Mama B's Activity

Mama B posted an entry

2011-11-06T11:01:43Z

It's sunday morning and I should be mooching around the vide-greniers sifting through people's cast offs looking for my latest find but what am I doing? Sitting in my PJ's listening to the rain beating down and wondering whether it is too early to get the wood burner going. Living in Dubai, just the thought of all the above would give me shivers of pleasure but having had 2 consecutive days/nights of downpour with flooding, mmmm not quite what I pictured.

For the second night, Sheba, our german shepherd, served as my alarm to problems looming and for the second time I found myself wading through our downstairs hall and laundry room in my wellies. You see the rain has been so intense that the ground just cannot absorb it quick enough. Yesterday when I was hoping for a sleep in, I found myself at 5.30am trying to stop the water that was gushing through the wall and with the innovation of my trusty gardener who heard my cries of help, plus an old water bottle and hose pipe, we managed to divert the flow out into the yard. A couple of hours later and a lot of brushing (team effort, well done teens, I know it was alien to you both being up at that time!) we managed to push all the water out of our living space with relatively little damage. After being warned by a friend that last night it was expected double the rain flow, I was quite anxious going to bed and had to keep checking the basin outside that had caused the problem. Finally fatigue took over and I crashed at 12. At 2.45am Sheba alerted me again and it was a case of deja vu.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-10-15T21:48:52Z

It's been a long time coming but finally today our chickens have arrived. After a brief conversation with my ever helpful gardener and a trip to the co-op this morning I would like to introduce you to them;

We even had two eggs today, how cool is that

A very content,

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-09-09T13:05:58Z

Well an overhaul and MOT.

After a great summer that absolutely flew by, hubby is now back in Nigeria and the children are back to school, 'la rentree'. I can't believe that we have been here a full year, it was so hectic and at times incredibly stressful that it seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. First day of school was a breeze (my god what a difference a year makes), we had no tears and all of them are happy with their designated teachers/classes. The Tweenies are progressing leaps and bounds with their french and both profess to understand 'everything' that the teacher is saying which I have to say is a huge relief.

I'm starting the new school year with resolutions in hand and have committed to a healthier lifestyle, to learn french with no excuses, get my house in order and get back to bloggin, which I miss terribly, it has just been really hard to get started again.

Monday after school drop off, I made a list all those niggly little jobs that are a pain in the ass and which I have been putting off forever. I also decided to give myself a full MOT, the car gets one every 0000's kilometres so I think I need one too. I realized during this process how I have regressed in both my knowledge and confidence speaking french but there was no other way to make the appointments and phone calls so I jumped in with both feet.

As I write, I have already been to the GP for the general nod of approval, blood pressure a bit low but no big deal, blood tests are done, just need to pick up the results now. Today was my appointment with the gynaecologist, always fun! I remember in Cyprus going for a check up and being asked to remove all my clothing from my bottom half and cover with the cloth provided. Only problem was that it was the size of a face wash-cloth so I didn't know whether to cover my face or my pubic area, very embarrassing. Well ladies in france it's a little different, you have to remove EVERYTHING, yep stark naked is how they do it here, now I'm not really a shy person but it was a little odd standing with nothing on but my bracelets on whilst the doctor chatted away wondering why I chose Grasse as a place to live! Although the conversation switched to english very quickly, we did have a few problems with understanding each other at the beginning, when I told her I have 5 children she said to me "did you have a mistake", which although I understand some people consider 5 children excessive, I thought that question was a little on the personal side, bless her she meant did I have a miscarriage. Between my crap french and her rusty english it must have been hilarious to listen in.

I've also started on my healthy lifestyle regime and the south beach diet which I think is a good thing as the 4yr old daughter of a friend of mine patted my stomach yesterday and asked if I had a baby in there. When I told her no I didn't she said well it's really fat - there is nothing more charming that the innocence and honesty of a child!

So kisses to you all, I'm so happy to have made such a fabulous new start.

Bon weekend!

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-19T08:37:00Z

I'm so excited, today I am off to Paris with a friend for 3 days! The children are at home with PapaB , and the grandparents so I leave with peace of mind that all will be well.

What am I going to do? That is one of the most exciting things, I have absolutely no plans whatsoever we will do whatever takes our fancy; museums, markets, people watching , shopping and walking, Paris is one of my favourite cities to walk. The weather is on our side with temperatures expected to be in the mid twenties for the duration of our stay.

So until Friday, have a great week.

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-18T12:11:00Z

Forewarned is forearmed as they say so I just want to give all of you a heads up if you are planning a trip to France.

When you pick up your hire car or if you have just arrived to live in France, your car, the very first thing you really, really must know is how to operate your radio if you have young children in the car with you. I don't just mean turning it on and off, no, what I mean is that you must know how to change channels, mute and be able to turn it off without having to take your eyes off the road.

Now you may be wondering why ..... I'll tell you, the radio here is hardcore so if you are fluent in French you will be able to follow the morning shows which often go into explicit detail about such things as orgasms and certain body parts which I'm sure you would prefer to shelter young ears from. I'm not a prude about these things, I just wouldn't like an inquisition from my 7yr olds on the way to school in the morning, thank god their french is not that good yet. It does however get a few smirks from my teenagers!

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-16T14:15:38Z

At a recent vide-grenier, I picked up this terracotta lamp base which at €3, I decided was too good an opportunity to miss.

I know it's not very pretty but I was sure that I could revive it.

Mama B posted something

2011-04-16T12:57:48Z

Mama B posted something

2011-04-16T12:56:13Z

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-15T19:39:27Z

kitchen garden, potager or whatever you call it, finally, mine are up and running, come and take a look;

Bon weekend to you all

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-14T20:23:08Z

It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived
Anon

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-13T20:30:42Z

As I walked out into the garden this morning I absent mindedly said, "I love the gardener" and my smarty pants 7yr old chirped up "Mummy does that means you want to marry him?"

I was just so excited - you know the saying 'third time lucky'? Well today is my lucky day, after a couple of experiences with 'so' called gardeners, I have finally stumbled upon a gem courtesy of my husband, who met a guy at a party in Africa, who's father lives in Roquefort Le Pin(village close to Grasse) ..... and to cut a long story short, I have a new gardener who is full of enthusiasm, extremely pro-active and is beginning to encourage me outdoors.

Of course after my sand pit in the desert, it was gorgeous before but we wanted to open up the entrance to make it more inviting and although it is a work in progress, you can see what a dramatic effect removing the fence has had, oh and wait until you see what the gardener has done with it ....

Mama B posted something

2011-04-13T18:52:08Z

Mama B posted something

2011-04-13T18:41:40Z

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-12T20:37:07Z

We are about to celebrate our 19th 'first date' anniversary and PapaB announced the other day that he would like to buy me an iPad2!

I'm a bit of a country bumpkin at heart, especially when it comes to gadgets, so although I'm sure it is a super gift, the first thought that ran through my head was 'what the heck is an iPad2?' A quick Google search followed up by a trip today to meet the said iPad2, have brought me up to speed and I have to say it is pretty cool but will I use it, really use it I mean?

If I'm out and about shopping, trocing, visiting vide-greniers, exploring the local sights would I use this wonderful gadget? At home will it replace my laptop?

What do you think, does MamaB need an iPad2?

Mama B is now following Raised In Cotton~Carol

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-07T13:28:09Z

We all have different tastes and our homes are where we express ourselves the best. I also think that taste, evolves as we grow and it is constantly metamorphosing as we change even if it’s only in minute detail.

When you walk into someone’s home for the first time, you can learn a lot about this person just by observing the surroundings. If it’s messy and chaotic or without character/personality it makes me think that something is going on with this person, not always a bad something but something never the less. If it’s full of character and personality it tells me that so is the person it belongs to. If a kitchen is homey with constant activity, I flag it, as this is a place that I would definitely like to be in and we probably have a lot in common!

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-05T09:51:32Z

A good morning to you all, it's a gorgeous spring day with temperatures already up to 14 degrees and life is good but, I need your help with a decision ....

I recently bought this gorgeous nest of tables from the local thrift shop. I have been looking for a couple of months for something to put in the TV room for when the children have a treat and watch a movie whilst munching away at their lunch so and these caught my eye as the wood is solid and I love the shape of the legs. I did notice a couple of holes dotted around and made a mental note that they probably would need a woodworm treatment but not easily scared, this didn't put me off. I paid my €25 euros and rushed to the local hardware store to get some product. After a quick google translate, I bought 'Durcisseur bois vemoulus' and headed home to get started.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-04-03T19:55:55Z

Happy Mother's day!

I know we have had the Lebanese one already, it's the Brits turn today and Fête des Mères is on June 7th.

So in theory I could get three bouquets
but in practice ..... I'm still waiting.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-29T20:25:00Z

People of different religions and cultures live side by side in almost every part of the world... We can reach out and love what we are, without hating what we are not. We can thrive in our own tradition, even as we learn from others, and come to respect their teachings. - Kofi Annan

Mama B is now following provenceproperties

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-28T10:52:03Z

Happy Monday, hope you had a fantastic weekend. I took my espresso and my camera into the garden this morning to capture the blooms that are bursting from their wintery sleep.

MamaB

Mama B posted something

2011-03-27T21:51:28Z

Mama B posted something

2011-03-27T21:48:03Z

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-27T16:41:14Z

When my husband and I married 17 years ago, we had a lot of people mumbling in the background that it will never last, even people we thought were our friends had doubts. My father in law disowned his son and his family were torn apart by our union.

I remember as a little girl, aunties whispering in the kitchen over a cup of tea that so and so’s marriage would never last. The mixed marriage they were talking of was two people from the same town, raised under the same conditions but protestant vs. catholic!

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-27T00:24:15Z

Hey thanks for stopping by, I would love to hear your comments so if you have a moment please drop me a line.

MamaB X

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-25T22:13:39Z

Don't panic I don't mean literally! Today was my 2nd mosaic class.

I love to learn new things and when my dear friend encouraged me to give it a try, I thought why not. During the 4 years I spent in Cyprus, I joined a local group of artists in a gorgeous antiquated studio in Limassol. It was my cappuccino pal who introduced me and I have to say at first I was really skeptical as I thought I wasn't very artistic but with the help of a fantastic teacher, a little faith and the encouragement of my friend, I produced several artworks which I am really proud of.

I found it quite difficult adjusting to life in Cyprus, it's not easy starting over in a new country and although the job which my husband accepted was a good one, I went with my feet dragging leaving friends and a life I loved behind. As it turned out, my twice a week trip to art class was my saviour. I made new friends and I was doing something for myself which was liberating, you mum's out there will know what I mean when I say that.

I'm expecting mosaic class will do the same for me with the added benefit of being French which hopefully will improve mine! In the initial class, I learnt how to create the form of a sculpture, I love the shape of hearts so decided to make a 3D chunky one.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-23T23:48:16Z

We are all getting high tonight as the house is rife with fumes from the sealants used for the tiles in the en-suite. I've thrown all the windows open to try and shift the smell but it is just lingering. I'm not lighting any candles tonight because I think it's a highly infammable situation! God knows how addicts can sniff glue because all it's giving me is a horrible taste in my mouth and a headache. Yes I know I'm moaning but I can ........sometimes and I promise to keep it short!

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-23T12:48:53Z

Mama B posted something

2011-03-23T12:06:55Z

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-19T20:03:29Z

Have a great weekend!

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-18T20:49:25Z

Do you remember during my last few weeks in Dubai I declared that I would never again buy another new piece of furniture?

Well being here in France with all the wonderful shops full of old furniture, is not only making it easy for me to stick to this self imposed way of living but it makes it oh so pleasureable. I hadn't realized quite how satisfying the whole process would be. I just love routing in the Trocs, which are huge warehouses of the most amazing pieces of furniture, it's like a rescue centre for furniture that has fallen out of favour with it's owner or perhaps being part of a house clearance for one reason or another. I have found huge dressers intricately carved and I can't help but think to myself what was the story? The furniture seems to move quickly so I track it through the website and visit at least once a week. I have a wonderful friend who comes with me and keeps me in check because I can just hear all the furniture calling, pleading, "take me home with you"!

This gorgeous pedestal table caught my eye a few weeks ago and I have always fancied a table in the hall so, I tried it for size and then got to work removing the varnish, rubbing it down and painting it.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-18T09:10:59Z

And I love it! Thanks for your comments and to answer your questions, yesterday I bought this little shabby but tres chic, candleabra

but I have bought some other spectacular pieces over the past couple of months do you want to see them?

MamaB

Mama B posted something

2011-03-18T08:53:46Z

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-17T21:02:38Z

After a particularly grueling french lesson, I decided to treat myself with a trip around the local brocantes.

There seems to be nothing that the French like more than a good rummage through someone else's cast off's and they seem to cater for all tastes and pockets. So I was just getting into character.

Grasse is a typical french town where you can find brocantes, antique and for the want of a better description, charity shops.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-16T21:54:48Z

I have this longing to get the interior decorating started. I know I have to be patient and that we are doing fantastically well with all the changes but I am desperate to walk into my home to see beautifully painted walls and doors in hues of whites and greys.

Mama B is now following Francoise O'Neill

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-12T10:27:28Z

"I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear of falling... I choose to inhabit my days, to allow my living to open me, to make me less afraid, more accessible, to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise. I choose to live so that which comes to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which comes to me as blossom, goes on as fruit." from The open mind

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-12T08:49:00Z

My blog was reviewed by 'A Taste of Garlic', turns out it was last summer but what the heck! It must have been during one of the many internet blackouts I had in the summer. I thought I would share it with you

http://www.atasteofgarlic.com/provence-alpes-cote-dazur/live-love-conquer/

I can't tell you how lovely it is to know that I'm not just rambling away to myself but it's actually getting noticed.

Mama B posted something

2011-03-12T08:27:43Z

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-11T17:46:57Z

It's amazing how spending the day exploring a new place can feel like you've had a little holiday, I guess it's the break in routine and getting away from it all even if it's just for the day that makes all the difference.

We didn't actually set out to visit Tourtour, it was recommended by a lovely old French gentleman whom we met whilst fixing TweenieB's glasses in nearby Draguignan. So after a delicious pizza in an unimpressive restaurant in the square, we set off.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-10T21:10:28Z

Today I actually called the optician and made an appointment ALL in French. However crap my French was, you can't imagine the progress that has been made! I actually feel quite proud of myself and totally thankful to the wonderfully patient receptionist who endured the conversation through a multitude of grammatical errors and certain faux pas!

As far as I am understand, I have an appointment on the 5th April at 5pm - wow!

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-10T15:29:10Z

Inspired by an invitation from www.travelavenue.com

"I am very happy to tell you that our editorial team has selected your blog to be a part of our program "Travelavenue favorite blog 2011"

This year, we want to reward the work of bloggers who provide the travel community with a different perspective on destinations. We really liked your vision of travel."

for the blog to be part of their favourite blog 2011, I have decided to add a new category entitled 'Out & About' whether you are an active traveller looking for suggestions of where to visit or an armchair traveller looking to get lost in another world, I will be donning my explorers hat, loading the car with whomever I can persuade to share the journey and camera in hand, I intend to blog my way through picturesque villages, towns and place of interest.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-02T16:53:18Z

Hello my lovlies,

I wanted to share with you a little project that I have just finished involving Decopatch. Until a visit to Galerie Lafayette during christmas, I had never heard of this little craze that is going on but I was really impressed by the demonstration which showed the creative possibilities.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-03-02T13:48:33Z

It was a glorious day and once we had gone through the palava (Jaime Oliver's favourite word!) of getting all the gear on, it was off for some fun in the snow before the lessons began.

As you can see it was a family affair, even our friends dog came along for a play.

I counted it as a blessing that we could pull up outside the ski school to park as everything else was a bit of a job, well at least I thought so.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-02-28T14:14:11Z

I'm being very daring, I returned from the supermarket today with a rabbit, not a cute fluffy tailed pet but a skinned ready to cook one. I've seen them a couple of times on the supermarket shelf but haven't had the courage to buy one until today.

After a quick google search, the said rabbit has now been browned and is simmering over a low heat with some root vegetables, seasoning, provencal herbs and of course wine. It smells delicious, let's see if it has a taste to match. The children are aware that we are having rabbit for dinner today but to make it more palatable I've removed the head!

Anyone had rabbit before?

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-02-26T10:05:56Z

Please give me hope that out there in the world there are super plumbers that match the professionalism of our electrician and builder because I just haven't found mine yet!

It was a sign, which I looked in the face and then ignored, when he removed our last remaining bathroom just days before we arrived here last July, he said that he 'forgot' that this bathroom had to stay, it obviously didn't occur to him that 7 people were about to arrive with no facilities! The removal of all bathrooms was the trigger of all our issues going forward.

Mama B posted something

2011-02-25T15:48:26Z

Mama B posted an entry

2011-02-21T16:59:08Z

What a gorgeous day it is today, we have blue blue skies and the sun is out casting a light which after the recent rains seems to enhance the colour and detail of everything it touches. As usual I have one child down, fast asleep on the sofa fighting a fever. I seem to be cursed with sick kids in the holidays but since her brother had it for only 24hrs I'm hoping that we will be 100% ready to go tomorrow.

Not being a skier myself and still trying to feel my way around the area, I am quite pleased that I have finally booked ski lessons for the children this week. It's all you hear people talking about at the moment and it sounds so wonderful. The mountains are full of snow and the forecast is fantastic with sunshine and a maximum of 9 degrees. I'm apprehensive about the drive up to the resort as it's always a bit scary on the winding roads, the views are spectacular but the drops are just down right scary. I have snow chains but have absolutely no idea how to fit them so I'm hoping that the roads will be clear! Luckilyon Wednesday I will be going with parents from the Tweenies school so I'll make sure that I learn all I can from them before going it alone later on in the week.

Mama B posted an entry

2011-02-01T15:30:37Z

Happy 15th Birthday LollieB!

MamaB

Mama B posted an entry

2011-01-31T20:25:08Z

It's a very busy week for birthdays this week. Happy Birthday to Ella, Jad and Bilal who have all had birthdays. The Tweenies turned 7 yesterday and we seem to have had a long week of celebrating this special day. Friday each Tweenie took 2 cakes to share with their class, they insisted on banana cake, which I have to say is extremely yummy but not fancied by most of their classmates! Nevermind, we did have fun making them, oh and of course licking the spoons. At the weekend they had their very first sleepover party and invited a set of twins from their new school, it went marvelously and they had a blast. Last but not least was their big day yesterday which was quite a chilled out affair at home - the Mario Cart went down extremely well.

The Tweenies then and now .....

MamaB