family

Another year another Birthday!

- TracyB 4 Comments

When you get into your 40’s (refuses to admit it) birthdays and the years actually seem to fly by. That can’t just be me surely?

I have just endured mourned celebrated my 43rd birthday this week ( Jaysus pass me another Gin!).

This isn’t a special birthday of any sort so the kids were at school as normal and the OH worked his normal early shift. I spent the morning in bed ( M.E related and not just spoiling myself LOL) and then got ready for the day. The boys were home early as they had their sports events that day, but being teens they just grunted as usual when they came in, raided the fridge for food and then disappeared into their room without a second’s thought.

So I decided I could either sit in and wallow or take myself out into the sunshine on my own. That’s what I did. I headed out to the local park where they have water activities going on, a lovely cafe and lots of people passing through to watch as I enjoyed a yummy cappuccino. This sounds quite sad but actually it was lovely and relaxing, sitting by the lake and watching the world go by. So after chatting to my mum and thanking her for my fab new Tassimo coffee machine ( love a Costa latte and cappuccino) I sat in the sunshine, switched my phone on silent and just enjoyed the hour or two on my own!

When I did get home, everyone was in so I got to open my pressies. Now I don’t know about you but I’m not really one for big expensive stuff, I don’t really do brand names or designer stuff and generally am happy with little bits as I like the thought that goes with it.

Therefore I was chuffed with my Tassimo machine that my mum and brother got me via my exclusive deal with Costa were it only cost a 1/3 of the normal price!! ( Oh I love a good bargain).

Tassimo in action with a Costa Cappuccino!! ADDICTED

I was chuffed to get a super duper electric toothbrush from my MIL ( something I have always wanted but refused to spend out on). Then came the pressies from my OH and boys:

Les Mis DVD……LOVE IT

New V shaped support pillow…..LOVE IT AND NEED IT

A new Ladyshave………..SO NEEDED IT

**** and a surprise**** an MP3 player……………LOVE IT………I DONT DO IPODS!!!! LOL

Then my friend popped round with a new Cath Kidston purse and sunglasses case……………SO LOVED IT AND HAVE CHANGED MY SMALL PURSE INTO MY NEW BIG ONE!! I will never go back to a small purse ever again.

Thankfully I didn’t have to cook ( seriously that would have just been WRONG) so we popped up to Bluewater and into Wagamamas, one of my favourites.

By the time we got home I was too tired and full to do birthday cake, so in true diva fashion I extended my birthday and we planned a day out to Whitstable the next day (without arguing kids), were we enjoyed a fab plate of fish ‘n’ chips and the required Mr Whippy ice creams!!

 

Gotta be done at the seaside.

After a cold Kopperburg in the garden I then had room for 2 big slices of b’day cake ( well it was my birthday after all).

Thankfully they didn’t put all 43 candles on it otherwise my face might have melted!!

All in all a good birthday was had and I know that the next one will come round far too quickly!!!

 

Teenagers and the Summer Holidays

- TracyB 2 Comments

Teenagers and the Summer Holidays

Teenagers
TEENAGER ALERT!

Recently I have been reading and envying all the latest posts about keeping the kids entertained over the summer break. I used to do the same. List all the things we wanted to do and all the places we wanted to visit, arrange meeting up with friends for picnics in the park, swim afternoons, beach visits. But teenagers and summer holidays is a whole different ball game.

My boys are now 15 and 12 years old, and with ALL the will in the world I cannot get them enthused about anything. Bbviously Xbox is not included here. I’m aware that the age they are now they like to lay in occasionally, have lazy telly mornings and later nights. But really what the hell am I going to do over the holidays?

I cannot let them fester in their rooms all day. I know they prefer to manage themselves, even if it means just watching telly or playing on their phones or whatever they do whilst they lounge about in their bedrooms. The mere mention of going to a park or a walk somewhere sends them into meltdown mode. Things like cinema/ bowling/ Go Ape etc all cost lots so would only do occasionally.

So, I’m frantically looking for options.

We have booked a week away camping in the Isle of Wight in August.

Actually they are both looking forward to this as they went there with their primary school on their Yr6 trip. So, although we have booked the campsite, we are leaving the holiday up to them.

We have the guide books and they know pretty much the places they want to visit over there (inc the hotel that they stayed in ). So this week away should be great for all of us, even with their continuous bickering. To top it all off we are NOT, I repeat, NOT on a budget this time. After I had a little radio win in May I have purposely kept plenty of spending money!

Mr B will be working as normal on shifts throughout the summer so there will be days when he is here with us and others were he wont. The days he is not here are perfect lazy days or cinema days that will fit in with my chronic illness. However, when he is here I would like us to actually DO something rather than waste the 5-6 weeks.

So apart from the normal having friends over for xbox and a sleepover I’m manically trying to sort ideas that wont cost the earth. But also things that they actually want to do. There is absolutely no point forcing them to do stuff they don’t want to as no one ends up enjoying the day.

My list so far:

* Groupon have a great offer on for tickets to Horrible Histories Live in London ( still a pay out but def worth doing for a major treat)

* Thinking of possibly one of those Cineworld monthly tickets. Anyone tried these and are they worth it?

* Eldest has already arranged to go stay in Plymouth at my mums as my brother lives there and they spend days walking the moors!

* Fishing with the youngest while the eldest is away……youngest loves it and eldest detests it.

*If the weather holds out we will definitely get a day at the beach, complete with burgers cooked on the beach for tea. That we still like doing but cannot swamp them with doing it too often. Might offer them each to bring a friend which will separate them and contain the arguments.

*They still enjoy movie nights. So I will invest in a few new DVD’s or a pay per view off demand, with popcorn and fizzy drinks to keep them happy. Again I could get them to invite a mate or two as a change.

* Games nights as Monopoly is a favourite, as is Texas Hold’em. We invested in a proper poker table last year which they love

Other than that I’m pretty stumped. Neither are bothered about cooking or baking really and making things/ craft is absolutely not their thing at all.

All you with teen boys, help me out with ideas for teenagers and the summer holidays. What else would you suggest?

Who needs a Will?

- TracyB Leave a comment

There can only be one answer to that…………EVERYONE!

Especially if you are a home owner with kids. I was always of the opinion that we didn’t have anything to put in a will until we got advice and realised that actually our house is a huge investment and really if we want our kids to inherit it then we need to get it down on paper.

My in-laws only did a will several years ago when they were in their late 60’s and yet when you think about it that is leaving it a tad late. However, they were of the opinion that everything would be split equally between their boys, and I am sure that had anything had happened that’s exactly what would of happened. Yet when we got our advice it was extremely interesting to hear and think about the different scenarios that could happen especially with me and my OH only being in our 40’s *cough* young whippersnappers!

Also what was great about our advice was that all of it was to benefit our kids. In that I mean ways that things could be arranged to keep everything managed UNDER the Inheritance Tax levels!! Now for every hard working, tax paying, home owning person out there………that is a MUST.

We were lucky enough to be contacted by Ade from Maximum Inheritance Specialists  

to review the Will service that he provides. We really had no idea what to expect and he was extremely patient with us when we looked at him blankly when he was going through the questions to find out where to start with us! Anyway we got through it and it really was food for thought. You don’t want to think about possibilities of going your separate ways or something happening to you or your partner but he definitely makes you realise how important it is to consider in order to make sure your children are put first ( which most couples would want).

The service started with a phone call for basic details, and then followed up the following week with a home visit from Ade. He was at our house for about an hour and a half although I’m sure if my OH hadn’t asked soooooo many questions it would have been concluded long before then.

A few days later hall the sent an email with an outline of our will and trusts to confirm everything and then another meeting is planned, again for the next week. However, as I was ill on the day I had to re arrange the date which Ade was very accommodating. On his return he had all the paperwork ( and there was loads!) which he had already completed for us and all we were doing was signing with a witness to complete.

Again he was super helpful, and patient as the paperwork can get confusing LOL

After that the service was complete and although he can hold the wills for you, you are welcome to keep them for yourselves which is what we opted for.

Some people would question why bother with the service when you can walk into somewhere like WH Smith and buy one you can fill out, however, if you are anything like us you won’t have a clue where to start. It’s easy to say that your children or family will share it all equally however, when money is involved people can become very greedy and that’s when things go wrong.

Having now experienced a full will service from a company I would always advise everyone to do the same, the advice was eye opening and invaluable and the fact all the paperwork is done for you is a Godsend as it’s all in technical speak! We also found that the signing in the right places by the correct person to be of paramount importance as a wrong signature could make the whole document null and void- again better to have someone to tell you exactly where to sign.

Now lets face it these sorts of services don’t come cheap, but I have searched on the net and found Ade’s service prices to be very competitive.

* A basic Will service with this company will cost you £180

* The Trusts and Power of Attorney are separate services which are charged at £450 each- However, if you take out both a Trust and Power of Attorney then the total for the two would only be £550!!

However, thankfully he offers a service where you can pay by installments over 3 months which certainly makes it more attainable.

*** OFFER***

Ade at Maximum Inheritance Services is also offering  a £50 M&S voucher for anyone who is interested in the service and becomes a client before the end of JULY!

 DISCLAIMER: I was asked to review the total service from Maximum Inheritance Specialists with Ade free of charge however, all thoughts and views are my own. No other payment was received.

Our Father’s Day!

- TracyB 3 Comments

Unfortunately for us the OH had to work so he had to leave by 1pm. That meant we had to do something only in the morning.

So it started with a wake up coffee made by the eldest. Cards and pressies while still in bed! ( lazy sod what do you think this is??? Eh?? Some sort of special day!!!!)He was happy with his concert tickets- Level 42 in September- totally NOT my cup of tea so have sent him with a mate and us wives will accompany them there but sit in a restaurant while they go in, possibly looking like ‘special friends’ LOL

His little stash of cards

Once up and around ( anytime you like love……….anytime!) he had a shower in peace while the youngest got started on his part of the day:

TAKE NOTE: it was me up at 7am to make the batter!!!

However, he is the BEST pancake maker I know LOL

PERFECTION

Then before we knew it he was off to work, taking the left over lasagne for his dinner much to the youngest’s disgust! IT IS FATHER’S DAY YOU KNOW. Alright don’t bloody milk it hun…….

Then I remembered this picture I had in my address book still, taken over 19 years ago, and now sadly missed for the past 10 years!!

This was taken over 19years ago now on my wedding day ( no sh*t sherlock) and his birthday…………….MISS HIM LOADS.

SO HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL YOU DADDIES OUT THERE

How did you all celebrate?

My Hungry2Happy Challenge

- TracyB 3 Comments

Hungry2Happy Challenge

I came across Britmums Hungry2Happy Challenge and it isn’t something I would normally do but lets face it £200 Tesco vouchers or £700 Centre Parcs Vouchers is nothing to be sniffed at.

Normally when I see these food challenges a lot of them are aimed at getting younger children to eat and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to join in with this one. My boys are now 12 and 15 years old and seem to be always hungry.  So this one is for the teens.

When I saw it was to use Richmond’s new mini meatballs I knew my boys would eat them, we already like Richmond’s Irish recipe sausages. So with that in mind I aimed the meal at something more teen friendly with an element of fast food.

There are days where we have after school clubs that are timed so that dinner would be too early but they wouldn’t feel like eating if it was too late!! So I decided that my meatball  sub would be a great fast food alternative for teens.

This was very quick to make up and cook through and with ingredients that I would naturally have in my house. Nothing fancy needed, that’s a bonus!

Hungry2Happy challenge

1. Put the meatballs in the oven to cook for 8minutes, add the ciabbatta rolls, 1 for each person.

2. Dice the onion and the mushrooms, cook in a little olive oil while the meatballs are cooking.

3. Once the meatballs are done add to the pot with the onion and mushrooms and crumble on the Oxo cube.

Hungry2Happy challenge

4. Stir in the tomatoes and add a decent shake of the Italian spice and cook through for around 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Hungry2Happy challenge

5. Cut the rolls open, butter if you prefer, and add a couple of spoonfuls of the meatball mixture and serve!

* you could add cheese on top

* you could serve open with salad or closed as a sub!

Time taken- 20 minutes in total and I would bet that it would be great kept in the fridge and reheated the next day for seconds.

hungry2happy challenge
I added a compulsory bit of greenery!!

Simples!!

This post is an entry for BritMums Hungry to Happy Challenge sponsored by Richmond Mini Meatballs. You will find more details of the challenge here

http://www.britmums.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hungry2happy_badge_final.jpeg

 

Holiday Driving Songs

- TracyB 2 Comments

On normal days when I’m driving I tend to listen to the radio, having no control over what plays next and deciding whether I like it or not. My OH is VERY different as he will always take CD’s in the car and listen to albums.

We have two teen boys who have very different musical tastes and will tend to have their headphones on!! However, they do actually like some of the music that we play, Queen, 80’s stuff, Pink Floyd etc. They will NOT under any circumstances tolerate my love for the Les Mis musical so I tend to use this A) when I want to get rid of them and B) to torture them LOL. (after years of toddler tantrums surely we can get our own back)

In saying that though when we venture of on our holidays, which is normally camping, we do tend to have more upbeat holiday sorts of songs. We tend to try and agree to something we all like………………………this is much easier said than done!

 Cumbrian-Cottages.co.uk have put together a holiday playlist ahead of the summer holiday ( fingers crossed for some sunshine) which you can take a look at here of summer style songs that would be perfect to get you in the holiday spirit as you drive to your destination.

                                                  Is your on the list?

Having taken a sneaky peek myself there are a few on there that bring back some fab summer and holiday memories for me.

*Holiday from Madonna played on my 1st abroad holiday without my parents!! A total anthem for me

*Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves is just a great feel good sunny day song as you drive to the beach!

And not forgetting the all time favourite played and sung for years on our short or long drives when the kids were little:

*The Wheels on the Bus!!  come on own up……………whether you like it or not you WILL know the words LOL

 So tell me what is your favourite holiday driving song is?

 

NB: This post comes to you in  collaboration with Cumbrian Cottages

Day 4 in the Half Term House

- TracyB Leave a comment

Warning: this post works best spoken in a strong, slow Geordie accent.

Day 4 in the Half Term House

* C and A have spent all day bickering over nothing, something they are quickly becoming experts at

* Dad has emerged himself in all the challenges set (wallpapering, grass cutting) in order to bring peace to the house

*Mum has spent days wondering around endlessly searching for the Diary Room to go in and have her rant and be soothed by an unknown voice whilst hitting the wine bottle earlier and earlier each day

*All 4 housemates took part in today’s challenge of a drive through the city to the London Motor Museum without any major arguments- after completing the challenge they earned time away from each other on the consoles/ technology of their choosing

Who stays? ……………………….YOU DECIDE!

 

 

Will you live until your 90?

- TracyB 2 Comments

Would you actually want to live until you are 90?

I recently had a family visit to Belfast for my nan’s 90th birthday. It was a great trip as I went with my youngest from London, my mum flew in from Exeter and my brother and his youngest flew in from New York. So it was great to all get together for a long weekend.

The hotel was amazing ( and that’s all thanks to my mum for booking…….and paying!), with a swimming pool, a great bar restaurant, plush rooms with king size beds and amazing breakfasts. Need I say more?

Anyway the whole reason for going was to have a get together to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Here she is with me and my youngest on the day we arrived when we popped up to see her. I think she looks amazing for 90 years old, don’t you?

But that got me thinking………………………how many people would actually want to live to that ripe old age?

I’m not sure I actually would. I’m 42 now *cough* and therefore that would mean another 48 years to go. If I was fit and healthy then I would probably accept the deterioration in mobility and possibly memory and feel darn lucky to get to that age.

However, after 4 years with M.E which sees overwhelming fatigue and chronic muscular pain that is part of my everyday living (along with headaches, IBS, nausea, photo and phono sensitiveness…………………………..and that’s a good day LOL ) I’m not sure I would want to get to that grand age.

No, correct that, I KNOW I wouldn’t want to live another 48 years with all those symptoms as a daily occurrence. The last 4 years have been relentless enough without contemplating another 48!!

I must admit though it was a great excuse to all go over there, see family, visit a few sights, eat lots of food and drink and live in a bit of luxury for a while.

So, what about you?

My son turns 15………….how did that happen?

- TracyB Leave a comment

That is the question I have pondered this week. Why? Well I woke up yesterday morning with the realisation that I am know old enough to have a 15 yr old son!

YES……………………15!

Again I ask ‘How did that happen?’

It seems like only months ago I came home with my firstborn, tiny and crying, cuddly and gorgeous.

Now that cute and cuddly baby has somewhere along the line turned into a grumbly, mumbly, spotty, hairy 15 yr old.

ONE IS NOT AMUSED………………………..of course it’s all about me!

He was happy with his tickets to go see Bon Jovi at Hyde Park in July!! Yay
His cake is quickly becoming a fire hazard!!

I don’t feel any older than I did in my 20’s so I cannot comprehend how those 15 years have just gone past in the blink of and eye.

WHY DOES THE TIME GO SO QUICKLY?

St Patrick’s Day!

- TracyB 2 Comments

Yesterday we celebrated St Patrick’s Day. Not that I am southern Irish or catholic!! I do have the accent though. However, living in England, married to an Englishman with 2 English sons it’s just nice to get them thinking about the fact I’M NOT FROM HERE!! LOL

Anyway it is a true excuse to terrorize them with LOADS of diddly diddly music, Irish food and all things green.

So here’s how it went:

Yummy beef in Guinness with a clover shaped pastry top, champ and cabbage!
A bit of this also…………..the teen is NOT happy!

I would have liked to head up to the parade in London this year, however, one son had extra piano lessons today and the other had his Lamda practice…………..so it wasn’t to be.

I am waiting until they are both over 18 so we can go on a proper long weekend in Dublin, complete with a tour of diddly diddly bars, a few Guinness’s and yummy food! Until then my friends it’s down to me to keep the madness going!

What did you get up to?