Life begins at 40 is what they say. People can start new things, try new things, and start to get some of their lives back as the children start to get older. For some it can be new relationships, new house, new country even.
I’m not sure what has happened to me since I turned 40 almost 2 yrs ago. Things have changed for me in so many ways:
*I now have a long term illness that stops me from working and makes me quite dependant on others around me
* After years of stating I would NEVER camp I now am a complete camping covert
* I am now old enough to have both of my children at Secondary school ( from September)
* I am now the owner of 2 cats- after never being a ‘cat lover’!
* I have now started knitting and LOVE it
* I know walk using a walking stick!
HOWEVER THERE IS SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED THAT HAS ME CONCERNED FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH………………………………..
* I now LOVE to go FISHING!!!!
I know I know there must be something seriously wrong!
The tip of my fishing rod with a passing duck!!My first catch………..no laughing allowed!Each one is getting bigger……YAY
We headed out after the youngest went to school and set up, it was a lovely day and very peaceful. In fact I didn’t want to leave and have already booked my next trip out on the calendar!!
SO LIKE I SAID……………………………………………….I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY MENTAL HEALTH!!!
Crazy things can start to happen when you turn 40…………BE WARNED PEOPLE………BE WARNED!
Having just had a week away at half term camping in Dorset, I started thinking why I love being away camping. Something that would have had me breaking out in a sweat a few years ago. So I thought I would share a few top tips for camping with families.
This is me and my friend celebrating getting set up and starting a week away!
THE TRICK IS TO BE ORGANISED!
Print off a camping list…
Of any of the main camping equipment online. Or make your own using their list as a starting point. Check the list against your equipment several weeks before you go. Tick off the stuff you have and listing the stuff you need to get.
Make a shopping list..
Make a shopping list just for the time you are away. PLAN YOUR MEALS and take the basics with you. So, if your plan is to have a curry make sure you have the jar of sauce and then buy your meat fresh on the day.
Cool box and freezer blocks…
A good cool box and freezer blocks are essential for milks and butter to keep cold. I tend to freeze a pack of bacon and sausages to take for a cooked breakfast on our 1st morning there. They will also act as freezer blocks for the first day but will have defrosted well for the first mornings breakfast.
Go prepared…
Go prepared for cold and warm weather this is the UK after all.. Woolly hats and hot water bottles for the colder evenings and possible shorts and sun cream for warmer days.
Take games…
Take games suitable for your children and family to play. We take Uno cards and several decks of cards for Black Jack and Solitaire. Pens and writing pads for Hangman/ Battleship. These really don’t take up much space but can provide a few hours of entertainment on a rainy day. Don’t forget games for outsidetoo, such as, football/ bats and balls/ Frisbees. These will all help keep the kids entertained after dinner in the evening.
Get the kids involved…
Get the kids involved by giving them some responsibility. Let them pack a small bag of things they want to bring for their own amusement like books, head torches, trump cards etc. Also during the camp try giving older kids a chore, such as, filling the water bottles, washing up, or taking rubbish to the bins etc.
Take Flasks…
Take flasks because not only are these fab to take out with you during the day for a sneaky cuppa. But we fill them at dinner time to make teas and hot chocolates before bed. Instant hot water when the kids are tired and don’t want to wait for the kettle to boil.
Take a windbreaker…
Take a windbreaker to mark an area close to your tent space. These can help create a great cooking area if your tent does not have a porch. Also they are easy to uproot and take with you for a day at the beach, presuming you get sunshine.
Disposable BBQ…
Disposable BBQ’s can be picked up for a few quid in most places. They are great alternative to take to the beach for a lovely evening with a Hot Dog or Burger thrown in for a cheap and easy dinner. Sometimes we don’t even bother with the BBQ. We just use one of our single stoves and a frying pan for the same results. They are portable so make use of them.
Relax and enjoy…
Relax and enjoy the time. There doesn’t need to be a strict regime like at home. No one will be knocking at your door. The ironing and cleaning do not need doing. Have a break from social media. Take each day as it comes, late mornings/ late bedtimes/ extra snacks and treats. THIS IS YOUR HOLIDAY AFTER ALL!
Let me know if you go camping and have some tips I haven’t mentioned here.
As regulars will know I have 2 cats- one 2 yr old and a 16wk old kitten. So I jumped at the chance recently to review some of the available ‘cat scratcher’ toys that are on the market thanks to PetPlan, the Uk’s leading pet insurer, who asked me to take part in a Pet Toy Test in order for them to put the best toy up for a competition prize on their PetPlan Uk Facebook page.
The toys were quickly delivered and this is what I received:
As you can see the one in the middle is the traditional style cat scratch post, while the ones on either side are new to me- made of cardboard and look to be recyclable, and come complete with a bag of catnip to use with it. The idea for the review was to test the toys and discover which one I liked as a pet owner and also which one the cats preferred!!
As an owner I will be honest and say that I like to pay for things that will last, so the traditional style immediately got my vote!
However after having the toys in place for a few days it was easy to see which of the posts both my cats preferred:
My 2 yr old checking it out immediately!
Just checking it works LOL!!
The kitten getting his turn!
So I have to admit that I have fully changed my mind. Lets face it if you have kids or pets and you want a happy time then you tend to go with the things that they like! I haven’t even had to use the extra bag of catnip to keep them interested.
My only concern is that the cardboard ones obviously are not going to last forever or even as long as the traditional style. The ones I have been sent have already taken a battering.
But on the plus side they are very portable, recyclable, small so do not become an obstruction and to be honest in my local pet store they are available for around £7 so really don’t break the bank!
Lets face it how much would you pay for your cats not to scratch up your curtains/ furniture or sofas?
******So pop over to the Petplan UK Facebook page for your chance to win one and see how your cats love it!******
DISCLAIMER: all views are my own and I did not receive payment for this review
Note: Petplan has provided me with these toys as part of their Pet Toy Test review programme. Visit the Petplan UK Facebook page for more information and a chance to win the winning toy!
Before you get all excited and start asking me which exotic, sunny, warm and relaxing part of the world I am heading to I will say one word……………………………..CAMPING!
Now that put it in perspective didn’t it. That means this country, hoping for sun, dodging the rain, and occupying an 11 and 14 yr old so they don’t kill each other, all under the roof of my fab ( huge) tent.
YET I LOVE IT AND CANNOT WAIT TO GO.
Madness I hear you say but once we have set up and settled ourselves these are a few things that make it relaxing and enjoyable:
No one knocks on the front door
No TV for the boys to be glued to
No games consoles so boys will talk to us
Mostly our phones are off!!
Time for us all to be together
No real schedule
Everyone mucking in with- cooking, washing up etc
NO CLEANING!! (a major bonus)
Time to do what we want to do without the rosta of kids clubs and parties
Beating the kids at Black Jack
A great RELAX
So I will be going cold turkey on all things technical ( except my camera). No Facebook, no Twitter, No Blog or reading other blogs……………………………Like I say cold turkey for 6 whole carefree, chilled out days. Come rain or shine we are going to have a fab time.
Therefore, without further ado I wish you all a GREAT HALF TERM and I will see you on the other side.
Wish you were here and all that……………………Happy Half Term.
I was sent a copy of the newly released Journey 2 The Mysterious Island to review over the half term, however earlier in the year my boys and I attended the screening for this film. Having no real expectations for this sequel to Journey to the Centre of the Earth, we were pleasantly surprised to come away having enjoyed it!!
So premise of the story if you don’t know:
Sean gets crypted messages from a ‘mysterious island’, Hank ( stepdad) helps him uncover the code and accompanies him find the island. Gabato and his daughter help them get there by using their helicopter. Long story short…….they get there by default, find Sean’s long lost grandfather (Caine) and have to find a way off the island as it’s sinking!! Cue the Nautilus/ Atlantis slant.
Anyway, all in all a great film to entertain the kids over the coming half term. Action, adventure and a splash of comedy makes for a kids film that even the parents may admit to enjoying for what it is. Michael Caine is great as the long lost grandfather and the initial strained relationship between him and Hank will have you smirking. Look out for the taut pecs and berries routine………don’t say you weren’t warned!
The film has been rated as a PG and has a running time of 94mins
Prices will vary depending on both the retailer and package ( dvd/ blueray/ or triple play)
DISCLOSURE- I was sent the DVD free of charge for review purposes only, however, all views expressed are my own.
He may be cute but he has put the original terrorist firmly in her place!!
Not quite up to socially terrorising just yet, he skulks and strikes when you least expect it.
Look away if you are of a nervous disposition…………YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Hopefully you didn’t need to change your underwear ( sorry if you did!).
Now I know what you are thinking ( yes I’m good at that) how on earth could this little bundle of cuteness possible cause any trouble?
Was I right?? Go on tell me I was right.
Anyway, this little devil does allsorts of things to make your hair curl, and that’s without mentioning what his other end is capable of ( I have spared you the photographic proof- you will thank me in the end).
His new game is:
Yes you guessed it ‘ How many squares of paper are on this roll’!!
Then he will be sitting literally feet away looking at you:
Like butter wouldn’t melt. Well I know different buddy.
And this is before he is able to go out into the big wide world!! God help next door’s cats when he gets his freedom in a few weeks time!!
Warning to the neighbourhood………….LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS!!
With all the celebrations coming up you can find great hints and tips for parties, picnics, tea party’s all over the Internet.
I think it’s important with any occasion ( birthdays, Christmas, Easter etc) that the kids get fully involved otherwise I think it would be difficult to celebrate these events as they get older. I believe in the importance of celebrating things along the way and would love my boys to still be doing some of my little traditions when they both have children.
If your the same and love to get the children involved then tune into a great WebTV show today at 3pm.
With last year’s Royal Wedding celebrations still a fond memory for most; the excitement is now building for this summer’s celebration – The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee! It is fast approaching and many of us are preparing to party – and panic!
Whether you are attending one of the thousands of street parties that are set to take place, or having your own Jubilee celebrations, there are lots of ways to get the whole family involved and take the pressure off at the same time…
The Flour Advisory Bureau is launching a campaign to remind people to Love their Loaf this Jubilee year and to help us avoid any catering crises, they have put together an invaluable free party planning tool kit to help people across Britain plan effectively for what looks sure to be a record breaking few months of socialising and entertaining.
From classic buffet recipes, tips for truly modern sandwiches, delicious drinks to pour and advice on handling your guests, the guide contains everything you might need to deliver a Jubilee party to remember.
Over half of those planning on organising parties during this summer of celebration, whether it is street or back garden based, proudly proclaim they will be making everything, or almost all of their party food from scratch. But what will feature on our menus and what quintessential British dishes are the must-haves for our patriotic parties?
Tune into our live and interactive webTV show where celebrity baker, Paul Hollywood, and event planner, Catherine Borowski, show you how to party plan as a family.
Show date: Thursday 24th May
Show time: 3pm
Tune into our live and interactive webTV show to hear more from Paul Hollywood, Celebrity Master Baker and judge on the BBC’s Great British Bake Off and event planner Catherine Borowski.
Paul Hollywood and Catherine Borowski join us live online at http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/party-planning-masterclass on 24th May 2012 at 3pm
Click here to submit questions before the show: http://www.studiotalk.co.uk/show/party-planning-masterclass
Rowntrees Fruit Bottle ReviewI was lucky enough or should I say my boys were very happy to get the opportunity to review the new Rowntrees Fruit Bottles that have hit the shops.
As many of you know we are a sweet loving family!! My OH mainly who could eat a whole bag of wine gums without blinking an eye.
Anyway this is what we were sent:
Look good don’t they. Very retro with the bottle carrier and placed in bottles giving them an added curiosity.
So here are the bags on which you can see it states 25% fruit juice an they have NO artificial colours,flavours or preservatives.
Now although we love a sweet or two here we are also very picky about what we like. I’m very old style with traditional ‘sweet shop’ sweets being my fav’s…………..you know Cherry Lips, Fruit Salads, Cola Bottles.
Mr B likes his wine gums and American hard gums.
The kids like a mixture and not the same thing either!! One likes fizzy and the other doesn’t.
So probably the best household to send them to as we all have our own opinions and don’t mine saying them!!
What Rountrees say:
fruit bottles are the perfect throwback to the retro cola bottles of old, only now they come in 5 fruity flavours and contain 25% fruit juice! We hope they give you a delicious blast from the past….
SO OUR VERDICT ON THE ROWNTREES FRUIT BOTTLES?
Me : nice flavour and quite fruity but a bit too soft for me- sorry I like a chewy sweet!!
Mr B : loved them for taste and softness. A hit with the sweetie lover!
Eldest: liked them but Rowntrees Randoms are still his favourite!!
Youngest : Liked them, couldn’t say why, he likes sweets- all kinds and these were a hit with him!
So there you have it- you can’t please everyone but you can certainly please most! A hit in our view as a treat for your young ones or yourself if your anything like us.
You can visit their Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/rowntrees for more info.
DISCLOSURE- we were sent the above six bottle pack of Rowntrees fruit Bottles free for review purposes only.
Yesterday was my 18th ( yes you read it right) wedding anniversary. I became Mrs B at the age of 23 after meeting in the Royal Air force. To be honest you don’t think of how long you are going to be together, back then you got married and that was that. It was taken for granted that you would be together forever.
We have had lots of ups and downs just like any couple.In reality being married is never a bed of roses. But whatever we have had to deal with along the way he has always been there, he’s chilled, he goes with the flow, dependable ( meaning not very spontaneous!) and reliable.
Anyway, back to the best anniversary ever. We saw the boys off to school and had decided to take a drive down to Tunbridge Wells for a wander and a nice pub lunch.
So it started with these:
18 red roses for 18 years- gorgeous!
Then when we arrived at Tunbridge it was this:
Vanilla Lattes and Tiffin!
Then after a lovely mooch around the shops and town it was time for:
Of course mines was the G&T as OH was driving! YAY
Early I know but it did accompany a lovely plate of pub grub which I actually forgot to take a picture of.
Up until then I had a really lovely relaxed time but things were about to take a turn in a strange direction.
Earlier during our meander we happened upon a great little pet shop ( can you see where I’m going with this), were we had seen some lovely little KITTENS! As regulars will know I already have one cat who totally rules our house and is treated like a princess even though she is only 2 yrs old. Anyway, there had been an unwanted litter brought into the shop on Friday at exactly 8 weeks old. There were only 3 left, a little black and white one and 2 tabby’s.
So, to cut a long story short- AND TO BE HONEST I STILL DON’T KNOW HOW I GOT Mr B TO AGREE- we ended up bringing this one home!
I DEFY ANY CAT LOVER’S ABILITY TO LEAVE HIM IN THE SHOP!
Anyway, we got him and brought him home ( and who said Mr B wasn’t spontaneous?) and because we were married on St Georges Day we thought that George was a fitting name for him. How can you resist the cuteness.
HOWEVER THE PRINCESS (AKA THE TERRORIST) WAS NOT AMUSED!
Today has been a lot better and they are still checking each other out- but he needs to leave her food alone or she will be having serious words.
But the day hadn’t finished there, oh no. My eldest ( now 14) decided to make us a celebration cake complete with decoration icing and yummy buttercream.
Decorated in the RAF emblem as that is were we met……..aaahhh!TOTALLY DELICIOUS!
That brings me back to my original statement……….BEST ANNIVERSARY EVER!
Normally, this day is usually marred each year as I married on my dad’s birthday and he passed away almost 10yrs ago. Really my anniversary hasn’t been the same since. However, this year for whatever reason I was determined for Mr B’s sake that it wouldn’t take over the day. It was difficult but worth it.
So now we have to go some to make next years anniversary even better………………..best I stay away from pet shops next time.
Yes it was that time of year that we love in this house of the good ol’ Sports Relief run. I must start by saying I have been chief photo taker for the past few years due to my M.E but that doesn’t stop me enjoying the day.
We set off to London on Sunday morning all ready to meet up with friends and do our bit for charity. The boys have raised some money together from friends and family, plus we registered for the run itself, and we purchased our 2012 Sport relief socks. So as a family we are happy that we have contributed enough to save a few children’s lives with the £5 vaccines.
Anyway, Sunday was a glorious day weather wise, and the atmosphere started on the train as most of the people travelling up there had some sort of Sport Relief attire!
Our motley crew of runners!
So I was plonked in a great viewing spot and adopted my new title of ‘bag lady’ along with the photo taking………..who says I can’t multitask!
They headed of to the start line with JLS in their race, an I started celeb spotting. Jon Culshaw, Dame Kelly Holmes, Richard Hammond and his family, the GB Netball team, David Tennant (*swoons*) oh and of course JLS!!
JLS and their bodyguard!
Now I must admit that these boys do nothing for me at all, although I’m sure they are very nice and all. However, when they came towards me ‘celeb fever’ took over and I found myself shouting to my family opposite to slow down so I could play paparazzi to JLS before snapping my family!!! LIKE I SAY I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAME OVER ME AT THAT POINT!!
My poor group trying to get my attention whilst I ignored them over celebs........SHAME ON ME!
So to make up for it I ditched celeb world and concentrated on snapping the family as they came past heading towards the finish line- it was the least I could do.
My eldest who came past firstMy youngest in a police outfit chasing his burgler buddies!The very proud clan with all their well earned medals
Now I would be lying through my teeth if I didn’t admit to being a little jealous of them. The atmosphere is fab for the spectators but it must be fantastic to be part of it yourself. So with that in mind I have decided that in the next Sport Relief in 2014 ( OH MY F**KING GOD MY ELDEST WILL BE ALMOST 16!!!!!- strike that thought) I should hire a wheelchair, ‘pimp my ride’ as they say and get a few of my fellow clan to pull or push me along!!!
That way I don’t have to do what I did on Sunday and cheat by ‘borrowing’ someone’s medal for my picture!!
