tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7109326274276568162024-03-13T21:48:06.778-07:00Caffeine, Cuddles & CardioAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-6545616457128827322015-04-23T13:04:00.001-07:002015-04-23T13:04:10.997-07:00This Blog Has Moved!Thank you so much for coming to read my posts. As many of you know my blog has moved and can now be found at:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Caffeine, Cuddles & Cardio</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.caffeinecuddlescardio.com/">www.caffeinecuddlescardio.com</a></div>
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See you there with a whole new look and plenty of blog posts to come! :)<br />
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xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-46775979574587549872015-04-03T05:04:00.001-07:002015-04-03T05:04:44.584-07:00Brows, Hot Chip and a Quote From Arnie #littlelovesHello! Another week has gone by quickly and what do you know? Easter is very nearly here! Francis broke up from school yesterday so we are now into holiday mode! I must admit, it is a relief to me to have him on school holiday as it means I don't have to rush in the morning, which has well and truly become a pet peeve (I know, I know, grow up! But I can't ;) ) So here are this week's little loves:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;">Read</span></b><br />
Sorry to be boring...but I was once again caught (when ever I could this week) with my nose in the <i>WordPress for Dummies</i> book. I really like its easy to follow chapters and tips but I don't think I'm anywhere near showcasing my blog as self hosted yet! Fingers crossed I actually get a bit more time this week to put what I'm reading into practice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyakNPHk96vCcL2qgJhgiaV36sbKiQXXlGXxrsilYPqvjZFGcBuHZwap6b-YoGzJH4z3oK_kZQGML6NvuyPg8BYAFk0SwIYuEA02sNjgdsI4gId9uxXTFEecWX1D935OzJuOojBn5Jlw0/s1600/IMAG0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyakNPHk96vCcL2qgJhgiaV36sbKiQXXlGXxrsilYPqvjZFGcBuHZwap6b-YoGzJH4z3oK_kZQGML6NvuyPg8BYAFk0SwIYuEA02sNjgdsI4gId9uxXTFEecWX1D935OzJuOojBn5Jlw0/s1600/IMAG0064.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: large;">Watched</span></b><br />
I got back into <i>Pretty Little Liars</i> this week. I have had to do a bit of a rewind. I think I was up to the end of season 4 but couldn't really remember what happened, so I have started watching season 4 again on Netflix. I LOVE this show. When my sister first recommended it to me I thought it might be a bit young but any show that can hold you in total suspense for 4 seasons is a winner in my book!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqWWnMffrPGbFwW_Oufdyw3pd_h5XKOBn8EyyBz_9FYpwJmjvjY8Y3m4nR1t2SVyxCZc4FCGonDXmRGhTgw10frX3AUYKYX12p4feMtaNA5BLt80gFmrAZJZ47Jn0otOZI2WIATg-RcM/s1600/PLL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqWWnMffrPGbFwW_Oufdyw3pd_h5XKOBn8EyyBz_9FYpwJmjvjY8Y3m4nR1t2SVyxCZc4FCGonDXmRGhTgw10frX3AUYKYX12p4feMtaNA5BLt80gFmrAZJZ47Jn0otOZI2WIATg-RcM/s1600/PLL.jpg" height="96" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><b>Wore</b></span><br />
I went to get my eyebrows done this week at my favourite nearby spa and they finished the look by using some Jane Iredale eyebrow powder! I loved the look, especially since I have sparse light brows and so... I treated myself to the kit! Can't wait to try it out on my own. I hope I don't end up looking like Groucho Marx!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrd6C1MkohsRrOuyTJgsWRQ03P5sjjCPGYGFUcIwyS0pVCDL0TNWDbgGY4hfUgPoUDVks0l-f5WEc8pp7-OQcpfRRh-6coXCLI_fzi50Ku1HqtRoBs9cPMON0WQF8AaLw0HDcVs61iHA/s1600/IMAG0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrd6C1MkohsRrOuyTJgsWRQ03P5sjjCPGYGFUcIwyS0pVCDL0TNWDbgGY4hfUgPoUDVks0l-f5WEc8pp7-OQcpfRRh-6coXCLI_fzi50Ku1HqtRoBs9cPMON0WQF8AaLw0HDcVs61iHA/s1600/IMAG0068.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane Iredale Bitty Brow Kit in Blonde</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">Heard</b><br />
The new Hot Chip single. I love Hot Chip. When we lived in London we saw them at the Bar Fly by accident as they were supporting another band we were there to see. We loved them instantly and would often go to their gigs. I even went to a very small gig of there's for my 25th birthday!! Oh and we saw them when we lived in Dallas, TX too...OK, so I guess you could say we are fans! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkgfDQgG4IaZtdkuDJ5wmlMjP5CAqrhWwanGCCdTrFDUfr0F35EIoiiKz410crsU0zEgEILVLpPn31FfsatVL-kdL9IwGQtjA7hKfo4Be0Cgkz9GaeoBBRxPpCRSI9nJTwkHcn9Mb718/s1600/Hotchip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkgfDQgG4IaZtdkuDJ5wmlMjP5CAqrhWwanGCCdTrFDUfr0F35EIoiiKz410crsU0zEgEILVLpPn31FfsatVL-kdL9IwGQtjA7hKfo4Be0Cgkz9GaeoBBRxPpCRSI9nJTwkHcn9Mb718/s1600/Hotchip.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><b>Made</b></span><br />
Unfortunately, I don't think I made anything worth noting here this week. I have just been getting things ready for Easter and trying to generally get things organised in the house before the Easter break. I haven't even done any baking as the boys did a lot of it in school/nursery and they have already had way too much chocolate (and that's a lot if a chocoholic mum can say so!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6Fnb7irxTdx2MSdf3nfgKDdYlfwi76uBEBD_JSIdjOxLu0X5g5tJYev1cpDDK-GvEjm1fLkfMKZozqFBwXv8WhpCj6f50ucPW409OAdBJSpOBs3Dx1Yvy7yY0spCIzD9teVVQE_5whE/s1600/IMAG0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6Fnb7irxTdx2MSdf3nfgKDdYlfwi76uBEBD_JSIdjOxLu0X5g5tJYev1cpDDK-GvEjm1fLkfMKZozqFBwXv8WhpCj6f50ucPW409OAdBJSpOBs3Dx1Yvy7yY0spCIzD9teVVQE_5whE/s1600/IMAG0069.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Bunny!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b>And Lastly...</b></span><br />
I am hoping to really get my blog sorted out this coming week. I am doing it all on my own and can't imagine the chaos of things <strike>that undoubtedly will go wrong </strike>when it does go live. I am finding it really tricky to blog here whilst working on the new site, so I may not be 100% here this week. But in the infamous words of Arnold Schwarzenegger 'I'll be back!'<br />
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<a href="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/" title="butwhymummywhy"><img alt="butwhymummywhy" src="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/littleloves.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-79215337109186934922015-04-02T07:17:00.002-07:002015-04-02T07:17:44.329-07:00Mummy Needs a Time OutI don't do it often, but when my boys are acting out (usually because they are tired or upset by something they really can't verbalise yet), I put them in time out. Time out is not the 'naughty step' or a 'punishment' really, it is just what it says... <i>a time out</i>. It is time for them to calm down and reflect on what they did wrong or what they didn't do. It is a time to think about whether or not they need to say sorry. It is a time for them to be removed from the situation, take a deep breath and get back into a more positive frame of mind. I personally love the idea of time out.<br />
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Lately, I have found that I'm getting on my husband's case about helping me out (this relates to time outs trust me!). Having said that, he works full time and gets home quite late from work so there isn't too much he can do during the week but I feel like the weekends are where I need help. However, every time I ask him for help he asks 'Ok, what do you need me to do?' and you know what? I very rarely have an answer. Why not? Because you see, I have probably already done everything that needs doing and I have worked myself into a real state doing so. And now, because I don't have a good answer of what I'd like his help with, I get more frustrated and end up saying 'never mind' or 'forget it', which I'm sure confuses my husband to no end.<br />
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So the other day I was on a run and this thought about how I needed a bit of help to gain some me time and feel more relaxed crossed my mind. Running can do this to you...gives you time to think ;) I thought and thought, what could I possibly give my husband to do? He isn't home much during the week and by the weekend most things are done.<br />
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Then it hit me, what is it that I do during the week when he isn't home and I feel like I need help (unfortunately I can't call my family for help as they live in the States and my in-laws are also at least an hour and a half away)? I have a time out! I tell the boys 'Mummy needs a time out'. I leave the room they are in (for a couple minutes only), make a cup of tea, take a few deep breaths, close my eyes for a minute, gain some perspective on whatever is overwhelming me, etc... and when I am done I go back to them and they ask 'Is your time out over?' and I say 'yes' and then we can get on with the day. Although, I won't lie I have had a couple days where more than one time out for mummy was needed! ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dw5TO8Iju-daHOgI78S2KtpW7E5Vx7uBssCsc-FZjB30aa_wmLR_9rqVQGg4ZNHQjZ6jEZZgKV4N67Cb5n1-GMQCOP_-0oG9LUmZVlY69UKZJVyxdNVMrPPQ9sMZrgXxUSd-hLXdtUI/s1600/Time+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dw5TO8Iju-daHOgI78S2KtpW7E5Vx7uBssCsc-FZjB30aa_wmLR_9rqVQGg4ZNHQjZ6jEZZgKV4N67Cb5n1-GMQCOP_-0oG9LUmZVlY69UKZJVyxdNVMrPPQ9sMZrgXxUSd-hLXdtUI/s1600/Time+out.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I got back from my run I told my husband that I'd had a light bulb moment. I said to him, 'when I say I need help, it is not always because I need help with something in particular, it is because I just need a break.' The look on his face said it all. I wasn't pestering him after all, I just needed him to step in so that I could relax for a bit. I think we both felt some relief with this realisation. :)<br />
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Being cheeky, I took things a step further by asking for a spa night away for my birthday! Now that would be a brilliant Mummy Time out! :-) Fingers crossed!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-35416937919487279442015-03-27T06:02:00.001-07:002015-03-27T06:30:27.250-07:00Tech Support, Coffee and Cakes #littlelovesWow! I can't believe that it is already Friday! This has definitely been a week that has flown by, but not for any particular reason. I'm just happy I made it though the week without anything too crazy happening or forgetting money for bake sales and non-uniform days! Phew...success ;)<br />
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So here is how this week went:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Read</span></b><br />
This week I have been slowly venturing into the world of self hosting! Yikes!! I bought the book Wordpress for Dummies and have been really reading through it and using it as a life line. So far so good, although I have already been on the phone and LiveChats with tech support on various websites (am I in over my head?!). This book will be permanently attached to me for the next month or so I imagine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwMD-bTz11SA_soEWYcKVWLm0guvLedulprscQU5bN1erkgtirIT_1IfJxScyFHs9Juq7f2L7xpGJ3tJHvqknPL-v60B-f8UdXnrTboBDrNiD5xJaIes6m8RxkqK-b1ftPzupJgB8Qm0/s1600/IMAG0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwMD-bTz11SA_soEWYcKVWLm0guvLedulprscQU5bN1erkgtirIT_1IfJxScyFHs9Juq7f2L7xpGJ3tJHvqknPL-v60B-f8UdXnrTboBDrNiD5xJaIes6m8RxkqK-b1ftPzupJgB8Qm0/s1600/IMAG0064.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Watched</span></b><br />
Didn't really watch much this week. I have been keeping up with Poldark and Indian Summers on Sunday nights but the rest of the week is pretty poor for TV. I do have to watch the last episode of ITV's Mr. Selfridge on catch up, so looking forward to that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxo-wCu3Cei8BFiOaNssc8LqJPPxbEyCbBml_ifb8LxhbiIhwZvMZBbzjVZv5PdKFiYFT6TwUxqbHBNnvvA3q2CLOpjGv9H6XEdggBcI1_hdgLAFdaOQqGTKdrfa4TD1LcgKSfyG9CsM/s1600/mrselfridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxo-wCu3Cei8BFiOaNssc8LqJPPxbEyCbBml_ifb8LxhbiIhwZvMZBbzjVZv5PdKFiYFT6TwUxqbHBNnvvA3q2CLOpjGv9H6XEdggBcI1_hdgLAFdaOQqGTKdrfa4TD1LcgKSfyG9CsM/s1600/mrselfridge.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Wore</b></span><br />
(Ah...I have had to edit this post as I totally forgot this category! Whoops...too much going on.). This week I worn a lot of my purple Oasis winter coat (from a couple of years ago) as it was absolutely freezing and windy. However, I think I might be in need of a tailor as I have worn a couple buttons right off it and I am not too good with fixing buttons back on! Oops...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8wv2_hwKkQqOGDqkQ3hVZLC7hZmKimSCYH33E94aTrG3mOGaRXz26PmsHziuK3S7OlMdnJzjiRCdwamS7At9jlt-sxOsZkkJ7_jRSgZJoWGtVTkCag1WpBCBGI4obWSr1CrEfr0NURE/s1600/IMAG0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8wv2_hwKkQqOGDqkQ3hVZLC7hZmKimSCYH33E94aTrG3mOGaRXz26PmsHziuK3S7OlMdnJzjiRCdwamS7At9jlt-sxOsZkkJ7_jRSgZJoWGtVTkCag1WpBCBGI4obWSr1CrEfr0NURE/s1600/IMAG0065.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Heard</b><br />
I know that this song is not new but it has been played a lot on the radio this week and it keeps sticking in my head. FourFiveSeconds with Kanye West, Rihanna and Paul McCartney!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IC4unZb5dm2U849SUNuOBCq7SBU81bY-Vv14akxEvC1CLbE5daLLrcxNTuTluVv2b9hIeYU-I0F5olLZv6lxUfopsle5I2ntB9iYQ4T4wlZcPSFoBlhVu4E-Hw3iGvoM_CNSta-mTsg/s1600/45seconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IC4unZb5dm2U849SUNuOBCq7SBU81bY-Vv14akxEvC1CLbE5daLLrcxNTuTluVv2b9hIeYU-I0F5olLZv6lxUfopsle5I2ntB9iYQ4T4wlZcPSFoBlhVu4E-Hw3iGvoM_CNSta-mTsg/s1600/45seconds.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Wikipedia</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">Made</b><br />
As most of you will know, this week I tried Bulletproof Coffee for the first time and am now a massive fan. Just trying to not make it everyday now ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAtZpiW3uG0FPjMynFU7nxk4DIByz1TDRzSemmYP3GiqutlVXw8HdM2Ffl_Wb2yTvkPxD_OJvrImUHRDEBQsbBF5x9b50gWA1_3iNGynBGSp6t30ZTcmZuJeurhX7XOWL0dJx0RcHZ3A/s1600/20150127_093540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAtZpiW3uG0FPjMynFU7nxk4DIByz1TDRzSemmYP3GiqutlVXw8HdM2Ffl_Wb2yTvkPxD_OJvrImUHRDEBQsbBF5x9b50gWA1_3iNGynBGSp6t30ZTcmZuJeurhX7XOWL0dJx0RcHZ3A/s1600/20150127_093540.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also made some cupcakes for the school bun sale. Yummy! Still working on perfecting my frosting technique...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkj5BkcDhWURBoWBmADe6IJeTAY2RRxg5F5ZLYXjIuI-kMIXoy7xHyZYoKvo0bUbzNVd6xA6DJjtqJzv2BXIb8oYxi2d-sqZvYHw4GnBwZ-rw4epl7rB8qs7aQr0D6IHhLvyVIWnS8mk/s1600/IMAG0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkj5BkcDhWURBoWBmADe6IJeTAY2RRxg5F5ZLYXjIuI-kMIXoy7xHyZYoKvo0bUbzNVd6xA6DJjtqJzv2BXIb8oYxi2d-sqZvYHw4GnBwZ-rw4epl7rB8qs7aQr0D6IHhLvyVIWnS8mk/s1600/IMAG0063.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>And Lastly...</b></span><br />
I am on my way to going self hosted! I am not the most technically gifted person in the world and have no idea how long it will take me to get things up and running (and yes I expect plenty of technical glitches once I am) but please bare with me as I work on this<strike> little</strike> project! :)<br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/" title="butwhymummywhy"><img alt="butwhymummywhy" src="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/littleloves.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-41208607192368340912015-03-25T08:29:00.000-07:002015-03-25T08:29:30.881-07:00Coffee...Coffee...Bulletproof Coffee?!Ok, so I think it's pretty safe to say that I love coffee. I love it with just milk, with flavouring, latted, cappuccioed, etc... pretty much anyway. So recently, when I heard about something called Bulletproof Coffee, I was intrigued. But what the heck is it? I mean come on, I have heard all kinds of weird coffees all you have to do is stand in line at a Starbucks in America to get the entire gambit of coffee combos and variations. But Bulletproof, never heard of it.<br />
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So I did some research... it is supposed to be some kind of health kick kind of coffee. I don't know about that really. I'm not so sure on the healthiness of it especially when you are used to drinking coffee with skimmed milk, <i>but</i> I thought I give it a try for the taste of it.;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAtZpiW3uG0FPjMynFU7nxk4DIByz1TDRzSemmYP3GiqutlVXw8HdM2Ffl_Wb2yTvkPxD_OJvrImUHRDEBQsbBF5x9b50gWA1_3iNGynBGSp6t30ZTcmZuJeurhX7XOWL0dJx0RcHZ3A/s1600/20150127_093540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAtZpiW3uG0FPjMynFU7nxk4DIByz1TDRzSemmYP3GiqutlVXw8HdM2Ffl_Wb2yTvkPxD_OJvrImUHRDEBQsbBF5x9b50gWA1_3iNGynBGSp6t30ZTcmZuJeurhX7XOWL0dJx0RcHZ3A/s1600/20150127_093540.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So when I looked up how to make it, there were a small variety of ways but this is the one that best suited me (i.e. the one I had all the ingredients for and sounded the easiest/cheapest!). It is from<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2015/03/crazy-coffee/"> T</a><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2015/03/crazy-coffee/">he Pioneer Woman</a> who has some of the most divine recipes ever, so if she likes it and makes it, I thought, heck it can't be bad, calorie laden maybe but not bad...right?<br />
<br />
Here is the bullet proof coffee recipe:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
12 oz fluid strong coffee very hot<br />
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil, unrefined<br />
1 Tbsp Cold Butter (unsalted is best)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04;">To Make:</span></b><br />
Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until emulsified, roughly 10-15 seconds (it will look like a very creamy coffee).<br />
Pour mixture into a coffee cup and enjoy immediately! (Warm it for 15 seconds in microwave after blending if you like it extra hot as the blending cools it slightly)<br />
<br />
So, what did I think? Oh My Goodness...this stuff is good!! However, this is going to have to be a treat only as it is truly naughty as well as delicious! ;) Love <3 Yum...if you like creamy coffee, give this a try but don't say I didn't warn you (you'll be wanting more!).<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Have you ever tried bulletproof coffee? What did you think? </span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">xx</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-12651015151173654742015-03-23T03:35:00.001-07:002015-03-23T03:35:44.586-07:00Cuddles NeededDespite having some fun plans for the weekend (after all the mice will play when Daddy's away!), we actually didn't move very much further than from bed to couch this weekend. My youngest woke up shortly after Daddy left for his hike on Sat morning at 4am! He was feeling a bit warm and things only progressed for the worse from there. He ended up with a pretty high fever and was sick several times through out the day.<br />
<br />
I always feel horrible when my boys are sick because even though I can cuddle them, clean them and rub their backs, etc... I just can't make the sick go away. :-( My little Dylan is usually very up beat, out going and full of life, but this weekend all he wanted were cuddles and for Mummy to hold him. He was a pretty ill little man.<br />
<br />
So with a lot of cuddles and a little calpol we have our fingers crossed that he will be back to his usual cheery self this week.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSqEHGoImhQp-h-x0zSKcnMlfENT4T9YiOPLiCTUb820mfz3_LaKwtlyzO0B5v5m61YXjMXYbUa7xfgM1wM3XW6GCDGHJwwiJWj64G1r0TbRO4bexiM46U7svwg-Fwp4-ERn-xCxikWw/s1600/IMAG0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSqEHGoImhQp-h-x0zSKcnMlfENT4T9YiOPLiCTUb820mfz3_LaKwtlyzO0B5v5m61YXjMXYbUa7xfgM1wM3XW6GCDGHJwwiJWj64G1r0TbRO4bexiM46U7svwg-Fwp4-ERn-xCxikWw/s1600/IMAG0061.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here he is today still warm and bright cheeked.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-71520633038046838022015-03-20T06:20:00.000-07:002015-03-20T06:20:02.555-07:00Eclipse, Rice Pudding and Bright Blusher! #littlelovesAnother week has gone by quite quickly. After the challenging start to this week though, I am glad. I hate saying that because it seems as though I am wishing the week away and I definitely don't want to wish any time away, but when you have a tough day or week, it is so easy to wish for the weekend! ;)<br />
<br />
So here are my little loves this week:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Read</span></b><br />
This week I finished the second in the Stephanie Plum series and moved on to the third book. So far so good and pretty funny as well. I did try to buy a couple of books this week but went to a small book shop in town and they didn't have them in, so I will have to wait on those for now. Admittedly, it is pretty rare when I actually buy a book these days as I am so in love with my Kindle (so handy!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0hdJNU3z6dfhgOYZ5MF2b14hNVM_d8Qi9NpRGu269xPHoiJwaUgNF21hNOCTEOJv7Lh6G_2ICux2Qd0AXJtLMFH9bBHWMbD2Mqz4SR0u9gURt3Vnn-VeA83LFLgYs4tWbUbK6hnIa7U/s1600/IMAG0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0hdJNU3z6dfhgOYZ5MF2b14hNVM_d8Qi9NpRGu269xPHoiJwaUgNF21hNOCTEOJv7Lh6G_2ICux2Qd0AXJtLMFH9bBHWMbD2Mqz4SR0u9gURt3Vnn-VeA83LFLgYs4tWbUbK6hnIa7U/s1600/IMAG0059.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Watched</span></b><br />
It may seem like an obvious answer but today I watched the eclipse! I didn't look directly at the sun but I did watch all the clouds and the sky turn darker than usual. I don't think it was exactly what I expected, as I thought it would go pitch black (like night) when the eclipse happened but it just looked a bit ominous like there was a storm coming. My husband took his camera out with him on his journey to work this morning so he might be able to show me some nice photos of it all.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3Juz1fcYnAawL1P7hyphenhyphenWvVb5KrLuhbVJT1uaaTef5hkYGsYq-dsSvjQdHErG4BugTHCyYmk6RZcDFB0IM3LaUGo51n_BkPYDH-2cMT5VsAH9FJ2MJBPQaKW65o6nuXyX7-yn0bjpBdUU/s1600/eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3Juz1fcYnAawL1P7hyphenhyphenWvVb5KrLuhbVJT1uaaTef5hkYGsYq-dsSvjQdHErG4BugTHCyYmk6RZcDFB0IM3LaUGo51n_BkPYDH-2cMT5VsAH9FJ2MJBPQaKW65o6nuXyX7-yn0bjpBdUU/s1600/eclipse.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo off Wikipedia </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">Wore</b><br />
I ran out of blusher this week and being desperate for some to brighten my ever pasty complexion I opted to make a quick trip to Boots and pick up Bourjois blusher in Rose de Jaspe. It smells lovely and is so pretty to look at in the container but WOW use a light handed approach when putting this on! My last blusher you really had to cake your brush with it to even notice a difference. This morning I very nearly left the house looking like a clown!! Once I toned it down, it was very pretty! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1hmF160w8EFpDGFFZkp78c7nb7w4E08MWLZrIFBxdWafWTZlGRVyAcWonmP47FEbjcaLibNRfPnJStE2ey2LlzUGxvU81UMHT9sZI_MexgUSrWb7GFjXxG2_zxHcaLxg5ia_bTD6YHo/s1600/IMAG0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1hmF160w8EFpDGFFZkp78c7nb7w4E08MWLZrIFBxdWafWTZlGRVyAcWonmP47FEbjcaLibNRfPnJStE2ey2LlzUGxvU81UMHT9sZI_MexgUSrWb7GFjXxG2_zxHcaLxg5ia_bTD6YHo/s1600/IMAG0058.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>Heard</b></span><br />
Annie Mac take over Zane Lowe's position as the evening DJ on Radio 1. I very rarely listen to the radio at that time of night, but I do on Thursdays when I drive to and from running club. I really liked Zane Lowe and was surprised to hear that he was leaving and then left. I like Annie Mac and so far I think she is doing alright, still finding her feet probably but so far so good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNwL-omc31_U9SQn_2F8I_8f82co7BA9XqZtKTj9yd20RlAdOco15ixhyphenhyphenehnAp5CdXKrsbgFwcOl3GteEO5dgI1oeH9EII4j1tvoEme1MzvvlqFdGuk10pFF86PbnOKWHbpGLW8WGriQ/s1600/anniemac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNwL-omc31_U9SQn_2F8I_8f82co7BA9XqZtKTj9yd20RlAdOco15ixhyphenhyphenehnAp5CdXKrsbgFwcOl3GteEO5dgI1oeH9EII4j1tvoEme1MzvvlqFdGuk10pFF86PbnOKWHbpGLW8WGriQ/s1600/anniemac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from BBC Radio 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Made</span></b><br />
Yesterday I quickly made up a lovely rice pudding with some left over rice we had from one of our meals during the week. I didn't want to waste the rice and the boys love rice pudding so I fired up the hob and got making it! I haven't had any of it though as I'm trying to be careful with my sweet intake these days but it has been gobbled down by the boys with no trouble!<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>And lastly...</b></span><br />
It is that time of year again. Time to vote for your favourite blogs to be nominated for a BiB Award. I would love to be nominated but the main thing is that you vote as there are so many fantastic blogs and bloggers out there that really need to be recognized. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.britmums.com/awards/" title="BritMums"><img alt="BritMums" src="http://www.britmums.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BiB2015x350nomwriter.png" height="150" style="border: none;" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/" title="butwhymummywhy"><img alt="butwhymummywhy" src="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/littleloves.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-41733552098665277042015-03-19T07:46:00.003-07:002015-03-19T07:46:53.934-07:00A New Workout ScheduleSo this week I have begun with a new self-made workout schedule. As you might remember, before Christmas I stopped working with my personal trainer for various reasons and then I was ill and was unable to workout. However, I'm happy to say that for a few weeks now I have been back to working out but this time, it has been slightly different. Due to gym opening times, school run times and my husband's work schedule, I have been having to do all my workouts after the boys have gone to bed for the night and after my husband is home from work (late!).<br />
<br />
This means that I miss out on most of the classes that my gym offers, which is a major bummer as I really miss my pilates and spinning but it has given me an opportunity to mix things up a bit, which is good. :)<br />
<br />
I have worked with what I know and am comfortable with to develop my new (and hopefully improved workout schedule):<br />
<br />
Monday- Rest Day<br />
Tuesday- Gym, weight training upper body<br />
Wednesday- Gym, weight training lower body<br />
Thursday- Run (with running club ladies if they are available)<br />
Friday- Gym, weight training full body<br />
Saturday- Rest Day<br />
Sunday- Run<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year when I was pretty fit! </td></tr>
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I am also trying harder to include yoga during the week, so whenever one of these days doesn't work out as planned, like when my husband is working late or something, I will do a yoga video. I am trying to see if I can wake up a bit earlier to fit the yoga in too but can't promise that at the moment ;)<br />
<br />
I think it is also quite important to say that all my workouts include a warmup of about 10 minutes. On gym days I finish up with stretches, light ab work and 15 minutes of interval training on the treadmill followed by a 10 minute cool down.<br />
<br />
I am definitely hoping this will be the best schedule and workouts for me. I'll keep you posted. :)<br />
xx<br />
<br />
P.S. I'm sure you all know that it is time once again to vote for your favourite blogs for this year's BiB Awards. There are so many fab blogs out there so don't forget to vote. :)<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-90249207749546101862015-03-17T03:30:00.000-07:002015-03-17T03:32:30.427-07:00A Manic MondayI don't normally complain or whinge but honestly yesterday was one of the worst days. I kept thinking, 'It can't get much worse' but somehow it did. All day long. <br />
<div>
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<div>
The day 'started' with my boys waking me throughout the night/into the morning consistently every hour. I don't think I got more than 4 hours sleep. Ugh... So with only a few hours of sleep under my belt, I decided to just get in the shower. However, on my way into the bathroom I found both my boys (who had only be alone a matter of minutes) covered from head to toe in talc and the entire hallway also covered in talc! Apparently they wanted snow inside! :) Joy! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mind the mess most of these things are due to go into the attic.</td></tr>
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<div>
I just about made the school run in one piece and decided to have a huge cup of coffee when I got home to calm my nerves and help me get on with the day. However, I never even got a sip as I managed to spill the coffee all over my desk and keyboard resulting in an alarm warning the entire Nation that my keyboard was broken. Despite drying it, there was no hope it was gone. :( </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway through the clean up!</td></tr>
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<div>
I cleaned the mess and got another cup of coffee. As I drank it I thought it tasted a bit off. By the time I was half way through it, little bits of something had started floating to the top and into my mouth. My little one started giggling, then said 'I did a spit in mummy's coffee'! So I had to face the facts that I just wasn't going to have a cup of coffee that day. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
11:30 and time for the school pick up. My youngest and I got in the car and I found that my car radio had stopped working. How, I have no idea. Ugh...</div>
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<div>
We'd arrived at school in one piece although I was extra careful to keep just under the speed limit as I sensed that I might be pulled over by police or caught by one of those pesky speed cameras for going the tiniest bit over the limit the way my day was going. As per my usual routine, before I jumped out of the car to pick up my son, I grabbed my lipstick to put a bit on and it broke in half. Luckily I wasn't too badly covered in it. So I guess I am doomed to dull lips and driving in silence...fine! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The rest of the day passed without incident. Phew...my luck was changing! :-)I was ready to cook tea for me and my husband. However, that never really made it to the table. I'm sure I was jinxed yesterday. :( </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibcye3L6F3og8SyVgoKLGVlr0J7SixjMzl3iMHDXm2F_SVl9PHVuCIVePlvSsoIlykocnu3oHb_ffWIJaXZpJ6PbslvtUZJGaA2aB6lm-knp9jerEkz7ZjDZjdotBhr6ZxG8txcriRhc/s1600/IMAG0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibcye3L6F3og8SyVgoKLGVlr0J7SixjMzl3iMHDXm2F_SVl9PHVuCIVePlvSsoIlykocnu3oHb_ffWIJaXZpJ6PbslvtUZJGaA2aB6lm-knp9jerEkz7ZjDZjdotBhr6ZxG8txcriRhc/s1600/IMAG0056.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our evening meal :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Fingers crossed today is a better day and that the luck of the Irish is on my side! </div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Happy St. Patrick's Day! </span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">xx</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-45431866477764859222015-03-14T05:22:00.001-07:002015-03-14T05:22:39.928-07:00Up-cycling Old Into ChicSo it is a pretty well know thing, that I'm not completely crafty although there are times that I fool people (like at my son's 4th birthday party where I made a children's craft, batman game, buns and a few other fun bits and bobs), so mainly I get creative when I can with what I can.<br />
<br />
Recently, in my attempt at a compete house declutter I found a few items that I immediately put into the 'nice but never going to use' bin pile. Two of these items were:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>an old biscuit tin (I got this ages ago in a tea set and I used to let the boys roll it around when they were babies...is that weird?!) and </li>
<li>an old pitcher for drinks (it was so narrow it didn't actually hold much and I have other pitchers that do the job a lot better, but it was pretty). </li>
</ul>
<br />
However then I got to thinking, even though these things are kind of junky, could I still use them. Obviously my husband told me to stop being odd and throw the darn things out but I had a brain wave and now they are pretty important items in our house! :)<br />
<br />
It's funny how it happened but around the same time as the declutter I realised that I was desperate for a new place to store my make-up brushes. You know, the ones that simply fall out of your make-up bag whilst first getting everything covered in blusher or the little ones that just fall to the bottom of a bag never to be seen again...well, I need a new place for these so that I had them to hand, they were in a more sterile environment and so that they weren't constantly falling on the floor. Ah yes, my old biscuit tin! Perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKsyxEx7kA2OcAoB9yxEtIlHJ7_HcRiFYeWDNgz4B1WGovB0L4c1vuiEvk6MJoShSh6RQG5YlR7_0QfRQ8_-Cjk3y4bE6-0K5YAF0p468WL6Hfo-evubn2NKyN47VMIoWK4JEtz8Lvkg/s1600/IMAG0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKsyxEx7kA2OcAoB9yxEtIlHJ7_HcRiFYeWDNgz4B1WGovB0L4c1vuiEvk6MJoShSh6RQG5YlR7_0QfRQ8_-Cjk3y4bE6-0K5YAF0p468WL6Hfo-evubn2NKyN47VMIoWK4JEtz8Lvkg/s1600/IMAG0048.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Additionally, about a month ago I wanted to buy one of those beautiful white pitchers for spring flowers you know the ones I mean, everyone has them and they are gorgeous full of tulips, daffodils or lilacs in the spring. However, as I picked one up and put it in my cart at the shop I realised I didn't need that white pitcher I had...my pitcher for drinks that was at the bottom of my bin pile! Score!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdYRNl6kC5RsdflizMFl16qSDtn57ATCRoPyjPBLoRS9-_WneusMR9Gs8Xw29-Q3KmolAHs7ylAshF-xv3txuzS6oXaYoU24mM61sOWT35uhu9SyPXoZamjBNEvl42CfeNLCNRuXs_3o/s1600/IMAG0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdYRNl6kC5RsdflizMFl16qSDtn57ATCRoPyjPBLoRS9-_WneusMR9Gs8Xw29-Q3KmolAHs7ylAshF-xv3txuzS6oXaYoU24mM61sOWT35uhu9SyPXoZamjBNEvl42CfeNLCNRuXs_3o/s1600/IMAG0049.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
So there you have it. With a bit of imagination and a little cleaning these two things, nice but destined for the bin, became beautiful, useful house hold helpers.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Have you up-cycled anything recently? What was it? How did it work out?</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">xx</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-43125830570555600432015-03-13T03:41:00.000-07:002015-03-13T03:41:13.038-07:00Recipes, Poldark and Stary Plum... #littlelovesAnother busy week has flown by, but to be honest I'm sort of glad. I haven't been sleeping well and am looking forward to a more relaxed weekend. Although, I'm not sure relaxed is what I'll get this weekend as we have a friend's 40th birthday party tomorrow night and will most likely be out with my husband's mother on Sunday morning...oh well! :-)<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Read</span></b><br />
I haven't really read much this week. I have read a bit of my second Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum) mystery but I really haven't had the time and I've been so tired at night that I have just been going straight to sleep instead of reading, which is what I normally do.<br />
I have however been reading through a few recipe books to get some ideas for suppers this week. Trying to cook more for the whole family (instead of a meal for the boys and a meal for me and the husband) and a little more healthy too!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7r8zYdW9qr0EeD4s6OI9oqaAuAA75lTqFSQFPluBtXzTmyGmEuzkh_hWfX-MaiYoZ2mzucyfshcDkNX3NjMjKQcssI_llA_0AuanCSVkPBabefBxt8FxU6rtiAs-oLVZVwXBp0TnTnI/s1600/IMAG0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7r8zYdW9qr0EeD4s6OI9oqaAuAA75lTqFSQFPluBtXzTmyGmEuzkh_hWfX-MaiYoZ2mzucyfshcDkNX3NjMjKQcssI_llA_0AuanCSVkPBabefBxt8FxU6rtiAs-oLVZVwXBp0TnTnI/s1600/IMAG0044.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great family cook books for busy mums!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Watched</span></b><br />
Poldark! Awesome! My very good friend got me into the Winston Graham Poldark series about a year or two ago and I read every single one (there are 12) with delight and now it is a TV series! Yay! Can't wait to see how it all progresses. So far so good :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhcGtt1XD5L4ajcZA1rKzkrrpKeQLG_6rLQdhz0ejOuEfYxlm8cTgbDUBBzK4Dc_9vpDVMYnobWUnZLiJPB_EGg2WhxC9M3_uNovk1hVZZbiVfWsWQHZNej37Zf8DOBpAfrZInNIInbQ/s1600/poldark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhcGtt1XD5L4ajcZA1rKzkrrpKeQLG_6rLQdhz0ejOuEfYxlm8cTgbDUBBzK4Dc_9vpDVMYnobWUnZLiJPB_EGg2WhxC9M3_uNovk1hVZZbiVfWsWQHZNej37Zf8DOBpAfrZInNIInbQ/s1600/poldark.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBC's Poldark is so good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Heard</span></b><br />
The word 'NO'! Honestly, you have thought I had teenagers living in my house but it is my toddler who is using the 'N word' consistently all week. Fingers crossed this is a short lived phase :)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Made</span></b><br />
I made loads of things going into last weekend: a Batman game, a parcel for pass the parcel, cupcakes (buns), superhero masks, etc... So this week I am taking some time off making anything spectacular! However I did manage to make a quite delightful smoothie! Yum :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XVzO2a6adH-MV7zMtI01RNlREwtzhoEG_sYYvOVTr5VeR4jp6ASIfOsdLtG4r7L_25O5cUDohWouzL4f8UOnqKQiSmPNFc7pq_9RJCqZePl650xC2xrpW398ws_5_brZ69nqHcjg1oQ/s1600/IMAG0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XVzO2a6adH-MV7zMtI01RNlREwtzhoEG_sYYvOVTr5VeR4jp6ASIfOsdLtG4r7L_25O5cUDohWouzL4f8UOnqKQiSmPNFc7pq_9RJCqZePl650xC2xrpW398ws_5_brZ69nqHcjg1oQ/s1600/IMAG0045.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry this was the before photo. Smoothies don't last 2 seconds in this house :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Worn</span></b><br />
New eyeliner by Clinique: Stary Plum. I have had this deep purpley shade for ages but it always runs out! ;) This time, I ran out ages ago and only just got around to replacing it. I love this eyeliner as it slides on smooth and it is such a pretty color which goes so well with hazel eyes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbh5uB6AGvhkL16DKygGJBfDG-Cv5YKfEI_baDtDYuodL6KPr5OyLRjkPnlemi4JqlCxE9JR0DAVWfU603T_mDTbqyAWefNtIbRTqqQ0JP65L8_tpAFxupo5vt1Dy9r8Jr8DgOUhPxkw/s1600/IMAG0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbh5uB6AGvhkL16DKygGJBfDG-Cv5YKfEI_baDtDYuodL6KPr5OyLRjkPnlemi4JqlCxE9JR0DAVWfU603T_mDTbqyAWefNtIbRTqqQ0JP65L8_tpAFxupo5vt1Dy9r8Jr8DgOUhPxkw/s1600/IMAG0043.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>And lastly...</b></span><br />
Happy Mother's Day and have a nice weekend! Fingers crossed you all get a lie in :)<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/" title="butwhymummywhy"><img alt="butwhymummywhy" src="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/littleloves.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-87379614220104789442015-03-12T12:47:00.000-07:002015-03-12T12:51:05.436-07:00Another Mother's Day PostYes, there have been Mother's Day posts around the blog-o-sphere all week and yes, I wish I could be more creative sometimes, but I wanted to share some of my thoughts about Mother's Day too! After all, I am a mother and I am a daughter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpFarU2Ih-GxgglOUOHHuFFbZ-Vy0CNavt17vHNc31rgRQU8qKolc2V-u8WSl6Xbn45Kr-hQ3vujCd7XvpuRCBRTpT6gYOzJT5LSKMDJ-Cbs41kD-L-gVJzTj5MvhrUKcaiIhc_MPrwM/s1600/20140512_195306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpFarU2Ih-GxgglOUOHHuFFbZ-Vy0CNavt17vHNc31rgRQU8qKolc2V-u8WSl6Xbn45Kr-hQ3vujCd7XvpuRCBRTpT6gYOzJT5LSKMDJ-Cbs41kD-L-gVJzTj5MvhrUKcaiIhc_MPrwM/s1600/20140512_195306.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually from my birthday last year but couldn't find a good one with flowers! ;-) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mother's Day is a tricky one for me. Being an American living in the UK, I technically have two Mother's Days. One is the UK Mother's Day this Sunday the other is the US mothers day in May. Part of me would like to celebrate the one in May so that I'm keeping a part of my US culture, but since I live in the UK and have for a long time (not to mention I had my two boys here) I celebrate with the UK. I just have to remember to buy a card early for my Mom, otherwise I'd have missed the boat come May!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2f7ujU8ckxUeWzqKF2p6M-TslTTtubQM4nr81HCi_4bx5l0AslhqgmzwjZuBsVvhx6gmyep2cPW1zOPcThrXgeejLpFt8P3yYOLgbtSP1WWeXC7ZfWlvW_05JxUqyqZsKkwsSnl_TZc/s1600/20141114_124007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2f7ujU8ckxUeWzqKF2p6M-TslTTtubQM4nr81HCi_4bx5l0AslhqgmzwjZuBsVvhx6gmyep2cPW1zOPcThrXgeejLpFt8P3yYOLgbtSP1WWeXC7ZfWlvW_05JxUqyqZsKkwsSnl_TZc/s1600/20141114_124007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Champagne to celebrate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I always like to spoil my Mom on Mother's Day but to be honest these days it is a bit harder. I don't live nearby and that makes it more of a struggle in figuring out what to get her but we always make sure that when we get together either in the UK or the US we go out and spend time together which is the best present we can give each other. ;) It goes without saying really, that Mother's Day always makes me miss my Mom and I wish that we lived closer.<br />
<br />
As for my Mother's Day celebration, I never really want anything. I don't make a big deal out of it either. I think, like most mums I would love a lie in and a cup of hot coffee in bed and I absolutely adore home-made cards from my boys but anything above and beyond that is a real treat. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippbvyHz0rJGkJ2UiSIkfot8NCephk4WncEuc-ZHuC1KEFSRdXTSL9m9XQtlCWxGR30HlU7eGzMbHg0jcBslPV0r2gPgZSmdA-mAPjD-LbjlxkK-MGrb_jgr_x0SP3k3DuM4OXmPjM0I8/s1600/20150127_093540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippbvyHz0rJGkJ2UiSIkfot8NCephk4WncEuc-ZHuC1KEFSRdXTSL9m9XQtlCWxGR30HlU7eGzMbHg0jcBslPV0r2gPgZSmdA-mAPjD-LbjlxkK-MGrb_jgr_x0SP3k3DuM4OXmPjM0I8/s1600/20150127_093540.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All I want :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This year, I'll spend my Mother's Day being grateful for my husband, my two sweet boys, my furry boy and my Mom and Dad back in the States. After all, I really wouldn't be the Mum I am today if it weren't for all of them. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-90085455568957840872015-03-11T06:43:00.000-07:002015-03-11T06:43:01.331-07:00A 4th Birthday Party!As many of you may know this past Monday my little boy turned 4! I truly can't believe how time has flown by. When you first hold your baby in your arms, you can't even comprehend the fact that they are finally there with you, never mind that they will (soon) be 4! Yikes :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsP9HXMqummWnqPmuUDZRclmn1c_UORlMM28vMNA-dbLidN9I-_bdH-uYw6pmby5_USe0LlhtCxWzV6PsIqr_bcCsw8N0ASr3f6E_vq67OPlRkWndqnssiuYfKpL9x8fc4Y0TfsJOoBg/s1600/superheroinvites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsP9HXMqummWnqPmuUDZRclmn1c_UORlMM28vMNA-dbLidN9I-_bdH-uYw6pmby5_USe0LlhtCxWzV6PsIqr_bcCsw8N0ASr3f6E_vq67OPlRkWndqnssiuYfKpL9x8fc4Y0TfsJOoBg/s1600/superheroinvites.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome Rachel Ellen Superhero Invites! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, to celebrate the occasion he asked for a birthday party this year with some of his friends. We had yet to have a birthday party for him for several reasons but one of them was that he wasn't aware enough of the occasion to really ask for one, want one, or know he was missing out on one, etc... However this year, he knows who his friends are and he wanted to have them over to have a party, so we agreed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHfq8Bgrl4Mr9kENsoWYxPpsuKtG534N0gTzCWM9nyfuBx03SN-JcmxUMuiRc1sVmU9UT62mpVcG4MP5vXTdUpEiOghS6MKmW4BdNsNA8buN4hlYhHdQGpUeCYOCZSpBaWrJDeSxErzc/s1600/frankie4thbday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHfq8Bgrl4Mr9kENsoWYxPpsuKtG534N0gTzCWM9nyfuBx03SN-JcmxUMuiRc1sVmU9UT62mpVcG4MP5vXTdUpEiOghS6MKmW4BdNsNA8buN4hlYhHdQGpUeCYOCZSpBaWrJDeSxErzc/s1600/frankie4thbday.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite being excited for him to have his first birthday party, I was overwhelmed and slightly intimidated by the idea of it. We were going to be hosting it at our house and I wanted it to be just right. I was also nervous about meeting his friends' parents. I know I don't have to be friends with everyone but I haven't really met too many mums at the school drop-offs and it would be nice to have more friends in the area. I really know how to put the pressure on :/<br />
<br />
The day of the party arrived with much planning and a couple of late nights colouring (after a few orders off ebay fell through). Saturday afternoon 5 children arrived at our house to party! We had a few party games like pass the parcel and 'pin the emblem on Batman' and then we had a craft 'make your own superhero mask' all of which I made up during many a late night! After the activities we had some snacks and cakes. Mainly the boys spent the afternoon running around playing both in and out of our house. My husband lead the boys in a game of football and I made sure hide and seek was not getting too crazy in the house!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VcdeeDQSxK8iFxSeGcrpC8CfX5cuuzXyIZUlCwFn6Ie7HXjHKWo82gCDwnAgGABIB7g0A1nUY5_zyFBb0k4gAMbiqhcPaMbokXSURmZ3BxSWCXi1q5yDrKVp4242G7YbuOHjoWExZeM/s1600/IMAG0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VcdeeDQSxK8iFxSeGcrpC8CfX5cuuzXyIZUlCwFn6Ie7HXjHKWo82gCDwnAgGABIB7g0A1nUY5_zyFBb0k4gAMbiqhcPaMbokXSURmZ3BxSWCXi1q5yDrKVp4242G7YbuOHjoWExZeM/s1600/IMAG0037.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batman is really lopsided! Whoops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The children's parents got to relax, have some tea and cakes and chat whilst the children had a running around. The best part was that at the end of the party, every single child was exhausted! I consider that a huge win (as did all the parents who got a lie in the following morning!).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjWFdNuJqinuseAlrKo6avgIaWbWSDlAWgIOUPf1o7iqvwc02WPAIrFAG3KgPsKtwgOgI6bwvgPamNpAJIAWFPAfpWBDygAOg9-YApQ3pv4aT6K0XqYDmINOEy-NOVJkblWLmAnJZbv8/s1600/IMAG0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjWFdNuJqinuseAlrKo6avgIaWbWSDlAWgIOUPf1o7iqvwc02WPAIrFAG3KgPsKtwgOgI6bwvgPamNpAJIAWFPAfpWBDygAOg9-YApQ3pv4aT6K0XqYDmINOEy-NOVJkblWLmAnJZbv8/s1600/IMAG0038.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left over cakes (forgot to take photos the whole time!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm glad that it was stress free, that it went smoothly, that the children had fun and were worn out, that the parents were all nice and relaxed, and most of all I'm glad that my big boy got his party just the way he wanted it! :)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-35785295140056714312015-03-09T04:09:00.001-07:002015-03-09T04:09:37.280-07:00Decluttering Part 2Hurray! I have finally finished my house declutter! I am so happy and thankful that that little (big) project is over. In place of the clutter however, I now have a pile of things to sell. It is a little overwhelming but if I am patient I think I will get a little bit of spending money and a clean house. If it all goes wrong, then it is just one more trip to a charity shop and/or the dump.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepLZ375zUckUmjbOwCwCHRPzxFcSPuBPYweByprb6oHYPImLRgIzuzUsOpVarbVQnhSz13QzX6ezyouKZcG6QKNIJlmoasMim4AFaqYfszo4dC5qh_e8NLGnNlf0vvhn3TQAppoc12k8/s1600/IMAG0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepLZ375zUckUmjbOwCwCHRPzxFcSPuBPYweByprb6oHYPImLRgIzuzUsOpVarbVQnhSz13QzX6ezyouKZcG6QKNIJlmoasMim4AFaqYfszo4dC5qh_e8NLGnNlf0vvhn3TQAppoc12k8/s1600/IMAG0033.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To sell!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of the house was pretty easy to declutter but the master bedroom was a mess. It took me a whole weekend to get that room cleared out. Now that it is done I am looking forward to getting it redecorated and making it into a comfy oasis. Unfortunately, that will have to wait for awhile as we'll need to save up. In the meantime however, I'll begin to work on other little projects that need doing around the house and keep a list going of the bigger wishlist things ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7znmwHUZfZz-SHYSfa9lTMukX21Wj7Wy8_JhWluMKpENFesu-16F6jI60wvFPWrGHXgvxn706mHf8F_5oNntDo9r3VoNyJ_-yublOGL4foqc64_b0NR4wUtZkU31kjXpFGyzhO_JBKU8/s1600/IMAG0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7znmwHUZfZz-SHYSfa9lTMukX21Wj7Wy8_JhWluMKpENFesu-16F6jI60wvFPWrGHXgvxn706mHf8F_5oNntDo9r3VoNyJ_-yublOGL4foqc64_b0NR4wUtZkU31kjXpFGyzhO_JBKU8/s1600/IMAG0034.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihr7RrXy6RVl1mYFkVV9Hmj_8X0Ik_HuiRCeHD0KZWHqYmNU__pPyl-6t3aLdZ_EahmI-XIOHlkR-YoZhlefT5Dic-uYlGoOckHcIVqIhWYL_kOJqkxNJOO5lFBDVeGrJ1lxhDS49UrAU/s1600/IMAG0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihr7RrXy6RVl1mYFkVV9Hmj_8X0Ik_HuiRCeHD0KZWHqYmNU__pPyl-6t3aLdZ_EahmI-XIOHlkR-YoZhlefT5Dic-uYlGoOckHcIVqIhWYL_kOJqkxNJOO5lFBDVeGrJ1lxhDS49UrAU/s1600/IMAG0035.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So clean and tidy! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now to get signed into Ebay...:)<br />
<br />
<b>Anyone else spring cleaning or having a declutter? How's it going? </b><br />
<b>xx</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-78946026538948285012015-03-03T05:05:00.003-08:002015-03-03T05:05:43.788-08:00Spicy Sausage & Red Pepper StewSo, normally my Fresh Soup Monday soup is veggie based with nothing but veggies in them. They are either chunky or puréed but veggie filled none the less. This Monday, I decided to go back to a very old favourite that I thought the boys would also like (they are big sausage fans!), my Spicy Sausage & Red Pepper Stew.<br />
<br />
Once again it is a pretty easy recipe and doesn't take a lot of messing around. Simple ingredients often make the best tasting soups. Also, Mondays are pretty crazy here so I can't manage to make a complicated soup...there just isn't enough time in the day. :)<br />
<br />
*The ingredients are rough as I change it up a little each time depending on my mood or what we've got in the house.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Spicy Sausage & Red Pepper Stew</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil<br />
600g (roughly) of sweet red peppers deseeded and chopped into chunks<br />
500g (roughly) of Toulouse Sausages<br />
400g (roughly) Tomatoes diced<br />
1 tsp Oregano<br />
150ml Hot water<br />
Salt & Pepper to taste<br />
3 Tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">To Make:</span></b><br />
1) Heat oil in a large heavy pan<br />
2) Add peppers and sauté over medium heat for 10-15 minutes<br />
3) Slice sausages into bite-sized chunks and add to the peppers<br />
4) Add the tomatoes and oregano to the peppers and sausage<br />
5) Stir in the hot water, salt & pepper and cover pan<br />
6) Cook for 30 minutes<br />
7) Mix in parsley and serve<br />
<br />
Serve with a fresh baguette for dunking!<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://honestmum.com/tasty-tuesday/"><img alt="Tasty Tuesdays on HonestMum.com" src="http://i.imgur.com/9VwhltV.jpg" height="189" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="301" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-85003583093636929282015-02-27T05:29:00.005-08:002015-02-27T05:29:57.793-08:00Whinging, Fitbit and First Hair Cuts #littlelovesAnother week has just flown by! To be honest, I'm quite glad that it did as I was dreading this week. My oldest was back at school (so the hideous school run commenced) and my husband was back to work (and I knew I'd be missing him). The week did go by quickly and without too much drama but I'm welcoming the weekend with open arms (fingers crossed to a lie in!).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Read</b></span><br />
This week I started another series that my mum recommended to me. The book is called <i>One for the Money</i> by Janet Evanovich. I started and finished it in the space of a week! It was good and although a mystery book there were some real laugh out loud parts. I have started the second book in this series now and can't wait to see how things go for the main character, Stephanie Plum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeZAUQnvqFIPIxfKfzP5Wirtfw1koiJZoCuY5b5z7xQkOZV7BdPtYNu9RquRLYF4CAyQKCMPd2qw8z2e-G8pzh_hcrPkAc27YBWKEy818ZgqFcmVLKbmA20WPszXkIvyhs-Vv6Y5cJws/s1600/IMAG0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeZAUQnvqFIPIxfKfzP5Wirtfw1koiJZoCuY5b5z7xQkOZV7BdPtYNu9RquRLYF4CAyQKCMPd2qw8z2e-G8pzh_hcrPkAc27YBWKEy818ZgqFcmVLKbmA20WPszXkIvyhs-Vv6Y5cJws/s1600/IMAG0026.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Watched</span></b><br />
In addition to my usual Sunday night favourites (<i>Call the Midwife</i> and <i>Mr. Selfridge</i>) I have begun watching Channel 4's <i>Indian Summers</i> and absolutely adore it! It is so colourful and makes me wish I was some place a little warmer to be honest! The acting is fab and the atmosphere is perfect. Glad to have another great show (only wish it was on mid week as the rest of the week is pretty weak as far as good TV shows).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksYgKVeEuOOrLqLCGtB9Rn1FK20JbfeF7Ter9pgtQsMOadSweGKaxMgko5ZapWaN4jjC0c5UGpH39KPhr2WQ1W2G93IQBs_G2wncmr5BXW4tP_5p_EURHkFdJf3c-VDN3kL_zi1Ua01E/s1600/indiansummers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksYgKVeEuOOrLqLCGtB9Rn1FK20JbfeF7Ter9pgtQsMOadSweGKaxMgko5ZapWaN4jjC0c5UGpH39KPhr2WQ1W2G93IQBs_G2wncmr5BXW4tP_5p_EURHkFdJf3c-VDN3kL_zi1Ua01E/s1600/indiansummers.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Heard</span></b><br />
I have heard so much whinging this week from my boys. They shout, they cry, they whinge, they growl and I really feel like I can't hear much more of it. Luckily the weekend is upon us so Daddy can help with the never ending whinge fest!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtGpAQv-3Ou4ob9E4UU2xIAGGgY6GKTbRUnHqNarLs2YbCz5g5-FGDDezt1Ud482bYMcY4Wip46Ah1rPvTDVZcEEoekNQp_Ut6kW4UiJpMQrKaXScdkF0KJvdkE_VIGxRvgQB-izRKi8/s1600/20141122_104733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtGpAQv-3Ou4ob9E4UU2xIAGGgY6GKTbRUnHqNarLs2YbCz5g5-FGDDezt1Ud482bYMcY4Wip46Ah1rPvTDVZcEEoekNQp_Ut6kW4UiJpMQrKaXScdkF0KJvdkE_VIGxRvgQB-izRKi8/s1600/20141122_104733.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know, they look like little angels...but they do know how to whinge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Made</b></span><br />
This week we made a lovely roasted butternut squash soup and we made <a href="http://www.letstalkmommy.com/2015/02/oatmeal-courgette-cookies-recipe/">Let's Talk Mommy's </a>Courgette Oatmeal cookies. Unfortunately, neither lasted long in our house and the boys kept asking for more so I foresee some more baking in our future!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQTBCcFcept3Z3kc_DoKZaRxd9WC7YcszkSVTfDrebizyGoTZU3nIb69Rs72vtsDk61jJsvIOnVdXG-_IZOuGG-fw989AA3R-IuqLK3rPXMpnkjs5xrtMpwimyX2rfMpDoedMYda2nL0/s1600/IMAG0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQTBCcFcept3Z3kc_DoKZaRxd9WC7YcszkSVTfDrebizyGoTZU3nIb69Rs72vtsDk61jJsvIOnVdXG-_IZOuGG-fw989AA3R-IuqLK3rPXMpnkjs5xrtMpwimyX2rfMpDoedMYda2nL0/s1600/IMAG0020.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Worn</span></b><br />
My beloved Fitbit! I have had to take a few months off from wearing it when I didn't feel well as I figured there wasn't much point. After all, I knew I wasn't moving much never mind clocking up 10,000 steps a day. But now I've got it back on and I'm back to working out. I have also added friends to my account which is unbelievably motivating! Yes, I guess I do have a competitive streak! ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRceCDNW4LU_IYy-FCkOyMlb2Pzx4sTO4NEv_JFUqUZxnMl9RBVMezahodf5EG4sY0zDsLkZ4dcrzDEs_COeVTqTU-CkUWsPmyXjvT8UEVm6m4tLq2mXAlnGofZeRmETw8gy7uP6Ol4aM/s1600/IMAG0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRceCDNW4LU_IYy-FCkOyMlb2Pzx4sTO4NEv_JFUqUZxnMl9RBVMezahodf5EG4sY0zDsLkZ4dcrzDEs_COeVTqTU-CkUWsPmyXjvT8UEVm6m4tLq2mXAlnGofZeRmETw8gy7uP6Ol4aM/s1600/IMAG0025.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>And Lastly...</b></span><br />
We finally gave Dylan his first ever hair cut (at 2 and a half years old!). He looks completely different now, no more baby! I also realised that I am by no means a hairdresser, so I stopped while I was ahead and left a bit so that the real professionals could tame his lovely curls. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClOBwi1d9AIE4PXXLi4lC9Y_lL9v3Hc0E8sr6v_kLogANb_ZETCc3GDJue6R2qCA8rwXMbZsRLSNPuXBw-2x1UXq6yVp-cdzrb6t16UGgWFRF7UAzYxwsupypZd8NKzteX-AAlsWc1wM/s1600/IMAG0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClOBwi1d9AIE4PXXLi4lC9Y_lL9v3Hc0E8sr6v_kLogANb_ZETCc3GDJue6R2qCA8rwXMbZsRLSNPuXBw-2x1UXq6yVp-cdzrb6t16UGgWFRF7UAzYxwsupypZd8NKzteX-AAlsWc1wM/s1600/IMAG0018.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two sweet photo bombers in the background!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/" title="butwhymummywhy"><img alt="butwhymummywhy" src="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/littleloves.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Have a lovely weekend and see you back next week!</b><br />
<b>xx</b><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-81444624132441528102015-02-27T02:57:00.001-08:002015-02-27T02:57:46.705-08:00The Prompt: RealityMy reality:<br />
<br />
I am 35 and not getting any younger (but don't feel any older than 30).<br />
I am married and have been very happily for 9 years.<br />
I am a mum to two terrific yet wild boys (who sometimes get the better of me).<br />
I am the owner of a very loyal dog Tristan who I love lots and never want to lose.<br />
I am an expat. An American living in England.<br />
I am a daughter, a sister, a niece, a god-daughter, a cousin and a friend.<br />
<br />
My life is a work in progress.<br />
<br />
I have recently gone through a tragedy that has made me ill for months and each day I hope I feel better, but some days I just don't.<br />
<br />
I constantly think of others and usually before myself. I know I am so lucky with what I have (even though I may want, I am usually not in need when so many others are).<br />
<br />
I am me and I am blessed.<br />
<br />
In reality, I wouldn't change anything! :)
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://mumturnedmom.com/" title="mumturnedmom"><img alt="mumturnedmom" src="http://mumturnedmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140121-093411.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-55843601477484764182015-02-25T07:51:00.000-08:002015-02-25T07:51:23.118-08:00Why I Am DeclutteringI am definitely the kind of person that loves being organised.<br />
I love to make to do lists and I really love crossing things off them.<br />
I love everything to be clean and tidy.<br />
I am not a pack rat and I love getting rid of unnecessary things that can accumulate.<br />
However with all that said, I <i>am</i> a mum of two little boys who love to make messes! I am also the wife of a husband that (unbeknownst to him!) loves to make messes and horde things away in his 'man cave' or keeps things around just in case. Ugh!<br />
<br />
So this winter/spring I have decided that our house, after living here for 4 years, needs a massive and ruthless declutter. Last summer we hired a skip and got rid of a lot of junk that was in the basement and outside in our shed/garden (mainly from the previous owners). It was a pretty large skip but we had no trouble filling it to the top! Unfortunately, there are still some things that need sorting and I feel like I can't concentrate on much else until we are rid of clutter and living in a much more organised chaos! ;) It will of course all take time as even once the decluttering has finished I will then have to Ebay, sell, throw away, donate and put in things away in the attic and that will probably take just as long.<br />
<br />
I have finished my declutter of our downstairs and have started upstairs already. The bad news is that I have only one room left to declutter until I get to the worst room of the house...the master bedroom. I know exactly how it got so bad (you know, just putting a few things out of the way, no storage for old baby things, etc...) but I fear it will take at least a week to sort out. It seems that little by little things have been piling up in there that we have no other place to put them.<br />
<br />
I have always dreamed of a cozy, comfy oasis of a bedroom. Lots of soft calming touches and big fluffy pillows! I still have that dream and our bedroom does need a proper renovation (i.e. carpet, new light fixture, new bed frame, new curtains and definitely new wardrobe) but that can't even be considered until we have decluttered the space.<br />
<br />
So here it is, the before photos. Sorry it really is awful! I'm thoroughly embarrassed! :( However, fingers crossed in a week or so I'll have a nice clean after photo!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZPuZSRxmnDNwU_2CHrZGURqyf-9cSdb7tnF0mqnRgCzYY-bUflSItp6XG_tqyOdBJhVSfrv4uJQA1aPfAWym4awtj66UJf7M4kcV9j5Q06rF8tCQJTICJW6F1CUXPRugjVeMqSkBOe8/s1600/IMAG0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZPuZSRxmnDNwU_2CHrZGURqyf-9cSdb7tnF0mqnRgCzYY-bUflSItp6XG_tqyOdBJhVSfrv4uJQA1aPfAWym4awtj66UJf7M4kcV9j5Q06rF8tCQJTICJW6F1CUXPRugjVeMqSkBOe8/s1600/IMAG0021.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View upon entering our master bedroom...Yikes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJp1PlK1EntEeA5LyMfdQiFUy_ujifC7bszXqDgqaM5Hy8mDavaxh9tzRLwLWXgppKrY7ljhE46PJVHWQv248Gyoi4t6bNkv0A-Jn4WEV1Bf_6-l7iDnLk5qJJMUZRmcCeouJJCYdcOs/s1600/IMAG0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJp1PlK1EntEeA5LyMfdQiFUy_ujifC7bszXqDgqaM5Hy8mDavaxh9tzRLwLWXgppKrY7ljhE46PJVHWQv248Gyoi4t6bNkv0A-Jn4WEV1Bf_6-l7iDnLk5qJJMUZRmcCeouJJCYdcOs/s1600/IMAG0022.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the mess has spread to chest of drawers, floor and bed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGsQ-bmCpkLkYyJSxFc8W82q5g2UkOh5htoxL8jhZQzzauaESBojjmgXb4kVvBGWrZQqUIEdeAchC0mZWCpoG_ldyxAAtmL3AqxpvhbgzPRhZbg2cVNJn0xnXVcNS4Gwmcn7f4FVPANM/s1600/IMAG0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGsQ-bmCpkLkYyJSxFc8W82q5g2UkOh5htoxL8jhZQzzauaESBojjmgXb4kVvBGWrZQqUIEdeAchC0mZWCpoG_ldyxAAtmL3AqxpvhbgzPRhZbg2cVNJn0xnXVcNS4Gwmcn7f4FVPANM/s1600/IMAG0023.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More piles of clothes, a wardrobe that is broken and junk on top of it. Help!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Anyone else doing a spring clean? Please tell me I'm not alone in my mess! ;)</b><br />
<b>xx</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-53009169675661331902015-02-24T02:55:00.003-08:002015-02-24T02:55:41.971-08:00Basic Butternut Squash SoupWe had the most delicious (and easy) Butternut Squash soup last night for our Fresh Soup Monday! It was so tasty and so easy I thought I'd share it with you today. FYI- it is also a very good recipe if you children of weaning age, as it is basically a puree and made of all good stuff! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><u>Basic Butternut Squash Soup</u></span></b><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 large butternut squash</li>
<li>A couple drizzles of olive oil</li>
<li>Two stalks of fresh rosemary</li>
<li>500ml of vegetable stock</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCL46HflJ1XcsVkPmQJ8wOBeczZpjNYr9MHEMWcSFqsQLAmGvhC1A3gJolkAZxi0ybK_NcnpAaB5_OOBaItWLLK4ytCHaJ18ZYN5-LsKHtZISNqSKZUkEEBGvHPUQDRF0tpUHS0Y6sbM/s1600/IMAG0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCL46HflJ1XcsVkPmQJ8wOBeczZpjNYr9MHEMWcSFqsQLAmGvhC1A3gJolkAZxi0ybK_NcnpAaB5_OOBaItWLLK4ytCHaJ18ZYN5-LsKHtZISNqSKZUkEEBGvHPUQDRF0tpUHS0Y6sbM/s1600/IMAG0020.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
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<div>
<b>To Make:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
1) Cut the squash in half lengthways. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Place on a baking tray and drizzle both sides with olive oil and sprinkle the rosemary over. </div>
<div>
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<div>
2) Put in the oven at 180 degrees C (fan assisted) or 200 degrees C for 1-11/4 hours, until soft.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3) Leave to cool. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4) Scoop out the flesh and rosemary, put in a pot and whizz with a handheld blender. Add the vegetable stock and heat through for about 20 minutes. You can add more stock for your desired consistency.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Serve with sprinkled parmesan cheese and a baguette!</div>
<div>
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<a href="http://honestmum.com/tasty-tuesday/"><img alt="Tasty Tuesdays on HonestMum.com" src="http://i.imgur.com/9VwhltV.jpg" height="189" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="301" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-12229903195923390942015-02-23T02:06:00.002-08:002015-02-23T02:06:17.682-08:00Things I've Been Working OnGood morning! I know, I know I have been missing in blogging action yet again! It has just been a world-wind week of half term fun and madness in our house and so I thought I'd just go with the flow and save blogging for a little less chaotic time. In fact, I don't think I took a single photo last week! Yikes!<br />
<br />
So now we are back to the regular routine of school, school runs, nursery days, work and getting things done in and around the house. I have to admit that when my husband headed back to work this morning I really wanted to cry but alas, I know I can do it...just need to pull up my big girls pants and get on with the day! ;)<br />
<br />
So some things that have kept me busy but are very important and just a little overwhelming are:<br />
<br />
1) My oldest's birthday party prep - it will be the first birthday party we have hosted for him and I am getting nervous, not to mention we are holding it at our house so I am expecting mayhem!<br />
<br />
2) Decluttering project - I have finished decluttering all of downstairs (with the exception of one file cabinet drawer which will be the death of me) and have made a list of things that need replacing or doing so I'll need to get on with some of those. I'll also start working on the upstairs now; two of the rooms won't be so bad, but the master bedroom needs serious help! I may have to call in a professional ;)<br />
<br />
3) Workout schedule - I have been really good about getting back into running and the gym but unfortunately I had a bit of a set back last week and have been taking time off again since last Wed. I'm hoping I'll be back to it by the end of this week but we'll see. In the mean time I have just been trying to get my 10,000 steps in (thanks Fitbit!) each day!<br />
<br />
4) Reading - I have become obsessed by some new books that I got as a gift from my mother and really can't put them down. What I would most like to do is forget everything and sit down with a hot coffee and read but since that is not possible, I am just trying to squeeze in a bit of reading each night instead.<br />
<br />
Right, so that is where I'm at but I promise to get back to being organised (yes, there is a theme here) and be back to blogging as regularly as I can. :-)<br />
<br />
<b>Have a good Monday! </b><br />
<b>xx</b><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-41130494893365212342015-02-17T07:44:00.003-08:002015-02-17T07:44:28.500-08:00Where Does Your Motivation Come From?Now that I have been back to the gym for a whole week (and running two days last week!) I have been thinking over my motivation. Before I got ill I was seriously lacking motivation to work out. Despite being quite fit, my body wasn't behaving the way I would have liked and it was stuck in its mummy tummy ways. Not only was my tummy not budging but I was also gaining weight (and no, it was not muscle!). It might have had something to do with my eating habits but I was not willing to agree that chocolate, cakes and indefinite cups of coffee weren't part of my healthy diet! ;)<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I didn't need any more excuses for my lack of motivation as I became unwell and therefore couldn't workout. Of course, once I wasn't able to workout any more I became convinced that I really needed to workout. I guess you always want what you can't have.<br />
<br />
Now that I have the all clear to workout again. I do have motivation. I have gained a lot of weight whilst being unwell and am now at my biggest ever weight. I have lost all the endurance and muscle tone that I had previously worked so hard for and there is one more thing...I have been badly judged by someone who (shouldn't judge) doesn't realise that I haven't actually just been sitting around for 3 months eating chocolate cake all day without moving (if only!).<br />
<br />
Despite, feeling let down by this person's attitude and lack of trust, it has spurred me to get more fit than ever before. Obviously my motivation to get back in shape is first and foremost to be happy and healthy. Secondly, to help me deal with everyday stresses. Thirdly, to get back socialising with my running friends and Finally, to get my endurance and strength back so that I can once again say to my friends 'shall we go for an easy 5, 6 or 7k run?' At the moment, I am completely overwhelmed by a 3k run.<br />
<br />
However, now I am also motivated to get back in shape to show all the doubters and judgers that to hell with them I can do it, I can do it on my own with the support of those who really love me and quite frankly I will probably look better than those judgers despite my time off, my age and the fact that I have given birth to two gorgeous baby boys...stretch marks and all!<br />
<br />
<i>Also for the record, there is no rush at all in my quest to get fit again. I know it will all happen in good time and prefer it to take awhile (it took 3 months to undo so it should take about that to get back) so that my new good habits and motivation stick as opposed to burning out quickly.</i><br />
<br />
<b>What motivates you to get moving? Or what motivates you to take on other challenges? </b><br />
<b>xx</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-42097405773818827652015-02-15T09:08:00.001-08:002015-02-15T09:08:16.721-08:00#MySundayPhoto - Music TimeIt's Sunday and we are linking up again with <a href="http://www.onedad3girls.com/">OneDad3Girls</a> to share our photo this week.<br />
<br />
This weekend we just enjoyed a bit of family time in and around the house. It was undoubtedly raining for the first day of Francis' term break so we just spent some time chilling in the house where we were warm and dry!<br />
<br />
This is a photo of the boys all playing some music in my husband's music room. They both love music and are eager to play in there whenever Daddy lets them! ;)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA058q-eAg_PSkVo0hXKrMcFzN21PNdjB5M_0w9QYdP3wfolEjZhp4uwomVuCDxiiU0pZ3u_vkG67rDEuxYXBK2wXt-6X7wP4ErRg_Kawy-tGa_kRrHRDepIsuw0qOkVPrIFC3a-sTvQ/s1600/IMAG0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeA058q-eAg_PSkVo0hXKrMcFzN21PNdjB5M_0w9QYdP3wfolEjZhp4uwomVuCDxiiU0pZ3u_vkG67rDEuxYXBK2wXt-6X7wP4ErRg_Kawy-tGa_kRrHRDepIsuw0qOkVPrIFC3a-sTvQ/s1600/IMAG0003.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://onedad3girls.com/category/my-sunday-photo/" target="_blank" title="OneDad3Girls"><img alt="OneDad3Girls" src="http://onedad3girls.com/admin/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Sundaylge-e1396359989177.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-10248572541943574032015-02-13T12:59:00.000-08:002015-02-13T12:59:00.050-08:00Eating for Less, Eye Concealer and Bean Soup...#LittleLovesOh my, where has this week gone? It just went so fast but to be honest I think I'm glad as next week is half term break and I'm looking forward to not doing the school run! ;) We do have a lot of meet ups planned but luckily they are all later in the day so we'll be lounging in our pjs at least during the morning hours.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Read</span></b><br />
This week I did something that I have not done in a long time. I bought a fashion magazine. Well, Marie Claire which I think is classes as a woman's fashion mag. Anyway, I used to buy Vogue, Elle, InStyle, etc... religiously but really haven't done it in ages (years!). I was pretty impressed by some of the articles and am still perusing the fashion and beauty bits. It made for a nice change, hopefully I'll be fashionable this spring! ;)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn8JHWIdw5pbn9lCEGF4MKXQ_2RMgfy79Jps7d4ki4lDmU8_u41vlm7uw9ScND-MzM99vPlGbUYHqy8geSXBd5byOhvqg2uQtI5zHihZgJVgs-MJk-K5bZC73edHLYpcQQALxBUiPrqs/s1600/IMAG0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjn8JHWIdw5pbn9lCEGF4MKXQ_2RMgfy79Jps7d4ki4lDmU8_u41vlm7uw9ScND-MzM99vPlGbUYHqy8geSXBd5byOhvqg2uQtI5zHihZgJVgs-MJk-K5bZC73edHLYpcQQALxBUiPrqs/s1600/IMAG0011.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Watched</b></span><br />
This week I watched another episode of BBC's 'Eat Well for Less'. I don't usually follow this type of show and although I watched it last week wasn't sure I'd watch it again, except I did. I pretty much know all of our shopping down falls as far as money is concerned but it seems each time I watch the show I realise that actually we could do more of xyz or less of xyz. Not rocket science but interesting to see how other families shop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbERbP-8B_wF2TpiQbNnLfxw-mxDg3cG1apcaXMc0olvFGsZ9bdUXHcLl4noUzdRTC9GHBXsCdWpQ1yQo67sVaZFLp6uiEsgh7JvQOePGlVk8y4baayEap5y1jo8ZVjL3l6oAlunKPdas/s1600/eatwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbERbP-8B_wF2TpiQbNnLfxw-mxDg3cG1apcaXMc0olvFGsZ9bdUXHcLl4noUzdRTC9GHBXsCdWpQ1yQo67sVaZFLp6uiEsgh7JvQOePGlVk8y4baayEap5y1jo8ZVjL3l6oAlunKPdas/s1600/eatwell.jpg" height="105" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wore</span></b><br />
We have been pretty busy this week and to be honest I haven't been sleeping well so I have been wearing plenty of Benefit's Fake Up. This under eye concealer is fantastic and comes in an easy to dispense lipstick style tube. I love it and it makes me look as though I have had more than a couple hours of restless sleep! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1dpONt53DBGQ5GTV9pvJGO-eDCxbteZ-znREdGZGyUfg7VA7YfIDX20pINR5Y6imf5LX58mbV3eboWS50f3AK4zrJDFbamLFatv1NC-g5WFFQbGNFhw0ycyWMG6H_QOF5W7kIR6b2d8/s1600/IMAG0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1dpONt53DBGQ5GTV9pvJGO-eDCxbteZ-znREdGZGyUfg7VA7YfIDX20pINR5Y6imf5LX58mbV3eboWS50f3AK4zrJDFbamLFatv1NC-g5WFFQbGNFhw0ycyWMG6H_QOF5W7kIR6b2d8/s1600/IMAG0012.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the blurry photo getting used to my new phone camera</td></tr>
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Heard</span></b><br />
This week I am loving Ellie Goulding's new track from the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack 'Love Me Like You Do'. I am a huge fan of Ellie Goulding so this is just another favourite from her!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Made</span></b><br />
This week I made a fantastic white bean soup. It only had a handful of ingredients and took a grand total of 25 minutes to make. It tasted so rich and creamy...yum! I can't wait to make it again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah...please ignore the dirty hob! </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And Lastly...</span></b><br />
I didn't get a lot of chance to blog this week between some medical things, surprise visitors (my mother-in-law and niece) and some meet ups that lasted longer than I thought (but in a good way!). So I'm hoping to get more out there next week. Thanks for hanging in there and don't forget to check out my post on surviving the morning school run!<br />
<br />
xx<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/" title="butwhymummywhy"><img alt="butwhymummywhy" src="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/littleloves.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-49504180154665130552015-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:002015-02-09T09:00:42.646-08:00 Taking On The Morning School Run This is a confession of a mum who has been done in by the school run.<br />
<br />
I have previously written of how the school run literally kicked me right up the bum when my oldest son first started preschool at the primary school in September. I had never ever had to get up and have both children feed, washed, dressed and in the car ready to go before 8:30 am before... <i>EVER</i> (unless we were going on holiday and had an early flight but that is different somehow).<br />
<br />
Typically, we would all lounge about in our pjs for hours have a leisurely breakfast and meet friends around 10 am and if we were running late it was no big deal as usually the friends we were meeting were also running late, due to one of the usual culprits (explosive nappies, a nap time that went on longer than expected, lost clothes/shoes, etc...). Those were the good old days. :)<br />
<br />
It wasn't long after preschool started with a very strict drop off time of 8:45 am (trust me any time after that the place is like Fort Knox...shut down, lock down, straight to the head mistress' office to excuse your tardiness and a little bit of embarrassment to top it all off) that I arrived at my 6:30 am personal trainer appointment in floods of tears explaining that I might not be able to keep to a 6:30 am gym schedule, as I am then way too rushed with getting the boys ready and making that 8:45 am cut off time. To say I was stressed just doesn't do it justice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwX3SohDRNj3HOjNJzs0P7Vr7yMoPXevHCe5K5cBhHr19NXAGMZsKYHHVHr_nWWwCL6x_wFWp6T_3_ooxhBLDy6R1bakxX3ivyc8_pAm0ATUhzrHdLHyRVqjXHy2plfTdpmq0PmC9GXc/s1600/20140911_082229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwX3SohDRNj3HOjNJzs0P7Vr7yMoPXevHCe5K5cBhHr19NXAGMZsKYHHVHr_nWWwCL6x_wFWp6T_3_ooxhBLDy6R1bakxX3ivyc8_pAm0ATUhzrHdLHyRVqjXHy2plfTdpmq0PmC9GXc/s1600/20140911_082229.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed up ready for school</td></tr>
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Now, please don't get me wrong. I am definitely one of the lucky ones being able to be a stay at home mum, I know that and am thankful for it every day. Many of my friends work full time and have been getting their children into nursery for 7:30 am and then hustling off to work most days of the week. I have told many of them that I am in awe, they deserve a spa break or at the very least an award and that I truly admire them. This is not a lie, I really do! :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, now that September has long since past and we have seen a whole term and a half go by, I can honestly say that it <i>has</i> gotten easier. Well, I am in a good routine now at least. I suppose that is down to a handful of things:<br />
1) My oldest can now get dressed in his school uniform by himself.<br />
2) My youngest can't dress himself but picks out his outfit for the day, so no more 20 minute tantrums about what to wear (even if that means he wears his Rudolph shirt in the middle of Feb).<br />
3) They both know the routine and are more able to get everything done in good time (including run through the school grounds if we are running a little late).<br />
4) I haven't been going to the gym in the mornings for awhile, so I am able to put a bit more time into getting everyone ready and out the door in an orderly fashion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0ADdcepoKdwR9daKQ_P2To63OXIO6BtcHieO8U9Ssf4rJRXhrW2HnAWIPKKxwX_zwBzL-b4W6HFDvgpPWRVkW47_h39CZCGfYcn7TSAXdSSoDPNLVBK416tQDswxia3smkQ1D3fhpFM/s1600/20140904_104400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0ADdcepoKdwR9daKQ_P2To63OXIO6BtcHieO8U9Ssf4rJRXhrW2HnAWIPKKxwX_zwBzL-b4W6HFDvgpPWRVkW47_h39CZCGfYcn7TSAXdSSoDPNLVBK416tQDswxia3smkQ1D3fhpFM/s1600/20140904_104400.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little one dressed to drop off his brother at school! Yes, I did put trousers on him! ;)</td></tr>
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With all that said;<br />
I still really dislike the morning school run.<br />
I still arrive at the school gates looking like the least well put together mum (I'm working on this).<br />
I am still trying to make friends with other school mums (which I am finding challenging) and<br />
I am still getting used to not being late. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC13XxzlLHm6DjFacYlzqOyEUiNWZICbVJhdG8S8McHP9qcNBRI98BoY3Jn_GaI3_Jqp1sSpc29617TMDZHUzCYQe5gG0sdkHGwftzrKnKKNiVnRQFCCXX4RJE-cvGiYbrii_OhPysiTU/s1600/20141119_171037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC13XxzlLHm6DjFacYlzqOyEUiNWZICbVJhdG8S8McHP9qcNBRI98BoY3Jn_GaI3_Jqp1sSpc29617TMDZHUzCYQe5gG0sdkHGwftzrKnKKNiVnRQFCCXX4RJE-cvGiYbrii_OhPysiTU/s1600/20141119_171037.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Nfn-r_7aCtXELNH2xuf1pol3GaY2JylpkNWUuMgLyP6_F9TtGjqknPluRq6HogiyGIYwSfSYXQVYthUVf7Hqwx7RJ3lWhwrI3g4r5gZi34T2XibQSBMlTLMdtLpen4U2R9DUaA7Unyo/s1600/20141002_110210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Nfn-r_7aCtXELNH2xuf1pol3GaY2JylpkNWUuMgLyP6_F9TtGjqknPluRq6HogiyGIYwSfSYXQVYthUVf7Hqwx7RJ3lWhwrI3g4r5gZi34T2XibQSBMlTLMdtLpen4U2R9DUaA7Unyo/s1600/20141002_110210.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How we all feel after the morning school run! :)</td></tr>
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I look forward to every term break when we can all lounge till 9 am in our pjs, eat a more relaxed breakfast and be late getting to a meet up with friends because guess what that friend has just text and she's running late too. :-)<br />
<br />
<b>Anyone else dislike the school run? </b><br />
<b>xx</b><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864728454051333752noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-710932627427656816.post-4624264123921909182015-02-06T07:37:00.001-08:002015-02-06T07:37:20.115-08:00Mysteries, Winter Hat and Decluttering... #LittleLovesHello! This is my very first week participating in <a href="http://www.butwhymummywhy.com/">Butwhymummywhy</a>'s #littleloves linky so hopefully I've got all I need down here and didn't miss anything. I have previously been posting Friday Faves, on the Fridays I remember to do it ;) but this is a good way of getting my favourites from the week down and into neat little categories.<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Read</span></b><br />
I am currently on a mystery book kick and have just started and nearly finished the first book in the Psychic Eye series, <i>Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye </i>by Victoria Laurie. This series was recommended to me by my mum who also loves a good mystery read and it definitely lived up to its recommendation so far. I can't wait to get my hands on the other 11 books!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-I7rM55TQ20CgsE2LSpus17StCAop9EsFFYATo2_9R4WIknyXWTfahbaDJDoSYKSc8UhBN1sxWLzfvUIBT7uN1ZFJ67YWu5QowLFCrNLnPZOv_SWr6IE-AbGTYSue1RszfvAGVk-rgs/s1600/psychiceye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-I7rM55TQ20CgsE2LSpus17StCAop9EsFFYATo2_9R4WIknyXWTfahbaDJDoSYKSc8UhBN1sxWLzfvUIBT7uN1ZFJ67YWu5QowLFCrNLnPZOv_SWr6IE-AbGTYSue1RszfvAGVk-rgs/s1600/psychiceye.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I have also been reading a lot of my favourite blogs recently and one blog that has been getting my attention recently has been <a href="http://www.poutinginheels.com/">Pouting in Heels</a>. I absolutely love Kate's writing style and she has so many interesting and insightful things to say about blogging. I really feel like I can learn a lot from her. :)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Watched</span></b><br />
I have been keeping up with the usual TV series that I love so much (Call The Midwife, Mr. Selfridge & CBB), additionally I have started watching Wolf Hall (unfortunately I missed the last episode so I now need to catch up). I am hoping it picks up the pace a bit as the last couple were a little slow going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRNs5RYvZuJOmNdDmcgV5NSsE_IT44dR8zeULlV1MpDBCS_8TN3UK66naOIhSRqoYWHH1kgz1PYpqE6NxM_RRvQuu7StU12NAX2IXcS-K6YbqvCTgbbChXrJ1ILULQKH9l80CHiGieAQ/s1600/wolfhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRNs5RYvZuJOmNdDmcgV5NSsE_IT44dR8zeULlV1MpDBCS_8TN3UK66naOIhSRqoYWHH1kgz1PYpqE6NxM_RRvQuu7StU12NAX2IXcS-K6YbqvCTgbbChXrJ1ILULQKH9l80CHiGieAQ/s1600/wolfhall.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Wore</span></b><br />
Due to this crazy cold weather, I have definitely been living in my warm winter hat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcinym6S_IW_7zGeaYwQ3E-CIWJanENz-Kq5z6h2xel4tSxXt4XSMsnEuNSqJ9EXl79vQ09tphQNebZXymXV6Y7FPmDQlFNW-_tGStgENjuJOib7t2LrBskcNKWVr0mek6vztXnZjwlvc/s1600/20150206_112920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcinym6S_IW_7zGeaYwQ3E-CIWJanENz-Kq5z6h2xel4tSxXt4XSMsnEuNSqJ9EXl79vQ09tphQNebZXymXV6Y7FPmDQlFNW-_tGStgENjuJOib7t2LrBskcNKWVr0mek6vztXnZjwlvc/s1600/20150206_112920.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every hat needs a little bling! ;)</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: x-large;">Heard</b><br />
I have really been liking Hozier Take Me To Church these days. Pretty catchy.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MYSVMgRr6pw" width="350"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Made</span></b><br />
I haven't actually made anything worth talking about this week. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners have been the usuals and I haven't had a chance to bake this week, but I have 'made' some progress in my decluttering project.<br />
So far I have finished the entryway room/study, Hallway, downstairs bathroom and I am getting to work on the kitchen and lounge this weekend. Can't wait to have a clutter free house! :-)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b>And Lastly...</b></span><br />
I really hope any of you new to my blog will follow me on <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/caffeine-cuddles-cardio-12614517">Bloglovin'</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CCCLauryn">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/caffeinecuddlescardio">Facebook</a>. I am really trying my best to grow my blog and meet new people (and new blogs)! Thank you! :)<br />
<br />
<b>Hope you all have a lovely weekend! </b><br />
<b>xx</b>
<br />
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