ManicMummyhood

Giveaway - Woo hoo,Finally sussed it

2012-05-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today,after entering a competition I noticed in small writing at the bottom of the page a small note that said "if you want to run your own Giveaway click here" So I did and guess what? It worked. After weeks of trying a number of different apps I have found one that works. (Or so I am hoping) In my opinion as a Comper,a mum and a woman I feel that freebies always give me that feelgood factor so I thought I'd let more people see what my new business venture is all about first hand. The prize is not huge compared to the big companies,it is pretty modest to be fair-£5 to spend on an item of your choice from my Facebook page. Depending on how many entries I receive will depend on how many prizes I give 1 prize for each 100 fans I think is fair for my first Giveaway. In the next 3 weeks until the competition ends my aim is to showcase some of my favourite items and show everybody what I can do. I have become quite partial to Swarovski Crystal beads as I'm sure will become obvious when looking at my items.
I love Giveaways,competitions, and most types of bargains in general my latest one being a bargain Sewing machine off of Amazon at almost half the price of other stockists. My first project is Bunting for the kids bedrooms,it might take a while to complete but I'll add photo's once it's finished. I am now looking at a variety of crafts and am determined to make some beautiful items for my home. I have already made some lovely hairbands and clips for my 2 daughters. There are a lot of free resources available via the internet these days. On you-tube for example you can find video tutorials on a huge number of topics to suit all. I love video tutorials as I can easily pause and rewind them if I miss anything.

Reader poll

2012-04-26T13:08:00.002-07:00

Get your own free form like this one.

Having a few technical difficulties

2012-04-22T03:12:00.001-07:00

Have been trying to sort out a Rafflecopter competition on here for over a week now to no avail. I will hold a competition once I find a way to run one fairly. I thought Rafflecopter seemed like such a good way of holding the competition as it I've seen it work on other Blogs that I read and it looked relatively easy to set up OR so I thought. Maybe it's just me trying to get my head around the new and "improved"???? version of Blogger. I think for new things like this I need basic step by step fool-proof instructions-that's what I thought I'd found on the Rafflecopter website but hey what do I know. Watch this space,hopefully I'll find a way to sort it soon,as,if nothing else I am ~~stubborn~~ determined and hate giving up and admitting defeat when I encounter a problem.

2012-04-22T03:03:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update my readers on how and what all the children are up to.My "baby" is now 15 months old

Ethan

and into everything.We've had a tough few months as he had an awful time teething.For a good few months me and hubby took it in turns to sleep. It's still not a perfect situation but the 2 youngest are sleeping better so we are ever hopeful. Our toddler Dylan will be 3 soon,he started Pre-school in February and it has done him so much good. He really enjoys it,he is a cheeky boy who loves the attention of females. My 4 year old,Faith,is doing well in Reception Class and thrives at school.She is always happy and smiling. My 9 year old daughter,Amy is so grown up now,she loves music,fashion and thanks to my job as an Avon rep she is developing an interest in Make-up. My eldest son, Jack is now coming towards the final part of his first year in Secondary school,he has found it a challenge and it hasn't always been easy but I think he enjoys the education side of school and seeing his friends. I am a born worrier and stress a bit too much about bullying as I experienced it during my own teenage years.

In December we brought a small addition into our home-Bob-our puppy.He is a Jack Russel crossed with an Irish Terrier and is as daft as the rest of us here so fits in well. He loves all the fuss he gets from the kids and enjoys his walks, he likes to play with other dogs he encounters on our travels but unfortunately has been attacked twice already. This doesn't seem to have affected him in anyway I have noticed which is lucky.
As for me I have been trying for what seems like a lifetime to find a way to contribute towards the family financially and am hoping my latest venture will prove a success and that it will be a way to create a balance with my life as a stay-at-home mum. I have looked into and applied for jobs recently but couldn't find a job full or part-time that fitted in with our family situation.My husband works strange and often changeable hours as a Security guard and this needed to be taken into account whilst looking for employment. It is also difficult as we live in a lovely,small,village which unfortunately has a rather poor bus service. I firmly believe that working for myself from home is our best option at the moment. It isn't easy and has already thrown up new challenges or me to overcome including when and where I work. I am considering turning our junk cupboard into my work space. Since starting making my own jewellery I have decided to try out a variety of different crafts.I have a couple card-making sets which I am planning on creating and am hoping to get a Sewing machine at some point and see if I can make some nice things. I have created my own free website via Yola. It has proven to reasonably straightforward ,I will at some point add a store facility so I can take paypal payments through the website. I am looking forward to new challenges. My first challenge will be my first event in June,I'll be attending a nearby fete where I will have a small stall to sell my items. I have so many idea's of things to take and make for the fete and am quite excited about it. Wish me luck.

Hi everyone.I'm back.

2012-04-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.I have returned after a busy few months and lots going on as usual.In the time since I last wrote I have had so many things happen.In October 2011 I went to a Blogger event in Bristol which was incredible but left me feeling a bit lost and completely overwhelmed.A couple days later I attended an event in Brighton-The BusinessMums Summit.

I was sponsored to attend the event,however,again I left feeling extremely overwhelmed and unsure where to go next. Both events were eyeopeners and made me realised I needed more of a focus either in regards to my Blogging future or as a Mumpreneur.In September 2011 I started as an Avon rep which has been a huge learning curve and has taught me a lot about myself,what my capabilities are and also that it is OK to also have limitations. I am not Superwoman and can not do everything no matter how hard I try. My children are growing up fast and I need to be there for them. My latest venture fits in well.I have recently started making my own jewellery and after a few initial-oohs and aahs I am hoping to sell some of my hand-made crafts and creations. I never really thought I was capable of creating beautiful items with my own hands and I have to admit I have been pleasantly surprised.
If anyone fancies having a look please check out Bespoke Bazaar on Facebook.

Summer holidays

2011-08-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

This year's Summer holidays are well and truly underway. We had a week of poorly little ones to start us off this year. My 2 youngest children had a nasty virus-high temperature, didn't want to eat or move much. It was quite worrying to be honest. So far we've done quite a lot of baking,Art and crafts,a trip to our local library-where my daughters both registered with the 6 week reading scheme. In itself this was a huge thing for my 8 year old daughter as I have really struggled to find books that hold her interest. Our trip to the library has helped a lot. I think that had a lot to do with the Dr Who books she found and a great selection of books for her age range. After visiting the library we had a lovely walk near the water and saw some Swans which seem to have captivated my 4 year old daughter. For some reason,ever since she was a year old and we visited a local farm park she has had a fascination with Birds,unfortunately due to my eldest son and myself's allergies we are unable to own a bird ourselves.

We've had a couple days out visiting family and friends which have been lovely. 1 visit with my dad and stepmum to a local paddling pool with my 3 eldest children was great fun but I have to admit it was more relaxing as hubby had the 2 youngest as they were still recuperating from their nasty virus. The weather has been a bit hit and miss where we live but we have had some good quality family time which has been my main aim. The next few weeks weather permitting we will get our new paddling pool out and some water pistols. Then its time for trips to the local City centre for new school shoes and uniforms. I'm hoping to achieve it on hubby's days off so I wont need to drag all the children into a manic shopping centre. I have already bought some of it online. These days,with 5 children I find shopping online a much less stressful choice and often it works out cheaper.

5 of my favourite songs

2011-07-31T04:11:00.000-07:00

1.Electric Dreams- Philip Oakey and Giorgio Moroder (1984)
This song comes from the Lead singer of Human League (Who I saw live in 1995) and is from a rather dodgy 80's film about a computer that falls in love.The film is based around Miles-a computer geek and his neighbour Madeline.The computer falls in love with Madeline via the music she plays.
2.Take On Me-Aha. This song always captivated me,it was the first one I'd seen where animation had been mixed with film. I liked a lot of A-Ha's music but don't think any of their other songs were as good.
3.You're Still The One-Shania Twain
This song will always have a very special place in my heart,it was played on my wedding day in 2006.It has always been one of "our" songs and I can't ever listen to it without smiling and thinking of my husband.
4.Queen-Bohemian Rhapsody
Need I explain my love for this song. As you can probably tell by my choices I am by nature a pop fan,however I do enjoy some rock music-especially Queen.I really dislike it when I hear anyone else apart from Queen sing this song.It is a classic and should never be messed with in my opinion.
5.Take That-Rule The World
This was from one of our favourite family films Stardust.For years I was convinced that it was Gwyneth Paltrow that acted the female lead role,it was in fact Claire Danes the actress that also starred in Baz Luhrmanns' version of Romeo and Juliet.I was a huge fan of Take that from the very begining and still am now,my only regret is not ever having seen them live.

Graduation ceremony

2011-07-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

This week my 4 year old daughter had her Graduation ceremony from Pre-school.It was a lovely occasion and very moving.I still can't quite believe that she'll be off to infant School in just a few weeks.

The past year has probably been my least manic in respect to school runs etc as my 2 eldest have walked to school together,meaning I have only had to get my 4 year old daughter to Pre-school. September will put an end to this as I'll have 3 children at 3 different schools,going upto 4 in January 2012 when my 2 year old son will start Pre-school.
This next year will bring lots of changes for my family which I am looking forward to with slight trepidation and excitement combined.
Wish me and the kids luck.

Ooh My Daze: Competition & Giveaways.

2011-07-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ooh My Daze: Competition & Giveaways.: "Hi, I would like to have my first Prize giveaway for this Blog. This is for a £10 Gift Voucher for Mothercare. To enter you will need ..."

US

2011-07-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

I love this. What do you all think? This shows hubby,me and the kids. Just been tinkering about with a Photo Program I downloaded called Picasa. Might have to create some more of these. I'm definately going to be getting some copies printed out. I think next I might create one for each of the kids.

manicmummyhood: Next

2011-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

manicmummyhood: Next: "I am a huge Next fan and have been for a number of years.They provide a good range of quality products at affordable prices. I am now a mem..."

2011-07-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

I am a huge Next fan and have been for a number of years.They provide a good range of quality products at affordable prices. I am now a member of the Next Bloggers Network and look forward to keeping my Blog readers up to date with all Next news. As a mum to 5 little darlings, (Well,most of the time.) I need to find clothing that represents good quality. Recently I bought my 2 youngest sons,matching Cars T-shirts from Next. My 2 year old is completely obsessed with vehicles, Cars in particular and has been since he was about a year old. The T-Shirts have a transferred image of Lightening McQueen on the front and so far I must have washed it and tumble dried it at least 10 times and it still looks as good as new. I haven't bought anything for myself recently as I have had a more difficult time losing the baby weight since having my youngest son and don't want to buy a bigger size.I am slowly but surely returning to my pre-pregnancy weight and am looking forward to some clothes shopping.

Silent Sunday

2011-07-17T01:18:00.000-07:00

Blackcurrant,Redcurrant and White Chocolate cupcakes

2011-07-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Today after seeing a picture of a friends Blackcurrant cupcakes I decided to create my own recipe. For once they turned out absolutely delicous and I thought I'd share the recipe.

Ingredients:

6oz Flour

6oz Caster Sugar

6oz Butter

2 eggs

100g Blackcurrants

50g Redcurrants

100g White chocolate-Broken up into small pieces

Instructions:

-Cream Butter and sugar

-Add eggs a little at a time

-Fold in the flour with a metal spoon

-Add Blackcurrants,Redcurants and White chocolate

-Mix well

-Split Mixture into cupcake cases (I used reusable,washable ones)

- I easily made 12 good size cupcakes.

manicmummyhood: Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe-My first recipe post

2011-07-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

manicmummyhood: Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe-My first recipe post: "I have made this fantastic cake twice in the past week.It is a variation of a recipe I have used for Fairy cakes since I was a child. I love..."

Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe-My first recipe post

2011-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have made this fantastic cake twice in the past week.It is a variation of a recipe I have used for Fairy cakes since I was a child. I love it so much and thought others might like it to so here we go.

Ingredients:
225g / 8 oz Butter (or margerine) I personally use I can't believe it's not Butter.
225g/ 8 oz Caster Sugar
3 Eggs
225g/ 8 oz Self-raising Flour
2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
Milk to loosen

Instructions:
-Pre-heat Oven to 180 degrees
-Grease 2, 6-7 inch round cake tins
- Cream together the Butter and sugar
-Beat in the eggs a little at a time
-Fold in the flour with a large metal spoon
-if the mixture seems too stiff add a little milk
-Divide mixture between 2 tins
-Bake for aprox 20-25 minutes

-Once cakes have cooled add Strawberry or Raspberry Jam according to Taste and add either Butter Icing(which can easily be made using a mix of 2 oz Icing sugar and 4 oz Butter

I'd love it if people can let me know how they get on and maybe add a pic,I'll add one the next time I make it.I find this the best Victoria Sponge recipe ever-I have been known to add fresh Strawberries to the filling and top of the cake as an extra treat.

manicmummyhood: Prize giveaway

2011-07-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

manicmummyhood: Prize giveaway: "Hi,I'd like to hold the first prize giveaway for this blog.The prize is a £ 10 Gift voucher for Homebase. To enter the draw you need to: ..."

This is me

2011-07-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd add a recent photo of me so you can all put a face to my name. I'm not a big fan of having my photo taken and find it even more difficult to get a good photo as I wear glasses and find there's usually glare.As you can see I don't wear make up that often,especially during the summer,that said I'm going to add another picture soon with me with my tinted moisturiser,Mascara,eyeliner, eye-shadow and lip-gloss and see how different I look.

manicmummyhood: Prize giveaway

2011-07-10T05:14:00.000-07:00

manicmummyhood: Prize giveaway: "Hi,I'd like to hold the first prize giveaway for this blog.The prize is a £ 10 Gift voucher for Homebase. To enter the draw you need to: ..."

Prize giveaway

2011-07-09T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hi,I'd like to hold the first prize giveaway for this blog.The prize is a £10 Gift voucher for Homebase.
To enter the draw you need to:
1.Comment on this post and leave a way of contacting you.
2.Follow this blog via GFC

For an extra entry:
Comment on any of my other blog posts

First 2 are compulsory requirements,3rd is optional.
The competition will end on Monday 18th July at 6pm GMT.
UK only

Good luck.

Our Gold Room-sort of

2011-07-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have spent most of today painting our tiny bedroom.It was our son's bedroom and somehow we managed to squeeze a Cot-bed,a single Divan bed and a computer desk into this tiny space.Now,after me and the hubby exchanged rooms so the 3 boys have the largest bedroom we can just about squeeze our Double bed and 2 bedside units into the room.There is an under stair cupboard in the room where we have managed to fit a chest of drawers and a toy ottoman.This room is the coolest in the house,which has been lovely for us recently.Not so nice for the boys,who are now in the warmest room.As a boys room we had painted it Cyan Blue-lovely for them but not quite our cup of tea.I decided I wanted to paint it a Golden colour,the closest I found was a colour called Dutch Gold and after 2 coats,I have to say its looking pretty good.It just needs a few finishing touches like a border,stencil or some form of wall art.I now need to choose new curtain and bedding.(Unless I can win some) As some of you will already be aware I am an avid comper (crazy competition addict for those of you that don't know the lingo)I enter a minimum of 50 competitions a day and goodness knows what my maximum is.Some days even before the kids are awake I have entered 20-30 competitions.I love it and my ~~stubborn streak~~ persistence has definitely paid off.Overall,in the time that I've been entering competitions(since November 2009) I have won approximately £5500 worth of prizes.So far this year I have almost won as much as I did during the whole of last year so I must be doing something right.

Blog competition

2011-07-07T15:07:00.001-07:00

Check out my other blog for my first Giveaway.I'm hoping to find a sponsor to do one here soon.
http://compchatandkids.wordpress.com/2011/07/07/win-a-pair-of-hotpants-my-first-giveaway/

I like Chocolate biscuits

2011-07-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Pickle and Bubs

2011-07-07T11:28:00.001-07:00

Hubby with 4 of the kids

2011-07-07T11:26:00.001-07:00

Which beads/gemstones do you like best?
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