Susan K Mann

Fish Is The Dish - Smoked Paprika Cod & Pea Mash

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000Z

I was sent through some Wild Cod Fillets Fillets from the wonderful John Milne at Delish Fish. Now these are some awesome fillets, look how good they look.

The lovely Fish is the Dish people sent me through a recipe for Cod Bobotie, which includes a lot of eggs. It looks amazing, but making it and eating it wasn't something I could make and eat so I made something a little different with the awesome cod fillets, but why not have a go yourself.

I made Smoked Paprika Cod and Pea Mash.

Smoked Paprika

The Ingredients:-

Cod Fillets
Smoked Paprika
Olive Oil
Cooked Sweetcorn
Salt and Pepper for seasoning

How to Cook:-

I coated the cod fillets in oil and sprinkled a generous coating of smoked paprika over them. I then heated some more olive oil in a frying pan and once hot, I placed the fish in the pan. I covered for about 10 minutes and then turned them over to cook the other side for another 5 minutes, having added the sweetcorn, some more paprika and salt and pepper to season. The fillets were quite thick. While that was cooking I put on the pea Mash.

Pea Mash

The Ingredients:-

2 cups Frozen Peas

1 pint Chicken Stock

1/4 cup fresh torn mint

Pinch Chili powder

How to Cook:-

I added the peas to a pint of chicken stock. Let them come to the boil and then cover and simmer for 10 minutes. I then drained off some of the stock, added the torn or chopped mint and the chili powder. Then, I mashed with the masher. The best bit.

The Finished Dish.

Both boys really liked this and despite the look on Tyler's face he ate it all. He was tired.

This was the first time I had made this dish and it won't be the last. I made it up as I went along, but it wasn't anything to fancy let's face it, but it was very tasty. I did like the pea mash as an alternative to potato's and will use that again too. All in all it was a great fishy dish and Delish Fish is the best as ever.

Check out Fish is the Dish website and follow them on twitter and facebook.

Disclaimer:- I was sent the fish fillets for this recipe to try it out.

Our Best Family Holiday... So Far

2012-02-02T16:45:00.000Z

I thought I'd tell you all about our favourite family holiday, for a chance to win a summer holiday with the fantastic Thomson Al Fresco and Tots 100.

In May of 2008 we went on our first family holiday abroad . We went to Elenite in Bulgaria. We hadn't been before and it was not long opened so we thought we'd give it a go. Lucas was only 1 year and 5 months, so just toddling about and getting into everything.

It was 3 hour flight, late at night so we put the little guy in his pj's at the air point and he was as good as gold on the plane.

Elenite, is a complex which is inclusive, it has a main restaurant in the hotel section but also a few other restaurants throughout the complex, including a hot dog stand which became a popular lunch time stop. The food I have to say wasn't great but it wasn't bad either. I had quite a bit of morning sickness as I has just found out I was pregnant with Tyler, so that might have put me off a little. It was buffet style which was great for giving Lucas a wide variety.

Right outside the front door of the hotel was the most stunning white, clean beach I have ever seen. As you can see in the pictures it was beautiful and Lucas had great fun digging with his teddy. The rooms were spacious and adequate for twin beds and a cot. Lucas loved wondering about the room and playing out on our huge balcony, which was perfectly safe for toddlers as it had a high wall. However our view was amazing. There was so much greenery surrounding the village and with the beaches and the weather it really was paradise.

The pool was in the other direction from the front door, it wasn't very deep, but you could still swim in it. The best part was there was a baby pool, so Lucas could walk and splash until his heart was content. If you want to explore out with the village, there are plenty of taxis and buses which will take you there. Also plenty of excursions can be arranged. Since it was our first family holiday and Lucas was so young, we pretty much spent our time within the complex, at the pool and the beach, just chilling and enjoying our time together.

I would highly recommend Elenite in Bulgaria for families, it's perfect for keeping them amused, there is a kids club with games, a disco for the older ones. The buffet style food is excellent for children, especially when they can be fussy. The pool is amazing and so are the beaches. Best of all it's all enclosed so no cars to worry about. I cannot wait until we go back.

This post is an entry to the Tots100/Al Fresco Holidays competition.

100 Word Count Challenge - Week 29

2012-02-02T15:00:00.000Z

I missed last week's prompt, I really am swamped with everything just now, need to get back to it. But I'm back for now and long may it continue!! Here is the twenty-eighth post of the 100 WC for Grown ups. It is a weekly challenge for all those writers who want to extend their audience to get feedback on their work.

This is this week's prompt is "Wednesday" and to be done in 100 words.

Here is my take on the prompt:-

"What day is it?"

"Wednesday."

"Shoot." I said, dashing through to the living room. I pulled out my casting equipment.

I created my circle using chalk and walking deosil around the floor. Next, I chalked the symbols for earth, air, fire and waters at the compass.

I lit the candles using my powers. Having only been a witch for 2 years, this still amazes me.

I sat down in the middle of the circle. Nate walked in, "What are you twitching your nose for this time?"

Rolling my eyes, I replied; "its Amaya’s surgery, I hope I’m not too late.”

Check out the other entries for the 100 WC and if you get a chance why not check out the children's version of the 100 Word Count Challenge, there are some fantastic pieces on there.

The Gallery 89 - Me Right Now

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000Z

This week's Gallery Prompt at from the lovely Tara over at Sticky Fingers is Me Right Now.

I took these pictures on Sunday when I spent the day with the boys and their scalextric they got for their Christmas. I was a track building and a member, or should that be the only member of the pit crew.

This was me right now.

Check out the other entries over at Sticky Fingers

Yummy Food And Family Fun

2012-01-31T08:30:00.000Z

We got some new pens at the weekend, some fab Bic pens with that have the colour eraser with them, you know the ones. The boys were having such a great time, colouring in and rubbing bits out with the white pen. They were so amazed when I wrote some secret words on the paper and then they magically appeared when I used the coloured pens. My oldest even said "wow". It was so cute.

Anyway, I digress. I got them to draw some pictures of their favourite dinner. Here’s our entry into the Appliances Online Cookers Yummy Food competition.

Lucas who is 5 drew his favourite dinner of haggis, neeps and tatties. He loves this. He even drew the knife and forks. You can see his name done with the magic pen.

Tyler who has just turned 3, loves sausages so drew some blue and pink sausages. He added in some mash, some carrots and some peas. He did also want to add some strawberry ice cream and raspberry sauce. Now who am I to argue.

Xbox Live Round-up And Win £200

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000Z

I have loved being an Xbox Live Ambassador. We had such good fun finding out about all the new features xbox lives has. I've blogged about the new Xbox Live Features, a move night with Love Film, our TV night with Vampires and Gleek, Sports, with our footie supporter videos and lastly our use of You Tube With Some Singing and Dancing.

I have even gotten a good few and funny videos of the boys whilst doing these posts, all in all it's been an enjoyable time and I'm sad for it to come to an end.

If you wouldn't mind filling in this survey to let me know what you think about Xbox live and you could win £200 in Amazon Vouchers. Thank you and good luck.

I have a very special off for my wonderful readers, if you go to our page on the Xbox site you will find an option to get 3 months Xbox Live Gold for half price. All you have to do is enter my special code which is Ss3nKM8nn. Let me know if you have any problems with this, I am sure you won't. Now go enjoy all the wonderful new features of Xbox Live.

The Quinny Yezz - Our First Thoughts On This

2012-01-30T08:00:00.000Z

As part of the Quinny Casters program we were sent the new and gorgeous Quinny Yezz. I was sent this in the Grey road colour which I love.

The Yezz arrived a few days before Christmas and was a lovely early Christmas present. We opened the very light and unbelievably small box and removed the Yezz. Being female I followed the instruction book and had it all built in 15 minutes. It was straight forward and easy to do. The only minor issue I found was it was a bit stiff to put up and down, that's just because it's new and let's face it we wouldn't want it to be all loose now would we.

Once it was up it looks like this. How cool does it look. We had too much snow at this point, so we couldn't get out and about. It doesn't work very well in the snow as the wheels are very small and don't go through it. In Scotland that's not ideal, but it is only a few days at a time we get snow, so no biggie.

The pushchair itself is so light, it really has to be felt to be believed. When folded is is so light and small. It also comes with a strap that allows you to carry it on your back. Perfect for toddler in hand and buggy of the shoulder, if running for a bus. In fact it is perfect for travelling, light, small and compact. Easily held with one hand. At 5kg it's the lightest buggy I have ever seen.

The pushchair straps are prefect for holding the smallest toddler upwards.

Tyler is on the upper end of the toddler size and as you can see he absolutely loves it. Plenty of room and so comfy. He was pushing his teddy's around in it for a while when it was first put up. It is so light his 5 year old brother was pushing him around the living room in it without any problems.

Perfect for the school run, it manoeuvres around the streets with ease. It can be spun in all directions very easily and can move around in the smallest of spaces. The handles are a great size and I don't have to stoop to use. Although the buggy doesn't recline, it is supportive enough that Tyler could sit back and enjoy the ride.

The Yezz doesn't have a basket underneath but it does have a huge pocket in the back which allows all sorts of things to be kept in, from drinks, keys, purse, gloves and hats, etc. You can also hand a large handled bag over it. My only issue was you can't hang shopping bags on it. I know you're not supposed to but lets face it we all do. However, it is so light you can steer with one hand and hold the bags in the other without any issue. So it's not a problem after all.

The breaking system is on the pedals at the back which are easy and simple to use. Red for on and black for off. Putting up and down is simple and quick and it fits perfectly in the boot of the car, using up very little space. The hood is a good size and has a little lip at the end to help protect against wind and rain. It doesn't come with a rain cover as standard but it is available later on this year.

On first impressions, we are loving the Quinny Yezz. Having breezed through the school run and shopping challenges, the only one it failed on was the snow. I think the buggy is good value for money at £175 RRP, it looks great, is so light and easy to use and suitable for babies aged 6 months upwards.

Watch this space as we put the Quinny Yezz through it's paces.

Disclaimer:- I was sent a Quinny Yezz in exchange for my opinions and missions asked for by Quinny.

#silentsunday

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000Z

This is a Silent Sunday post as inspired by Mocha Beanie Mummy. Check out the rest of the entries using the tag #silentsunday on twitter.

Book Review - Darkness Falls by Mia James

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000Z

Description:- April Dunne is having a rough time. There are vampires in her school. Not Goths, or Emos in fancy dress. Dangerous, blood-sucking semi-immortals. They run the school. They pretend to be students at it. And they're using their influence to recruit smart, rich students - aka 'bleeders' - to their own cause. What is that cause? April isn't sure. But she knows they killed a rock star for it, and innocents who got too close to the truth. One of them almost killed her. But that's nothing to what's coming next. Gabriel, her kinda-boyfriend, is dying and unless April can find a cure then not only is she going to be boyfriendless, she's also going to lose one of her major allies in the school. And she really needs allies. Because it turns out April has an ability of her own, one that could prove lethal to the 'Suckers' who've taken over the school. If any of them figure out what she is, then losing her boyfriend will be the least of her problems.

Review:- I am a HUGE fan of this series and loved the first book By Midnight as you can see from my review. So much so I went and visited Highgate Cemetery when I was in London, have a look at my pictures here.

Darkness Falls, starts were By Midnight ended on it's awesome cliffhanger. April feels guilty for infecting a deadly virus onto her boyfriend Gabriel, whom is a vampire. I really love April as a main character, she is a bit selfish in the typical teenage style, she can kick some ass but still lacks confidence, no wonder she has been though so much. I loved when she got her makeover and felt better about herself through the way she looked, it's true you do have so much more confidence when you look and feel good. I was so worried about Gabriel, I had to keep reading to find out what would happen.

Another character I liked was Ben, another potential love interest for April, who I would liked to have seen more of and although I like April and Gabriel together, I feel Ben treated her better. I am pleased April has some good friends around her one of them being Caro. I love Caro, her sarcasm cracks me up.

So much happens in the book, it's an emotional rollercoaster and action packed, so much so I had very little nails left by the end of the book. Especially in the later part of the book.

Another of my favourite parts was the witches and the history included from the Queen Victoria's library. What I love about this series is that these places all exist or you feel like they exist anyway and want to go exploring. Witches and vampires in the one book, I was in fiction heaven.

I would highly recommend this book. This book is full of action, is fast paced with some romance thrown in. I loved it and can't wait for book 3.

Disclaimer:- I was sent this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

100 Word Count Challenge Entry

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000Z

This is this week's prompt is "…you bought her what…" and to be done in 100 words.

Here is my take on the prompt:-

Nate came in, headed straight to the fridge for a bottle of O negative and came through. I sat on the chair with Kory in my arms, who too was drinking a bottle of O negative.

"Hey babe, did you get my mother's present?"

"I sure did." Nate said with a smile.

I narrowed my eyes. "You got her the book she wanted?”

"Not exactly."

"What did you get?" I asked.

"Bulbs." He said smugly.

"You bought her what?" Anger bubbling.

"Bulbs of garlic, she said she doesn't like vampires." Nate said giggling like a schoolboy.

"Oh ha ha ha."

Check out the other entries for the 100 WC and if you get a chance why not check out the children's version of the 100 Word Count Challenge, there are some fantastic pieces on there.

Young Adult Giveaway Hop

2012-01-26T21:56:00.000Z

Welcome to the Young Adult Giveaway Hop on my blog, this Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer and Down the Rabbit Hole.

There are over 250 blogs participating in this hop, so don't forget to check them out. The hop runs from January 27th until midnight of the 31st January.

I am giving away an £10 Amazon gift card to buy a Young Adult Book of your choice.

All you have to do to enter is follow my blog via one of the methods on the right hand side, either email, Networked Blogs, GFC or Facebook leave a comment saying which one and a way to contact you if you win. This is an International giveaway.

Good luck everyone and don't forget to check out the rest of the participating blogs.

Cooking with Children - Pear & Banana Muffins

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000Z

When I was off on Tuesday, the little one wanted to do some baking. I needed to use up some bananas and didn't have any cake cases to make cupcakes so we made some pear and banana muffins.

First step, mummy put the oven on at 180'

Tyler mashed up two bananas into a bowl.

I cut up a tin of pears in natural juice and added them to the banana bowl.

Then Tyler put two eggs into the bowl. Without any shell I might add. I was impressed.

Next up 1/4 cup of olive oil added to the eggs bow and whisked.

Then add 2 cups of self raising flour.

Finally add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

And whisk until it's all mixed together.

It's hard work you know. And a big sticky mess.

Spoon the mixture into a pre-greased muffin tray.

It requires a lot of concentration. It's a bit like sticky, messy gloop.

Pop into the oven.

The yummy end product.

This is our entry for the Appliances online Messy kids cooking competition.

And

The Gallery 88 - My Photography Resolution

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000Z

This week's Gallery Prompt at from the lovely Tara over at Sticky Fingers is My Photography Resolution.

I was discussing this the other day with they lovely Mummy Mishaps, when my dad died there were no photographs of him and I together. So I have vowed I will not let this happen to my children. I am usually always the one behind the camera and never want my picture taken as I am not confident in the way I look. Hence the reason I hide behind the camera. This week I got this photograph take. It's a start. I hope to appear in more and more photographs from now on.

Check out the other entries over at Sticky Fingers

Book Review - New Beginnings By Rebecca Emin

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000Z

Description:- Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true...and then some. When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive. With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?

Review:- I was delighted to hear that Rebecca got her novel published and even more delighted to get to read it when it came out. New Beginnings is aimed at children aged 7+ and I feel every child should read this. As a parent with a child at school, I am pleased to have read it and hope what I have read I can pass on to help my little one.

The story is about Sam and anyone who has suffered any kind of bullying or teasing at school will be able to relate to Sam. I know I could fully relate to her situation. She moves from her comfortable surroundings in her primary school to high school, where everything is different, everyone is different and she struggles to fit in.

I was so happy when she confided in someone and that there is always hope. I liked the happy ending and don't want to give to much away but you will have a smile from ear to ear.

This book brought me back to what it was like being in high school, how hard it was to fit in and the everyday struggles with the snide comments. I am grateful I am out of it.

I would highly recommend this for all children aged around 9 upwards, it will help them deal with difficult situations, such as bullying. It is an easy and quick read, which they will be able to get through without any problems. There is also quite a bit of advice in there for parents who suspect their child is being bullied, I know I am keeping a hold of this book to read again when mine are a bit older. All in all an excellent book.

You can find out more about Rebecca and her books on her website.

Disclaimer:- I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review.

Brit Mums, British Gas and Energy Saving Ideas

2012-01-23T13:42:00.000Z

I always try to be conservative when it comes to the energy in our home, but my children and husband aren't so concerned about the energy we use. So when I was asked to be part of a campaign with Brit Mums and British Gas, to help make children aware of how to save on the energy consumption around the house, I thought this was a great idea.

I do have the luxuries of the dishwasher and the tumble dryer, two items I don't think I could live without, especially with being at work all day and unable to get the clothes out to dry during the day. I know this use up a lot of energy so I try to save energy when I can. I spoke to my five year old and we came up with some ways of saving energy and reducing our carbon footprint.

Here are our ideas of saving energy in your home:-

I always make sure lights are switched off when we are not in the room.
Leave the curtains and blinds open as long as possible using natural light instead of artificial.
Switch the tv off when we are not watching it. We don't need it on, when we are drawing or playing games.
Keep doors closed when playing outside. This lets the cold air in and the hot air out.
When it's cold put on a jumper and run around for a bit rather than putting the heating on or turning it up.
Only put dirty clothes into the washing basket don't just put them in because you have worn them for a few hours.
Share a bath, uses less water and less energy to heat the water. Also you don't need a deep bath.
When switching on taps, only use what you need. Switch the water off in between brushing your teeth and rinsing and make sure the taps aren't dripping.
Shutting the curtains at night as well as blinds keep in the extra heat.
Don't leave electrical items on standby, switch them off.

We have one of the Smart Meters in the house and since it's been installed my husband has become obsessed with how much energy we have been using. The meter is great, it tells you how much energy you are currently using, both gas and electricity and how much it is costing you. When you switch something off you can instantly see it go down, it also monitors the amount you have used and what temperature the room is. It works both on battery and off of the mains. It is a fun way of monitoring and the boys are always checking the facial expressions on the wee house guy on the meter, smiley for the correct temperature, sad if it's brrr chilly and sad if it's hot hot hot. I can safely say this has changed the way the rest of the family think about our energy consumption and are definitely being more careful to switch off unused appliances and lights.

The government have said that they will have a smart meter in all homes by 2019, which I think is a great idea. The accuracy that smart meters provide lets us forecast energy use throughout the day, across the country. This means we can become more efficient in how we generate the nation's power, producing cleaner, greener electricity.

For more information on Smart Meters check out the details on the British Gas website.

"I'm participating in the British Gas Smart Meter campaign. Smart meters work with an in-home display to show how much energy you're using in pounds and pence. You can see how much you're spending by leaving your phone charger plugged in all the time, or the heating on at night. And when you can really see how much you're using, you can start to make small changes to become more efficient. Smart Meters automatically send British Gas readings so they represent the end of estimated bills! British Gas is committed to install 1.5 million smart meters by the end of 2012. (link to programme)."

Helping Your Britain Campaign

2012-01-23T11:45:00.000Z

Over the next 5 days Microsoft’s search engine – Bing – will showcase the work of five small UK charities, enabling each cause to talk about the valuable contribution they are making to the communities they work in.

The first of the five charities to be featured, today, is Magic Breakfast which delivers free, healthy breakfast foods to UK primary schools because children start the day too hungry to learn. Magic Breakfast provides food to 6,000 children across the country each morning, and this improves child attendance, punctuality, concentration and behaviour – all for just 22p a day.

Additional information about the challenges which these charities seek to tackle are available by clicking on the Bing homepage hotspots. You can also watch in-depth videos with the founders and staff and find out more about each cause, including details of how you can make a donation or help, by visiting www.bing.com/HelpYourBritain.

The five charities featured throughout the week will mark the start of an ongoing longer campaign, with Bing handing over its Homepage to a new UK charity on the final Friday of every month. This is your opportunity to nominate a charity that you would like to see featured on the Bing homepage by submitting your entries via the Help Your Britain page on Bing.com.

You can also find Bing on Twitter and Facebook, and the hashtag that we’re using to promote this cause is #HelpYourBritain.

I think this is an excellent charity to be supporting, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in some households children don't get the meal they need to start the day. I feel this is very important. Before this I was not aware of this charity and I am looking forward to seeing what other charities are being highlighted in the #helpyourbritain campaign.

Did you know about this charity, what are your thoughts on it?

Disclaimer:- This is not a sponsored post, I am just sharing the information I received.

#silentsunday

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000Z

This is a Silent Sunday post as inspired by Mocha Beanie Mummy. Check out the rest of the entries using the tag #silentsunday on twitter.

Happy 3rd Birthday Baby

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000Z

Today is my youngest baby's 3rd birthday. I really cannot believe he is 3. He amazes me everyday and I feel like he was never a baby, he's always on the go and always ahead of his time. He just wants to be exactly like his older brother. They are best friends now and I hope they are forever.

In the past year he has come on leaps and bounds leaving behind all the baby things, from nappies and dummies to being Mr Independent. He makes me laugh everyday with his cute little faces he pulls and jokes he tries to tell, but he also frustrate me with his stubbornness and temper. He is amazing in every way and wants to do everything by himself and his way. I love him more then life itself and am proud to be his mother.

If you want to read about how this little guy came into the world, have a look at my previous post on this.

Tyler loves pigs, he has everything pig related and this is his favourite costume and one of my favourite pictures of him I thought I would share. We hope to see some piggies today at the farm, let's hope they play nice.

All that leaves me to say is Happy Birthday my gorgeous Tyler, I hope you have an amazing day and all your dreams come true. I am so proud to be your mummy and I love you so much.

Photo Credit

Happy Second Blogoversary

2012-01-20T13:08:00.000Z

Tomorrow is my two year blogoversary, congratulations to my blog. Why am I not posting this tomorrow, well it's my youngest 3rd birthday and I didn't want to take the shine off his big day he he. No, really I wanted to do post wishing him happy birthday tomorrow so I thought I'd post this today as I didn't want my blog, my other baby, to feel like it was missing out.

What a two years it has been, I was prompted to start after being on twitter and speaking to the lovely Mostly Yummy Mummy we both decided to start blogs. We finally got to meet each other last year at Cybermummy after chatting for such a long time. I have had so many highlights of blogging from events, products to review, etc, but the biggest highlights for me have been all the lovely people I have gotten to know and call my friends and all the advice and support I receive on a daily basis. Without all of this, I do not know where I'd be. I truly love my blog for this.

My first blog post was my birth story of Tyler, I originally did this on Wordpress then moved to blogger which is why there is a difference in dates, but you can check out my post if you fancy reading it.

I am looking forward to having a look through the blog over the past two years with my boys and seeing how far they have come. It really is a fantastic record of their lives. My only regret I hadn't started it sooner. This year I am doing the Project366 which the lovely The Boy and Me encouraged me to do and started a group relating to this. This is a great way of recording the boys throughout the year. I haven't included this in my main blog because I wanted something quick and simple, that I could scroll though, hence the reason I chose to put it on a Posterous site.

Here's a slice of cake for you all to help me celebrate and say thank you for commenting, reading and all your advice and support over the past two years. I appreciate and love every single comment or mention you have made.

Photo credit

Review - Children's Wigwam

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000Z

My boys like most children love using their imagination and playing role playing games. When I was sent a Children's Wigwam from Garden Games, they were desperate to have it put up. With the weather not being great and all the snow we had in Scotland just before Christmas I decided to put it up in the living room. Here's how we got on.

The box itself was quite small considering the size it becomes, which is 1.9m tall and 1.4m in diameter. I emptied the contents of the box and thought, I can do this. I went about building the poles.There are six of these in total, these are what holds it up. The are well made, not rough at all so no splinters or grazes would happen, I was very impressed. They are sturdy and even the connections are well made, these were not giving way.

I placed the poles inside the Wigwam canvas, there are thick elastic hooks to hold the poles in place, with a large amount of material at the bottom to hold them secure. At the top their are wholes in the poles for thick strong string with balls that go through to give the correct distance between the poles. Extra sturdiness.

The canvas itself is so thick, strong and very well made. The closure of the tent is velcro and not that your child opens it and the stitching burst type either, you know what I mean, this is the proper machine and well made. So what do you think? I had it up in under 1/2 and hour and the boys loved it.

It is spacious enough for both boys, mine are almost 5 and almost 3 here. They built jigsaws inside it so there is still plenty of floor space even with both of the boys.

They love the Wigwam and so do I. It is well made, easy to put it, sturdy and easy to take back down again. Only down side is it doesn't come with a canvas bag for storage, but I did get it to fit back into the box. Not that it was in there for long. I cannot wait for the summer and get this outside. Although I have to say it was good fun having it indoors. I cannot recommend this product enough and neither can my two wee guys.

The service and delivery from Garden Games was excellent, why not have a look at their other products on their website.

Disclaimer:- I was sent a Children's wigwam to review. The view expressed above are my own.

The Gallery 87 - Eyes

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000Z

This week's Gallery Prompt at from the lovely Tara over at Sticky Fingers is Eyes.

Here are the boys and my eyes. I think we have the same eyes. What do you think? Well mine have wrinkles around them, but due to their sleeping habits that's inevitable. This is what I thought I'd share when I saw Tara's prompt.

Check out the other entries over at Sticky Fingers

January Blues

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000Z

I seem to have a case of the January blues and I need to snap out of it. I have my youngest's third birthday on Saturday and I want him to have the best day. I do suffer from Post Natal Depression, hard to admit but I'm over the worst of that a post I have yet to write but I will. I just need to put it into words that don't make me out to be some kind of blithering idiot. But, this is different I'm not depressed or at least I don't think so. I just feel down and just can't get into the swing of things. I'm sure a lot of people feel this way this time of year. Do you?

I had a great time when I was off work over the Christmas period, it was hectic at times but I got to spend lots of quality time with the boys, just being with them, setting up their toys and playing with them. It was the oldest's birthday Christmas eve, my brother in laws birthday Hogmanay and my hubby's birthday the 3rd of January so it was busy but good fun. Did you have a good time?

Then I went back to work. I let my blog stuff slide, which meant loads to catch up on, I haven't been reading as much lately so loads of books to catch up on. I just couldn't get back into them, but then I read one last week which I absolutely loved so hopefully the book reading bit is over with. I love to blog but have so many emails to catch up on commenting on other blogs I may have to delete and just keep up with new ones. I will catch up and I want to, I want everything under control so I can write my novel again. I miss writing and feel everything else is getting in the way, but I don't want to give anything up either. How do you do it?

Twitter and my friends I haven't always felt like chatting. I just wanted to go to bed and hide. But not always, plus I was enjoying my book so hiding under the duvet with that was good. Do you get like that?

At work we are so busy as I had some engineers leave. And with new ones starting, it's always a challenge. We also have an apprentice so that's more work. Being the manager of the department, I am in charge or them and they direct their questions at me, so many questions, but that's how it goes and they will settle it just takes time.

Really I am just a bit down in the dumps, not depressed just a bit out of sorts, too much to do, not enough time and pay day feels like forever away. Why is January such a long month in the pay department? I will be back to my normal self soon I hope, I just need to clear my feet.

Sorry for rambling on because I feel like I have here. Do you get like this in January? Is the January blues a real thing? Or do I just need a kick up the backside?

Photo credit.

Book Review - Mortal Chaos by Matt Dickinson

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000Z

Description:- 'The Butterfly Effect ': the scientific theory that a single occurrence, no matter how small, can change the course of the universe forever. When a butterfly startles a young rabbit, and the rabbit makes a horse rear, it starts a chain of events, over the course of one day, that will change people's lives . . . and end people's lives. From a climber on Everest to a boy in Malawi . . . from a commercial pilot to an American psycho . . . the chaos knows no bounds. This heart-stopping adventure by writer, film maker and climber Matt Dickinson will leave readers breathless. It's the book Jack Bauer would have read as a teenager!

Review:- Have to say I absolutely loved this book – it was totally not the kind of thing I usually read and I was worried it would be a bit "manly" but I was addicted from the very first chapter.

I knew nothing about chaos theory apart from that really bad bit in Jurassic Park where Jeff Goldblum tries to explain it with sexy eyes so I did wonder if this was going to be too scientific and geeky but not at all. It is incredibly fast paced with something happening to each of the characters at every page. The short chapters are fantastic and compel the reader to keep turning. In fact if I was going to liken this book to a thing I enjoy most it is like an excellent shot of espresso coffee. I loved every one of the characters, and felt drawn into their individual struggle and fight for survival. The book is full of brilliant imagery, particularly on the climb to Everest and the climatic chapters at the end. Even though the events are happening around the world in separate time zones miles apart Dickinson does a fantastic job of connecting the reader to each one through punchy, dramatic, adrenaline fuelled paragraphs.

I would love to read more of these books and will be looking out for them once they come onto general release.

This was a guest review by the lovely Charlotte, thank you Charlotte. She blogs over at The Mummy Blogger.

Disclaimer:- I was sent this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, which Charlotte has given above.

#silentSunday

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000Z

This is a Silent Sunday post as inspired by Mocha Beanie Mummy. Check out the rest of the entries using the tag #silentsunday on twitter.

Review - Proactive Solutions Skin Care

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000Z

I have quite problematic skin in that even in my 30s I still get a lot of spots like I am a teenager, so when I was asked to review the Proactiv Skin Solutions I jumped at the chance. I did use it in the past and it was fantastic and I don't know why I didn't continue to use it. I had quite a bad break out on my skin due to kidney problems. The reason being is my kidneys don't get rid of the toxins out of my body the way they should. So I broke out in huge big boil spots. I was hideous. I would post a picture, but I'm too embarrassed. Make up only covers so much as we know.

I was sent a bottle of the Proactiv Solutions Cleanser, Toner, Repairing Treatment, Mattifying Gel and some Makeup Remover pads. The entire kit to get my skin into shape.

First up I used the Makeup Remover wipes, these are pretty self explanatory but they were the best makeup remover wipes I have ever use. They were thick, soft and easy to use. The packaging was also excellent, the cover is made of plastic and clicks shut. So you don't have the problem of it drying out like you do other wipes with the cellophane cover. The make up came off very easily.

Next I use the Renewing Cleanser. Put it on your face and rinse with some warm water. It doesn't smell all that nice but it works and feels good on your skin, it also doesn't over dry like some anti bacterial washes. Next on the things to do for better skin is the Revitalising toner, a small amount on some cotton wool, rub over your face and your done. Last is the Repairing lotion, just a small 5p amount and rub over your face using your finger tips. Job done. Easily done even with a child hanging onto your leg, I know. Make sure you do this morning and night and you will notice a difference within a week. It works that quick.

The Mattifying gel is used after the repairing treatment, it doesn't have to be used every day. I wore it underneath my makeup to keep my skin shine free and it worked.

The science bit "This system, developed by dermatologists, uses Combination TherapyTM to help heal and stop breakouts at their source. Includes: Renewing Cleanser to wash away excess oil and dirt Revitalising Toner to balance skin tone Repairing Lotion to help attack bacteria."

I cannot recommend this product enough, if you are having breakout problems, this is the product for you. Even to prevent breakouts keep using it, I know I will.

Disclaimer:- I was sent a set of the Proactiv Solutions Products to review. The opinions above are my own.