Sticky Fingers

Things I love during the winter

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

* A piping hot cup of tea to start the day.

* Wearing angora knee-high socks from Marks and Spencer.

* Duvet days in front of the TV.

* Wearing hats.

* Stepping into a lovely warm house after being outside in the cold.

* Having the fire on.

* Stew.

* Ski mittens.

* That crunching sound when you walk over frosty ground.

* Going out so early in the morning that the frost is all sparkly as the sun rises.

* Seeing the kids' faces when they realise it's snowed.

I also opened this question up to Twitter and asked 'what things do you love about winter?'
Here were some of the responses:

@alittlemisfit: Appreciating the warmth inside! Being stuck in the house all day never seemed so appealing until now

@EnglishMum: Pies, stew and dumplings ... Treacle sponge and custard.. Just your basic winter gluttony.

@ElsieAnderton: 1. good telly 2. thick tights 3. any sort of stew 4. red lipstick 5. warming Old Fashioned cocktails.

@TheJellyMonster: Onesies, blankies and tea and all that @EnglishMum said too.

@FaryalAhmad: Chunky jumpers. Chunky socks. Hot soup, stew, cake and custard. And hot chocolate!

@Tiddlyompompom: Gravy, frost, fires, woolly jumpers.

@ChristineMosler: Sparkly frost, our wood burner, kids rosy faces, dragon breath, empty beaches, soups and stews, welly walks, DVDs and popcorn.

@Jodiekins22: The Man walking the kids to school cause I don't do frost or snow, Bovril, Chestnuts, not shaving your legs and wearing tights :)

@DaveFowler: Hot water bottles and Vicks Vaporub!

@LoveitLoveit: ELECTRIC BLANKETS.

@HelloitsGemma: Am with her @elsieanderton you can't beat wooly tights. Comfy, warm and no ladders.

@FlossieTeacake: Wearing tights to hide fact I can't be bothered to get my legs waxed.

@Amanda_Fitness: Wrapping up warm, staying in all cosy, my electric blanket, and eating apple crumble and custard.

@PorridgeBrain: Getting to drink water from the tap cold enough to make you gasp. Also having an excuse to put your hands in nice men's pockets.

So, what would yours be?
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I'm going to CybHer. I will expect hugs

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000

I am honoured to have been asked by CybHer founder Sian To to speak at her event in May - a new conference for women who blog.
There are some amazing speakers lined up (full list here) and it looks to be a fabulous event, but I actually agreed to speak because Sian is awesome and she's promised me cake.
And it also means I get to hug a whole bunch of old friends and make some new ones.
So I'm THERE.

Name: Tara Cain
Blog: www.www.stickyfingers1.blogspot.com/
Twitter ID: @tara_cain
Height: 5ft 5 - Small of stature, big of heart
Hair: Long and brown and swishy.

Five things you should know about me...
1. I'm named after a man.
2. Ali Campbell from UB40 used to live in the flat above me.
3. I just got a new dog. I'm slightly obsessed.
4. My drink of choice is a Mojito. Closely followed by a nice cuppa.
5. Did I mention I have a new dog . . . ?

6. Oh and I've been with my husband for - EEEK - 21 years and have two of the world's greatest kids.
7. What do you mean I'm only allowed 5. I'm a bit of a rule breaker. What of it?

If you're going please please come and say hi and I'll hug you in an inappropriate fashion and it will be slightly awkward but totally awesome.

If you want to join in the Cybher Meet and Greet, do a post and add it to the Linky here. Or just go see who's joining in.
See you in May! *Does a little dance*
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The Photo Gallery: Week 90

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 90 of The Gallery.

This week I want you to dig back into your archives - be that last week, last year or the last century - and tell me a story.
You know those quirky little stories you pass on from generation to generation? Every picture tells a little story, but some tell a really special one. I want to see THAT photo.

So this week's theme is: A Family Story.

I think the hardest part here is going to be how to narrow it down to just one photo!

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and when my Gallery post goes up, add a link to your post on the Linky below mine.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, if you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

NEW HERE? NOT SURE HOW TO ENTER?
If you're new here and want to find out what The Gallery is all about and how to enter visit here.
And if you want to make sure you don't miss any prompts or entries in future, make sure you subscribe to my RSS or email feed.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

Homemade photography gift for Valentine's Day. A tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Whose heart wouldn't melt if presented with a framed picture like this of their kids?
I saw this idea and knew instantly I'd have to have a go. Because, quite frankly, anything involving taking photos for gifts and I'm there!

I made this for the inlaws at Christmas after seeing it done on Pinterest and it's the easiest thing to make but got a real 'oh wow' effect when they opened it.
And it's perfect for a homemade gift.
You just need patient kids and a sprinkling of creativity. And a camera. And a bunch of other stuff I'm going to tell you about.

So for anyone who fancies giving it a go, here's how.

1. Decide on a word.
We opted for 'Love' but you can have 'Kiss' or 'Mum' or 'Family' or even spell out someone's name. Anything which has meaning for you or the person you're giving it to.

2. Create the letters.
You can get the kids to write them out on a sheet of A4 paper or do what we did and print them off using a font we liked.
I just used a Word document and typed each letter onto one sheet so that it filled the page, then printed each one off.
I used Bookman Old Style as the font.

3. Mount your letters.
I bought a clipboard for £1 just because I think it displays the letters well and was easy for the kids to hold while we took the photos.

4. Get creative.
Take loads and loads of photos so you have plenty to choose from. Let the kids get creative if they're old enough and involve them in the process to make it even more personal - and fun.

5. Tinker around with the photos
Decide on what sort of style you want your finished, framed photo to have.
I opted for black and white, but you could go for sepia tones to give it a more 'old fashioned' look or stick with colour.
Play around with a photo editor until you get the style, shape and colour you want.

6. Print the finished photos off and add them to your frame. Stand back and admire.
I bought this frame for £12.99 from TK Maxx, but you could try second-hand shops for a more 'vintage' look, Ikea for a modern, clean lines look or even your local supermarket for a bargain.

Honestly, I don't mean to boast, but it's the bees knees.
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The Photo Gallery: Me Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:45:00 +0000

We're terrible for 'posing' for photographs aren't we?
Making sure we look our best, have our hair brushed, our make up just so and turning just so to ensure the camera captures our best side.
But it's the impromptu snaps which tell the best stories - they mark out our every day lives and show how we live and what we are 'really' like.

I'm a sucker for taking my phone everywhere with me. EVERYWHERE. WITH. ME.
Yes, I Tweet on the toilet, what of it?
So this week, after seeing the hashtag #MeRightNow used on the photography app Instagram, I set the same theme for The Gallery.
Literally that. Take a photo of what you are doing when you read the prompt.

This was me when I was tagged on Instagram. I was taking my make up off in the bathroom with my phone balancing precariously on the sink.
Let us just thank all that is holy I didn't read it 10 minutes earlier . . .

This post is for for week 88 of The Gallery: Me Right Now.

If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.
Now go forth and show some big blog love. Visit other posters, comment, get inspired. This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
The link stays open until Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

My girl is right posh

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:14:00 +0000

You know when kids do the most gorgeous but simple things and they make you smile and go 'awww' and then they grow up a bit and do other things and you forget that original cute thing?
Trust me you totally do. You think you'll remember every detail, but you don't.
And THAT is why I started this blog and that is why I am posting this photo.
To remember the day when my 6 year old decided to start drinking her milk out of a cut-glass wine goblet. With a straw.
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Making me want to be a better person

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Six months ago this week I flew out to Indonesia with UNICEF to see for myself the amazing immunisation campaign they carry out there with Pampers.
I've blogged about it extensively here.

We were in no man's land. Deep in the jungles of Papua where no one travels and I was seeing things and meeting people very very few others have ever had the privilege of doing.
It quite literally felt like the edge of the world. Here was real poverty. Real hardship. Dirt and death.
Me. Out there. Me.

I'll never forget the reactions of the locals as we arrived at their villages by boat.
A sea of huge, muscular arms reaching down to help us off the boat. Helping with our bags, smiling, curious, intrigued, staring.
They welcomed us strangers in. Strange faces, strange clothes, strange camera things around our necks.

I didn't come away from Papua feeling sorry for the people out there.
I came home feeling sorry for us.
As I landed in the UK, the riots were in full swing and I was seeing words like 'poverty' and 'hardship' being bandied around as one of the reasons for the behaviour.
These people know nothing of poverty or hardship. Or community or worth or having to work bloody hard just to survive.

I think back to those 10 days in Indonesia with huge warmth and gratitude that I was trusted with telling their story and that I got to see these amazing things.
And I have passed what I learned and felt and saw on to my children.
It felt like that was part of my mission too; to teach their generation that they can help bring some genuine compassion and feeling back into our lives.
Because children see, children do, right?

Have you ever had an experience like that? Something that made you want to change, to do good, to be a better person; a better parent?

By the way, the photo here isn't one of mine.
Even though I took like a gazillion wonderful pictures, I thought this one perfectly captured what we saw when we arrived at the villages. It's by professional photographer Josh Estey who travelled with us on the trip.
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The Photo Gallery: Week 89

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 89 of The Gallery.

This week I was tagged in a great hashtag on the photographic site Instagram.
The premise was really simple. Take a photograph of yourself at that moment and post it.
(You can find me on there as TaraLara).
So I'm paying homage to it. Or celebrating it. Ok, I'm pinching it. Whatever.

So this week's theme is: Me Right Now.

Literally take a photo of whatever you're doing when you read this prompt.
I know, I know there will be some people reading this all wide-eyed and yelling BUT I DON'T POST PHOTOS OF MYSELF. What are you doing to me Tara? What, what?
Well, it doesn't have to be your face. If you're watching the TV, take a picture of your outstretched legs or your hand clutching a cuppa/beer/cocktail.
Get creative - I think it's going to be really interesting to see what everyone is up to when they're browsing the internet!

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and when my Gallery post goes up, add a link to your post on the Linky below mine.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, if you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

The Photo Gallery: My Photography Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

I've made it my New Year resolution to make sure there are more photos of me in our family's pictorial history.
I take all of them so am very very rarely in any.
Of course like many, I hate hate hate being in photos but I think about my kids in years to come asking why mummy didn't come on holiday with us that year or why was mummy never around at Christmas and, well, I've determined to change all that.

So I thought I'd start with the big change in our lives right now - certainly my life - the dog.
The dog whom I walk every single morning after dropping the kids at school, come rain or shine.
Take a nice picture of me and the dog I thought. Just use the phone camera; nice and easy.
Jeeeeez.

Taking photos of me and this dog is nigh on impossible. Even when I rope the kids in.
The big softie just wants to sit on your lap and lick your face all the time.
But I tried. And I've started. My resolution starts here . . .

This post is for for week 88 of The Gallery: My Photography Resolution.

If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.
Now go forth and show some big blog love. Visit other posters, comment, get inspired. This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
The link stays open until Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

False advertising

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:45:00 +0000

I found this in the kid's playroom at the weekend and confess I CHEERED.
Woop woop, we are going to 'Disny Land', according to my 6 year old.

On her list Mia has clearly worked out what we need to take (worcing shoos?), a cap (sensible girl), 'sandwij'.
Now if she's put this much thought into the travel arrangements and how we'll pay for the trip, then yay!
Otherwise, no, we're not going to Disney Land.
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The Photo Gallery: Week 88

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:30:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 88 of The Gallery.

I spoke last week about setting photographic New Year's resolutions.
You know the ones, like get in more pictures with my kids (instead of TAKING them all the time).
I am so guilty of taking all the family photos that there will probably little documented proof I ever existed when the family looks back on our lives!

So this week's theme is: My Photography Resolution.

Because once it's in writing, you HAVE to do it, right?!

Stuck for ideas? Here are a few:
1. Get in front of the camera.
Step out from behind it and get into the record of your life.
It doesn't matter if the photo isn't perfect or 'how I would take it' (I have thought that so so many times!), or that you're not the weight you want to be or your hair isn't done. The important thing is YOU are in it.
In years to come your kids won't care that you didn't have your make up done or you hadn't shaved (the men, obviously); they will care that you are there in the shots and part of the memories.

2. Improve your photography skills
It could be as simple as improving your composition to switching from auto to manual.
Look around at other photos and see what you like and see if you can mimic that. And then take it another step and see if you can improve on it or give it your own slant.
Of course the best way to improve your photography, no matter what challenge you set yourself, is to practice practice practice.

3. Photograph the details
We all take pictures of the 'big' things; birthdays, births, first this, first that.
But what about the little things that go to make your life what it is? The books you read, the curls on your child's head, the garden you spend all your time in, your favourite shoes, your favourite spot in the house, muddy shoes because you walk a lot, the dog's lead curled up on the work surface. Get right into the details of what makes you you.

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and when my Gallery post goes up, add a link to your post on the Linky below mine.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, if you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

Dog walker

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Yes yes we have a new dog and he's totally taken over our lives and my husband is totally besotted with him which pretty much means I've lost my 'spot' on the sofa.
But he's utterly gorgeous so I'll let him off (the dog, not the husband, he's in deep do do).

And obviously, because he's in the Sticky Fingers household, he has to get used to having his photograph taken.
A lot.
So, I took advantage of the fact that I was sent a Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray phone to test the camera out on, and started taking it on our walks. Just popped it right there in my pocket next to the poo bags and the doggy treats.

Ah yes the walks. I am totally hooked.
Granted I haven't had to endure the rain yet, but at the moment here in the UK the mornings are just gorgeous - cold and crisp - and I get to see things I would never ordinarily see from my office chair or the treadmill in a gym.
Plus it means we get outdoors more as a family and you really can't put a price on that.

So here are a few photos from our walks over the passed two weeks.
Welcome to your new home Ronin. We think you're bloody ace.

(Note: These photos are all straight out of phone, unedited pictures so judge for yourself how good the camera phone is. I was really rather impressed)

The Photo Gallery: Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

You see that there glint in those big, brown eyes?
Right there, just underneath those unfeasible long eyelashes for a boy.
That's love that is. And he's looking right at me.

This photo for for week 87 of The Gallery: Eyes.

If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.
Now go forth and show some big blog love. Visit other posters, comment, get inspired. This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
The link stays open until Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

The Photo Gallery: Week 87

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to week 87 of The Gallery.

Have you set your New Year resolutions yet? If not, why not make one of them to take more photos? Or to get more creative? Or even to finally make that switch from automatic to manual?
And then drive every single person you come into contact with MAD as you point 'that bloody thing' at them even more. Or is that just me?!

So anyway, on to this week's Gallery theme. Which is simply: Eyes

It's time to get down to the detail and focus. See what I did there?

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and when my Gallery post goes up, add a link to your post on the Linky below mine.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, if you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

The Photo Gallery: Phone Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

As someone who absolutely loves photographs, two of the greatest things that ever happened in the world of photograph taking was:
1. They made camera phones awesome and
2. They invented photo apps.
Apps like Instagram which I simply could not be without any more.
And if you're reading this and thinking 'eh?', get thee over there now and find out what I'm talking about and how it's making photograph taking so easy and uber social.
AND how the filters can transform an OK photo into something really special.

Being able to take photos on your phone means you never ever miss out. On anything. It's non intrusive and easy and you have it with you all the time.
And it means you really get to capture 'moments'.
So while my 9-year-old son poses in front of the mirror pretending to be Elvis during the bedtime hour, I can snap this before he's even realised mum is pointing anything at him!
Thankyouverymuch.

This photo for for week 86 of The Gallery: Phone Photo.

If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.
Now go forth and show some big blog love. Visit other posters, comment, get inspired. This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
The link stays open until Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

We have a dog. WE HAVE A DOG!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

On New Year's Day we went for our usual walk to the local woods.
Purely by chance we saw a lady with two dogs walk by - a breed of dog we have been considering getting for ourselves.
You know the eternal dog dilemma? The shall we/shan't we/could we inflict Mia on the poor thing?
Yeah, it's been ongoing for a while.
I grew up with dogs and it feels just wrong to not have my own children experience that joy.
On New Year's Eve we chatted about it. Again. And decided we'd want to actually 'see' them in action before committing rather than just paw over pictures of them in books.
We had set our hearts on a Hungarian Vizsla.

So the very next day, we're off on our walk an these two dogs literally ran before our very eyes. They're not a breed you see that often, so I stopped their owner. I actually ran after her and accosted her.
And we chatted for ages about what sort of pet they are, are they suitable for children, could they withstand an animal MAD 6 year old hugging them to death?
And she was wonderful and really helpful and put our minds at ease that yes, these were the dogs for us.

So I took her phone number and a few days later sent her a text to say could she give us any advice, or hook us up with the breeder where she had had her two from.
Then she sent me an email that was to change our lives. For personal reasons she was struggling with her two. Although they are still pups they are big dogs and, well, after meeting us she had made a decision; would we like to consider adopting Ronin?
I may have actually squealed.

To cut a long story short, we now have a new dog. An 8 month old, leggy lovely.
Just 7 days after this chance meeting on a day when their owner very nearly took her two dogs to the Malvern Hills instead of the woods where we were tramping.
How's about that for a start to 2012?

This is Ronin. He is quite magnificent and now totally big headed as I can't stop telling him how handsome he is.
We're hooked.
I wonder how long it's going to take him to get bored of me pointing a camera at him . . . ?

The Photo Gallery: Week 86

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to a new year and week 86 of The Gallery.
We've had a little breaky over the festive holidays, but now it's time to get back in the saddle so to speak and get showcasing those photos.

Over the holidays I confess I put my fancy camera down and tended to just use my camera phone.
I love and adore the Instagram app and the wonderful filters you can add to your picture to give it a whole new feel. AND it allows you to send your photos directly to Twitter or Facebook.
I've also been trying out Vintage Cam which also allows you to add lovely effects to your snap.

And so, this week's theme is: Phone Photos.

The only rule is you have to have taken it on your phone. Doesn't matter what app you use.
Camera phones have moved on so much and I've seen some quite stunning photos from these little in-your-pocket devices!
So there is never any excuse for now snapping whenever you're out and about.

So, if you want to join in with The Gallery and showcase your photos, come back on Wednesday and add a link to your post when The Gallery post goes up.
The link stays open until the following Tuesday so you have plenty of time to join in.
Remember, The Gallery isn't about technically brilliant photos. It's about rediscovering photos; both old and new.
It's about sparking your imagination, being inspiring - and inspiring others.
And absolutely ANYONE can join in.

Also, before I go, I should announce the winner of the My Awesome Photo Gallery - who wins a giant photo canvas from Photo World.
The winner was You're Not From Around Here with this photo, as judged for me by the lovely Victoria.

If you're linking up to The Gallery then try to visit as many of the other entries as you can to see what they've come up with. Say hi, discover new people, welcome them in when they discover you.

You will get out of this what you put into it.

Go on, clicky click away, you know you want to ...

Starting 2012 as I mean to go on. DIRTY

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0000

It's a family tradition of ours to go for a big ole walk on New Year's Day come rain or shine.

Mostly it's really really white and frosty.
But this year it was mostly muddy. Very very muddy.
Much to my 6 year old's delight!
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Do you do New Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 11:00:00 +0000

We do.
Ever since we discovered one of the greatest joys a parent can experience during this time of year is actually sharing the countdown and seeing in the New Year with your kids.

We did it for the first time last year. Little party at home, playing Guitar Hero and having Grown Up and Little Grown Up Cocktails.
Playing games, giggling, watching TV, more games, more giggling.

This year they have spoken in awe of The Countdown as much as Christmas Day itself!
Mia has NO idea what it is, but there mere fact that it's a day Dan has given capital letters is enough for her.
So I've snaffled this idea I saw on Pinterest for the photos, we've got The Michael Jackson Experience and Just Dance on standby and we're ready.

I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions truth be told, but in my head I have one wish and that is to be the best parent I can be. I owe that to my two at the very least.
I've also written a guest post over at Tesco Magazine online if you're looking for some New Year Resolutions inspiration!

So from my family to yours, I wish you all all the very best for the New Year.
And a huge thank you to everyone who visited this blog or commented or offered the hand of friendship, or to those who just came to hang around.
I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
Wishing you all a fabulous 2012 x

I leave you with our year in photographs. Always so so many photographs!

Think she's had too much sugar this Christmas . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

That's what it looks like when I saw this photo, but she's actually doing an impression of Elvis.
The mind truly boggles.

Mia lost one of her front teeth this week (nothing to do with the sugar, I hope) and her terrible mother managed to lose it down the plug hole while checking it to see how clean it was (the Tooth Fairy only leaves £1 for clean teeth dontchaknow).

She's forgiven me though. Since it's SO COOL to have one front tooth missing apparently.

The day Santa saved Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:30:00 +0000

After my last post I felt utterly overwhelmed with the amount of understanding and warmth and advice being afforded to me via comments, email, direct messages and text.
Totally and utterly overwhelmed.
Friends, readers, strangers even, reaching out and offering their love.
I read every single comment made - the good and the bad. For yes there were bad. "That child needs love not discipline" or "if a 6 year old is THAT naughty then the parents need to be punished".
She is not naughty, she is wilful. Single minded. Bloody minded. Infuriating!
And yes she's 'only' 6 but like no other 6 year old I've met.
Yes, it's easy to cast throw-away comments like that when you're outside looking in.
Also it's easy to cast comments like that when you haven't actually read the post properly.

But, I can hand on my heart say I bend over backwards to be the best parent I can possibly be for both of my children.
And I am prepared to do difficult things if it's in their best interest. I get that not everyone agrees with that, but, well tough.
I don't believe in short term gain. I'm in this for the long haul, and I want both of them to grow up to be considerate, well rounded young adults who know how to interact in the often difficult world around them.

So, back to my dilemma.
As suggested by many people, both Dan and Mia had a video message from Santa.
Mia sat there in darkness, bathed in the flickering light of the computer screen, and watched rapt as Santa revealed how proud he was of her achievements this year and how he will be making his way to our part of the world, despite the bad weather in the North Pole.
He told her how he'd like her to try very hard to be nice to people and her friends and that he knew exactly what she wanted to be waiting under the tree on Christmas morning for her.
And then he said it was time to ask the elves to reveal whether Mia was on the Nice list or not.
Dear internet, that little six year old sat there in total silence with her fingers crossed.
And as the lights flashed and party poppers banged on the screen in celebration that she was indeed on the Nice list, she reached out and held my hand and smiled.
And something unsaid passed between us.

I truly believe we have turned a corner.
Every now and again she holds my hand and squeezes. Like no words are necessary.
We've sat and written our letters to Santa to leave out with his mince pie and the reindeer's carrot and there is a warm glow in our house that I really thought would elude us this year.
And I have all of you to thank for that.
For your suggestions, your support and your warmth.
For that I thank you all and wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
x
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Why Santa won't be visiting my 6 year old this year

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Look at that sweet face.
Today I sat in a corner and cried over this face. Cried.
Because I know deep down that we cannot let Santa visit her on Sunday.
Her behaviour has just been so bad.
Today just reached a peak and so I sat and wept. Because I just don't know what to do.
All the gifts I've lovingly picked out for her, poured over, got excited about giving her, she won't be getting.

Harsh? I don't know.
Hubby and I have talked about it, AGONISED over it.
But we just cannot let her behaviour go rewarded.
I've reasoned with her, told her she will regret her decisions to do the things she has been doing come Christmas morning. But she's not the slightest bit bothered. "Well, I'll get the ones under the tree now," she reasons.
I know that it's Christmas and she's excited and we need to cut her some slack I really do, but we cannot let her go on like this because, well, she'll grow up to be an unpleasant young lady. And giving her presents just feels totally wrong.
I also know that, despite her bravado and 'I don't cares' she will be utterly crushed to discover Santa hasn't left her anything.

Quite frankly I find her unpleasant at the moment.
My own beautiful little girl.
There you go, that's me off crying again.
I feel like she's started down a path and doesn't know how to pull herself back. When I talk to her she rolls her eyes or fiddles with her top or does something ANYTHING to show me she's not taking in anything I'm saying.
I give her every opportunity to rescue the situation. We know telling her off just doesn't work; has the opposite effect even.
But honestly? I don't think we would be the parents we want to be if we let her wake up to a room full of presents in front of the fire on Christmas Day.
And that makes me desperately sad. Especially given that her 9-year-old brother has been golden.
We are hoping and PRAYING that she can pull something out of the bag in the next three days.

Mia I love you very dearly and know you will be OK. I really do.
But right now? Right now I feel like a failure as a parent and that makes me cry.
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The Photo Gallery: Christmas of Yesteryear

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

The year is 1983.
I am deliriously happy because my mum and dad, grandma and granddad have all clubbed together to buy me a ZX Specrum and I believe it to be a thing of beauty.
And I also had this album: Duran Duran's Seven and the Ragged Tiger which I listened to over and over and over and over. Hence the enforced headphones.

I look at this photo and remember the simple Christmases we had - a few well chosen gifts which we utterly adored. There were no stockings brimming with 'stuff' and mountains of carefully-wrapped gifts. Just a modest pile of goodies.
But I remember each and every one with fond memories and warmth in my heart.
And I wonder, have we lost some of that?

This post for for week 83 of The Gallery: Christmas of Yesteryear.
If you're new and want to know what The Gallery is, go and read here , and then come right back and join in!
You can also pick up The Gallery code if you want too.

This is the last Gallery for 2011 so go forth and show some big blog love.
This virtual gallery of photographs is about enjoying each other's work, so go make someone's day.
And I'll see you again next year - on January 6th.

x

What to buy a 6 year old girl for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0000

So yesterday I was your own personal toy consultant and revealed what you should (and shouldn't) be buying your 9 year old boy for Christmas.
Today it's the girls' turn.

We've tested/pulled apart/jumped on loads and loads of toys as part of the Toys R Us Toyologist programme and also just through items sent to this blog.
And now I'm going to share with you the best - and the worst - to make that Christmas shop a liiiitle easier.
So, in no particular order:

Barbie Fashionista, £19.99 each
★★★★★
Oh god. She sheds glitter and has the most annoying, repetitive song ever.
Barbie is now, it seems, a fashionista. A fashion, fashion, fashionista.
And when you press a star on her tummy, she sings this song. Over and over and over and over.
Plus did I mention that she's wearing glittery clothes . . . yes, I'm really enjoying that scattered everywhere around the house! Mia loves her though. We've come to blows over this toy.

Hello Kitty Vanity Case, £19.99
★★★★★
An impressive looking case with a light up vanity mirror when you open it up.
There's lots of things for you to worry about ending up all over your bedding inside: lipgloss, eyeshadow, blusher, brushes, nail varnish, hair bobbles, hair clips, a comb.
BUT the plastic moulding which holds the items in place is nigh on impossible for a child to get the stuff out on their own. I had to employ the use of a knife to prise the body glitter tubes out.
Rather on the expensive side I thought, but then I guess you're paying for the brand.

Gasdon Ironing Board/Dyson Ball Vacuum, £19.99 each
★★★★★
How do I say this without sounding too harsh? Utter rubbish.
Honestly, if I'd paid that much money for either of these toys I would have been marching right back to that shop with an angry face on.
The ironing board couldn't be built because one of the parts was too darn fiddly to attach, and even when we improvised it was really poorly built and felt cheap.
The vacuum was OK, but not £20 worth. Especially as the darn thing never stands up.
Not at all impressed. Even if Mia vacuumed the whole house enthusiastically.

California Dream House, £99.99

★★★★★
Awfully expensive for a heap of plastic. Maybe I'm being a bit unfair, as it is a nice pad for Barbie and her crew with it's 7 rooms and 'star gazer balcony'.
But like I said, £100 . . .

Teacup Piggies, £14.99
★★★★★
I mean come on, what will they think of next?
This is a talking pig in a teacup. But my 6 year old thinks it's marvellous!
Not so sure about the phrases: "Hi, my name is Copper and I love the beach"and "I want to go for a ride in my limo" but it is actually rather cute.
The teacup was abandoned after just one day and at nearly £15 I think it's quite expensive. Also be warned, there are clothes and a limo (?!) to buy in this range, so the threat of pester power is great!

Moon Sand Candy Factory, £14.99
★★★★★
SCREAM
I am a bad mother for I cannot abide this stuff.
So we gave it to the school to test out for us and the kids all loved it.
Moon Sand is strange stuff. It looks like sand and has the texture of soft brown sugar I guess but moulds really easily and doesn't leave a gross smell on your fingers like say PlayDoh. Plus you can use it over and over again as it doesn't dry out
It's easy enough to clear up I guess. But urgh.
Squidgy moudable fun.
Disappointing that there are only two colours of sand (on the box front it shows three) though.
Great way to get creative - just make sure you prepare for a mess!

Paper Jamz Pro Mic, £29.99
★★★★★
If you can bear the noise and the terrible showmanship, this is a great gift.

It's essentially a karaoke machine. No no, wait don't run for the hills!
It is in fact made of plastic, not paper, and comes with a small amp with touch sensitive buttons.
And it has lots of built-in features to make you sound 'like a star'. Mia wanted to sound like Abba.
The sound quality is surprisingly good for such a small thing and can be carried around on your person for maximum in-house flexibility!
You can also connect to the computer and download more tunes (as the ones it comes with I'd never actually heard of).

Nail Art Activity Pack, £5.99
★★★★★
For £6 you get nail varnishes, a nail file, temporary tattoos and a whole bunch of gems and holographic strips to adorn your nails with - manna from heaven for a little girl!
Mia and a friend whipped the lot out and spent an hour adorning their fingers and toes with the stuff - and there wasn't even that much mess. SCORE.
There are no instructions on how to apply the tattoos/holographic strips but it's easy enough to make up as you go along

A cracking present idea.

Singamajigs, £9.99 each
★★★★★
Pointless, annoying and slightly creepy. But strangely addictive.

Playmobil, £various
We've built and played with many sets. Here is our guide to which ones to opt for.

You can see many more reviews from myself and other parents on the Toys R Us Toybox - a one-stop shop for loads and loads of honest toy reviews.

Happy shopping!

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What to buy an 9 year old boy for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Cain) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

So you stand in Toys R Us and are faced with wall upon wall of stuff, tear your hair out, spend an hour walking around like a zombie, swear to never step foot in the shop again, spend an hour looking at one game . . .
Or is that just me?

Anyway, these things are always infinitely easier if you have some idea of what you're looking for in the first place.
You want your mate down the road to say 'I've bought this and it's brilliant'. Or 'I've bought this and it sucks/wasn't worth the money/broke the minute it came out of the wrapping'.
So today, I'm being your mate.

This year we have been part of the Toys R Us Toyologist programme. Which basically means my kids had the amazing opportunity to test toys. Lots and lots of toys.
We gave some away, donated to the school, roped friends in, but essentially I have a lot of info on what you should - and shouldn't - be buying this year.

So, in no particular order here is what boys will want/be disappointed in this year.

Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber, £39.99
Trust me, we are BIG Star Wars fans in this house. So when this arrived we jumped around a little bit. Yes, yes OK, I did too.
But we found it a bit of a let down. I mean it didn't lop anyone's limb off. And we tried and tried.
Great sound effects and brilliant in the dark, but for the price, well, I didn't want my boy to put it in his wardrobe and leave it there after half an hour of play.
★★★★★

Nerf Vortex Vigilon Blaster, £14.99
Ah Nerf, how you are very much loved in this house!
Only this one is different. This one doesn't have the 'bullets' (ie long, thin orange missiles) we're used to. This one has flat, green discs which, oh my goodness, you can fire even further!
BUT it only holds 5 discs. In fact the blaster only comes with 5 discs included in the box which is woefully inadequate, meaning you end up having to buy additional 'bullets'.
Plus you can pretty much guarantee that those first 5 discs get lost within 15 minutes of playing.
And when you're playing Nerf wars, this is BAD.
A minor disappointment it seems as all his friends are asking for one this Christmas!
★★★★★

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks, £29.99 (starter pack)
Just genius. Now you can put your Hot Wheels tracks ON THE WALL.
Don't go into a tizzy just yet mums and dads, it comes with snazzy strips designed to go on your wall without damaging your paint job.
These are fab fun. It is worth pointing out that you really should read the instructions first however, and not put them on a wall that's too small and have to start again . . . *ahem*.
Great fun, and not a bank breaker at £30 for the starter set.
★★★★★

Smelli Gelli, £4.99
Hell if you're a parent, heaven if you're a kid.
It's basically a packet of foul-smelling crystals that you add to their bath to make the water turn to jelly.
I wanted to hate it but my kids think it's the most wonderful invention in the whole wide world.
Be careful how much water you put in the bath or your goo will be too runny. And fear ye not, you get another packet to 'disolve' the goo once you're finished.
Also, they'll need to get out the bath and have a shower to get the goo off!
But this is a great little present and a perfect stocking filler.
★★★★★

Fyrflyz, £7.99
SUCH a simple toy, but my boy just loves it.
Two different coloured LED lights on either end of a small paddle of plastic which is in turn attached to two lengths of string and you spin them around to make a light show.
Dan loves it so much he's insisting we buy his best friend one for Christmas.
It's such a simple idea (two lights on a plastic paddle which you spin around to make a fabulous light show.
If you can get passed the fact that they spell the name WRONG, it's a great stocking filler.
★★★★★

Children’s World Map puzzleball, £19.99
Educational, a bit of a challenge and it builds in to a great globe to keep on your bedside table.
It's a 3D jigsaw with numbers on the reverse of each of the hard plastic pieces.
Excellent product - but definitely one for ages 8 and over if they want to complete on their own.
★★★★★

Light Strike, £Various
Being big fans of Nerf guns in this house, we were a bit 'what? A pretender to the Nerf crown? Really?
These guns are basically laser quest at home. So no bullets. No someone firing a missile at your head. Or your bum as you bend over to empty the dishwasher.
These guns use light. And so it's brilliant fun if you turn the lights off and play in the dark.
Trouble is they work out very expensive. Our basic gun was around £40 but then there a whole heap of accessories you can add on (Scope, Rapid Fire System etc at £9.99 each) all of which bump the price right up.
Also, the included targets are a bit rubbish so you end up wanting to buy the target vest too, but that right there is yet another expense.
A great toy, but can be costly.
★★★★★

Lego, £various
★★★★★
Any of it, frankly. Every boy should have a stash of Lego under their bed.

Skylanders, £49.99
★★★★★
This game for the Wii, Xbox or Playstation3 is apparently a 'must have' toy for many youngsters this Christmas - and judging by the number of Dan's friends who have it on their list, I'm guessing those in the know have got it right.
The Skylanders are basically plastic characters that come to life. Or at least, you pop them on the Portal of Power and they 'leap' into the computer game.
Unfortunately there are 30 characters to collect . . .
Dan has had his for about 3 months now and his love of it shows no signs of diminishing. In fact he has some character called Voodood on his Christmas list . . . ,
The mind boggles.

You can see many more reviews from myself and other parents on the Toys R Us Toybox - a one-stop shop for loads and loads of honest toy reviews.

Happy shopping!

TOMORROW: What to buy a 6 year old girl. In which I slate lots of stuff!
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