.....katie and the kids

Friday I'm in love.....

2012-02-17T16:30:00.001Z

The gorgeous & VERY talented Helen over at icklebabe.com has started a link up with her beautiful 'Friday I'm in Love' posts. Each week I've read them and fallen in love with the images she uses, so this week I'm taking part!

Like Helen, I'm coveting Spring this week. It's been a whopping 9 degrees round here the last few days, almost summer like after the -10's we were having the week before, which has had me thinking about the warmer days and lighter evenings so.....

First up we have one of my favourite flowers, and the most spring like, tulips. Having a huge bunch of these (pink preferably) on my kitchen table makes the whole room feel lighter & brighter, in fact any flowers would do that, but these signal the end of the winter.

Keeping up with the pink spring-ness, Chanel's nail polish in May. A pure girlie colour, and one that would feel far too bright for these months, but I will be getting this applied to my fingers as soon as possible! (I say applied because I'd quite like a manicure but to be honest, if *someone* wants to buy it for me, I'd happily DIY it)

On Valentines day, the hubs and I watched Midnight in Paris. *swoon* I am so in love with Paris it's ridiculous! I've been a few times, but the older I get, the more beautiful it becomes. The history, the old buildings, it's all stunning, and I'll be taking the husband there for a weekend very soon. No kids, sitting outside a café watching the Parisians go by? Yes please!

Last but by no means least. Something I've been in love with for a very long time, but not something that everyone will find beautiful.....! They're little balls of ugly, but so ugly they're gorgeous! One of these needs to be in my life and I've already decided on the name! (Hey, I'm not having anymore babies for a while, I'm pug broody!)

So there we go, my first ever Friday I'm in Love link up. If you fancy taking part, just link your post up to Helen's site!

x

Maxitone Blog is live...

2012-02-15T16:21:00.001Z

The first part of my Maxitone experience is now live on their site. I'm one of six bloggers taking part, and I'm "The busy mummy"

If you want to have a look, just click here.

Fingers are crossed that in 3 months time I will be rocking those bright blue skinnies that are hanging in my wardrobe waiting for me to wear them with a gorgeous top rather than a muffin top *shudder*

Wish me luck!

x

Half Term & Valentines printables.....

2012-02-11T16:31:00.000Z

It's half term week now, and apart from visiting friends, going to indoor play ~~hell~~ centres, one of the things my two, little miss mostly, enjoy doing is crafty things.

After a quick scout on Pinterest, all in the name of research obviously, I've found six gorgeous free printables, there are literally hundreds on there!

1: One Charming Party

2: Eat, Drink, Chic

3: The Rubber Punkin

4: Kind Over Matter

5: Pumpkins and Posies

6: Eat, Drink, Chic

Now, all I need is to fill my printer with ink and away we go!

You can find me on Pinterest here
x

The Gallery - A Family Story

2012-02-08T11:44:00.000Z

My Dad & his Sister

The theme this week is A Family Story. There are plenty to chose from, but this one seems the most recent in my mind, due to my Dad's 60th birthday the other week.

When he was a child, living at home in Ireland & surrounded by sisters, there is a tale that goes something like this....

He was sat on the bridge in his tiny little village of Glin in Ireland (population something like 50, and around 7 pubs) when all of a sudden he fell, into the river & split his head open on the rocks. He was taken to hospital and still has the scar on his forehead. The story has always has a different version told, depending on who you're speaking to. One of his sisters says that another pushed him, she of course, says otherwise. One saved him, we know that much, but Dad of course can't remember what happened! It's all told in jest, and nobody really believes that he was pushed, but it's like one of those mysteries that will never be solved.

On hearing this story Little Miss has become convinced that Aunty M did push Dada off the bridge, and she's really not happy about that! Especially as she loosened the bolts on his bike previously so that he went flying when riding down the hill! For a 9 year old, this is really important and it's still bothering her!

Like all brothers and sisters, they love each other & it's just become a family joke/tale now, there's no bullying anymore. But surrounded by 4 sisters you've got to feel sorry for him!

Don't forget to read the other entries.

I'm not very good at playing.....

2012-02-04T14:22:00.000Z

It's the weekend, the hubs is at work and has the car. He's working til 6 tonight & 5pm tomorrow night, which leaves me solely in charge of the kids & flat.

This is my current view. Little Miss is watching iCarly, Little Man is, well, just destructing everything and anything he can get his hands on.

I should be building lego masterpieces, or creating artwork for him to ~~scribble~~ colour in, but I'm not. I'm sitting on the sofa wondering how I'll tidy up the flat, do the washing up & get the washing dry with one hand, and feeling a bit naff at how rubbish I am at being super mum.

Gwyneth Paltrow said she loves "Playing Mum" well, she would, because she probably has nannies, cleaners, cooks, gardeners, the lot, and while I don't want all of those, a couple would be good once in a while. She very probably doesn't spend 24/7 with her kids either, so it's a treat. (I know, bad mummy, I should appreciate all the time they're little, but you know, sometimes I'd like to appreciate quiet, or tidy)

See, I can have a spotless flat, I can have the kids entertained, I could even rustle up a 3 course meal if I had to, but I just can't get all three done at the same time.

So, I'm just going to sit here, let the Apple products entertain the kids for a bit and have a cup of tea.

Random-ness...

2012-02-02T13:23:00.000Z

Walking to school the other day (in the snow as I knew the kids would like it, aren't I kind?) an old lady came up to me to say how snug Little Man looked in his buggy with his blanket, hat, gloves and big puffy coat. She then put her hand on my head and said I should be wearing a hat too.

I laughed (nervously)

She then went on to grab my hair, pulled it towards her and asked me if it was real? (Erm, as opposed to not being on my head or extensions lady?) I of course (why!?) replied yes, it is real, to which she stroked it, told me it simply wasn't fair that it's real because it's amazing, flicked my hair back and walked off.

I crossed the road with the hubs, turned to him and asked if that had actually just happened. His reply was something like, I told you it's a nice colour now. NOW. Like it wasn't a nice colour before huh? (yeah, he got it in the neck later....)

Anyway. Not really sure how I feel about hair grabbing lady, flattered that she felt the need to tell me, or freaked out that she grabbed my hair in the street for no reason!

Either way, I'll be walking past that road at high speed from now on!

and perhaps tying my hair up just in case.......

Fussy Kids....

2012-02-01T11:58:00.000Z

We are at that stage of toddler-dom, the stage where he doesn't want to eat anything that might possibly look like it's good for you.

"I'm stuffed" is a common phrase at the table, and that's before he's even eaten one mouthful, but funnily enough, he's always got enough room for sweets and olives. Not that 'stuffed' are you dude.....

A quick google (yes, even though I've done it before, I want to check there hasn't been a new wonder idea) says things like "don't give them anything else until they start eating their meals" - my child is as stubborn as me, that doesn't work & just makes me feel like I'm starving him. "They need to try a new food at least 15 times before they'll accept it" - I really can't be bothered to cook the same meal 15 times to be told 15 times that he's stuffed. One solution after the other, none of them any good for me.

How about this one:

Grow your own. Worth a try? When we visit PYO places in the summer, he will happily eat all the goodies picked before we even get to the till (obviously I don't tell them that...) In Nanny & Dada's garden he'll eat fruit, veg, even herbs growing in the greenhouse & garden, and come running up to me to tell me that he "yuves mint" Little Darling isn't he......!?

So, I'm thinking, find some colourful, unusual vegetables (we don't have a problem with fruit, he'll eat that all day!) and let him grow it, water it, pick it, and then let Little Miss prepare it, then maybe, just maybe, he'll eat it? (Actually, would be good if I could get Little Miss to be a bit braver with her food choices too?)

The only problem we have with that, is the lack of a private garden, window boxes could work for the herbs, Dada has a million potatoes in his garden, so maybe digging for those will count.

Have you ever grown your own veg? What's the best ones for little people to look after? All tips welcome!

Oh, and if any family are reading this, yes, we'll be requesting to use your garden......!

please note this is a sponsored post, but it fits in perfectly with my dilemma!

January Photo A Day

2012-01-31T10:59:00.000Z

Throughout the whole of Jan, Fat Mum Slim ran a photo challenge over on instagram (you can click the follow me button at the top left) where you simply took a photo of your day following the descriptions. As you can probably tell, I stopped halfway through, completely forgot to finish it off, but I loved doing it, and thankfully she's doing it for Feb too, so I'll be taking part in that one! If you're on instagram, I definitely recommend taking part!

1: You - New Years Day = pjs and chilling on the sofa!

2: Breakfast - Diet Redbull, about the most I can manage

3: Something you adore - Pretty obvious that one!

4: Letterbox - Our blue door!

5: Something you wore - Favourite perfume in the world

6: Makes you smile - My engagement & eternity rings

7: Favourite - Shallow maybe, but look how pretty they both are!

8: Your Sky - Gorgeous trees outside our windows

9: Daily Routine - Cup of tea, computer, and phone

10: Childhood - My Mum & Me, when I was around 5 or 6?

11: Where you sleep - Love that bed!

13: In your bag - My gorgeous purse, a change of clothes for the Little Man and lots of other rubbish!

14: Something you're reading - A fab blog I found

15: Happiness - The husband home on a Sunday. Doesn't happen very often.

18: Something you bought - Some of my favourite mags.

So there we go, I missed a few! But I will have 29 pics posted here at the end of Feb, I hope.....

Coming soon....

2012-01-29T18:32:00.000Z

The man in my life (not the little one) will be adding his own touch to this blog very soon. If you look at my pages, you will see he has his own little section now, Mr Katie and the Kids.... where he will be writing about anything and everything from a male point of view. It could be anything from Apple to Motorbikes. The man knows his stuff, and likes his stuff!

Keep an eye out, and give him lots of love and attention. He likes that you know....

x

And this is why people ignore me....

2012-01-21T12:48:00.002Z

Regarding yesterdays post.....! I spoke to my hairdresser who is one of my best friends, and to put it bluntly, she told me I was ridiculous!

My hair is too thick, too wild, too mad, too stupidly fluffy / curly to be able to have that hairstyle, and I'd be redoing it every morning. And as much as I hate it when she's right, she is!

Sooooooo....

Ignore yesterdays post (was tempted to delete it but I didn't!) my hair will be staying long, I'll just have to find ways of styling it without heat. Any tips there are more than welcome!

I wish I had hair like Little Miss, wash it, leave it, and she has a head full of tumbling waves! Or even like Little Man, who's hair is so dead straight it won't do anything but sit exactly in the right position. How did my kids get complete opposites in hair, yet 100 times more tame than mine?

I blame the Irish/Welsh genes. It's got to be their fault somehow. And don't even get me started on the eyebrows........

(I could insert a pic here of said wild woman hair, but I'm not prepared to risk losing any readers, only the truly special get to see my hair in its natural form, and trust me, you don't want to be those people.....)

Target Ideas....

2012-01-20T12:05:00.000Z

Being determined to get to (and stay at) my target weight this year, no more yoyo for moi, I've decided to make a list of things I will do once I've got there.

Every Friday I'm going to post one thing that is helping me along the way, sort of like a carrot on a string type thing!

This week, the hair.

I've almost always had long hair, and at the moment its ombre'd, which I'm loving but I have SO much hair, thick and lots of it, which takes me at least an hour and a half to wash, blow dry and straighten. Sadly, I'm not one of these people that can wash and go, the resulting look is somewhere between ginger afro and electric shock (not in any of the fashion mags that I read!) and it's starting to really get on my nerves. There's only so much dry shampoo a girl can use.

So.......

Emma Willis. I love this hair style, I'm sure it wouldn't be a case of blast with a hairdryer, but it certainly looks quicker than my current hair, and I'm hoping it will suit the new, slimmer me.

So, now this is published, I guess I have to stick to it don't I!

What do you think?

x

Maxitone me up!

2012-01-19T11:51:00.002Z

Hello!

Wow, would you look at that, two posts in two days. Get me!

If you follow me on here (thanks for putting up with me!) on twitter, or know me in real life, you will know how annoyed I get with myself for putting on weight. Since I had the Little Man, I've been up and down like a yoyo, and it's starting to get boring for me, never mind everyone who has to listen to me moan, so I am really excited to be taking part in a new fitness campaign with Best British Bloggers & Maxitone.

The three month plan is based around healthy eating, exercise, protein shakes & supplements, which despite my vast range of dieting techniques, I've never tried. Go figure!

I'm one of six bloggers taking part, my journey will be tracked & I'll be writing about it over on their blog so keep an eye out for me (photos and videos may be included - ARGH!)

I will of course be updating you all on here, weight losses, ups and downs, and trying find an exercise I actually enjoy, apart from shopping & you know what... I hit google last night, trying to find a reformer Pilates class, but of course, there doesn't seem to be anything near me. Typical.

I'm not a gym bunny, it's too 'posey' for me, but they say there is an exercise for everyone, so I'm sure I'll find something I love, if anyone has any ideas please shout!

I'm really looking forward to starting this trial, testing out the protein shakes and seeing if they do curb cravings (hoping they do!) and getting back into those skinny jeans, and staying at the target weight.

Things I love....

2012-01-18T11:02:00.000Z

As I seem to be lacking in words at the moment (not great when you're writing a blog) I thought I would post some of my instagram photos from this week, maybe as a form of inspiration, maybe just because I love instagram so much, either way...!

After speaking to the GORGEOUS Caroline Hirons from Beauty Mouth about my skincare routine, or rather, lack of, she directed me to these two goodies, Boots Botanics Soothing Face Balm and Avene toner. I have never been one of those who takes their make up off properly every evening, and I wonder why my skin isn't quite glowing? 3 days of using these & my make up is going on better, and dare I say it, I don't look quite so....rough?

Sundays are made for this. The hubs had a rare Sunday off this week, as he's away on a conference, so it was nice to spend the day together, just the four of us, lots of snuggles on the sofa & dinner as a family. Heaven.

Buy Now, Blog Later my new favourite blog! I somehow managed to find this blog at the weekend, and read the entire thing on the iPad while the kids were watching tv & playing, it's now bookmarked for the future!

New York New York! The new canvas on our bedroom wall. It's literally calling out to me "visit me, visit me...." The plan (always a plan) is to go in 4 years, for my 35th and the hubs 40th. Christ, that makes us sound old.

Paris. Need I say anymore? I'm pretty sure my heart belongs to Paris.

Creme Brûlée, if you haven't tried this lip balm, you must. Just for the smell alone! Purchased on Sunday, and there seems to be quite a few indents in there already, from a certain Little Miss.....

There we go, six things I love this week. I might make this a feature, how's about that for inspiration!

x

How does he know.....

2012-01-05T10:12:00.001Z

My Little Man is going to be 3 in March (sob!) and on one hand he's very very grown up, yet on the other, he's still my baby.

At the moment he's very enthusiastic about everything, he loves his favourite colour (red) he loves his new kitchen, loves his daddy & sister, he loves sweeties, but the best sentence he can ever come out with is "I love you mummy"

Last night, laying in our bed because the "monster winds" were scaring him, he reached over, put his arm around my neck, kissed my nose and said love you mummy. *heart melts into a pool of pink water*

Obviously we tell both our LM's how much we love them daily, hourly normally, but it made me think last night, what age do they start realising what love actually means? He's got it pretty spot on with when he uses it! I've never explained the meaning of the word to him, that I can remember, and how would you describe it anyway? But he's got it, and boy does he know how to use it!

He's going to be a full on charmer when he's older.

Two Thousand and Twelve

2012-01-02T11:19:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

I've been a bit absent during December, a combination of being busy with school & nursery things, working & planning xmas and partly due to losing my blogging mojo. I think I was becoming over run with reviews and things I felt I *had* to write, that it was starting to feel like something I must do, rather than wanted to do. So, I took December off, read loads of fabulous blogs and got myself ready for a fantastic 2012.

I normally make lots of ridiculous new years resolutions, which I never keep (and probably never intend to keep either!) and end up feeling deflated come March (or Feb if I'm honest!) so this year, there's only one.

Make 2012 a frigging amazing year.

Whatever happens in this year, I'm going to make sure we have fun along the way. The babes are a bit older now, so the Mary Poppins apron can be hung up for a few nights a month & the old Katie can sneak out! I want this year to rock.

I can already feel it in my bones, it's going to be a good one.

Accessories Direct....

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000Z

It's nearly Christmas (you knew that already) and I'm sure almost everyone is scribbling lists somewhere, head, notebooks, scrap paper, thinking of ideas to get for everyone. So, if you're looking for some fab jewellery or bags, or accessories full stop, I know a place you can go.....!

Accessories Direct is a little piece of heaven! I was sent this gorgeous bracelet to try out, made by Kate Benjamin, love it!

It's the Gypsy Gold & Silver Multi Bracelet, 9 bangles, all held together by a bar of gold eyelets, so they don't all end up tangled and in a heap on your wrist. (They do still 'jingle' though!)

They also have bags, scarves, purses, hats, the lot, and they have very kindly given me a 20% discount to everyone! All you have to do is head over Here and enter the code FESTIVE at the checkout. It's valid until the 9th December so you've got plenty of time to get some goodies for Christmas..... for you or for someone else!

Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary.....

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000Z

10 Years ago today I married my best friend.

1st of December 2001 at 3pm.

I remember the whole day like it was yesterday. From getting my hair done wearing one of my Dad's shirts so I wouldn't ruin the 'do' when I took it off, the dramatic tantrum I threw because the flowers were a bit wrong, the rainbow over the house as I was getting ready to leave, Dad standing on my dress and not being able to lift both feet off at once without breaking his neck, Mum grinning like a loon when she saw me in my full outfit (and helping me with my stockings!) walking down the aisle, seeing hubs face, the first dance, the speeches, the hotel, signing half my old signature and half my new so it made no sense whatsoever..... All of it.

Married for 10 years feels like an achievement. We've been through some amazing times, and some hard times, but we've made it together.

Happy Anniversary to my gorgeous, laid back, calming & sexy best friend.

Love you.

Bedroom Antics....

2011-11-30T11:03:00.001Z

No. Not that kind! (get your mind out of the gutter *tut*)

When the hubs goes to bed, I do wonder where he ends up. He's one of those that can fall asleep before his head hits the pillow, the snoring starts instantly of course, but not only that, he has these jumping fits. Almost like he's been thrown out of a plane and crash lands on the bed! One time he gave me a black eye doing it....! Imagine a star jump, only laying down.

He grinds his teeth, make some kind of...fish noise (?) and has fights with the duvet at least once an hour.

Every single night is the same. Sometimes he talks in his sleep, sometimes he bursts out laughing and wakes himself up. (Sometimes it's me who wakes him up with a swift punch to the kidneys but come on, look what I have to put up with!)

I would love to know what goes on in his head when he's visiting the land of nod, he doesn't have any knowledge of it when he wakes up!

Of course, when I get him to roll over/move away from my ear/give me some quilt/GET THE HELL OUT OF THE BEDROOM, he gets the hump with me.... Men!

*Please note this post is bought to you by the power of extra strength tea cos last night was just like that!

**please also note, if you're reading this hubs, love ya really!

Scoot 'n Pull....

2011-11-27T13:09:00.001Z

Sometimes you find a product that is so simple and so brilliant, it makes you wonder how you've gone on so long without it!

(Enter Scoot 'n Pull) This really is the most fantastic thing ever! A strap which loops round the bar of a scooter, so you can pull the little legs along while they steer. It got it's first outing when, with about 10 mins to get to school, I realised the Hubs had the buggy in the back of the car! I would have had to carry the Little Man, who weighs over 2.5 stone to get there in time. Great workout I'm sure, but I need my arms.....!

And, I've lost count of the amount of times I've been walking home with a 9 year old, a 2.5 year old, school bags, pe kits, my own bag, a scooter to carry & a hand to hold. With the Scoot 'n Pull, you can just loop the strap over the rear wheel and sling it over your shoulder, hands are free again!

It's available from here for the bargain price of £6.99 in six different colours.

Phillips Airfryer review....

2011-11-25T15:00:00.000Z

Got kids, Love chips. Or something like that!

But, to get nice chips they need to be cooked in oil, which isn't something I like doing for my own food, never mind for the kids, so when I was offered the Phillips Airfryer to review (after a quick google) I was intrigued to see if it actually does what it says.

When it arrived, it was decided that it would be chips for dinner! I usually make my own chips, years of slimming world rules, and it advises that you soak home made chips for half an hour or so, drain them and pat them dry before using a small amount of oil and then cooking. The home made chips were good, but not that different to oven cooking, but frozen chips?! Delish! Like proper chip shop, oil fried chips, with none of the oil! All you need to do is turn it on 5-10 mins to let it warm up, put the frozen chips in the basket, set the timer to 15 mins, shake half way and hey presto!

I'm not a massive fan of kitchen gadgets, mainly because I don't have masses of space in mine, but despite the size of this (it's only negative) it more than makes up for the space it uses. We've done the chips (several times) fish fingers, home made nuggets, and you can even do cakes in it! I will be testing this out during the Christmas holidays.

Another tick gets awarded for the ease of cleaning, you just pop the basket out, give it a wash and it's done, it doesn't need to come apart in seven different places, and doesn't require a degree to put it back together!

It's been such a big hit in this house, that even my parents have bought one, so soggy oven chips are banished from both homes now!

I received the phillips airfryer free of charge, but the review is my own!

Disney Universe for Wii

2011-11-23T13:00:00.000Z

Disney is a massive fave in this house, for all of us in fact, not just the smallest ones, so when we were sent a new game to try out on the wii we were all looking forward to it!

Disney Universe is a new style of game for us, so it's taken us a while to get used to it. The idea is to suit up as your favourite Disney character, and make your way through different levels, I've got to admit, we're still on Pirates of the Caribbean at the moment (first level) because we're not quite used to it yet (took me an hour to realise if I turned the remote sideways I might actually go in the right direction, but that's just me)

As you make your way through the levels you can collect coins, which unlock new costumes, and you'll earn even more for defeating the baddies, making your way through the entire virtual world.

The graphics are fab for kids, there's loads going on at different times and Little Miss loved it, so we will be moving onto the next level soon (I hope!)

Disney Universe is available for wii, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Mac & PC now.

Christmas Trees and Lights.co.uk

2011-11-22T11:00:00.000Z

I don't know if you've noticed, but Christmas is a coming!

If you're like me, you'll love all the sparkle and glitter that comes with it, the trees, baubles and lights! Christmas Trees and Lights have loads to chose from!

They very kindly sent me some tree lights, 40 multi coloured LED lights, which we have in a big vase for a little bit of pre Xmas sparkle. I must admit, I'm a fan of the white lights rather than multi coloured, but the kids love them, and there are lots of gorgeous lights to choose from on the website.

If you're thinking of buying some new decorations, they've given me a 10% discount for everyone, just enter the code CTLSALE10 at the checkout!

The A-Z of Me....

2011-11-21T11:00:00.000Z

I've been tagged in a meme by the gorgeous Sarah from Leopard Print and Gin which was first started by Lauren from Real Housewife of Suffolk County

It looks to be quite a long one, so bear with me!!

ANORAK........Do you have a sad side?
Hmm, start with a hard one shall we?! I don't know that I do? (well, if I like it, it's not going to be sad to me...!) I suppose I like cheesy music, anything I can sing along to, and I don't care if it's considered cool or not! Will that do?

BODY.......What physical attributes would you most like to change?
Well, that's not so much of a tough one is it! My weight! Well, either that or my appetite? Either would work for me. I'd like to be one of those people that eats what they like and doesn't gain a pound. Unlike me, who just has to look at a cake and it's on my stomach.

CELEBRITY....Which one would you most like to date and why?
Just one!? Depending on my mood it would be from these fine men; Bradley Cooper, Gerard Butler, Gary Barlow or Justin Timberlake. Why? Do you need to ask!? Bradley, fit as f**k, Gerard, looks like he could throw me around a bit, Gary cos he's really grown into his looks and I have a thing for designer stubble and Justin because he moves like heaven! *swoon*

DEBUT.....Tell us about your first ever blog post. What made you start blogging?
My first ever blog post was probably very nervous, boring and ever so slightly unfunny! But it was a start and now I'm not nervous about what I write, as you can probably tell! I started blogging because I was spending more and more time reading other people's, loving all the ways of designing them and so I'd have a fantastic record of my kiddies growing up. A bit like an online diary I suppose. That I wanted everyone to read!

ERROR....What's been your biggest regret?
Hmmmm! Well the correct answer to that is probably "never regret anything" but I'm not one of those deep people! I regret silly things, arguments that don't matter, not having enough confidence to do the things I'd love to do, being so shy as a kid, things like that. Apart from that, how can I regret what I have? Gorgeous man who would do anything for me, two gorgeous kids and an amazing family. (mwah!)

FUNNY.....Who's making you laugh?
Have you met my kids? Christ they are mental funny, I do wonder if I've got some hidden comedy genes deep in my womb that they fed on while I was growing them, but apart from them, people like Sarah Millican, Jimmy Carr and Micky Flannigan. If I saw them at a comedy show I would be very happy!

GRAND.....If we gave you one right now what would you spend it on?
Christmas! When are you giving it to me.......?

HOLIDAY.....What's your favourite destination?
Can I pick somewhere I've not been? Yes? Good. I'd like to go to the Seychelles. Actually, I'd like to go to the Seychelles with the hubs, then pick up the kids and go to Disney Florida. Thanks!

IRRITATE.....What's your most annoying habit?
HA! Where do I start! I'm bossy, short tempered, impatient, fussy and very very picky. But all that makes me very passionate and lovely. DOESN'T IT......

JOKER.....What's your favourite joke (the one that makes you laugh every time you hear it?)
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn't say banana....
It's a kids joke. You have to laugh.

KENNEL....Do you have any pets?
We have a cat, Diego, who is so far removed from a house cat you wouldn't believe. He doesn't like the little man (something to do with him pulling his tail I think) so he stays out as much as possible. We saw him today and somebody has put a blue collar on him. Odd!

LOVE....Are you single, married, engaged, living with a long term partner?
Married! Married for almost 10 years (1st December) and together for 14 years. Wow.

MEAL....What's your ultimate starter, main and dessert?
Oooh food! Ok, starter would have to be something prawn or pate. Main, something mexican or chinese I think and dessert would have to be something like warm cookies and ice cream. But if I'm being healthy then I'd go for crayfish salad, warm chicken salad and no pudding. But that wouldn't happen....

NOW.......If you could be anywhere right now where would it be and who with?
Disney! I really want to take the kiddies to see all the Xmas extravaganza there, and it would be sooooo magical! Failing that, a posh hotel with a free standing bath in front of an open fire, champagne on ice, fluffy robes and room service for me and the Mr!

OFF DUTY.....What do you do in your spare time?
Watch trashy telly, tweet, read magazines and soak in baths.

PROUD MOMENTS.....What are you most proud of?
Well, obvious answer, but my two babies. I actually grew these two amazing little people, they're funny, clever, loving, gentle and very very crazy. And although daddy had a little help in making them, I cooked and presented them all by myself. Pretty bloody amazing if you ask me!

QUEASY......What turns your stomach?
Anyone making any sort of noise eating or blowing their nose near me. People heaving, even if it's on the telly, I'll be heaving with them. Sick. Those two kids I love to bits? If they throw up, I'm out of there.

RELAX....How do you relax?
I don't really do a relaxed state, even when I'm asleep I'll talk about crap (so hubs informs me) but a nice hot bubble bath, a magazine and getting my nails done comes pretty close.

SONG.....What's your favourite song of all time?
I can't answer that! There are too many! Depending on what mood I'm in, it could be something from Kings of Leon, Adele, Rhianna, Buddy Holly, Elvis, Johnny Cash, the list is endless. I love all music except heavy metal. That is purely just noise.

TIME.....If you could go back in time and relive it again, when would you choose?
SO many good memories from when I was little, now I'm a mummy thinking back to those times makes it even more special, but I also loved my time as a 17 year old. College, no responsibilities, lots of nights out and lie ins, I was skinny. That was when I really had a good time!

UNKNOWN.....Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows?
I hate wobbly bridges. I could do I'm a celeb if they didn't have that god damn wobbly bridge to get to all the trials. (I couldn't but you get my drift)

VOCAL....Who is your favourite artist?
Adele. Her voice is amazing.

WORK....What is your dream job and are you doing it now?
I always wanted to work in magazines & journalism when I was younger, which then changed to writing in general, so I suppose this blog is a sideline of that, but I do have a pretty damn near perfect job, I get to work from home doing something that interests me and changes daily, what more could I ask for?

X RAY.....Any broken bones?
Nope. Not one. I did fall down 4 stairs once (carrying an armchair) and tore all the ligaments in my foot, which I'm told is more painful than breaking a bone, but surprisingly for someone as clumsy as me, I've not broken anything!

YIKES.....What's been your most embarrassing moment?
Oh god how long have you got? When I tore the ligaments in my foot, I got the hump with the hospital taking 7 hours to get to me, so when I finally got my crutches I stood up so quickly I started falling, and not being able to put my other foot down, I managed to hop/crash/dive through the curtains onto a man having some stitches. I also fell over 17 times on one crazy golf course. And I once slagged a photograph off at an exhibition. To the actual photographer. Yeah, I'm not classy.

ZOO.....If you were an animal which one would you be?
A horse or a lion. Horse because they're so graceful and elegant (and I'm not) and a lion because they have a massive main of hair, king of the jungle & bloody ferocious (which I am)

I now have to tag some other bloggers, so as so many of you have already done it, I'm going to tag someone new! Debs over at Age-Is Just a Number this is your first meme!

Hope I didn't bore you all too much!

x

Winter Wonderland

2011-11-19T14:05:00.001Z

London really pulls out all the stops when Christmas comes around, not least, the fantastic Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.

For the fourth year, they have transformed the park into an amazing Christmas experience that is perfect for the whole family.

We were invited to the press evening, and to be honest, I'm not sure who was more excited, me or the kids!

Once you walk through the giant entrance you are greeted with Christmas galore! Stalls, bars, pubs, there's even a rotating merry go round bar, rest your drink on the horse and chat as you spin slowly (possibly not good if you've had a few too many...) fairground rides, Zippos Circus, and ice rink and the fantastic giant observation wheel. All with the soundtrack to Christmas playing in the background.

It's free to get into Winter Wonderland, with the rides working on a token system (there are places dotted all over to buy the tokens, but I didn't see how much they were, so take some pennies!) But if you didn't want to go on any rides (why wouldn't you?!) you can just stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. And believe me, the atmosphere is fantastic.

The hubs and Little Miss decided they were brave enough to try the ice skating (hubs used to play ice hockey, he's got that covered) but unfortunately LM is lacking in core strength so struggled to stay even slightly upright! I *had* to sit the ice skating out because Little Man wasn't going on. (*chose to as I didn't fancy a wet bum/broken leg)

We did all go on the rides together, Santa's sleigh ride was a big hit, as were the mini rides for the Little Man. Little Miss and I also loved the Spinning Christmas Coaster, the queue moved really quickly and the ride was great!

The best part has to be the giant observation wheel. Sat in your own pod, listening to Christmas music while seeing the whole of Hyde Park and London lit up is a real treat. The hubs decided half way up that actually he's scared of heights (that's a new one) but he got used to it once we stopped making the pod wobble.....

The hubs and I will be making a trip back in the very near future, without the littles to have a proper look at the German market, possibly have some mulled wine and take in the festivities without rushing to the next ride, and I'm looking forward to it just as much as the first time!

Winter Wonderland is open everyday from now until the 3rd January 2012 from 10am til 10pm. Entry is free, but you can get your tickets for the Ice Rink, The Giant Observation Wheel, Zippos Christmas Circus and Zippos Cirque Extreme in advance from the website: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Xmas dreams

2011-11-16T11:55:00.001Z

Dear Santa!

For Xmas I would like....

1: OPI Muppets Collection
2: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, the ONLY perfume I wear
3: iPad2. Pretty please
4: Diamond Wedding Ring
5: Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch
6: Bubbles. Lots of Bubbles at Xmas!