls aged 11+, Keep It Kind Missy Deodorant Spray is made from all natural ingredients and provides effective all-day protection for children by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, the cause of body odour, whilst still allowing the skin to breathe.

Keep It Kind Missy Girls Teen Roll-On Deodorant
£2.63

Keep It Kind Missy Girls Teen Roll-On Deodorant - A deodorant designed for teenage girls with natural ingredients and long lasting protection.

I ordered on the Wednesday and my box of goodies arrived on the Saturday.....There were no issues with my order and everything was there and packaged well....

I think there are some great bargains to be had but also some things seem overpriced.....For example the Piksters Interdental Brushes are £2.39 at Chemist Direct but I saw them in Poundland earlier in the week obviously for £1. 

I did have another fantastic experience using Chemist Direct and would recommend the site....
Family Fever
I was given a voucher to purchase these products....This did not influence my opinion. This is my honest review.

Monday 27 July 2015

Our Weekly Meal Plan!! - #mealplanningmonday


It worked well not planning what day we are eating what....We ate just about everything off last weeks meal plan....Hooray!! The highlight of the week was the Sausage and mushroom crumble.....The girls have already asked for it again....The burgers didn't get eaten yesterday....I fancied some sort of roast so made chicken wrapped in bacon with roast potatoes and veg....The burgers will have to be eaten today....

This week I have found a few new recipes to try from other blogs I have been reading....I feel like we should be eating salads this time of year but the weather hasn't been that good up here....It seems more like autumn than summer!

This week on the menu we have:

Burger in buns with fries....
Chicken and Lentil Soup....
Mini quiche's and salad....
Hot Bacon & Tomato Salad....
Fruity Prawn Fried Rice....
Homemade fish & chips....
Roast chicken dinner....

As always I've joined in with the wonderful Mrs M's #mealplanningmonday linky....

Saturday 25 July 2015

Project 365 - Week 30

Ahh! The first week of the school holidays have flown over....We have had a lovely relaxed week. Just watching a lot of Minecraft videos and being very lazy....


199/365. 18th July 2015

The last of the uniforms washed until September!! Hooray!!

200/365. 19th July 2015

Ellie does love to pull a funny face... 


201/365. 20th July 2015

Wispa Biscuits....I didn't even know these were a thing until I saw them in Poundland!! They are so good!

202/365. 21st July 2015

Give me all the coffee.....Ellie got me up very early! Too early for the school holidays. I am not a happy person at 6am!


203/365. 22nd July 2015

Why do they feel the need to sneak into my bed! Both sound asleep!!

204/365. 23rd July 2015

Minecraft videos on the big TV in their living room....The kids think I am the best mam ever!

205/365. 24th July 2015

Just a random of Becky :)

Friday 24 July 2015

Just Chilling #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is.....


It has been such a relaxed week....We have really taken advantage of the not having to get up early....Well apart from the one day Ellie was up at 6am....lol We have been so lazy.....Not getting dressed until lunchtime and just generally chilling.....We haven't done much but at the same time it feels like we haven't stopped...

On Monday we were back at the dentists with Becky about her braces.....She is booked in to get them on the 21st of September.....It could have been the 7th but her birthday is on the 10th and I didn't want her in pain on her birthday..... She has to have one tooth removed to make room for the teeth moving over which isn't so bad....People on Twitter said their children had a few removed so she has got away with it lightly.....She has that booked in for a couple of weeks. She's worried about it but she knows what will happen and I have tried to ease her fears.....I would be more worried about getting braces than getting a tooth out....She is still excited about getting the braces though! 

The weather here has been chillier too....More like what you would expect at the end of the summer.....I had lots of plans to be outside in the sunshine but that hasn't happened.....Instead we have watched millions of Minecraft videos....I may be exaggerating a little but it feels like it....I am actually getting quite into them....It is amazing what you can do in the game....

My girls showed me the Ballistic Squid & Stampy's Barely Cooking Contest which had hardly anything to do with Minecraft but had those two famous Minecraft guys trying to cook....It was so funny....It's the first time I have really seen the people behind the voices you hear.....Stampy is exactly how I imagined him....A little geeky but Ballistic Squid is not how I expected him at all....He's the opposite to geeky....hehehe


I hope you have all had a great week!!

The Reading Residence

Thursday 23 July 2015

A paddling pool for Borrowers?

I love Tesco....I really do. I use them for my grocery shop every week and have hardly any problems with them.....A few substitutions now and again but they are usually good....Every time I have had a problem they have been quick to rectify the situation....

Over the weekend I had a bit of an issue with them.....This isn't a post to have a dig at Tesco in fact by the end I am all full of praise....

I was doing my usual grocery shop on Friday and was looking for things to amuse the kids over the summer holidays....Crafty things but I happened to look at the outdoor toys and I saw a paddling pool which looked a good size for £3! What a bargain!


On Saturday when the shopping arrived I got the pool out of the packaging and thought this isn't right....It was far too small....I blew it up! Yes blew it.....The kids told me the pump was broken and I never thought to check....When my fella got in from work he said he had told them it was broken to stop them messing with it....Grr!

After my huffing and puffing we ended up with this....


Errm....Lets address the issues I had.

It's PINK! I don't have an issue with it being pink and Ellie certainly doesn't but I ordered a "Multi Colour 3 Ring Pool....What if I had a child who hated pink....I'm not trying to gender stereo-type or anything but what if I had little boy who was all against pink. There are such boys....


Secondly and most obviously it is small! Way smaller than the picture advertised....Ellie is not a giant! I would say she is a little older than the boy pictured in the photo but about the same size....You can see she just fits in the pool but there would be no room for another kid.....Are these children borrowers or hobbits? I think not! I think there has been some clever editing done by the people who make the pictures....

There was no substitutions in my order and it is supposedly the same pool....

I spoke to Tesco on Twitter on Saturday and they were very helpful!....They were grateful I'd taken the picture & bought it to their attention and agreed that item is quite different to the one in the image.....

Tesco have refunded me the £3 which I wasn't really bothered about the money I just wanted to let them know about the issue I had....

As of writing this Tesco have removed the option to buy the pool from their website! Good on them. It is great to know they took my complaint seriously and they are a company who do actually listen to customer feedback!

The point of this post is a warning....Be careful what you buy offline....If it seems too good to be true it probably is!

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Stain Removal With Vanish - Review!

My girls are dirt magnets, especially Ellie!....Recently I was given the chance to try out some Vanish products.....


We were sent:

Vanish Gold Oxi Action 
Available in 470g, 940g and 1410g sizes.

Powder & Vanish Gold Oxi Action Gel
Available in 940ml and 1880ml sizes.

Vanish introduces a revolution in stain removal. Both are so powerful they remove some stains in just 30 seconds! For maximum speed and power pre treat or soak to see results in 30 seconds. Safe to use both on colours and whites.

Vanish Oxi Action Pre-treat Spray.

If you're having a difficult time removing stains from your clothes, Vanish Oxi Action Pre-Treat Spray can help. To take immediate action against stains, use Vanish Oxi Action Spray to pre-treat the stain directly. It's a powerful formula which penetrates deep into the fibres to break down even the toughest stains like the grime and grease you get on collars and cuffs. It is suitable for both coloured and white clothes.

Vanish Power Shot Gel Capsules. 

Are you having a tough time removing a stain from your clothes? Vanish Powershots Gel Caps can help you remove any stain as they contain 50% extra power per drop compared to the regular Vanish Oxi Action Gel. Vanish Powershots Gel Caps are very convenient to use and suitable for all clothing.

 I knew straight away what they would be perfect for.....Ellie wears white polo shirts for school and over the last couple of months she hasn't been wearing a jumper with them as the weather has been so warm....She has picked up a whole host of stains from school......Pen, food, grass, paint.....I had slipped on the washing so there was a weeks worth of polo shirts to wash....Eek! 

 

The products were easy enough to use.....It doesn't take a rocket scientist to use them.....I sprayed the Vanish Oxi Action Pre-treat Spray on the stains and left them a few minutes before putting them into the washer.....I put one of the Vanish Power Shot Gel Capsules in with the shirts and I added a little of the Powder & Vanish Gold Oxi Action Gel into the tray in the washing machine for a little extra clean....

I let the washer do it's work and was dying to see the end result.....

Out on the line the shirts looked whiter than white....Even Becky said they looked so clean....


 I couldn't tell which top was stained with what as there was no stains left to show apart from one.....I have marked it out above. It looks like black marker pen but I know it has been there for months.....I was impressed that it removed the blue paint from one of the shirts because that has been there a few weeks and the top has been through the washer a couple of times previously without removing it....

  
 (I only edited the photos by covering my girls school logo with a badge & pointing out the remaining stain) 

I would absolutely recommend these products....They have removed stains which have been there for weeks so imagine what they can do when there is a fresh stain!!

Vanish products are available in most supermarkets....I have just looked on the Tesco grocery website where I get my shopping and each item costs between four and five pounds.....It is good to know they sell them in Tesco because I will be buying them again....

http://myfamilyfever.co.uk/tried-tested/

I was sent a these Vanish products for the purpose of this post....This is my honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own....

Top tips for travelling by train with children....

It's the summer holidays so that means days out and trips away!! 


Book in advance!!

You can buy your train tickets from TransPennine Express which sound great as they don’t charge booking fees and you can collect nectar points which you can save and exchange for more days out.....

Travel at off-peak times if you can.

The train will be less crowded which means you may be able to grab some extra seats for your child to move around and play....

Choose your seats carefully.

If you can, choose a set of seats that are facing each other so your family can have a bit of space to stretch out on the trip

Arrive early

Irrespective of whether you have booked your ticket in advance or not you should arrive at the station early...Just so you are not rushing and panicking about missing the train....Plus it gives them chance to see the
"big board" that lists train departures and arrivals, check out the tracks and take a seat on a bench to watch the trains arrive and leave....

When boarding.

When you're boarding the train decide who is going to get on first, who will go last and who is carrying what to be sure nothing and no one gets left behind.

Pack Snacks!

The last thing you want is hungry children and you'll certainly save money by taking a packed lunch....
 
Plan entertainment for the ride!

The great thing about trains is that you usually get a fairly decent sized table on which to spread out your things....So remember to bring lots to do.....Colouring pads, comics and even print some kids travel games out to help the journey go by quickly....

http://www.tpexpress.co.uk/kids-travel-games/
I do like the look of this Bingo game.....It would even be good for travelling in the car too....

Never ignore the train and safety guidelines.

Train travel may be something new and different for your little one's...
Always keep your self between the track and your kids and do not let them go off your sight. While waiting on the platform, boarding or deboarding the train, always hold their hands as the place may be crowded. Make your kids aware of the rules on the train....

Let your children have their own backpack.

Let your kids carry some of the weight....Make them feel important....

Get moving as much as you can. 

Let your little one take walks down the train’s aisle (of course while holding your hand) to let them blow off some steam....

Take spare plastic carrier bags.

They are very handy for collecting rubbish.

Take blankets and pillows for longer journeys.

Do your children have a favourite blanket....It will will comfort your child especially if the train trip coincides with your child’s nap time....For longer trips a pillow would be good. Small children can sit on a pillow so they can see out of the window better while older children may find sleeping more comfortable with a pillow....

Give the kids a camera.

Giving little one's their own (child-friendly) camera....It encourages them to look at their surroundings and focus on what interests them....

Avoid sweets.

Resist the temptation to keep your little one's going on a long journey by feeding them sweets. Pack a mixture of savoury snacks like cheese cubes, breadsticks and fruit to avoid the sugar rush!

Brand them

If you’re going to be travelling through busy crowded places write your mobile number on your child’s arm in biro in case they get lost....

Remember the baby wipes

Even if all your children are long out of nappies don’t forget the baby wipes. They’re useful for washing hands, cleaning toilet seats and wiping down tables.

Happy Travelling!

Monday 20 July 2015

Our Weekly Meal Plan!! - #mealplanningmonday



Hooray it's the first week of the school holidays....I am going to continue meal planning over the holidays but I am not going to say what day we are having what meal because I can't see it going to plan.....

This week on the menu we have:

Hot dogs in buns....
Barbecue Chicken and Bacon Pasta....
Homemade pizza....
Sausage and mushroom crumble....

Fish in butter sauce with new potatoes....
Sweetcorn fritters and something. I don't know yet...
Burgers in buns with salad....

As always I've joined in with the wonderful Mrs M's #mealplanningmonday linky....

Sunday 19 July 2015

Jacqueline Wilson’s 100th Book - Opal Plumstead - Review!!

In the early 90's when I was about Becky's age I remember reading The Story of Tracy Beaker....That was my first introduction to the author Jacqueline Wilson....Becky has read quite a few of her books and now her 100th book Opal Plumstead has been released....


Opal Plumstead might be plain, but she has always been fiercely intelligent. Yet her scholarship and dreams of university are snatched away when her father is sent to prison, and fourteen-year-old Opal must start work at the Fairy Glen sweet factory to support her family.

Opal struggles to get along with the other workers, who think her snobby and stuck-up. But Opal idolises Mrs Roberts, the factory’s beautiful, dignified owner, who introduces Opal to the legendary Mrs Pankhurst and her fellow Suffragettes. And when Opal meets Morgan – Mrs Roberts’ handsome son, and the heir to Fairy Glen – she believes she has found her soulmate. But the First World War is about to begin, and will change Opal’s life for ever.


Becky has read it from cover to cover....If she doesn't like a book after the first few pages she will put it down and not pick it up again so for her to read it all means she really enjoyed it.....

Without any spoilers....Here are Becky's thoughts....

You never know what is going to happen....Every page you turn there is a new twist.....It is so interesting to know more about history....She could relate to Opal and how she seemed shy but would stand up for herself when she had to, just like her...It is romantic and the ending is so sad but so lovely too....

I have skimmed through this book but haven't read it fully....It looks such an easy read....Even though it is aimed at younger people and young adults I think it may be a great summer read for me too....In fact I do plan to read it over the summer....

There are many relevant issues covered in the book which youngsters of today could relate to...Bullying, family members in prison, family issues, death and romance....It is not all fun and happiness but is about how real life is/was....

Jacqueline Wilson has certainly not lost her touch.....She is still an amazing writer....

MamaMummyMumhttp://myfamilyfever.co.uk/tried-tested/

We were sent the Opal Plumstead book free of charge to review....This is our honest review....All thoughts and opinions are our own....

Happy Girls #MySundayPhoto

Taken on Friday.....When they got home from school. They were rather happy about he start of the summer holidays!


Saturday 18 July 2015

Project 365 - Week 29

Another week of photos....I have failed though. I didn't take one on Wednesday.....I only took a screenshot on my phone of my Timehop....Oh well. I suppose it is a photo. Sort of.

 
 192/365. 11th July 2015

My new drink of choice....So sweet and refreshing! I have a feeling I may be drinking a lot over the school holidays....

 193/365. 12th July 2015

I am addicted again to The Sims. Stu got me the Sims 4 at the weekend and I have played a little too much over the week.....Glad to see the money cheat still works. hehehe

 
 194/365. 13th July 2015

Our roses have bloomed over the last few weeks and they are huge....The raindrops on them made them look even prettier.

 195/365. 14th July 2015

Sweets with Ellie's name on....She thought they were made especially for her....I didn't tell her the truth. hehehe

 
 196/365. 15th July 2015

The day I failed to take a photo....Thank goodness for Timehop.....It seriously doesn't seem like Ellie was just starting nursery 5 years ago.....

 197/365. 16th July 2015

Becky's view for the day.....The school took everyone to the Gateshead International Stadium for sports day.....A complete waste of time.....They spent most of the day sat just watching.....She ran one race and actually walked it....lol

 
 198/365. 17th July 2015

This little note from Ellie's teacher nearly had me in tears on Friday.....She has been a great support over the school year and I am so sad she won't be teaching Ellie again next year.