Sunday, 31 March 2019

Scones from school. #MySundaySnapshot

When my girls were at primary school I was always reluctant to try the things they baked and cooked in their cookery lessons. They always worked in groups of about 4 and there was always someone who would snot and cough into the mixture. I didn't want their germs.

In secondary school the kids work alone so I know the germs are only coming from my girls so I am more keen to try what they bring home. This past week Ellie baked scones. Despite them not being as thick as they should be they were delicious and didn't last long at all!



Saturday, 30 March 2019

Week 13 of #Project365 - A photo every day for a year!

The last week seems to have really dragged. I really don't know why, the sun has been shining and I've been in a cheery mood. I think it's just because I am looking forward to getting spoiled on Sunday for Mother's day. hehehe

Now for a photo every day!


82/365 - 23rd March
Whenever The Circle of Life song from Lion King comes on and Monkey is at hand this is what happens. lol It really does make me chuckle.

83/365 - 24th March
A lazy Sunday. My fella took control of the TV and watched about 3 Star Trek films. Ugh! I am not a fan but the kids got quite into them.

84/365 - 25th March
Cadbury Creme egg cakes are a thing and they are delicious! I got them from Tesco!

85/365 - 26th March
Fuzzikins Bedtime Bunnies! We were sent them to review and Ellie loves them! They are very cute.

86/365 - 27th March
We finally found some of the new Kinder ice creams at the weekend and Ellie has eaten one every day since. She's a big fan. I find them strange. They taste nice but it's odd tasting Kinder chocolate in ice cream form.

87/365 - 28th March
We were sent some fancy Easter eggs to review! The type that are a little too good for the kids to scoff on. 

88/365 - 29th March
Grr! I went to put the rubbish out and noticed that my neighbour has put one of his radio antennas back up. He had been forced by the council to take them down as they were breaking planning rules. They were not secure and hitting the phone lines when it was windy. I was fuming! I only got the email on Thursday saying the council closed the case because he had taken them down. He obviously got the same message and when he got the all clear put one back up. I sent a very angry email to the man from the council.

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Friday, 29 March 2019

This week my Word of the Week is: Mother! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:



For years and years I have been very bitter towards mother's day. I felt so envious of those who had a relationship with their mothers. This time of the year has always been hard for me and left me feeling down. I think I have complained every year on Twitter about all the competitions where you have to say why your mother is the best or why you love her so much. Ugh! They used to make me feel angry.

For the last 13 or so years of my mother's life I did not have a relationship with her. Way back in 2014 I wrote about how I didn't have a mother, I did but we both wanted nothing to do with each other. She ran away with a man she met online and her and the new boyfriend made me choose between my mother and my dad. There was no choice, I chose my dad. It's been over 2 years since my mother passed away. I wasn't sad that she had died but wouldn't have wished cancer or death on her. Her death did give me closure but it left me feeling so bitter about mother's and mother's day.


This year in the run up to this mother's day I don't feel resentful of those who have mother's. For the first time I feel happy for them. If you have a lovely mother cherish and love her. I am at a point now where I am happy for you. I am feeling very positive towards mothers day this year, for the first time in years.

The competitions on Twitter haven't bothered me this year, in fact I have entered some. I really think it's all because I have Sarah, my dad's girlfriend. Since spending a few days over Christmas with her and getting to know her better I feel closer to her. We chat on the phone and text all the time. I don't think I will ever call her mum, mam or mother but she's as good as one. 

 She's there when I need her, she's there when I don't want her but need her without admitting it and sometimes she is there when I don't even think about her but a text or phone call really puts a smile on my face or makes me laugh! She is as good as a grandmother to the girls and most of all she is a companion for my dad. If he's happy, I am happy.

The kids and my fella have been very organised this year and got my mother's day cards and presents last weekend. I know I have new pj's! Hooray! Chocolates and Ellie says a duck? I have no idea what that's all about. lol The kids have said they are going to go to McDonalds and get me a breakfast to have in bed. I am sure it's just because they want it themselves but if it gives me a bit of a lie in I am happy with that and Stu said he's going to cook lunch/dinner.

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day on Sunday!


Thursday, 28 March 2019

Trying out the new Fuzzikins Bedtime Bunnies set! - Review!!

Ellie loves craft sets and collectable figures so when I had the chance to try out the new Fuzzikins Bedtime Bunnies set from Interplay I jumped at the chance. 


It's bed time for three adorable bunnies. Colour them and make them cozy in their beds!

Fuzzikins Bedtime Bunnies contains one large, one medium and one small bunny figures, 3 x washable felt pens, 3 x felt beds, felt accessories, assembly tool and full instructions.


Fuzzikins are adorable creatures to colour and play. Ellie couldn't wait to get started and jumped straight in colouring the bunnies and making their beds.

She copied a few of the designs off the box and had no trouble decorating the beds.


The decorations are were just adorable. Cute hearts and carrots. You simply peel the label off and stick them where you want them. The pens are washable so you can rinse and recolour your bunnies to decorate again whenever you choose.

These are perfect for inspiring creativity and imagination, it also helps develop hand-to-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills too.

It took about 40 minutes to complete the bunnies and their beds and both Ellie and I thought it was a fantastic activity.


The Fuzzikins Bedtime Bunnies set would make a great gift for Easter especially if you want to give something different to chocolate.

The set costs £9.99 and I would say it is well worth the price. As I writing this a day later Ellie is still playing with the bunnies.

The set is for ages 4 years+ and is not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts that may represent a choking hazard.



We were sent the Fuzzikins Bedtime Bunnies set free of charge in exchange for this blog post.

Wednesday, 27 March 2019

A night out without the kids.

Stu and I had not been for a night out together in forever! Ellie tried to work it out and the last time we did was at least 4 years ago. We have been out during the day together but have always struggled to find a babysitter on an evening.

I have struggled with leaving the kids. It would be so much easier if there was a law but there are only guidelines. It's only over the last year or so we have left Becky home alone while Stu, Ellie and myself have been out but only during the day. Ellie has never been left alone. When I was Becky's age, probably a little younger I was babysitting for our neighbours and they were children much younger than Ellie is now. 

Stu always works late on a Friday evening but last week he was off work on holiday and at about half past three I suggested we should go out for something to eat and a couple of drinks and leave the kids home alone. Eek! Becky is 16, responsible and Ellie is 11 and is sensible so I cut the apron strings a little and gave myself some freedom.


Stu and I got ready. Ellie said the only reason I wanted to go out was because I'd dyed my hair. She knows my hair always looks the best when it's just been dyed. hehehe

 The kids were fine about us going out. We told the girls what the plan was and they weren't bothered in the slightest. Becky was going to play on the xbox and Ellie was going to play with her dolls and watch YouTube videos. They both had their phones and could get in touch with us if needed. We were only 10 minutes away at the furthest.

We went to our local Wetherspoons and had a lovely meal. Stu had sausage & mash, I had Scampi, chips and beans. (Yes, I eat like a child and swapped the peas for baked beans).


We of course had a couple of drinks. Stu stuck to lager and I decided that after a glass of wine I fancied a cocktail. I asked Stu to choose me one because I couldn't decide on one. Instead of a glass he got me a pitcher! Eek! There was no way I could drink it all so he had to help me. 


Usually when we go out for a meal we don't really drink so this felt like such a treat. We also don't usually get dessert but we pushed the boat out and Stu got apple crumble and custard and I got chocolate brownie and ice cream. It was so good but I couldn't finish it all!


While we were out I was posting to Instagram and the kids were keeping track of what we were up to. Messages like "Scampi and Chips, so predictable" from Becky and "why are you having dessert without me" from Ellie. lol

We then decided to go to a different pub for a drink on the way home and Stu had to tell me to stop taking photos of all the things on the walls. hehehe


Everything was so interesting but as soon as we'd got down the stairs we realised the pub was empty. It was open but there wasn't a soul in apart from the bar staff. We wanted something a little more lively so we carried on to the next pub. 

Shortly after I posted the above pictures on Instagram Ellie sent me a text message saying "What Wetherspoons are you at because you are not in Ashington? It felt like I was being told off by a parent. lol I can imagine how teenagers feel now with social media when their parents check up on what they have been posting online, where they are and who they are with. She was fine when I told her we had moved on. hehehe

Stu and I got home at about 9pm and three hours was long enough for me. Wetherspoons was nice. It was full of older people and we could hear ourselves think. The other pub was a lot louder with music and full of people not much older than Becky. Eek!

At least we know now we can leave the girls for a few hours but it won't become a regular thing. A night out now and again is nice but it made me realise I am much happier at home in front of the TV in my pj's!

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Last minute Mother's Day gift ideas from the supermarkets!

Mother's Day is on Sunday and it's not too late to get some fantastic gifts. Shopping online is great but there are some great gifts in the supermarkets. I have had a look at Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's and found my favourite things.

From Tesco:


Rainbow Tulips - £5.00
Pink Gin Selection Gift Set  - £12.00
Lucky To Have You Mug - £2.00
Baylis And Harding Pink Prosecco & Elderflower Slipper Gift Set - £15.00
Fox And Ivy Navy Elegant Floral Print Trinket Box - £12.00
Finest Marc De Champagne Boxed Truffles - £5.00

From Asda:



White Mum Slogan Donut Print Pyjamas - £10.00
Peppa Pig Mummy Pig Pink Slogan Pyjamas - £15.00
Grey Star Mummy Slogan Pyjamas - £10.00
Blue Glittering Slogan Cropped Leg Pyjamas - £10.00
George Home Stemless Mum's Gin Glass £2.00
Ornamental Pineapple Plant - £10.00

Hardback Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood by Roger Hargreaves - £3.00

Sainsbury's:



Mother's Day Mum Pomander Pair - £6.00
Mother's Day You Are Loved Heart Necklace - £8.00
Godiva The Belgian 1926 Chocolate Selection Box 325g - £10.00
Now That's What I Call Mum CD - £10.00
Who Run's The World Drinks Bottle - £8.00
You Are The Best Flower Candle - £4.00

What have you got your mum for mother's day? What are you hoping for?

Monday, 25 March 2019

Our weekly meal plan. 25th - 31st March! #MealPlanningMonday


Last weeks meal plan went well despite Ellie being fussy. Broccoli is good on roast dinners but not in a pasta bake! Hmmf. The kids had their pizza on Friday night but Stu and I decided to have a night out! We only went to Wetherspoons and stopped off in a pub for a drink on the way home but it was nice. I can't remember the last time my fella and went out on an evening without the kids.

This week on the menu we have:

Monday - Spaghetti bolognase and garlic bread.
Tuesday - Leftover bolognese in the Old El Paso Stand 'N' Stuff tortillas covered in cheese.
 Thursday - Chicken nuggets, chips and spaghetti hoops.
Friday - Pizza.
Saturday - Sloppy Joes!
Sunday - No idea! I am not cooking or even planning for Mother's Day! hehehe

What are you eating this week?


Saturday, 23 March 2019

Week 12 of #Project365 - A photo every day for a year!

Another week has gone in a flash. It has been a really average week. Nothing much has gone on in our life and we have just been plodding along with life. Stu used up the last of his holidays from work and that's about it.

Now for a photo every day.


75/365 - 16th March
Three little monkeys lazing in my bed. hehehe

76/365 - 17th March
Becky's airpod thingy's arrived a day early. She was very happy.

77/365 - 18th March
Eleven from Stranger Things. This figure went missing just after Christmas and there was arguments. Becky thought Ellie had taken it, it turns out it was under her bed all along. 

78/365 - 19th March
Revision!

79/365 - 20th March
Stu has started playing World of Warcraft again. He's trying to convince me to start playing again.

80/365 - 21st March
Hula hooping in the house had me on edge. I feared for everything not pinned down. She was soon sent outside.

81/365 - 22nd March
We have been sent these cute bunnies to decorate and review. Ellie's job for today.

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Friday, 22 March 2019

This week my Word of the Week is: Waffle! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:


This week I have struggled to write my word of the week. I don't have anything to write about really. It has been a quiet, uneventful week so I'm going to waffle for a bit about what we have got up to.

Stu has been off work the past week, using up the last of his holidays before the new tax year starts in April. When he is off work I always get lazy. He is around to help with the housework and cooking and I get to have a break. It has been lovely.

The kids obviously have been at school and there is nothing to report there. I did get a letter saying Ellie has lost a library book and they want the book found and taken in or £7.99 which I think is a bit of a cheek as it's under £3 on Amazon with free delivery! I've ordered it and will send it in to school. A book is a book after all. I have a feeling they won't be happy with my solution. 

I've finished re-watching Game of Thrones and then started to catch up with what I'd been recording. I watched Cheat that was on ITV last week and I loved it. I heard people complaining about the ending but I liked it. 

I've mentioned in the past about how our neighbour has 2 huge radio antennas, the height of telegraph poles in his back yard. When it's windy they hit the phone lines. I complained to the council well before Christmas and they agreed they were breaking planning laws. Our neighbour ignored the council until earlier this week. I am guessing the threat of prosecution gave him the nudge he needed to take them down. They have been replaced with one smaller one but that's fine, it's not going to do any damage and it's not an eyesore. Hooray!

The large Easter eggs are at half price in Tesco and I couldn't resist buying the girls a few each. They should be delivered today. I will be getting Stu to hide them away because if I hide them they won't last until Easter. lol Now I want the extra large to go down in price so I can get the Bounty one. hehehe

We don't have any plans for the weekend. I sometimes wish we were one of those families which always had days out planned over the weekend but by the time Friday evening comes around the girls are ready to just laze about and ideally not leave the house for a couple of days. I might push my luck over the weekend and make the most of Stu being off work to go somewhere, even if it's just a walk to the big park.


Thursday, 21 March 2019

Things I have always wanted in my home.

We rent so we are limited to what we can do in our home. We can't really add things that take a lot of work and to be honest we don't want to when it isn't our forever home. We live in a 3 bedroom terraced house so it isn't huge and there are a lot of things that we don't have space for and then there is also the case that we can't afford some of the luxury items that we want. There is always something more important to buy!


A dishwasher!
It is shocking how many arguments we have as a family about who's turn it is to wash the dishes. Yes there would still be arguments about who loads and unloads it but a dishwasher seems easier. hehehe There would be no dirty dishes on the worktops, it would save on water and I imagine the dishes would be a lot cleaner. We don't have room for a dishwasher in our home, we barely have room for the washing machine in our kitchen. lol 

A stable style door!


I have always wanted one of these for my back door. When I was a child and lived on a farm we had one and I have fond memories of it. It gives fresh air flowing through your home, whilst still making sure nobody could just walk in.

A utility room!
I would love one room where all the cleaning products are kept and that is home to the washing machine and the tumble dryer that I would buy! We used to have a tumble dryer but it was one of those faulty one's. We never got around to replacing it. There would be room to fold and sort all the clothes and then I can just shut the door on the piles of washing.

A proper hallway!
When you come in our front door there is a little square at the bottom of the stairs then you go through the door to the living room. I would love room to have somewhere to hang coats, bags and somewhere to store shoes.

An open fire!


I could just imagine an open fire being so warm and cosy in the winter. My dad used to have one in his old house and he spent hardly any money heating his home.

Floor to ceiling shelves!
We have the room at the sides of the fireplace to put shelving up but because we rent we don't really want to. We have a lot of wasted space which could be used to store books, DVD's, toys and things like that!

Somewhere to plant things!
As an adult I have never had a proper garden. I have always have concrete back yards so somewhere with a little grass and somewhere where I could plant things would be amazing!

A wine rack! 


I only drink a couple of bottles a week at the most but I do have other bottles which are at the moment in the cupboard under the stairs. At the moment we don't have the room to store them anywhere else but I would like to have them out on display!

What would you like in your house that you don't have now?

Wednesday, 20 March 2019

Mother's Day gifts from Baylis & Harding!

I am a big fan of Baylis and Harding products and gifts and over the years I have reviewed their Christmas, Valentines day and Father's day gifts but this year I think they have outdone themselves with the gifts for Mother's day range.

I was sent a couple of products from the fun new Beauticology range to have a look at. The Super Mum Box of Treats Set and the Super Mum Trio of Candles Set.

Indulge in a little bath time fun with Beauticology from Baylis & Harding. Whether you want to escape to a tropical paradise, be transported to a magical unicorn world or to treat yourself to a frosted sprinkle donut without a calorie in sight - there is something for everyone with this fabulous collection!

Baylis & Harding Beauticology Super Mum Trio of Candles Set


Add an air of luxury with these simple yet good fragranced one wick candles. 

The scents are: Unicorn Candy, Frosted Sprinkles and Tropical Cocktail. They smell amazing! I think my favourite is the flamingo/tropical one. It smells so fruity.


This is such a cute and fun set of candles and would make a lovely gift for a mother but there is nothing on them that screams mothers day so they could be a gift for any other time of the year too.

The candle set costs £20 and I would say it is well worth it. The candles are a good size and they're so pretty.

Baylis & Harding Beauticology Super Mum Box of Treats Set.


A stunning gift box full of luxurious treats. Inside you will find an indulgent 100ml Unicorn Candy Body Wash, 50ml Tropical Cocktail Body Butter and 50ml of Frosted Sprinkles bath crystals to soak and relax with.


This is a fab set. The rosette on the front of the box is removable which is a sweet idea. I would happily wear that all of mother's day to remind my girls that they have to be nice to me. hehehe

I don't have a mother to give these too so I am keeping these for myself. hehehe If I did have a mother I would be very happy to give her these sets.


These sets can both be bought from the Baylis and Harding Amazon Store and the usual supermarkets where they sell things like this.

I was sent these gift sets free of charge in exchange for this blog post.