presents

The trouble with………..

- TracyB 2 Comments

The trouble with………..

 

Long Term Illness

Is that from one day to the next you never know what it is going to throw at you! The last month has been unbelievably hard, my M.E symptoms have been flaring up.

The exhaustion I have had has left me in my pj’s most days until at least 3 or 4pm. The pain in my muscles has seen me put on new medication (that isn’t working) and generally feeling crap about everything including myself. I have found it difficult to be on here at all and have had no enthusiasm for it. But that is getting back to normal.

Mother’s Day with teens

Is that the presents change as I found out this year. I got my usual ‘little’ things that I love, mugs/ good coffee and other bits. But I also had a more unusual gift which looked initially like this

present ideas

present ideaspresent ideaspresent ideas

 

 

 

 

 

Are you getting the theme here?

But tucked inside was this……….a random Mother’s day potato! I’ve never laughed so much that I have at the randomness of this.

present ideas

 

 

The school holidays with teens

Is that they actually want to spend most of it in bed or in their rooms.

Now the late mornings I am not complaining about but the wasting of days I am. Gone are the days where I would have everyday planned out with them, activities, visiting, meeting with friends at the park etc.

Now they are teens, especially my eldest, he had some of his own things going on. He went out with friends to the cinema and bowling etc so a lot of the days were already planned. I do miss the old days but actually found this school holiday far more relaxing than previous ones. We did have the odd day out, Whitstable and Herne Bay -that sort of thing.

 

Whitstable
Me and my lovely boys!

 

We also had some great card game nights after my MIL taught my youngest a few new games when he stayed over for the night at their caravan.

So, there has been lots going on but I haven’t been that bothered about sharing it all until now.

I will get back into the flow of things and have missed reading all my regular blogs and my conversations on Twitter. But I have to admit the break has done me some good.

So will be churning a few more posts in the next few days about what has been going on around here like my eldest turning 16!

Now that’s another post

 

 

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?

Valentines Smalentines!

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So is Valentines Day it important to you?

I can see the point behind it, really I can, but to be honest it has become BIG BUSINESS!!

Florists and shops increase the prices of everything, and if you are materialistic then this is a concern as things get more expensive for this one day.

However, I personally think that it’s the little things that make the bigger impression. No this is not an excuse to be a skinflint or unromantic.

We as a couple do not take the day off or head out to dinner on that day. Today for example, my OH is on late shift starting at lunchtime. So there was no option of going out for lunch or dinner, and generally we do Valentines dinner as a family where everyone has a hand in it. My boys are 12 and 14 so it would be nice to show them a simple sense of occasion.

So back to today, what did we do?

We got the kids off to school, went to our local high street Wetherspoon pub and had a breakfast together! Not exciting, obviously not over romantic, but it was time to ourselves and a meal eaten without disruption/ arguing etc. It was washed down with a good ol’ mug of tea and it totally went down a storm.

We did exchange cards in the morning and the boys had a card each. But that’s it, and if I’m very honest it was really nice, chilled out, relaxing and enjoyable.

Now my OH is at work , my dinner is with the boys before taking my eldest to his Explorer’s club tonight!

I don’t feel unloved, under appreciated or anything else because I didn’t get over priced flowers, or chocolates that I’m trying to cut down on or something fancy JUST because it is Valentines day today………………..DO YOU?

How has your day been?

 

Out with the old and in with the new?

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Isn’t that the general feeling after Christmas and New Year?

Christmas this year seemed to fly past, was it the same for you?

Also as the boys get older Christmas changes slightly, we no longer go for our Santa visit ( apparantly at 12 and 14 they are too old!), however, we start new traditions that will hopefully keep a bit of fun in the celebrations for them.

This year we got some colour in placemates but bear in mind we are talking teenagers and so they had free reign to do as they wished with each of theirs…………………

Amazing they actually sat and did it.

 

This was also the first year their pressies have been put under the tree on masse, as normally they will have their own pile and then they have their family pressies seperate. But as things they are interested in get smaller but more expensive it looked much better overal to put everything under the tree.

We also went for silly bibs at the dinner table and thankfully the grandparents played along!

This year my OH has been off over Christmas and New Year so we have enjoyed jammy days in, meeting up with friends, getting out for fresh air at Shorne Park and also having friends over to celebrate the New Year.

 

 

 

Thankfully a gust of wind came at the right time and we were spared a visit by the Fire Brigade, although admittedly our friends on their short walk home scoured the area for burned out bushes or sheds!!

Our decorations have all been packed away now and we are getting organised for the boys to return to school on Monday ( both of them are moaning about it already and I am dredding the early mornings again!)

Now for this year. What resolutions have you made? This year I plan to expand my home based craft business to try and earn some income and will be taking all the opportunities that come my way. So this time next year ( we’ll be millionaires- good ol’ delboy) it will be interesting to look back at what the year had in store for us.

What are your big plans for 2013?

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas actually………….

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For some people Christmas begins when the decorations go up or when they have all their presents wrapped or even their cards written and sent.

My decorations went up at the beginning of December, my family presents are all wrapped and have been farmed out to the appropriate people, my Christmas food shop has been done and it has all been a last minute chuck together as usual (story of my life really).

However, I have one thing that makes me sit back and think that’s it Christmas can start. I hasten to add it is none of the above. My Christmas starts when I watch Love Actually!!

Not exactly the most Christmassy film as such but it has a great feel good factor to start me feeling the Christmas spirit. We did actually watch this film last Sunday evening with a little glass of wine when the kids had gone to bed…………….just lovely.

It doesn’t mean I’m totally ‘ready’ for the holidays, no that’s generally when my panic sets in. You know the OH MY GOD HOW MANY DAYS LEFT AND I HAVENT EVEN GOT………..

Although everything gets left last minute I always have faith it will be done. Today alone I have made 2 chocolate dipping hampers for neighbours and friends:

Not a great picture but gives you an idea of what was in it!

Included was chocolate chunks to melt, Christmas tree shaped marshmallows, strawberries, fudge and honeycomb, napkins and the skewers to dip in the bits!!

Complete with wapping!

I have wrapped in-laws, god daughters, a nan’s present, delivered them and popped in on friends for a mince pie and a cuppa. I have sorted all the family presents for the boys under the tree, cleared my table and decorated it with the Christmas stuff……….Oh and sorted the boys with thier presents for dad!! Then I made dinner and attended a Christmas carol service down at the local church.

However, we STILL have to wrap the kids stuff!! Should be getting done tonight but I think the OH will be getting instructions for that.

Tomorrow I have booked the cinema to see Nativity 2 in the afternoon and when I get home it will be dinner, then preparing the veg and stuffing for Christmas Day, sort the rest of boys presents under the tree, we still have to colour in our place mats ( don’t laugh my boys are 12+14 but if their Nan and Grandad can do it then so can we!! LOL)

But still my Christmas hols started OFFICIALLY last Sunday evening with a lovely glass of wine and Love Actually…………..

WHEN DOES YOUR CHRISTMAS OFFICIALLY START?

Christmas memories

- TracyB Leave a comment

What does Christmas mean to you?

For me Christmas means lots of things:

Family……………traditions…………..treats…………..presents

However, images that make me think of Christmas are another thing. Santa, mince pies, Christmas trees, Quality Street, and crackers!!

So what would you think if one year the powers that be decided to take one of those away?

Well the makers of Quality Street may just do that…….

Quality Street tin end of an era?

Watch our video to see if you agree with what the public we asked think

It’s that time of year again, Christmas is just around the corner and we are all manically organising how to make this year even more memorable than the last.

But is it all about decorating the Christmas tree? Or is it maybe something as simple as sharing a tin  of the much loved Quality Street with the family?

What would you do if you found out that Quality Streets were no longer going to be sold in tin, but instead in a plastic substitute? You’d be horrified, wouldn’t you? Indeed, recent research conducted by Opinion Matters found that almost one in three (31%) people view plastic packaging as feeling less Christmassy than the  traditional tin.

Well plans are afoot to scrap the tin. We invite you to join us in saying  #Keepittin.

Watch our video to find out more http://ow.ly/g9LP3

 

 

Best Anniversary Ever!

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Best Anniversary Ever!

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:

Best Anniversary ever
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:

Best Anniversary ever
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!

cute kitten
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.

Anniversary cake
Decorated in the RAF emblem as that is were we met……..aaahhh!
Anniversary cake
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.

Light Strike Review

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Light Strike Review

When I was asked if my boys would like to review the new Light Strike range it was a total no brainer! Boys and their toys and all that.

Light Strike

Light Strike is a super-cool new interactive battle game from WowWee, makers of bestselling toys, Paper Jamz and Robosapien

 

Light Strike is the first interactive gaming system that brings video games into the real world, live and in colour. Fully customisable with built-in weapon choices and slots to attach accessories, players can make tactical decisions to add new features and functions on the go. Interactive light and sound effects put you in the middle of combat, creating exciting ever-changing battle scenarios!

We were sent 2 of the Light Strike Assault Strikers, 4 of the add-ons (enemy scanner, machine gun bi pod, refractor launch and scope) and a Light Strike ITS to try out.

They delved in straight away and unpacked everything. Then we sorted the batteries and in true boy fashion ( I don’t need the instructions……they were off). But then they decided to check out the instructions that I had thankfully kept hold of.

Anyway, they went full into action mode. Testing the noise, the aim, the strategy and ultimately who can win! They are boys after all, the alfa male gene kicked in.

So here’s the technical bit:
Light Strike brings video-game action into the real world—live and in color. Assault Strikers and Strikers are customizable with built-in weapon features and add-on attachments that give players a tactical advantage. Play one-on-one tournaments or create up to 4 teams of unlimited players for free-for-all or Capture the Flag battles. Action at the speed of light™
For more details check out the website below

http://www.lightstrike.com/

They range from £9.99 up to around £40 with the guns obviously costing the most.
The extras are just that- extras. But they certainly enhance the game between the players.
They have brilliant sound affects which the boys loved, especially the fingerprint analysis. But even better for us parents wanting a bit of quiet time they have the option of plugging in your headphones! GENIUS
My boys in truth don’t play very well together, but because of the nature of these toys they were perfect for my two. Although we were lucky enough to be sent a lot of the Light Strike range you wouldn’t necessarily need all of them to start with. Therefore, it would be something you could add to along the way, for birthdays etc.
They are available from their website and other good toy retailers

http://wowwee.com/

 

DISCLOSURE: we were sent the above range of Light Strike toys to test and review

Hotel Chocolat at Christmas!

- TracyB 4 Comments

I don’t know about you but I do love novelty Christmas chocolates, you know the stuff I’m talking about- coins, mini Santa and Snowmen, mini Christmas puds etc. I tend to buy a lot of these in order to fill up my boy’s advent calenders each year, which they love by the way.

But as far as chocolate goes I have my favourites and I’ve got to say Hotel Chocolat is one of them! OK I know what your thinking and your right they are very pricey!! But if you receive something from Hotel Chocolat you at least know people have made the effort ( as I don’t know about you but I literally could spend hours in there looking at everything!)

However, I’m on a serious budget over Christmas and have been for a few years now after having to give up work through illness. So I have had to rethink Christmas presents especially all the added ones, such as teachers etc. I tend to go for more homemade stuff, eg: hot chocolate cones, making my own gingerbread men and wrapping  and Hampers etc.

But what I do to add a little something special is to go to Hotel Chocolat and invest in their little slabs or their mini packs of 6 choc’s to use in these. So I would put 1 or 2 mini chocolates at the top of the Hot Chocolate cone. Or a little slab inside a family hamper. I tend to find that these are on offers most of the time!

But I do love their novelty gifts at Christmas, Mini Santa’s/ Snowmen/Reindeer’s etc!

So take a look at their website for their Christmas range this year:

Christmas Gifts

Stocking Fillers

The links above cover everything from the very special and expensive to the smaller, more affordable but still very special!!

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a box of their Sleekster  chocolates to try as a gift for a sponsored post.