BareNakedMummy

90 words for cancer

2012-01-27T20:58:00.000Z

If I close my eyes, I can still see your face.
I have a scrappy bit of paper with your writing on it, that will never bethrown.
When I watch a film with rude bits in I can still hear your groans
My daughters they would make you so proud
Though you are gone and lost the fight, know that I love you with all mymight and am so proud of the struggle you faced what with the arthritis andthen the breast cancer. I love you mum.

90 words for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. 90 words to sum up a lost life. To a woman who lost the struggle.

90 words is hard to write when the feelings are still burning a hole insde me. But after reading that Kate on Thin Ice wanted 90 bloggers to join in and make a difference I knew the 90 words would come.

“Pink Ribbon Bingo have pledged to support Breakthrough Breast Cancer all year round with 15% of the gross revenue accrued through online play on the site being donated to the charity. Visitors also have the opportunity to donate a percentage of their winnings directly to the charity. Along with the fundraising element, Pink Ribbon Bingo and The Daily Mail online will be helping the charity to raise awareness by promoting their vital health messages such as TLC (Touch, Look, Check).“

BNM

Adverts,RRAA

2012-01-24T23:14:00.001Z

I'm glad to be joining in with a meme that I found while reading my google reader.
You've all seen room 101 (not the new version though that's a bit pants). If you haven't then room 101 is a place where you dump things you don't like, ahte, wind you up etc (more about it here)

Well, there is now a bloggers alternative to room 101 - and this week its TV adverts. Now, I don't tend to pay much attention during adverts as OH is constantly flicking the remote (that's another rant!) but here are the ones I currently don't like:

Any and all of the Go compare adverts, what an annoying man! ( I am also ashamed to say that he is Welsh!)

And also the confused.com adverts (its very annoying !)

Why don't you go and join in and have a rant!BNM

Let there be cheer in your heart

2012-01-24T23:01:00.002Z

Image: tungphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tomorrow lovers around Wales will be celebrating a special day that beats St Valentines hands down. No martyred saints here. No we have our own Welsh girl who devoted her life to lovers.

St Dwynwen, the daughter of an Irish king, Brychan Brycheiniog (one of his 24 daughters!) lived in Brecon in Wales. She fell in love with a man from the north, Maelon Dyfodrull but her father wouldn't let them marry as she was betrothed to another. Here the story gets a bit nasty because Maelon raped her due to his outrage (not a nice man). She fled to the woods and prayed to God asking to forget Maelon. At this point and angel came down and turned Maelon into a block of ice. God then gave three wishes to her, she wished that Maelon bethawed, second that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers and thirdthat she should never marry. All came true and she devoted her life to God.

She left her home and established a cell on a little island off Anglesey. In the passing years, people would visit, especially if they had troubles with love, to pray to Dwynwen and visit her holy well. The remains of a church still exists there and somewhere on the island lays her holy well where if the water boils whileyou are present, then love and good luck will surely follow.

It is the tradition tomorrow to give love spoons but I am lucky enough to have been given one from my dear husband long before we got married. It was made in the area by a man called Dai Spoons and hangs on the wall above our tv.

We hope this year to see more of the North of Wales and maybe I can drag my children to the island of Llanddwyn to see the ruined church and find the holy well!

And just for the Irish king here's a welsh one liner that I thought summed up love well:

"Cariad, wyt yr ewyn gwyn ar beint o Guinness!"

Diwrnod Santes Dwynwen Hapus i pawb

BNM

Work ethics

2012-01-24T09:38:00.000Z

(warning I'm about to rant so if you don't want to read I don't mind!)

I have work ethics like everyone else but it seems one department in the university I work at have decided against some basic ones.

Image: basketman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So, let me set the scene for you, Monday morning at work and I go for usual snoop on job's page. What do I find but the job I'd applied for back in December. The job that I was waiting to hear about - the job I was hoping for. I'd received nothing from them. Nothing to say that I hadn't been shortlisted.

I was angry (I have calmed down a lot, your lucky you didn't get this RA earlier!)

I rang HR , only to be told that I had not met the criteria, which is fine but where was the courteous email, OH apparently they don't send one. What! Stupid Bloody People!

I am gutted I didn't get the job but hey at least I know now- even if it was a horrible way to find out.

Hei di Ho - Best get off back to work!

BNM

新年快乐

2012-01-23T16:15:00.003Z

I've just looked at my calendar and realised that today is Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the Dragon same as the year I was born.

Image: Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I used to read my 'normal' horoscopes all the time when I was younger but have given up on it now, they were never true. But having read some of the facts about people born in the year of the dragon I now it is me. The characteristics of people born in a dragon year are

Innovative - as always, I mean I can make dinner out of thin air
Enterprising - see above
Flexible - being a working mum I have to be!
Self-assured - sometimes
Brave - mm, well, kinda
Passionate -oh yes
Conceited - definitely not
Tactless - yes I have a big mouth, my dad always told me to put brain in gear before opening mouth
Scrutinizing - work wise yes
Unanticipated - if it means random then yes well and truly!
Quick-tempered - I have red hair so very definite and when I blow!!

I then read further and apparently there are different elements to the animals - so to top it all I am a Fire Dragon

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigour is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivalling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

OOPS, Not all of that is obviously true but am nodding my head to some of it!

Oh well, if your celebrating tonight have fun.

新年快乐

BNM

(details about Dragon horoscope was found through Google!)

Meal Planning Monday - January 23rd- 30th

2012-01-23T13:29:00.004Z

After sticking fantastically well to the Meal Plan last week, here I am today with the new one. Everything went down well, the meatloaf was loved by all apart from OH (but he's a fussy bugger). I even took some into work where it was decided that they tasted like rissoles (the meatball kind and not the croquette kind, it may be a Welsh thing!). Believe it or not but Car loved it and proclaimed that I was the best cooker in the world! I made a rosti to go with it which everyone loved and makes a change from mash/chips!

This is a mega frugal one as it being near the end of January but not quite and pay stretching a bit thin, I'm going for simple but lovely food! Also, last night our freezer door was being temperamental and refused to shut (maybe due to ice build up) so am going to try and defrost it at end of month!

Monday
Mystery Meat Kebabs with either wedges, rice or peas (the meat is either Turkey or Pork- I took it out of the freezer last night and it had no label on it!)

Tuesday
Fish (Salmon from Freezer) with Chips and Broccoli

Wednesday
Fry up (Bacon from freezer, Eggs donated from friend's hens)

Thursday
Spaghetti and Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (another freezer sauce!)

Friday
Cheese and Potato Pie and Beans

Saturday
Home made Pizza

Sunday
Roast Chicken dinner with peas (I have a huge bag in the freezer!)

Having thought of all the peas I have (what is it with freezers and peas) I may even make a pea soup to take into work.

Anyway as always am joining in with Mrs M (and about to pop over and salivate on what other people are eating!)

Hope you all have a great food week!

BNM

Joke 2

2012-01-23T06:30:00.000Z

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Here's another joke from the Bel laughter files. She is enjoying making jokes up at the moment though she also loves reading her Horrid Henry joke book that she got for Christmas.

Anyway here is the recent joke in our house:

"Will you forget me in 47 years"
Me- No
"Knock, Knock"
Me - Who's there
"You've forgotten me already!"

BNM

Black Sheep

2012-01-21T11:57:00.002Z

I may be the black sheep in our family.

On Sunday, I'm going to my cousins daughter's christening and I don't want to go.

There have been issues between me, my aunts and my grandfather. About the fact that apparently I have turned into a horrible niece/granddaughter. The issues range from not taking my children and myself to see my grandmother before she died and the fact that I don't visit enough.

I'm not proud of being the black sheep but unfortunately I am pig headed and stubborn. I was up to not going to this christening but my husband made me. He said I needed to build bridges but I think they go both ways.

Both my aunts hurt me with their words at my Dad's 60th, they hurt me with their offer of money and the fact that they wouldn't get what I was trying to get across. Luckily, another aunt on my dad's side stepped in and told them this wasn't the time or the place to get angry!

I know that maybe I have been in the wrong, for not seeing my gran before she died, for not taking my kids there, but a) we had no money and b) I don't do death. I went to the funeral but only after saying I wasn't and my dad had to step in and say that I was wanted there. I went and everyone told me how much I looked like my mum, something I can't cope with. I am not her, I am me. But maybe because of this I have alienated myself from her family. I don't know.

Tomorrow should be fine I hope. But a part of me still doesn't want to go.

BNM

A four year olds eye view

2012-01-19T07:30:00.000Z

What happens when you give a four year old a camera for Christmas - well apart from the random pictures of arms, legs, walls, floors etc - you also get this

BNM

You gotta laugh

2012-01-18T11:55:00.000Z

It seems that its a joke a minute each day in our house lately.

When Car went to wake up Neb this morning the following was said:

Wake up ladyboys!

(or even wake up lazybones!)

BNM

A good mother?

2012-01-17T23:00:00.000Z

I sat down tonight to watch Sharon Horgan's programme "How to be a Good Mother" (as Neb had gone out leaving the sky + box recording not one, not two but four programmes - cheers ears!). I'd wanted to watch it when it was aired but seeing as Neb was in I didn't think it'd be his kinda thing.

And what did I learn from the programme.

Well, I know I'm not a stay at home mum who homes schools ( can I say fair play to the woman, 7 children plus one on way and home schooling too - plus having a flat stomach %&$!)But to be honest, it would drive me mad and I love my me time in work (even if that sometimes drives me mad!)

I'm not a continuing mother - baby doesn't need to be carried along all the time (believe me, we co slept with Car and it proved to be a nightmare!), and the no nappy thing - again not for me! But each to their own, even if she thinks that working mothers have an easier time of going back to work.

I'm not the placenta pill producing mum either who thinks that drugging kids when ill is wrong - well I'm obviously wrong then but when your child has a fever what in hell are you meant to do! Also she said that Cesarean babies don't bond which to be honest I know I felt shit for not giving birth to Car naturally (one day I will write their birth stories!) but Mums like her do not need to rub salt in wounds!

And even though , I am not the technology mad, to do list perfect working mother I am a working mother. Except like Sharon, I kinda muddle it through. Lists I do in work, and we may have the odd one or two for home but not anything like the blackboard of this fourth mother.

Luckily, I do not have a teen son but I will have teenage daughters - a thought that is petrifying at the moment. I hope to be protective of them but not as over protective as the stripper mum but who knows. I will wait until that wind blows into our house!

And am I the risk taking mother - maybe not to the extremes of the last mother but I'm definitely no molly coddling helicopter mother!

So after watching the programme I know I'm a good mother because I do it my way - which in a way is what the programme showed. 6 different mothers doing it their way and even if I didn't agree with their ways I think we need to allow everyone to do what they think is best.

BNM

PS Sharon is also a good mother for having kids that eat mango (mine probably wouldn't touch it with a barge pole) - and for letting her kids play with a football in the kitchen. And I think for being well and truly bonkers but the kinda mother I would love to be friends with

PPS All opinions about the programme here are mine and if you don't like them well tough!!

Herman is in the house

2012-01-17T21:27:00.000Z

There he is, sitting in the corner of the kitchen, slowly talking to himself and growing everyday.

No, I haven't got a new dog,cat or child I have what I've discovered is a bit of a fad.

Yes, Herman the German friendship cake is sat in the kitchen bubbling away. A gift from a work colleague, he has been smouldering in the kitchen since last week.

If, like me, you'd never heard of Herman let me explain. He seems considered in the same vain as those chain letters I used to get in school when I was a kid. You either loved them or you hated them. A bit like Marmite. According to some of the research I did on Herman some people seem to hate him and dispose of poor Herman down the drain after being given him. He doesn't seem to deserve that or the shame that some people seem to believe he carries. He's even going so far as apparently ripping people's friendships apart!

But seriously, he is just a bit of fun and apparently will live even with no attention (according to a work colleague who is very happy to have one of his babies when he gives birth). I'm unsure about what Neb and the girls will think about eating a cake that has been sitting in the kitchen bubbling away but we will try!

I'm hoping to make him with apples but without the raisins etc. If anyone has any other suggestions on how to cook him then let me know in the comments section. And if you want to make friends/ annoy friends then there are instructions here that show how to begin a Herman.

Only one more day and my Herman gives birth. Let's hope that the people I share with don't hate me forever! And yes, when I make Herman into a cake I will share the photos with you all!!

BNM

Joke 1

2012-01-16T08:07:00.000Z

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As we know laughter is the best medicine so I thought I'd start a ~~weekly, daily,~~ random dates joke day! And not any old joke either oh no these will be jokes that Bel has made up or loved recently. Anyway here is the first. Let me know if it made you laugh out loud or just groan!

What do you call a silly eskimo?

An Innutwit!

BNM

Meal Plan Monday - January 16th

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000Z

I'm actually on time this week - which I know is a surprise to all but the girls are playing Play Doh and we're hoping to go for a shop later on.

As January is getting longer and money is getting shorter am trying to use lots of stuff from the freezer this week so don't need to do that big a shop (hopefully!)

Monday - Toad in the hole, gravy, mash and broccoli (maybe even left over swedes and carrots mash as I will probably go OTT with Sunday's roast!)

Tuesday - Fish Bites and Chips (the girls were meant to have fish bites two weeks ago but never got round to it, so cod bites for them!) Neb is out in Welsh and Pool tonight so I will probably have something light and picky. I did notice some pasta in the freezer so I may have that!

Wednesday - Meatloaf, gravy and mash (I've never made this before but found some mince in the freezer and the kids seem to have gone off Spaghetti Bolognese!)

Thursday - Pizza Chicken Melts (from an old Good Food magazine but I found it on the web here, served with chips or wedges

Friday - I have no idea, there may be leftover Meatloaf or it may be something simple from the freezer! If not then the best stand by we love in our house is Baked Potato!

Saturday - Chicken Cutlets and Rapid Rostini (from Nigella's Kitchen)

Sunday - we are going to a christening today so have nothing planned, if kids eat at christening then maybe something like soup/ boiled eggs !

And the meal plan last week, well we stuck to it apart from having homemade pizza on Saturday and the Pork Steaks on Sunday!

As ever am linking up (once ) with Mrs M and her meal plan and can't wait to see what everyone else is cooking. Apart from Tuesday this week we are eating as a family again which so far is going good but with Car being fussy I don't know how Wednesday's meal will go down! Would love to know what food you cook for your kids or whether you do more than one meal.

BNM

Presents galore!

2012-01-15T11:47:00.002Z

So Christmas has been and gone. the dust has settled on the presents not played with and then Car had her birthday. So even more presents were bought and then played with.

And the lowdown, the what you should get a 4 yo.
Well firstly the big present from us which she loves (it may have something to do with the water element)

Playmobil as ever a hit in our house. I gave up on building it and let Neb do that after the annoyance at Christmas when it took me 10mins to realise the flower that wouldn't stay on was actually upside down - damn picture instructions!

Then we also got a David Melling book - we love him in our house (Bel is working through the goblins series) and we have nearly got all the picture books. Neb read this to the girls last week and made a song out of the two by two and a half. A definite must get book!

The other presents she got were clothes, hat, scarf, and more playdoh. We love Playdoh in our house and it is the best.

Bel got her a Scooby Doo car, goo and figure in goo which was possibly one of the funniest presents ever as Neb showed them they could stick their fingers in the goo and make farty noises!

Then Car got a present that she thinks is LUSH LUSH but half of it is in the hoover and I tell you now as a parent don't get this as a present or buy it for your child. It goes everywhere and as described by my husband it feels like the gel inside nappies when they are wet. Moon Dough - the dough that never dries is a pain. It is everywhere (mostly under the table!)

So presents are still being played with and all is fun in our house! Bel's birthday next month so will let you have the lowdown on what to and not to buy for a 8 year old!

BNM

All items were bought by either myself or family - this is not a review, just an opinion!

Baring all

2012-01-14T11:27:00.003Z

Hello all

So its been another busy week, and as always the blog has suffered! Work is sooo busy at the moment, it is that time of year again when students finish their first semester, exams are on and deadlines are tight.

I'm working away like a busy bee whilst still waiting to hear if I've been shortlisted for another job (in the univeristy) that I reallly want! I applied before Christmas but my friend in the department has told me that a short list has been sent to HR so fingers crossed that I at least get an interview!

But today, its the weekend so am going to do some relaxing. I'm going to find time to bake, play with the girls, relax, tidy, take pictures and generally have fun - but first I need to get Car dressed.

There is frost on the ground and she is walking round the house bare, bum on show!

Clothes, who needs them hey!!

BNM

Better late than never -

2012-01-10T22:46:00.000Z

Yes, this was meant to be published on Monday but I was knackered after work and then earlier I had to tell you about the book so here it is better late than never.

Last week things didn't quite go to plan, with the fish dinner not happening. I also realised after a comment on the post that I was taking too much time cooking two meals (one for us, one for them) so am trying this week just to do one ( but I may end up by Friday tearing my hair out when Car won't eat!)

Monday - Pizza Potatoes

Tuesday - Sausage and Chips girls, me well I had the Chili coconut fish (see last week, here). It was bloody gorgeous and will be something I do again. I even managed to take a pic to show you (and yes that is a salad, am trying to be uber healthy - this will no doubt wear off by mid next week!)

Wednesday - Fry up (ahem possibly not that healthy but yummy!)

Thursday - Sweet and Sour Chicken (I'll be doing the one from the many Annabel Karmel books I have - so it'll be something like this) (but it may be the same as Mrs M's now after I popped over!)

Friday - Macaroni Cheese

Saturday - Home made Pizza

Sunday - Roast sunday dinner with pork chops

Right am off to post this over at Mrs M's now (and to try only to do it once!)

BNM

I'm in a book

2012-01-10T22:22:00.004Z

Last year, I published this post that was all about how to cope with toddler tantrums.

Well, now my contribution and many other handy hints from well other bloggers, some more well known than me has been published!

Toddlers: An Instruction Manual: A Guide to Surviving the Years One to Four (Written by Parents, for Parents) has been published by Joanne Mallon and can be bought on Amazon in both paperback and kindle versions.

The book, which is possibly guaranteed to keep you sane while coping with toddlers is also raising funds for charity, as a portion of the royalties are going to Home-Start, a great charity who provide practical support to parents under stress.

So, if your having fun tearing your hair out with a tantruming toddler, then why not support a good cause and go buy it.

And if you want to know what I felt, when I got that email from Joanne, then just know that words are not enough. This is me, little old me, small time in the closet blogger stuck for words to describe the exhilaration that I got in. YYEEEAHHAWH!

BNM

(obviously I will sign copies of my part of the book for you all, just queue up!)

Aagh, Goo and Puke

2012-01-08T11:22:00.000Z

Hello

Thought I'd pop over and say howdy! We've had a very eventful weekend here at the BNM household.

As Car was 4 yesterday - I know my baby girl not a baby anymore - we had a birthday weekend.

Let me run through what we've done:

Friday

I take half day so we can take Car, Bel and 2 friends to soft play area and McD's. Girls had fun, Car cried when leaving soft play, Car ate all her food at McD's (friends daughter ate most of her fries to her mum's suprise!), we got home, I fall down stairs pulling Car down with me. I'm on big heap on floor in agony, scream for Neb. Turn round and notice Car is upside down behind me.
I scream in agony as sprained ankle (on an ankle that is weak anyway!) and sit on sofa with frozen chips on ankle. Neb becomes hero as finds crutches from last ankle injury.Car asks mummy why she has stabilisers! I have to get upstairs on arse. Great start to Car birthday weekend!

Saturday - Car is 4

I wake up and can actually stand on foot (yeah). Car jumps in to bed and opens presents. Very sad face when she thought that she was getting a book from us until Neb reveals the Playmobil Dolphin Set. One very happy child. Neb and I go into panic cleaning for arrival of MIL and FIL!
Grandparents arrive, Car gets more presents including 2 damn Zhu Zhu Pets (am sure had not asked for one on purpose - Neb finds that Zhu Zhu pet plays Greensleeves!

Go into town for meal with grandparents, and after waiting for meal to arrive, Car actually eats ( am so thankful also to the fact that she sat next to Neb not me and did well!). Take walk around town so that I can get a tubigrip support bandage and some more painkillers. Ankle starts to hurt, I soldier on! Car buys Giant snakes and Ladders with some birthday money, Bel buys Zelda game with some unbirthday money! Get home, eat cake, grandparents leave, I start putting Playmobil together, thankfully Neb takes over. Car plays with new playmobil for 2hrs solid!
Girls and Neb realise that Scooby Doo Goo makes great farting noises!! hysterical laughter all round
After a long day, girls sleep well. We have wine, Car wakes up, Car gets into bed with me and then pukes! Chocolate puke on duvet cover - I get up unmake bed, put in washing machine and then go back and find Car fast asleep. Sleep!

Sunday

I wake up at 6 with Car demanding to play PlayDo. Get up an hour later and make brekkie, Car then plays on Playmobil. Both her and Bel are currently making cakes with PlayDo - happy children!

Will be glad when Monday comes, girls back in school and work beckons.

BNM

You know me so well

2012-01-03T12:49:00.002Z

I am not going to start singing (except I am humming a song as I type) but I thought I'd share something with you.

Today, is the first day back in work (BOO) and I'm on my own in the office (its lunchtime so I'm blogging!!)

I was not looking forward to coming in today, especially as when I woke up this morning it was a) dark and b) I had both the girls in bed with me (Neb slept in Bel's bed last night as they had come in before he came up!). I then had to leave in the wind and the rain with Car crying as she didn't want me to come in. Then I had to take the bus as Neb had managed to give the car tyre a puncture last night (DOH!)

Anyway, in I came to a deserted corridor. I opened my office door and on my desk were two cards and two presents. One a bottle of wine from a member of staff and the other one was this.

It 's a Catapencil - a gift from a colleague who was finishing and who knows me apparently too well. It states that the pencil is mightier than the sword and if I don't get this job I'm after I may have to place a picture of boss on desk and aim at it!

So Gwil if your reading (which you may do I'm not sure!)

Ta

BNM

What’s the best car insurance for families?

2012-01-03T10:06:00.002Z

Guest post from Sainsbury's Money Matters Blog

The costs of running a car are increasing all the time. Petrol, road tax, repairs and car insurance all take their toll on the family budget.

While you can’t do without car insurance, you can make sure that your policy gives you your money’s worth. Shopping for car insurance can be a daunting experience. So what should you look out for?

Comprehensive cover

The minimum legal requirement in the UK is third party only insurance. It can be tempting to opt for the cheapest car insurance policy available, but you could live to regret it if you ever need to make a claim.

Look for a good comprehensive policy to make sure you’ve got all the cover you need.

Standard comprehensive car insurance should:

Provide a courtesy car
Could your family cope without a car if your own one was damaged in an accident? A courtesy car is a must for many families.

Pay your hotel expenses
If you have an accident away from home, you’ll need a place to stay. Will your insurance cover your hotel expenses?

Replace your child car seat
Following an accident, you should always replace child car seats, even if there is no apparent sign of damage. Check if your insurance provider will cover this.

Replace stolen items
A good standard policy will provide some cover for personal items stolen from your car. However, it won’t cover expensive items like laptops so try to avoid keeping valuables in the car, or lock them in the boot if you must have them with you.

Repair your windscreen
If your windscreen is damaged, a standard policy will pay for a replacement or repair.

Cover you when you are driving in Europe 
Thinking of taking your car abroad this summer? Some policies offer a number of free days of the same level of cover as you have in the UK.

Extra benefits

If you pay a little extra for your car insurance, you’ll have a little extra peace of mind.

Many insurers offer premium policies. They’re worth considering if you think you could do with the following extra cover:

Guaranteed courtesy car 
Even if your car is a total loss, having full protection means you should have the use of a courtesy car of a similar size and class as your own. This means that if you rely on your people carrier for everyday life, you’ll get a courtesy car that is big enough for your needs.

Keys
If your keys are stolen you should expect your insurer to pay for their replacement.

Protection against uninsured drivers 
If you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver and have to make a claim, your insurer should cover you without charging you any excess or it affecting your No Claims Discount.

More cover
Paying a bit more for your car insurance should also give you extra personal accident and personal belongings cover, an increase in the allowance for hotel expenses following an accident and longer allowances for driving in Europe.

Whatever policy you go for, make sure it gives you all the cover you and your family need so you won’t be left high and dry if you need to make a claim.

BNM on behalf of Sainsbury's Money Matters Blog

Meal Planning Monday - new year, new start

2012-01-02T11:59:00.000Z

Well it's Monday then. The 2nd day of the New Year. I'm back in work tomorrow (bleugh) and Car is 4 this week so here goes the Meal Plan:

Monday - us Ham and Leek Pie, girls Chicken wrapped in Bacon
(looking forward to making this tonight and due to the fact that I know the kids won't eat it their having something different!, it will be served with veg!)

Tuesday -Mince Special - Chili for us, Spag Bol for them

Wednesday - Fish bites for children, Coconut and Chili Pan Fried Fish for us (from my new cook book again!)

Thursday - I have no idea!

Friday - McD's (as going to Play Planet for Car's birthday!)

Saturday - again this is actually Car's birthday and Neb's parents are up so again big meal at lunchtime!

So that's it - I'm going to look around for an idea for Thursday!!

BNM

(I'm joining in with Mrs M's linky so hope to get some inspiration from there!!)

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T23:30:00.000Z

Well that's it then. That's another year done in a few hours.

I hope you all are enjoying yourselves.

Here we are having a quiet night in, the fizz is chilling, the chilli chicken is marinading, the naan bread is rising (hopefully) and the girls (who are currently arguing will hopefully sleep!!)

Its so different from the New Year's Eve's of my youth - when I used to go out dressed up to the nines (in fancy dress!) and hit a local seaside town. Alcohol and men were consumed, and we laughed silly. Luckily I don't think that photos of me in those times still exist (now I say that and Wi and Wa will get them out!)

I was going to do a list of the popular posts of the year, but hey I'm being called to get playdoh out of the dog*

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

BNM

Note no dogs were actually hurt, it was a playdoh puppy!

She eats!

2011-12-31T19:20:00.002Z

Yeah, Car is eating normallyish again. And in a posh restaurant - well posh bar anyway.

Today we went to see my Dad to give him his Christmas pressie ( I've realised that I haven't mentioned Dad that much on this blog)

Anyway, I digress - today we went to see him and after handing over his present, he then asked whether we were hungry. I nodded and he took us out for lunch.

We went to a bar/restaurant/hotel round the corner from my dad's in my hometown. The Harbourmaster is a very swish hotel and has a reputation for lovely food. I was a bit worried about taking Car for lunch at the bar but she actually behaved. Both the girls had the children's fish and chips and I was very impressed when they bought out mini cutlery for them (I normally tend to carry cutlery for Car as she can't quite manage the big ones). My dad and Neb had a snack of Welsh Rarebit and bacon which I helped Neb with as he couldn't quite finish it. I had the Welsh Beef burger with Snowdonia Cheese which was delicious.The girls both ate their lunch with gusto and Car was mostly well behaved! (even though I did eat most of her fish!)

We then had desserts of ice cream (the girls - one scoop served in teacups!), Lemon Tart and Clementine Sorbet (me, yummy!) while Neb and dad shared a cheese platter. We all loved the food and the fact that many families were eating there. The owners have made it easy to dine there with kids, and the food they served was not of any less quality than that we ate.

If you find yourself in our corner of Wales and fancy a treat then pop over to the Harbourmaster and you may see us there!

BNM

I have not been compensated in anyway for this I thought I'd share with you a great place to go!

Inlaws Part 2

2011-12-29T22:35:00.001Z

So yes, Car was fun at the in laws and I felt low again, not to realise that I would feel lower!

Prior to the restaurant disaster on Wednesday we popped to Stratford and I actually did some clothes shopping (Yes, shock horror). I bought some funky tights, a skirt, a top and some trousers all from M&S. Now for some reason, the changing rooms were closed and I didn't get to try anything on but as I was sure that a size 20 bottom, 18 top would be fine I just bought them anyway! Neb loved the fact that I was treating myself and I actually felt good.

That is until I got home and the trousers didn't fit. They were a lovely cashmere tailored pair and they didn't do up. My lardy belly got in the way.

So today, before heading home I went to change them or get my money back. So I picked up a grey shift dress -which I nearly got stuck in, a top which was mislabelled on a 18 hanger (it was a size 8!) and gave up. I got my money back and out I went. We then tried Next ( nothing), Monsoon (nothing in my size), Laura Ashley (depressing as I saw two lovely skirts and then realised that apparently your not allowed to be bigger than an 18) which was better than River Island (which seemed to have nothing past 16!). I looked in Evans which had nothing! and then Neb managed to drag me into BHS and still nothing!

I'm upset. I hate it. And this is why I don't shop.

Will have to either save up for lipo (joke), or stop eating until next Christmas!!

Not happy!

BNM

Inlaws Part 1

2011-12-29T22:20:00.003Z

Hello all

Well we've survived the in- laws and are now home safely!

We've been fed and have shopped and have had mostly fun , apart from two things. One you'll get here and one in the next post!

So the first thing was the fact that Car isn't really eating (again) raised its ugly head. Neb had decided that for our second night there (Wednesday) we should all go out to save his mum cooking ( she won't let anyone else into the kitchen!) which was fine up until Car's main arrived. We were at Pizza Express and I apologise if you were at the branch in Sutton Coldfield and saw this manic mum in tears gripping her child and getting pissed off when Grandparents then told us loudly what we were doing wrong. And how wonderful Bel was.

But I remember Bel having the same issues - and apparently we are treating Car different. And Yes maybe I was but to be honest I get very defensive when Neb's parents tell us we are doing things badly - its something to do with the red hair!

Car ate her dough balls fine, then refused to eat her spaghetti bolognese which was in fact more of a bolognese with twisty pasta - she had a tantrum that it wasn't spaghetti! I managed to get her to eat one twirl, then after I forced a mouthful of sauce into her mouth decided she was feeling icky so I had to take her to the loo! She then refused to eat anything while Neb's mum was saying so no pudding then. Pudding did arrive (yes I am the bad mum but it was paid for as part of the meal deal) and she refused it. She also refused her drink and was a pain.

I just sat there, getting more and more wound up with her, wound up with Neb who wouldn't say anything against his mum and dad and started crying. Not my finest moment.

Just before we left today we had lunch and Car again didn't eat apart from some dessert and starter. I think that the entire Christmas celebrations have overwhelmed her and hope to start getting into some routine - which will start with hiding the Christmas chocolate stash!

So glad to be home so I can sort my little girl out (who is turning 4 in a week and 2 days!)

BNM

The aftermath

2011-12-26T19:21:00.002Z

There are toy boxes strewn over the floor.

Stockings still filled with goodies sat at the bottom of the tree. (They have all been opened and looked at then restuffed when asked to tidy!)

After worrying that Santa had not bought enough gifts, the girls were mighty suprised on Xmas day- as we were an hour later to see the remains of our wrappng all over the floor and that floor not to be seen through piles of presents- I was in fact at one point stuck on the sofa!

Christmas lunch filled our tummies though Car did keep on asking for chocolate throughout the day and was upset this morning when I refused to let her have chocolate for breakfast!
Even more food has been eaten today and if you walked in to our house you'd be able to smell its aftermath on me (I seem to have received a present of farty bums for Xmas!) Bel has said that gas masks need to be given on entry!

Tomorrow we travel to inlaws for more food, wine and fun.

Hoping you all have had a great time

BNM

Merry Christmas one and all

2011-12-23T11:16:00.000Z

This is probaly going to be the last post before the big day now (that is unless my cooking goes bad and I need to unload!).

I hope that you've all been good little boys and girls, that Santa brings you all your dreams and that mostly the kids behave!

BNM

Christmas food

2011-12-22T10:38:00.000Z

right, before I start this is not one of those collection of Christmas recipes. If you want them go tune in to any TV channel before Xmas - they will surely help. Failing that you could always search Christmas+food in Google!

No, actually what this is is the food plan over the Christmas season. Christmas to everyone is a time for overeating and where gluttony rules!

At home, growing up Christmas wasn't Christmas without the following two things:

prawn cocktail for starter Christmas Day - normally served in wine glasses!
and then my brother asking how long it was until supper after everyone had rolled off the table and were sitting down watching Xmas TV! (this is the boy who later in life managed to eat not one but 3 Christmas dinners in a day !!!)

Growing up for Neb, Christmas dinner was long - and as one who has had several Christmas dinners at the in laws now I will share what happens:

aperitifs with nibbles
volauvents
Christmas dinner- turkey, sprouts, parsnips, bacon, cocktail sausages, cranberry sauce, roast potatoes, gravy, stuffing!
Christmas pudding
dessert - cakes, fruit etc
chocolates, florentines , sugared almonds etc
cheese
coffee

I can tell you that when pregnant with Bel I managed some of the first 3 and then retired!
Unlike the year I was pregnant with Car (who was meant to be born on Christmas Eve) and I managed not only to cook Christmas dinner but eat loads of it - then ring up the midwives because she wasn't moving and being told that she was probably asleep after the big lunch!

Anyway, in our house Christmas has bought a mix of traditions!

Friday - fry up
Christmas Eve - Soup, crusty bread and nibbles
Christmas Day - Breakfast - Pain Au chocolat, Lunch: Tomato juice and nibbles to start including home made cheese biscuits!, Turkey, parsnips, roast potatoes,swedes and carrots, broccoli, cocktail sausages, bacon, stuffing, bacon wrapped tomatoes, bread sauce, gravy and home made cranberry sauce(yum), pudding - if wanted ice cream for the kids with macadamia brittle, Neb has a Christmas pud that I've been given (I don't like it)
Boxing Day - Leftovers and ham (roasted previously!)

We are then off to the in laws where we will have a belated Boxing day on the 28th and enjoy some steak (another in law food tradition!)

I hope you all have fun over Christmas and enjoy all the food around you!

BNM

PS If there is something you fancy on our Christmas menu and ask nicely I can post the recipes!!

Let's fly away

2011-12-19T15:18:00.000Z

To a warmer clime. To somewhere with no rain (yes, I know I was moaning about wanting snow the day before but now I've had enough).

Where would you go to escape the weather? I've been looking around (kinda like window shopping) and there are some great deals out there - you could get flights to Bodrum cheaply.

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It looks lovely, blue skies and ancient places- just the place you need to go to relax and warm up from the cold winter nights.
Just looking at that sky and sea make me happy. Especially after looking out of the window at the grey and wet skies here. Somewhere to escape the workload, the tediousness of every day and somewhere to give you a new lease of life.

I might even get packing. Who's with me?

BNM

Cough, Cough,splutter, splutter

2011-12-19T14:24:00.001Z

Yes, it seems that I have a cold! I've been trying to fight an illness since Halloween by dosing myself with vitamin C and mutlivitamins.

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
My nose is blocked, my voice has gone, my throat hurts and I am cold!

I am not really at work and I will be leaving early! I am not even going for the mulled wine and mince pies evening tonight. I want my bed!

Bah Humbug

BNM

Its snowing indoors!

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000Z

I'm resigned to the fact that as usual we won't get snow here in Mid Wales this winter. All around the country, other people will probably (I am not a weather man or a bookie!) get whiteness but due to that thermal blanket thingy bob (if anyone knows what its really called, let me know!) we will get slush.

Never mind though as its already snowed here in the BNM household:

We were recently sent a new edition of Sugar Puffs, the Snowy Puffs. Snowy Puffs are the same as the original Sugar Puffs but with the edition of meringue snowballs. The brand manager, Sheena Darji has designed the new pack to make sure everyone gets a taste of a winter wonderland this year.

Now, here in the BNM household we have mixed reactions to the snowballs, firstly I found that even though I shook the pack many of the snowballs still remained at the bottom of the pack. Then I passed the bowls to the kids, both are going through an odd stage of eating cereal dry at the moment (ie with no milk!), Bel loves the new Snowy Puffs both with and without milk while Car loves everything apart from the meringues and when breakfast now ends, I can guarantee a pile of snowballs on the table!

Snowy Puffs, a limited edition, contain no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives as well as being a source of fibre for the whole family. They can be bought at all major stores for a rrp of £1.50.

BNM

We were sent a pack in return for a review. All opinions given in the review are those of the BNM household.

Christmas Pops!

2011-12-18T11:41:00.000Z

Last night after watching some film on tv, we turned over and watched a Christmas Top of the Pops. Now, Top of the Pops always makes me feel christmassy. So, I thought I'd share with you an alternative Christmas Pops - a BNM Welsh edition

Tom Jones - Green Green Grass of Home - Christmas 1966

Flying Pickets - Only you - Christmas 1983 - featuring Welsh Lead singer Brian Hibbard (check out the fantastic sideburns, and the odd bald man to his right.)

Shakin Stevens - Merry Christmas Evveryone - Christmas 1985- with the amazing hips of Shaky (who I may have had a crush on...)

Great, aren't they! Hoping you all are feeling the Christmas spirit now - not the gin!

BNM

Dear So & So - The let it snow edition

2011-12-16T13:00:00.000Z

Dear TV Weather people

When you say its going to snow here, do remember that there are two avid girls eagerly awaiting the snow. I know we live close to the sea and there's a thermal blanket or something from the said sea stopping the snow but please think of the children!

Yours with fingers crossed

BNM

(Dear readers, if you have snow, please send it here as Car wants to make a snowman!)

Dear Hail

Thank you for waking me up at 5am this morning with your sound and your non snowiness. I had trouble getting back to sleep, and am now knackered (which makes working on own in office so non -motivational). Please turn to snow tonight as I need to sleep

Yawning

BNM

Dear Snow

If you are going to land here then please do so at Christmas Eve, after I've done my food shop. I will be very happy for snow on Christmas Day, some on Boxing Day and then a melt so that we can go to the in laws and eat more food! It can snow while we are there because I'll then be stuck and won't have to cook!

Pleadingly

BNM

Dear all

I'd like snow like this:

Image: Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ha!

BNM

Random Conversations in our house this week

2011-12-16T12:16:00.000Z

Tweetie pie is definitely a girl what's wrong with that cat - said by Bel

If Grandma, Grandpa and J the cat were monster we wouldn't get Easter Eggs - said by Car

When Christmas is finished is it my birthday then - Car

Can I open my Christmas presents yet? - Car ( I guess this is probably not just in my house!)

Daddy, are you wearing a vest.No Car I'm wearing my birthday suit! Bel, have you got a birthday jacket like daddie's - Car

So,yes my house has been mad this week and I am tired!

Here is something to make you all smile!

Have a nice weekend - am off to the school production tonight so will regale you with stories tomorrow

Choccy yum yum

2011-12-13T22:38:00.002Z

Sometimes being a blogger is great especially when you get lovely emails asking if you want some chocolate.

Now even though my sweet tooth seems to have got less with age (I know not good!) its not something I would turn down.

And this box of chocolate to me is Christmas!

Yes, its everyone's favourite - Quality Street. The chocolates that we have all fought over who's having which one for years. And knowing that when you get to the tin at the end of Christmas all you would get are the blue coconut ones.

This year, Quality Street is 75 years old and to celebrate their birthday, all special edition tins have a code in them which you enter into www.qualitystreet.co.uk and win a prize every day (we didn't !)

As well, as bringing out these special edition boxes, they've also bought out My Purple Bar

And when I say My you know its mine, except I did have to share it with Neb (BOO!) These are a limited edition so if the purple one in Quality Street is your favourite go and snap them up now.

So from us here at the BNM household a big

to Quality Street. We hope you carry on for 75 years more!

BNM

The BNM family would like to thank the lovely PR's for sending us chocolate to review. We all love the Quality Street but would like to ask the girls not to eat all the strawberry ones!

Clear out to help out?

2011-12-10T19:43:00.001Z

Today, Car and I did some clearing.

We have for a while trying to get her to get rid of some of her old toys and after talking the other day we did some clearing of baby stuff ready for the in flux of Christmas presents.

Many of the box that we got cleared was a pile of baby board books, a wooden trolley and Baby Tad.

Baby Tad was a present that Bel had from her godfather and has lasted a long time. His night time music button doesn't work anymore but it may be due to overuse!

The small thing is, after telling Car that we were getting rid of baby toys she now thinks that we are going round to people's houses to drop things off. I was just hoping to drop them off at the nearest charity shop but now am confuddled!

BNM

Is there a chef in the house?

2011-12-10T11:57:00.001Z

Do you love cooking?

Do you think you're a Christmas super chef?

If you answered yes then why don't you enter the Sudocrem Christmas Superchef competition:

So, how do you enter:

Step 1 - Prepare, bake, fry, steam, boil or stew your own Christmas themed recipe then take a picture of your creation

Step 2 - Visit and Like the Sudocrem Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Sudocrem) and click on the Superchef Competition page

Step 3 - Follow the competition page instructions: Enter your name, upload your picture and paste your recipe into the text box provided

Step 4 - Keep your fingers crossed that the celebrity judge, Aggie MacKenzie takes a shine to your creation!

Competition Start Date is 7th December 2011

Competition Finish Date is 4th January 2011

Competition winners announced on 5th January 2012

If you do win, remember me!

BNM

The one where I get crafty

2011-12-10T10:26:00.001Z

I'm not a very crafty person. The most we get in our house is painting and some playdoh playing. I will cook with my girls though as I do love making the house smell lovely!

But last weekend after a plea on twitter I decided to make some salt dough decorations.The recipe I used is this one and was dead simple to use. We cut out christmassy shapes:

Then I poked holes in them and left them dry in the oven for 4 hours. But we found that the left over salt dough was fun to play with - and we're still playing with it now 1 week later (it keeps in the fridge in a bag!)

Then the salt dough was dried (yes 4 hours have now passed!, think a la Blue Peter)

Now, the fun came, painting and glittering. We used normal poster paint (the link suggests acrylic) and it was fine.

Then we put them all into a box and I got arty farty with my camera:

Pretty aren't they and too be honest if I knew salt dough would keep them so quiet I'd have made it earlier!

BNM

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-09T07:37:00.001Z

The kids have been driving me mad recently by singing their own random versions of O Christmas Tree - which are sometimes funny but mainly annoying as tree rhymes with a bodily function!

So, while you think of the rhymes that they could sing - I know you are doing it right now! I thought I'd share with you the stages of our Christmas Tree decoration. Unfortunately the tree isn't a real one as Neb says they're too expensive!

Step 1) Neb puts tinsel and lights on tree - no one is allowed to touch it until this is done.

Step 2) Let the kids loose on tree - this is something that Neb lets them do with gritted teeth as the tree is then not coordinated! For many year pre kids, he wouldn't let me decorate the tree. In the picture below you can also see that Car is holding a home made star decoration (of which I'll blog about tomorrow!)

Step 3) Sit back and enjoy the tree - note the angel on top has to have a red light up her bum!

And there we are - our Christmas tree finely decorated!

Hope you've all got yours up by now - and if not remember to come back tomorrow for some ideas on extra decorations for it!

BNM

Stocking Filling Fun

2011-12-08T15:36:00.001Z

Yes, I am still here.
Life as always is blah blah hectic and I've got a cold (!) and its that time of the month (yuck, tmi I know!). I was though about to post tonight when OH announced this morning that he wasn't going to his Welsh class tonight as he wasn't in the mood! (So I'm obviously not blogging this at work AHEM!)

Now then Sunday, I wasn't in the Chirstmassy mood at all. And today, well I feel a bit better, our tree is up (pics will follow) and I have bought all the girls presents (even managed to find a Playmobil Pyramid which this year seem a bit scarce!)

So, yes the kids are done. And what I hear you say are they getting. Well let's start with their stocking shall we.
I've had lots of fun over the past few weeks buying stocking fillers. I have raided EBay - yes I am that mum who buys used toys and to be honest I've got some real bargains! I've raided our local pound shop because what most kids want in their stocking is some chocolate, some books, a colouring book and some crayons.

Now this year, I haven't bought ordinary crayons. No this year, I've bought the best crayons ever!

I've bought crayons that are in the letters of their name. Like this:

(image taken from Colour Me Fun Website)

And they are fantastic. They arrived a day after ordering and come in a nice little bag (so hopefully they won't get lost). I think the girls will love them.
Colour Me Fun have different categories of crayons (from animals to geek chic - just check out the Lego ones!)

If you are still looking for that quirky present for your child or friend ( I know I'd use the crayons!) then why don't you pop over to Colour Me Fun and have a look!

BNM

I was not sponsored to write a review on Colour Me Fun, I just think they have a fantastic product and it will make @ColourMeFun blush a lot!

Top 5 christmas songs

2011-12-04T10:37:00.001Z

I'm not feeling it just yet, the kids are and so I know is Neb but for me Christmas doesn't really kick in until I start wrapping presents, have finished work and am ready!

But I do love a Christmas song, there are some really bad ones and some really cheesy ones and then there's Maria ( I hate her Christmas songs with a passion so grimace when I hear them on the radio!).

Here though are my top 5 Christmas Songs, some humorous , some traditional:

1. Grandma got run over by a reindeer:

2. Last Christmas - Wham

3. Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens

4. I saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus - The Ronettes

5. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Bing Crosby (the song that I will guarantee to be humming once I feel Christmassy !)

And there they are , my top 5 christmas songs, no Cliff in sight! If you want to see some more Christmas songs then pop over to the listography.

BNM

The night I was lost for words

2011-12-01T18:03:00.001Z

Yes, I know I waffle and I can talk for Wales (or UK/USA delete as appropriate!) but last night I was gobsmacked!

Why, I hear you ask. Well last night after checking my work email (yes shouldn't really do after hours but was waiting on an email!) I sat in shock.

I had been invited for mince pies and mulled wine with the University's PVC. This is not this:

No, she is the head honcho at the university. She runs the whole kerbang. And I got nominated to go for drinks at her posh house!

So after my minor meltdown last night I know have to decide what to wear! Suggestions please!!

BNM

Present shopping?

2011-11-29T22:33:00.001Z

Have you started yet?

No, I haven't really either, apart from a few stocking fillers.

But I have found a perfect website with gift ideas for those people (ie my dad and Neb's parents) who are hard to buy for. And I was very lucky to be sent this recently to review:

A lovely decanter with an oak stopper which Neb received as a bonus birthday present. He thinks that its a magical decanter as the wine bottle he poured into it seemed to never end. I just think he was drinking slowly (but hey it may be magical!- it does only actually hold 2 litres).
The decanter (which sells at £24.95) is just one of the many gifts featured on The Handpicked Collection. The gifts are all handpicked by an expert panel who help find stylish and great value presents (I know that I will be using them again to get some Christmas presents!).

The Handpicked collection - a great shopping experience for busy mums!

BNM

I was sent the decanter to review and all opinions given on the decanter and the company are my own.

Cartoon Capers

2011-11-26T16:16:00.001Z

This morning while watching Scooby Doo with the kids I had a thought - (bear with me it was Saturday morning) and this is the way it went:

Since having kids I've noticed that some cartoons have stood the test of time (i.e since I was little). You can still watch Scooby Doo, Tom &Jerry and even the random programmes like Thundercats are still on TV. I even saw Smurfs on telly a while back - you know the original one , not the movie! But, how have these managed to make it? Why can we not see things like:

Duck tales

Gummibears

The Lost Cities of Gold

Dungeons &Dragons

or Around the World with Willy Fog

Who is it that decides what our children should watch on TV. I can't be the only one who can't stand to watch those dancing thingies on the island on CBeebies. Why not bring back Fraggle Rock instead?

Tell me I'm not alone in this - bring back the best kids TV there was!

BNM

Goto read a classic

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000Z

Image: Surachai / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I've said it before my best ever classic book to read is Jane Eyre ( I love it love it love it, but never to watch they always get the main characters wrong, normally too good looking) and while reading with Bel tonight at bed time I wondered when I could start her on the classics.

Which classics would a 7 yo like - a 7 yo who has poo pooed the Secret Seven! (apparently it was too boring)

So, while searching the web I made this list:

Huckleberry Finn -contains drunk fathers, boy who fakes own death
Treasure Island - pirates galore, may include rum
Black Beauty - horses, cabs and dying
Watership Down- rabbits, mixametoses and dying

Bit deathly aren't they.

Do your kids read the classics? Any suggestions?

BNM

Let's talk about sex

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000Z

Its happening, I know it is, Bel is growing up.

More so, I think she knows about SEX. Mostly about the fact that Mummy and Daddy do it. And, how do I know this - well she hasn't walked in on us yet, thank god!

Now, I know because over half term (which seems eons away now), while Neb's family was up - I overheard a conversation (I couldn't really help it) between her and Neb's brother (Uncle D).

Bel was explaining Dr Who to Uncle D. He asked who River was and she explained that River was Amy and Rory's child. Uncle D then said "Oh, I thought she was Amy and the Dr's child". Bel replied with a "No, Amy and the Dr don't do things like that, not the things that mummy and daddy do". I looked at her, astonished and thanked god that Neb as usual was talking sixteen to the dozen and that his mum didn't hear it.

So, I guess, this means I'm going to have to have THE talk with her. You know that one, that I never remember having with my mum. Oh god, what do I say - I mean she kinda knows (basic terms) about babies and that they come out of bellies (one good reason for having a 3 year gap between her and Car) but do I go further.

Please, if you've had the talk with your children, then let me know, otherwise I'm going to have to go down this route:

Tired and energyless

2011-11-19T17:48:00.001Z

Yes, that is how I'm feeling these days.

That also gives you an idea about why I haven't been on here much.

Work is sooo busy and yes I know I've said that before, and before it was fine but now I have had enough. After moving offices I don't seem to be in the same position that I was in before where the students would readily pop into see me, now I seem to be overwhelmed by paperwork. More and more paper seems to be landing on my desk, the help that I was meant to be having though as a shared responsibility has not yet appeared (even though the job has been given apparently they can't start with the help yet!)

Too be honest, I don't think I love my job anymore, I know am not the only one feeling the stress in the office, but I don't know how much I can give and not get appreciated. I have been told of another job in the university where I work at coming up and if its on a full time contract then I'm going for it. I will not be any one's doormat and I'm fed up of coming home, like last night, and worrying about Monday! (on a Friday, jeez!)

Car seems to have turned into a mega handful and all I've had this afternoon is I want, I want, I must have and the loudness of it all is just aaagh!!

Bel is fine, a bit surly and stroppy at times but mostly good - I also feel for her as I know that Car is annoying her too!

And, Neb in all this, well today (and still) he is in work - I've told him how I feel about work, but sometimes all I get is, let me at them, if they annoy you I'll hit them - you know normal caveman kinda thing.

Anyway, I will try and blog more next week, because there are some stories I just gotta tell, but first I need to feel less bleugh, less tired, more calm and more happy!

BNM

Spit, Spat what was that?

2011-11-15T23:05:00.001Z

Hello, yes I'm still here - sorry got waylaid recently.

Things have been a bit busy here, what with Neb's 40th (we had great party, lots of alcohol was drunk, cakes were eaten,I sang .....), work being chaotic (no it doesn't change does it ever, whatever you do SAHM or WM it never changes), Car being ill (bad cough, high temperature, vomiting at sleepover!),my GMail going tits up (it works now, only after trolling the forums something to do with my ad blocker- don't ask me I did something and now great!) and me just you know being normal ( watching TV, playing with kids, washing, tidying...) blah blah.

Anyway it seems that there may have been something going on in the blogging circle that I missed (just because several of the blogs I read mentioned something or other) but as I don't really know all I can surmise is its something to do with toys being thrown out of prams!

Image credit

BNM

Remember them

2011-11-11T13:42:00.001Z

I do not know your name

I do not know your name, but I know you died
I do not know from where you came, but I know you died

Your uniform, branch of service, it matters not to me
Whether Volunteer or Conscript, or how it came to be
That politicians' failures, or some power-mad ambition
Brought you too soon to your death, in the name of any nation

You saw, you felt, you knew full well, as friend and foe were taken
By bloody death, that your life too, was forfeit and forsaken
Yet on you went and fought and died, in your close and private hell
For Mate or Pal or Regiment and memories never to tell

It was for each other, through shot and shell, the madness you endured
Side by side, through wound and pain, and comradeship assured
No family ties, or bloodline link, could match that bond of friend
Who shared the horror and kept on going, at last until the end

We cannot know, we were not there, it's beyond our comprehension
To know the toll that battle brings, of resolute intention
To carry on, day by day, for all you loved and hoped for
To live in peace a happy life, away from bloody war

For far too many, no long life ahead, free of struggle and pain and the gun
And we must remember the price that was paid, by each and every one
Regardless of views, opinions aside, no matter how each of us sees it
They were there and I cannot forget, even though I did not live it

I do not know your name, but I know you died
I do not know from where you came, but I know you died.

Kenny Martin
© 2003

Could I?

2011-11-10T09:12:00.003Z

Before you read this post, please understand that I'm writing something that may not happen. Something has arisen that we may or may not help with but I need to get it out of my head and ask for some help to understand it.

I love my kids. I love them as only a mother can even when all you've heard through the day are shouts of MUMMY!

But could I love another as my own. I don't know.
Could I care for a baby in need. I don't know

Let me tell you a story about a baby boy. Born 8 weeks ago into this world to a mother with mental health issues and to an older father. A father who took early retirement because he could. Now, scroll back to last week and the baby had to be taken into hospital as he had not gained but lost weight since birth. The reasons being that the mother was determined to breast feed him but because of the medication she was on, and for so many other reasons, that I don't know, she couldn't produce enough. The father was determined that the baby be given some formula as he weighed less than the bottom percentile. She refused, he called the H/V in. So baby boy went to hospital were he has since come out of and in the last week alone (on formula) has put on 13 1/2 oz.
Switch to now and the father has been dedicated primary carer. The mother has been told that she will not be able to visit her son unless she had a psychiatric nurse with her. She hasn't been to visit.
The father is doing a great job but being in his early 60s it is taking his toll on him. Baby boy wakes up every 15 mins for a feed being a hungry chappy!

The father is a close friend of Neb's and has been on the phone several times in the last week for a chat and support. He is doing a great job but its tiring. He mentioned last night that there was a hearing at the end of the month to decide whether he could continue to be the primary carer. Then he asked whether we would babysit next week. Then he said or you could just foster him.

Now Neb said this comment was off the cuff but he knows that his friend meant it.

So the discussion we need to have is could we, would we, should we. I have never thought of fostering at all before because I thought we were happy with our two girls. But I know that Neb is worried about his friend, and I know his friend would rather see his son with us than with strangers. But there are so many ifs and buts that I don't know.

As mentioned at the start of this post, this may be something that doesn't happen but it may be something that may be needed. If you know of anyone who has done this, or anyone who can help us please let me know.

BNM

Letting go

2011-11-07T19:58:00.002Z

The attic is full.

There is no more room.

Our small house is bursting at the seams so it may be time to let the clothes and paraphernalia go.

So why is it that I feel sad. My girls aren't babies any more and with Neb turning 40 on Saturday, I know we won't be having any more. In fact, I've said so myself but why do I feel sad.

There is a sale in the local town this weekend so I know I should sort the big items out. But somehow, I am holding on to the large things. The Graco Travel system that though not a four wheeler we went up a forest track with. The inflatable baby bath that we used when Bel was young to wash her at friend's wedding. The steriliser that has a hole in the side when I left the iron on! So many things, not needed.. yet...still there, hanging on to my emotions!

I'm sure am not the only one who feels this way though!

BNM

The Dummy Elf

2011-11-06T20:09:00.000Z

I've spoken before about how Car and her dummy are unseperable. It's a bit like this week's comic from The Monkey and The Mouse in our house.

But we have now managed to get it down to only at bedtime and soon we need to get it down to never. We were meant to be doing a star chart but Mummy forgot and Car decided to make it harder by screaming and am sure hoarding them!

So, this morning in a Mummy magic moment (cuddles in bed with Car), I thought up the idea of The Dummy Elf. The Dummy Elf is one of Santa's little helpers who comes and gathers up all the old dummies and takes them away to the new born babies in the world. Car was enthralled by this idea and with 8 weeks until Christmas Day I am hoping to enforce the idea.

Here's hoping anyway

BNM

Firework Food

2011-11-05T17:31:00.001Z

Are you ready?

Have you got your fireworks ready or are you going to some event?

We're having them in the back garden as usual, its something to do with Neb and man+fire thing (probably some caveman inherited genetic thing!)

And as I know the kids get cold, standing outside aahing and oohing I've made some scrumptious supper:
Chili for the grown ups and Spag Bol for the girls.

Followed by @Cheshire_Claire's great idea of chocolate sparkles and then some yummy millionaire squares.

Remember . remember the fifth of November
We're going to fill our Tums
Food, then Fireworks Fun For all
......

OK, so my inspiration ran out so why don't you have a go!

BNM

Phone Sex - the BNM way

2011-11-04T14:19:00.000Z

I've just got off the phone to my hubs. It's lunch time and he rang to berate me for hiding the sausage rolls.

I told them they were in the fridge. He argued back they weren't. I told him again they were in the bottom and then he told me off for putting them in the salad drawer (well the fridge was full)

Anyway whilst talking to each other I couldn't stop yawning. Friday comes and I turn into a yawn pot, guaranteed that at one point tonight I will be asleep on the sofa dribbling...

So Neb told me that he had a great idea for keeping us occupied.. wait for it

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

PHONE SLEEP - the new PHONE SEX - ideal for parents of small children.

He then told me that I had to imagine lying there head on desk, while sleep softly swept over me (saying all this can I add in that M&S advert voice)

I had to put the phone down I was giggling so much, bless the man!

BNM

Yes, I do realise that typing Phone Sex into my blog is going to tip the SEO over the edge but as most people find the blog by typing in such randoms as "almost naked firemen" and "Boobies" it ain't going to be much different!

Kindle my fire

2011-11-04T05:00:00.000Z

Yes, I've done it!

All her fault you know. And me because I love trying new things!

Anyway, if you have a Kindle

you can now read this blog on it. You could keep me in the way I want to get accustomed to. Or, you could read me the normal way, its all up to you!

I'm still trying to find an interesting picture to go on the side so bear with. But if you wanted to be stars you could even review my blog on it. So that other people now how fab I am (or not however you feel!)

BNM

Looking too young, feeling old

2011-11-03T18:15:00.004Z

On our monthly shop on Monday, we popped into our local Morrison's. We filled the trolley up and joined the endless queues. As always, we tried to get one near the bench so that the girls could sit down. Joining the queue we unloaded the shopping and wine onto the counter (i know there's a word for it but my brain has died!). The lady before us paid up and I went to start packing.
I was in a world of my own when the assistant asked for ID. I blustered and went why? Apparently the supermarket have a policy of being over 25 before buying alcohol. I can understand this but I'm 35! When I answered that I didn't have any ID (I don't drive so no driving licence to show), I said that Neb had ID. But, no, he wasn't allowed to show his because I may be under the legal age. I got a bit angry until a store manager passed and she asked him if I looked over 18. He said yes and I luckily was allowed to bring the wine home!

So after that moment of looking younger than my age (I honestly feel about 40 most days and thought I looked it too!) why is it I feel old.

Bel came home from school yesterday and got changed deciding not to put any socks on. The sight of her bare feet, and the weather drawing in sent shivers up my spine. Maybe its a sign of old age seeing bare feet. Or is it just me.

I feel cold just looking at this - better go and fetch a jumper, slippers and a woolly hat!

BNM

Time Travelling Fun

2011-11-02T16:23:00.001Z

Bel has said she'd like to be a time traveller when she's grown up - or as she knows now a historian/archaeologist unless they could just invent a proper tardis. She loves loves LOVES all thing historic and loves going round castles, abbeys, random ruins etc. Which is a good thing really as we do lots of it (being members of both the national trust and English Heritage).

I've mentioned before about the girls becoming members of the Time Traveller's Go Club - a special events club just for kids. Well on the weekend we popped over to my in laws in the midlands and visited another event (yes this is the reason why we went to theirs after they'd been to ours).

Can I just say (and I'm not being paid for this!) that we had a whale of a time. The girls enjoyed every minute of it, even Car.

The event was a Time Traveller's Go Ghost and Ghouls at Kenilworth Castle and armed with their passports we headed in. At the ticket desk the girls got given their new sticker, and as it was their second they were also presented with medals and posters. I was a bit worried at this thinking that if they'd got them now maybe they wouldn't take part in anything but how wrong was I.

There were many events held during the day and as we'd arrived with 5 mins to spare we joined the Ghost Walk. Taking the walk were two fabulous actors , Sarah and Tobias. They were dressed as Victorian Ghost Hunters and took a crowd of children (and parents) around the castle to different places to 'see' if they could get anybody there. The characters, became possessed by the ghost and would then tell the story. All of the ghosts featured weren't from Kenilworth Castle but laughs were had. I was very shocked by how well behaved Car was and she seemed to get more and more into it as they went on.

The tour went on for about 45 mins and ended in the Graveyard. The graveyard tour then began. The tour focused on stupid deaths through the centuries (yes we all sang the song from Horrible Histories) and both the girls got to pick a death, Car picked the one about the Boston Molasses Flood while Bel picked Franz Reichelt's story.

The tour ended just as the heavens began to open so we legged it to the tearooms. The tea drank by all was very warming and then as we were all so tired we ended the day with the usual visit to the shop.

Another great day out and being the keen beaver that I am, I have already (fingers crossed as it is half term and one of my busy weeks) planned the next time traveller's day out -Knights and Princesses next year.

If you are looking for something to keep the kids occupied during the next school holidays then why not check out and see if there's an event next to you. We, at the BNM household reckon its a good idea and so much fun!

BNM

I have not been sponsored to write this post it was just such a great day out that I wanted to share it with you!

Meal Planning ahem Monday

2011-11-01T21:55:00.000Z

Yes, its not Monday, I know that. But you know, new open plan office means I can't write blog posts in work anymore (not that I did that you know but if I did ahem)

Monday Last night - Sausages, Chicken, Rice, Chips and homemade Barbecue Sauce

Tuesday 1st November - Pasta and tuna for the kids, and I had curry (homemade chicken saag from the freezer)*

Wednesday 2nd November - Toad in the hole, Mashed Potato, Swede and Carrot, Sweetcorn and gravy

Thursday 3rd November - Bacon, Egg and Chips for the kids and Oven Baked Risotto for us grown ups**

Friday 4th November - Baked Potatoes, Cheese, Beans

Saturday 5th November - Another spaghetti and Chili night (spag bol for kids, spaghetti for us)

My meals have definitely changed with the weather, more warming and homely.

* Tuesday's Neb has Welsh lessons and pool so I eat it all!

** Neb has Welsh lessons again on Thursdays so the Risotto can be cooked whilst I relax.

I'm off to add this to Mrs M's blog and then think its time for a glass of wine before bed!

BNM

Forever talking about nits - Review

2011-11-01T21:34:00.002Z

It seems that my blog is becoming nit combat central. Again the girls have got them, and school hasn't even restarted again! Buggers!

But I guess they didn't know that I had a new secret weapon up my sleeve:

Linicin shampoo, works in just 10 minutes to effectively treat head lice and nits, and there’s no need to wash it out with further shampooing – it works just like a normal shampoo.
It went on easily, though according to Bel looked like frog spawn. It has no chemically smell and too me smelt faintly of licorice. You add it to damp hair, then leave it in for 10 mins. Plenty of time for me to let the kids watch some telly while I get the bath on.
With the kids in the bath, I washed it out easily. No worrying about greasy residue (though I did give their hair a quick shampoo afterwards as Bel's hair can be quite tangly without shampoo!). As soon as the kids finished their bath, I combed through and the headlice came out - dead! Not one wriggly little thing alive in there. Fantastic.

As a self considered pro on all head lice treatments now, I consider this the best one yet. The fact that there is no endless shampooing until the hair resembles normality and not some greasy rug is great. The fact that there is no smell is great. The fact that they died is great. Now all I need is for someone to design a nit hoover so that my girls with their fine hair do not have to out up with me combing nits out.

BNM

I was sent some Linicin to review. After we get rid of these head lice, I'm going to be using the preventative spray to stop anymore coming back. All opinions given in this review are my own!

Mothership, half term and all that jazz....

2011-10-28T10:23:00.002+01:00

Well its Friday, which means that the mothership went home yesterday and today we are going to theirs! Yes, I am Mad but its to do with taking the kids Time Travelling! (I'll tell you more when we get back!)

Half term is nearly over and I for one will be happy to be back in work on Monday. Don't get me wrong I love the girls but am sure that Car has said Mummy at least a million times this week. And, mostly in that annoying voice that is demanding and so draining.

Apart from that she has made her Uncle cry so hard that tears were coming out of his eyes in streams. How, well by walking through a local market town to us on Wednesday (market day) and saying loudly (in a very packed street).. "It seems that someone really smells of Poo around here".

And Bel, well she has been mostly behaved but will someone tell me why she has decided to turn into a grumpy 7 year old who gets arsey at everything! Bloody hormones

In other news, yes so boring this post its OK, you can ignore it, the house is still tidy!

Ah well, I'm off now but before I go, did you know that I'm the 4,151,708,902nd person alive on earth. Its astonishing isn't it. If you want to know what number you are then visit here.

Right I'm off to pack a case, bye for now!!

BNM

The mothership has landed.....YEAH!

2011-10-26T00:18:00.001+01:00

After all that hard work (mostly done by Neb!) they are here.

They arrived luckily late yesterday and then after picking me up from work and bringing me home from work , we managed to have some time together which included tantrum (Car), wine(me+Neb), another tantrum (Car), lots of food (including Bel having a small tween tantrum about wanting an adult meal), more wine, them going back to b+b and then a dicky tummy/bottom (read as much as you want into that because it was as much as you can think of!.

Today (Tuesday- this is being written late so it may not be published in time for it being Tuesday!), we have done coastal and eaten more again. I've even managed a night out with my husband (hence the late writing) and am ever so slightly tipsy!

Just because I know you're nosy, here are the pictures from our day (and look, we had blue sky) oh yeah and if you click on some of them you may get more information, others not as much!:

BNM

Look!

2011-10-23T19:06:00.001+01:00

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I can see the floor - obviously this isn't it!

Its great to meet it again, but it has come with a price. You can no longer see my dining room table! And we are knackered!

I hope to god that the Mothership (and other family members) don't find any mess! Or look behind and under things!

Luckily for me, am in work tomorrow when they land so will greet them later in the evening. Will try and blog when no one is watching and let you know what fun stuff we do!

BNM

Finnish the day!

2011-10-21T14:28:00.000+01:00

So, if you've been around Twitter the past couple of days you'll realise that I was looking to find out more about Finland.

The reason being is that today (for some apparent reason that I would tell you if I actually read the letter from school slowly) they are celebrating all things Finnish at Bel's school.

So, having been told this on Monday and then Bel asking whether she could dress up, I racked mine and some of your Twitter brains:

@Barenakedmummy
Barenakedmummy so apparently its finnish day in Bel's school on Friday, any ideas @notefromlapland .. any easy Finn characters I can make in hurry!
Oct 18 via webFavorite RetweetReply

And the result....

Well first there was this:

@domesticgoddesq RT @Barenakedmummy: @notefromlapland .. any easy Finn characters I can make in hurry! Huckleberry Finn (dungarees and a straw hat)
Oct 18 via TweetDeckFavorite RetweetReply

Which I think is fantastic , but got frowned and groaned at my Neb.

So then I finally got hold of the great goddess of all things Finnish @notefromlapland for her ideas:

@notefromlapland@Barenakedmummy hello! Finnish character day - moomins!
Oct 19 via TweetDeckFavorite RetweetReply

BarenakedmummyBarenakedmummy

@notefromlapland is Santa Finnish? Had arguments with daughter last night about him not being so

Oct 19Favorite RetweetReply

in reply to @Barenakedmummy↑

@notefromlapland @Barenakedmummy snowball, snowman... dress her in green and send her as the northern lights.. ummm, i'm not very good at this creative stuff
Oct 19 via TweetDeckFavorite RetweetReply

So anyway did I use any of her ideas.

Hell no, we went for blue and white instead (Finnish Flag) due to my utter uselessness at being a creative mother!

And then in the car this morning, Bel jumped on me with the question: "Mummy do you know anything about Finland?". Apparently the bit I forgot to read on the letter said that the kids had to find out Finnish facts.She told me that one of them that they had learnt was that Finnish people eat lots of Doughnuts (is this true!).
I then mentioned the Northern Lights - to a reply of done that, The Moomins - done that mummy.
At which point I was stuck and silently wishing I had mobile webdevice. Neb then piped up with : Nokia are Finnish and most of the World's Rally Drivers have been Finnish.

I love the idea that my children get to find out more about countries of the world but wish that my enthuasism for them would be greater and that I could persuade myself to be more creative!

Ah well, half term is upon us so no more random letters for a week!

BNM

Mothership Prepartion - Part 2

2011-10-21T13:54:00.003+01:00

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Time is running slowly out as my in law family arrive on Monday.

Since I last ~~spoke~~ blogged things have gone a bit more hectic here.

Last night, Neb was faffing with the laminate that we've had in our hallway for the last month. I got bored watching him so went to bed to read.

Tonight, I'm hoping we can get some peace but there still is the dining room (or the clean laundry room as now called), the kitchen and upstairs to do.

What I should point out is that I, we are not the cleanest of people and my house is normally in a state of madness, with tiny bits of floor poking out. Hey, I'm proud to say I'm messy but unfortunately the mothership is tidiness itself and has been known to bring cleaning produce for us! Ah well, here's for a busy weekend and I was hoping to cook some cakes too!

BNM

Mothership preparation Part 1

2011-10-18T19:51:00.001+01:00

Yes, Neb's parents are landing in 6 days and what are we doing...

Well I'm blogging, the girls are killing themselves in the bath and him.. well he's painting the ceiling!!

Would show you a pic but he'll kill me! Ceiling today (living room), walls tomorrow and then laminate on Thursday .. talk about over the top!

The laminate has been sitting in our hallway for two weeks! Ah well, best not complain!!

BNM

Homework: is it the correct answer?

2011-10-18T12:00:00.000+01:00

Image: Carlos Porto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

According to the government, children in years 3 and 4 should have 1.5 hours of homework a week.

But then they also state that children in year 1 and 2 should have one hour per week of homework.

Now that Bel is in year 3, she has plenty of homework that to be honest takes her longer than 1.5 hours per week. Take last night when the homework came home (it has to be back by Thursday), she has some handwriting to do, some spelling and some clock faces to draw. Not that much you'd think, but when the spelling is 16 words which she has to write out 3 times well that takes a long time. Also, Bel's handwriting isn't perfect (think small spider!) so the handwriting takes a long time.

So, what are we doing about it?

Well to cure the boredom of writing words out 3 times we have come up with this plan, she did handwriting last night and one lot of spelling, she will then do clocks tonight and one lot of spelling and then tomorrow it will just be spelling. And, we also need to listen to her read. Not only that though there is a sheet that goes with the spelling for Friday!

But is it too much, yes I think it is, I know she is now 7 but surely when she has spent time in school learning she needs some time to relax. We try and get her to do the homework as soon as she comes home from school but we are usually not home until 5, so her day is nearly finished. She nags to be able to go outside to play with her friends on the street - but with the evenings getting darker anyway this may end soon.

Before writing this post, I Googled too much homework (aye the great god Google strikes again) and I'm not the only parent feeling this stress, The Madhouse feels the same way. And it isn't even good to read that 3 years ago, the ATL ( a teachers union) tried to ban homework in primary schools.

Surely there must be a better way for teachers to see that the children are improving, without the children feeling the pressure and dare I say it stressed at seven!

BNM

Help please

2011-10-18T10:44:00.000+01:00

Right people who are reading this (yes that means YOU!)

I need your help with a moral dilemma. I have recently been asked to put an advert on the site and I don't know what I should do. So if you could spare me a second and answer the poll, I will be grateful. Please be honest, because even though I blog to get things out of my brain, I do like having you lot reading it. And if you didn't read it, I'd be very upset.

So please look over there <------------- and fill it in!

TA

BNM

Big Girl's Blouse

2011-10-18T09:54:00.001+01:00

Yes, my husband is a big girl's blouse. And the reason, well today after his visit to the doctors last night he had to have a blood test. And guess what I had to go with him because he's afraid of :

Image: piyaphantawong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Well actually not these he thought he was having a big fat needle in! Hey Ho.

The funniest thing was explaining to Car what was happening, first she thought they'd have to take daddy's skin off to get to the blood, then she wanted to know if they needed to take his bones out and then after seeing it happen she wanted to know when Daddy's blood was being put back. Bless.

And Neb, well now he's realised that it doesn't actually hurt that much, he's now gone home worrying that they'll find something! Fingers crossed, he'll be fine.

BNM

All quiet on the western front

2011-10-17T09:15:00.001+01:00

Yes, that says it all really.

I have nothing to blog about, unless you want to hear about sickness and scores. You do? Well, OK then....

Saturday was the day, I'd got up early to watch the game and then was going to take the kids to the theatre in the afternoon. Except it didn't quite happen that way.

I was woken up at 6 to a "Mummy, I've been sick" shout which is always the best way to be woken up. Needless to say the day got worse. Car had been sick on her sheets, so it was strip her and bed. I put her into more pj's and as I was up went downstairs to snuggle under blanket with her (It tends to wake you up the smell of sick in the morning!). Car managed to get some more sleep, and I was about to hunker down when I heard this sniffle from upstairs. Bel was up,but also looked green around the edges. I asked her how she was feeling and all I got was not well, before she too rushed to the loo.

So, as Neb got up for work (he also felt a bit poorly, but had been to the doctors that week and is going for a blood test tomorrow - I have to go with him and hold his hand!) there we all were wrapped in blankets on the sofa.

So he left us there, sat on the sofa, sick bowls in front of the girls with me watching the rugby.

The rugby was disappointing - I'm not even going to dwell on it. We lost, I cried.

As the day, wore on the girls started getting better and by yesterday they were all smiles and shines again.

And me, what am I looking forward to... well, work is busy today and this week is going to busy at home because we are preparing for the landing of his mothership and family..ie my mum in law, dad in law, brother in law and girlfriend are coming up to us (not staying her thankfully) for half term. So the mess needs to be cleared, a new floor has to be laid and everything needs to be clean and polished......

BNM

When all else fails, cook something

2011-10-11T18:08:00.002+01:00

Well its finally come to this, I cannot think of anything else so I thought I'd share my dinner tonight!

On my meal plan (which I should really post) for tonight we have Chili and Spaghetti Bolognese. The grown ups are having Chili because the weather has turned and we need warming up. The girls do not need their brains blown away by the heat in the Chili so are having Spag Bol. I am being very frugal because I am using one packet of mince (about 500g) to cook both.

So here they are (along with the recipes) - please note though that the amounts are guesses (I don't really use scales!)

Chili

Dice one onion, 2 chillies (seeds and all), garlic and half a carrot (left overs from Bel's carrot sticks at lunch) and fry in a little oil until soft.
Add teaspoon paprika, chili powder and cumin. Mix.
Add approx, 1/2 pack of mince, leave to brown.
Mix in 2 tins of tomatoes. Crumble in 1/2 beef stock cube.
Stir, cover and leave to simmer.

Taste - and realise that you may have made too hot! Ah well!!

Spag Bol

Fry one onion (chopped) in a little oil.
Add remainder of mince.
Add milk ( a hint I got from a magazine - its meant to make the mince less dry!).
Add 1 tin tomatoes, pinch of herbs, a splosh of Worcestershire sauce and a squeeze of ketchup.
Stir, cover and leave to simmer.

See, I can cook (though obviously I can't clean, I apologize that my cooker is dirty!)

We're hoping that there will be leftovers because tomorrow the girls are going to have shepherd's pie with theirs and I'm hoping for Beef Enchiladas with ours!

Best go and check they're not burning!!

BNM

The day I embarrass myself

2011-10-09T19:21:00.003+01:00

Yes, this is finally it - the day you all realise that I'm not that nice a person at all. And its all the fault of the Listography which I love. I will confess know that I may have (ahem) been a bit of a slag growing up, as those that know me may testify but for the power of making a fool of myself (where best than the blog) here goes.

Now the listography this week is hosted by Nickie@Typecast because Katie just couldn't. So for the love of god, don't blame me for what I am about to tell you is true. Also funny, also yeah you know I was young! Also in theory more boyfriends or one night doodahs than dates but hey!

The short one - I met him while on a night out and I was possibly sitting down. He was shorter than me (possibly a near dwarf). He loved sport, I didn't. I thought he was a go- he wasn't, more a cheating toerag but there you are
The hairdresser - no he wasn't gay, well I don't think so. He was the one in between the short one and my going to uni.
The rugby player - So my type, so funny, so arrogant and yes if we were both single at the end of the night, well you know......
The on/off boyfriend - we met up, we saw, we conquered, we loved, I met his parents, he met my brother (who hated him), we grew apart, I finished it, we went back, I finished ... you get the drift. I finally managed to end it.
Tintin - Yes I dated Tintin. But a 6ft cuddly one. Who was nice, but odd and liked odd things. We ended

Now this is where the list is going to stop but there are many more I could add, there's Mr Pepparami, Mr Actually (who never really was), Mr first kiss, Mr Rugby field.......

I think its best I stop now, ahem!

BNM

Think of the sun

2011-10-08T17:50:00.001+01:00

Well, the weather has definitely turned, and Autumn is now upon us.

While, the sun we had last week made us think that Summer had finally come, I know now while looking out of the window, with the wind and the rain that it has gone. It is the season when animals start to hibernate and while all I want to do is exactly that, I know I can't.

I must sit here and think of sunnier climes. I must not hibernate (really not going to happen unless I metamorphosis into a hedgehog!). I must not get jealous of the fact that my dad and uncle are a quarter of a way through their round the world retirement trip. (They are currently in Fiji on their way to New Zealand - where they'll get to watch with baited breath France play Wales- here's hoping!)

So what have I been doing to while away the days. Well I've been thinking of Summer holidays.

For the last couple of years, we have holidayed in the UK, and though I have seen many of the UK's loveliest corners I do wish we could do something special next year.

I am thinking of taking the kids to DisneyLand Paris ©, of taking all three kids (yes, one Neb -big kid) on ferries to France and watching their faces light up with joy.

I remember going on many holidays in my childhood on ferries and though am not the best on a boat (yes, its big and has stabilisers * I still get a bit sick) I would love for them to experience a different country.

But what to do, with them in the car, well as we have travelled many a far distance in this country, I think that I may have one or few ideas:

10. Make sure you pack enough food for the journey and more

9. Have a CD of their favourite tunes in the car - this doesn't have to be twee kids stuff either, both of mine love to rock with the best of them

8. Play in-car games e.g I spy, motorway bingo (the one who sees the most of a particular colour car wins), I went to the shops, My House,

7. Make sure that they have books in the car. While Car is still too young to read for herself, she stills has fun with lift the flap book and a teddy. If you do have older kids, like Bel, make sure they don't read for too long as you may one day get the I feel sick shout.

6. Bring along any electrical gizmo's that you have, Bel has her DS which she will play while Car sleeps. One of these days, I may even invest in a portable DVD player (a godsend according to some friends)

5. Plan your stops, though Neb hates having to stop for anyone and prefers to do it all in one go, it is always best with restless kids to stop. On a recent trip to Cumbria, I discovered that Car has a thing for toilet flushing systems and loves the sensor ones in some service stations. These are also a good place to get more food, especially if they've eaten the whole lot.

4. Let them sleep. If you can get the little monsters, darlings to sleep then peace is always a good thing to make parents travels happier

3. Sing songs. If you've played the CD to death and can't stand listening to Poker Face any longer, then nursery rhymes and songs sung in silly voice by parents will always lead to happy cars

2. Give them a simple map of the journey. This is great as you not only have interested children but it also lets Neb know that my map reading is not that shit!

1. Keep calm, frazzled children + frazzled parents doesn't a good holiday make. Keep Calm and enjoy yourself!

So, I hope that's helped if you have a car journey/holiday going on soon.I'm off to share these on the P&O Spellbook page, helping other parents stay calm.

And remember, you have the chance to win a holiday to - just go to the P&O facebook page, hurry you have until the 15th of October to do so.

BNM

* My dad always told me that they had stabilizers on and I shouldn't get sick because of that - needless to say it didn't work

This is a sponsored post

23 days to go....

2011-10-08T12:29:00.004+01:00

Image: Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Halloween, its nearly upon us as I'm sure if you have children you will know. If I've said it once this week, I've said it a million times, no its not Halloween yet, yes when its Halloween I will let you know.

Luckily, we were sent these this week, which have kept them quite for a bit (it probably won't last!)...

Spooky Puffs, a breakfast treat from the Honey Monster, are Sugar Puffs with a difference (or should I call them Sugar Pups - Car's name for them!). They are a limited edition toffee apple puffs which are great to keep the kids full of energy ready for any Halloween party.

Both the girls, have eaten these all week and love them. The limited edition cereal contains no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives as well as being a source of fibre, so I know that they have gone off to school and nursery full of energy.

Spooky Puffs are available to buy from Tesco and Asda for a RRP of £1.50

BNM

I was sent a free sample of Spooky Puffs to review and all opinions given are mine

I don't know how she does it - review

2011-10-08T12:06:00.003+01:00

There is a book, a finished book, sat on the sofa next to me as I type this.
A book that has been with me through the madness of the last couple of weeks. A book which I've read snatches of in work, read snatches of with drooping eyes at bedtime. A book which I've nodded with and smiled with and know that I too have done the same kind of things.

And the book:

I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson, a book which though 9 years old has just been turned into a film. A book which while working mothers breathe will always be current.

The book is based on Kate Reddy, mother of two and successful city business woman. A woman whose lists defy all lists (even my own do not go that far) and who balances her life with the aid of the nanny, Paula and the long suffering husband, Richard. Kate stays in contact with her friends via emails which keep her buoyant and I'm sure if the book was based in 2011 then it would be a blog which kept her going!

Apparently, there has been some controversy about the film but seeing as I'm so busy, I haven't seen it. I can see that as the film has been based in New York that maybe the Englishness of some things may not work but I will remain silent until the day I do see it (on DVD probably, the last time we went to cinema I saw Aliens and Cowboys sans kids!).

The opening scene of the book, sees Kate making pre bought mince pies more homely and reminds me of a scene from my childhood where I was dressed up as the Queen of Hearts with some tarts for the carnival. My mother, also a working mum, had bought the tarts that morning at local supermarket and I'd been bribed not to say they weren't homemade. So when the judge asked "did your mum make these?" I lied and nodded.

As a working mum, I find myself drawing parallels to this book, and even though I am not a high flyer as Kate is, the book is full of things that pull at my heart strings. I do not do the school run, I have missed sports days (they always land at exam time and when I am the minute taker, I cannot take time off!). I know that I must make time now to be with my kids while they are still young.

I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson, RRP £7.99, and the film (featuring Sarah Jessica Parker) is out now.

BNM

I was sent the book to review, but all opinions given about this book are my own.

The age we are

2011-10-06T12:10:00.003+01:00

Age, its just a number isn't it. Nothing to be scared of, nothing to worry about.

But having shared a story in work the other day about something Car said, I learnt something new (always good to learn new things when your brain is slowly frazzling).

So I'd mentioned that as we walked to the car yesterday morning this little voice piped up in a very old lady grown up way.. "Isn't the weather terrible today......"

And J ( a work colleague) mentioned that she had read research that noted that young girls become an age as soon as they talk.. they are either young, middle aged or old. This explains why my lovely Bel is 7 going on 17.... and Car well 3 going on 70.

For those who have boys - well they are always stuck in childhood. And if anyone asked Neb how old he was (40 soon) he will tell you he is 6!

BNM

Screaming heebiejeebiees

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000+01:00

This is how our nights are known as.
It is not due to any rampant love making but the children!

When Bel was younger (3) she had the Night Terrors. A horrible time when she would scream loudly, whilst pushing and kicking anyone who got close to her. Even a mummy hug wouldn't work. We got through them even though they reoccurred most nights for a whole year.

I had thought that our time with the terrors were over. I thought that we had done our penance.
But no, it seems that Car has decided to follow suit, and though currently not every night (touch wood, cross fingers) they are back.

I hate them with a passion. The only time when being a parent is not enough. When noone knows what's in their heads. When trying to keep calm is what is needed but when nothing I do works.

BNM

Being caught short...

2011-10-04T17:55:00.001+01:00

Image: aopsan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Not me obviously I have an iron bladder (ahem, this may or may not be true, I have two kids!)

Car has been potty trained for a while now and was going through the night and day dry. Recently though we have been getting accidents and are changing her undies more than once in a day. I even went into the loo the other evening to discover a puddle on the floor, went into her room and found her in a dry bed but with wet knickers.

We have realised that she doesn't quite know when she wants to go and short of us asking her every 5 mins "do you need the toilet" I assume this is something she will grow out of.

We obviously are going down the route of no shouting but am worried now that this has been bought on by the dummy ridding motion (which hasn't as yet started for fear of wet sheets again and the fact that she banged herself quite hard by falling over on Saturday!).

I'm trying to find a web page which shows what happens when you need to wee in a simple way but at the moment have come up with nothing. If you have any ideas, how we can help her understand more then pleae share.

BNM

Hopefully I will be back to normal on this blog soon as the students actually settle in to life in University and stop nagging me every five seconds!

Not a big girl yet!

2011-09-30T10:52:00.000+01:00

Hello all, I'm sorry I haven't been round much - I have been so busy here in our new, nosy (did I mention their still drilling) offices!

Anyway we are in the midst of a heatwave here in the UK (at the end of September). So not only am I very busy and ever so tired when I finish work, I'm also a sweaty heap because its the policy (ahem or so I was told by the Space Manager!) not to have air conditioning.

So for the last couple of nights we've been popping into the pub on the way home from work (yes that is all of us, see the Bad Mummy come through again!). While I'm sat there drinking ~~necking~~ my pint, the girls have been playing in the huge beer garden our local possesses.

Which is were this gem of a conversation came:

Neb: How was school today Bel?

Bel: Fine (yes we don't get much info - bane of every parent!)

Neb: I was in the Maths class today and J's step- mum said that J had asked if you could come and play? Is he your boyfriend? (We are oh so tactful in our house)

Bel: No Daddy, but I think my cheeks are going red!

Me (getting my oar in) So who do you fancy then?

Bel: I'm not going to fancy anyone until I get to secondary school and even if you do ask its not Justin Beiber because he's gay

me and Neb .. sat there shocked and then I had to ask Do you know what that means?

Bel: Yes its when 2 men love each other... anyway Justin Beiber is Gay and he has a girlfriend.....

So, there we are proof that Bel knows more than I thought she would .. and that she is not swayed by boys just yet! But then again, she does lurve Matt Smith!!

BNM

Remember if you are also a busy shattered working mum like me, and can't be arsed in making your own lunch that Innocent Veg Pots are currently running a Tweet and Eat discount scheme.. go on have a look, lets aim for a free pot!

5 days until Dummy D Day

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000+01:00

Image: Carlos Porto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yes 5 days, and we will be trying our best to get rid of it.

After a visit to the dentist the other day, where they told Car that her teeth weren't touching, we HAVE to do it!

Luckily, when they both went to Neb's parents over the summer, they managed to get it down to bedtime only. And now its up to us, now we need to get over the final hurdle. I have said that we will get a star chart and will be doing it. She is unsure about it all, but will tell anyone she knows that her teeth aren't right and she is a big girl.

I'll report back with news on how it goes, and how long it takes for us to get her to go to sleep on the 1st October!!

Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

BNM

How many days?

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000+01:00

Can you believe there is 35 days left until Halloween and 89 days left until Christmas!

So what are my kids raving about?

Here's a clue:

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Yes, thats it Christmas lists are on their minds. AAGH!

Me, I have so many things to do before I even think of that, there's Neb's family coming up for half term, his birthday in November (as in his 40th and I'm organising it!), and what with work being mad (including my move - did I tell you they made me move offices again!!) I have no time to think!

All would have been fine if this hadn't arrived through the door this week and Car then found it!

AAAH.. someone pass me the wine!!!

BNM

Listography: 5 Celebrities I'd love to have a drink with

2011-09-25T10:41:00.003+01:00

Yes, another fantastic Listography from Kate Takes 5.

So, who would I love to have a drink with, well :

Richard Herring - because he makes me laugh, and has a very dirty mind. I've recently been listening to his podcasts and OMG if that's him sober, imagine him after one or two drinks!

Michael Sheen (apparently he was in Twilight -but I've never seen it). I watched the Passion play (based in Port Talbot) recently and he directed and starred in it. He was also on the radio on Friday and as we're both Welsh we should have loads in common, like a love of rugby and drink!

Liam Neeson, the Irish rascal, I love his films and would love to sit and have a good craich with him.

(Have just realised that I have the start of a good joke here, an Englishman, an Irishman, a Welshman went to a pub.....)

David Tennant, because he is simply gorgeous!

And finally Miranda Hart because I love her sense of humour and I think she may actually be taller than me!!

There we are, my 5 ... why don't you have a go!

BNM

Owl you glad I'm here.....

2011-09-24T16:56:00.001+01:00

Yes, I know I said I wouldn't be here, but as Car has made me sit next to her because she's feeling sick (she drank her milkshake too fast), I thought I'd pop on!!!

Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So, the reason behind the weird (or normal) title.

Well I took the girls into town today to pay for our new sofa. Well not new, but recycled new from a fab shop in town - 3 seater sofa £150- will just have to wait for it to be delivered now!

Anyway, while there I did some shopping (with a big thanks to Mr tax man for our rebate!), and it seems that Owls are in this year. Look what I bought Bel:

from M & Co (£20... its lovely!)

I couldn't find an owl for Car but she did get this:

from M & Co (£18, because Car gets hot so cardigans for her!)

And me , well fussy old me even managed to get some clothes! Which I know is a miracle!!

Anyway, that is what we've done today. Off to finish the curry soon (Bel's choice of supper from one of our Annabel Karmel books, keep your fingers crossed that the girls eat it!

I may even pop over tomorrow but I have Sunday lunch with my dad planned before he goes jetting all over the world - so not jealous!!

BNM

this is not a review, I thought I'd share with you that I have fun shopping with my girls!!

Fresh....er not really

2011-09-22T22:14:00.002+01:00

See my pun up there, well it has a clue about where I've been, why I've not been around much and why you won't see that much of me for the next few weeks!

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Its all his fault (well possibly not him per se, I think mine may look less fresh faced than that).

As you may or may not know I work at an University (in Wales, that's it no more clues!), and tomorrow they land.. the freshers, the new students. Having just moved offices, I have been photocopying and planning like crazy and next week registration hits us!! AAAGH!! PANIC!!!

So, this is why I am not Fresh or here (though you know I may find 5 mins on weekend!). Next week, will be hectic and non stopping and .... oh god I need more cider....

BNM

PS If you know anyone who is going away to university, don't worry I and all the staff at my place of work will be nice and kind and will not shout!!!

Countdown

2011-09-21T10:36:00.001+01:00

image source

There is one more day until Glee restarts here in the UK ( yes I know, I'm sad and a Gleek and never mind)

I am very excited about this especially after watching the Glee Project and knowing who will also be on.

And as I am such a Gleek and working on my own in the office I've found that my favourite Internet radio site has a Glee channel !! YEAH!!

And if you can't get it here's the original Glee song - which the kids now demand instead of the original (much to Neb's disappointment!)

Yes, anyway, best be off now - work to do and everything......

BNM

Save the children

2011-09-20T07:32:00.003+01:00

Its not hard to sign your name

Its not hard to help them out

Do it.

There are 750,000 children dying because of a drought.

Because there are no #healthworkers like Maureen the district midwife.Straight talking Maureen. Seeing me after I had Car, she wasdisgusted as I should've still been in hospital as I'd had a C sectionand lost blood. She saw me sat there with a clingy puky baby and said "Choices, you could sit here feed her yourself and knacker yourself even more oryou could give her bottle and sleep".

Save the children

( This post is part of the 100 word blog-hop to help Save the Children,Two representatives from Save the Children are on their way to UN General Assembly in New York and will be pressuring David Cameron to use his governmental power to help solve the global health worker crisis. Can you be part of the final push to reach the 60,000 signature target before Tuesday 20th September?)

BNM

Pick a fight

2011-09-18T17:48:00.000+01:00

Yeah, you want to have a go, come on I'm in that mood today.

PMT and a cold, just great and because today is that day, I'm in a foul mood.

Neb didn't know what was wrong , and asked me while shopping what the hell was wrong, so I replied what's the day, and he went Sunday and I went the date and he went I didn't know I was meant to remember every bloody anniversary!

Which to be fair, he shouldn't and I should live through these days. I should remember the good things, not this one bad thing.

But I can't and every year on this date I will pick a fight with anyone, and I'm the one who is meant to be getting over this. Except I don't think I am, I miss her more today than I did yesterday. There are things I wish she knew (and yes even this anonymous thing I would share with her because I know she would get it!).
We all know that if she was here things would be different but things will never be that different again.

I best go off and be maudlin somewhere else folks. Plus I'm in charge of a pork fillet with apple sauce for supper! Best not burn it!!

BNM

Dear So & So

2011-09-16T12:51:00.002+01:00

Dear Glee Project people

Thank you, thank you and thank you for making a grown women very happy. I am so looking forward to seeing Damian in Glee (which starts back here again next week) but note its not always a good idea to make me scream while kids are in bed!

(just in case you have no idea who I mean!)

Thank you
Biggest Glee fan in Wales, BNM

Dear husband

Its nice that you are not working on Sunday. I am looking forward to Sunday snuggles with you.
Other things too.

Love you
BNM

Dear Bel and Car
Please don't disturb mummy and daddy on Sunday morning. In fact, you could have a lie in (in your own beds).
Love you
BNM

Dear Sunday
I am going to surround myself with my family and not think about what happened. If I am happy then the sadness and tears can't leak through. I will be strong like she was to that day.
BNM

Dear Readers
Hello all - how are you?
Thank you for listening to my rants!
BNM

Remember you can join in over there at Kat's

Earlier

2011-09-15T10:21:00.001+01:00

Time, its a huge concept to grasp and unfortunately Car has not got there yet. Here are a few examples from the week so far that have made us laugh:

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Earlier, when you were little did you sit in my seat in the car daddy?
Earlier, when you were little mummy, where was I?
Yesterday, when your mummy was alive (to me) did she like me?
Earlier, When I was little mummy and drank milk did I drink it when I was in your tummy?
Yesterday, with grandma and grandpa we saw clowns and they were very funny!!

The things they say hey!

BNM

And the winner is ..HUMF COMPETITION WINNER

2011-09-13T16:06:00.000+01:00

Well thank you for all taking the time out to enter the Humf Competition (remember you still have until Thursday to enter the Tom and Jerry one, here).

The winner is using the random number generator:

is Rachel

I have tweeted Rachel and hope to hear from her soon

BNM

Another day, another dollar

2011-09-13T08:36:00.002+01:00

Well I am here in my new office. The move has been done and there are boxes everywhere.

The worse thing is after all the stress of last week is that the office is tiny compared from the luxury sea front viewing office of before. Currently there is only me in here - and no filing cabinets but when we are all in there will be 3 of us, filing cabinets and all.

Ah well, I guess there goes my stress free working enviroment. Sardines all together we will be!

BNM

Disorganised Mummy

2011-09-12T07:24:00.001+01:00

So its the start of the working week and here I am again sat waiting for the pasta to cook. Yes at 7.15 in the morning. This is the pasta for Bel's pack lunch. This is not the Cheese and Bacon puffs she was expecting!

Hello my name is BNM and I'm disorganised. I think the only place I am organised is the work desk (which hopefully has arrived at new office!).

And my excuse, becuase you know as all Disorganised mummies I will have one - well last night was roast dinner night but not only that we made biscuits:

A herd of dinosaurs to be precise!!

BNM

Nearly losing my integrity

2011-09-11T12:52:00.005+01:00

I had just started to write a sponsored post - I know something some of us do (especially with Christmas 105 days away) and some of us don't.
Last week I was contacted by what seemed like a genuine person who asked me to write a sponsored post on behalf of their company. I agreed without checking them out.

Sitting here today, writing the post, I checked them out and stopped in my tracks. The feedback given for products on the site (I am not naming them!) were awful! Absolutely awful. So, I sat here and thought no, I am not writing this. I refuse to let my blog be a part of this site - my integrity as a blogger nearly fell out of the window.

So readers, you have been saved. The company may not be happy with me -I have emailed them, but I will not become a blogger who writes a sponsored post just for anyone. I need to be more awake when making these decision. I nearly lost my way just thinking about the money, just thinking about things I could get for Chirstmas.

BNM

Winter nights

2011-09-10T16:24:00.001+01:00

I know its not meant to be Winter just yet, but the days and nights seem to be getting colder and I have been so sleepy and tired all week that I just want to hibernate!

So it got me thinking, what can I do with my winter nights. I know I will always have the blog (don't worry I'm not upping and leaving it!) but I need something else to do. I want to do something with my hands.

Any ideas would be appreciated

BNM

Tom and Jerry DVD - Review and COMPETITION

2011-09-10T15:36:00.005+01:00

Tom and Jerry, the cat and mouse friendly rivalry cartoon which has been around for over 60 years are now back in a new adventure. Luckily, we were sent a copy to review and with our popcorn we sat down to watch it:

Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz is a retelling of the famous film in a way that brings capers to the screen, and laughs to us.
Out on DVD from 19th September 2011 from Warner Home Video priced £4.99 RRP, this film brings all your favourite characters together, Tom,Jerry, Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, the Wicked Witch of the West, the Wizard, the Munchkins and more.

The girls have never seen the Wizard of Oz film (Neb has a hate for it) but sitting on the sofa with me they loved it. Car did think that the Wicked Witch of the West was quite scary but Bel loved every second of it. Being a die hard Tom and Jerry fan it is odd seeing them more as friends but I think this crossover animation is fantastic. It also features some of the original film's songs, we all loved singing "Follow the Yellow Brick Road"

A giant thumbs up from the BNM household (bar Neb) for this film. If you too would love to see it, then guess what I have a copy of the DVD to giveaway!

If you want a chance to own a copy of this yourself then leave a comment below telling me what kind of animal is Tom? If you've popped over from my Facebook page then leave it here not there.

The winner will be drawn by random from the correct answers. The prize winner will be contacted by myself and the prize will be sent out directly from the company. No cash alternative will be offered. The prize will be sent within 28 days. If the prize winner cannot be contacted within 3 days then a redraw will take place. This competition will end at midday on Thursday 15th September .This competition is open to UK residents 18 years and over only.

Good Luck!

BNM

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Games I used to play - Listography

2011-09-10T10:56:00.000+01:00

I'm joining in again today with Kate's Listography (due to the fact that any other kind of inspiration is dearly flagging as is my body!)

Anyway this week's listography is all about the games we used to play as kids when the only computer we had in the house was a spectrum zx + and the Internet was something that was a pipe dream! When we could be found up a tree, in the river and just messing about without a care in the world!

So here goes:

1) Off ground touch
This is a game we used to play inside the school when rain cancelled the outside play time. Basically you had to stay off the ground and you could only be tagged when you had to move from one item to the other!

2) What's the time Mr Wolf?
This was a fun chasing game which I've seen my kids play but called Granny Granny! Anyway someone was a wolf and then the others stood back (normally the wolf was at one end of the playground, and the others at the other end). The group would call what's the time Mr wolf (who had their back to them). He would call out times and the group would walk that amount of steps towards him e.g10'o'clock, 10 steps, etc. The idea was to reach the wolf before he called out dinner time where he would be able to chase you and catch you!

3) Poison
Basically tag but with an elaborate story built in to it. Somebody would be the person who was tagging and would hold out their hand for everyone to hold a finger of. They then would start a story and when the word Poison was said in the story then everyone would scatter. The tagger would then have to tag and when someone would tag they would join the tagger in getting everyone.

4) Corners
Again we used to play this in our playground which had many corners. Again a variation on tag, the gang would go in corners and run to different corner when Tagger shouted Corner. A corner was a safe place and you couldn't be tagged there but everywhere else was unsafe!

5) Pacman (it was the 80s) - our school playground had a netball pitch painted on (we never had nets though) so at playtime we had to play pacman on the lines. One person was pacman and the others were ghosts and we had to catch pacman on the lines!

So, that was my blast from the past - I hope you enjoyed it.
Why don't you go over and join in with the Listography - relive your childhood!
BNM

Dear So and So,the office move version

2011-09-09T12:17:00.000+01:00

Dear Office Manager

So I said I'd come in today out of the goodness of my heart - only for half a day mind.
This didn't mean you could make me your office junior and do all the photocopying. It is not funny!
I have though done it all!

Yours tired and peed off

working BNM

Dear Office Colleagues

I will miss you all terribly and may do less work because you are not there. We must have lunch soon!

Will promise not to cry and look forward to seeing you at end of October!

working BNM

Dear Old College

I will miss you, I will even miss this:

I hope they find a good use for you!

Image Copyright Jeff Thomas. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA.

working BNM

Dear Neb

You are a randy old goat. Please leave me alone tonight though as I am tired. Unless of course I drink lots of wine!

Tired BNM

Dear Kids

I will do lots with you this weekend but remember that I have shattered myself out. Maybe something simple, like watching a DVD!

I love you both

BNM

One week down

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000+01:00

Well that's it - the first week of school over with.

And Bel, well she loves being in Y3 - and I'm very happy with some of the incentives that her class teacher has given them. She operates a card system for good/bad behaviour which is the traffic light system

If you get green cards all week - you get 30 minutes of time at the end of the school week to pick a fun activity. If you get a red card, you lose 5 minutes of this time. And if you get two red cards then you have to write a letter to your parents to explain why. Luckily, Bel has had no red or yellow cards and is on green all the way - unlike some of her friends who have already had red cards.

I think she will enjoy this year, being given more work to do and being with a very dynamic class teacher.
Has anything changed in your child's school year?

BNM

Also a big Thanks to Clothing @Tesco who gave us another free box of uniform (like the one from last year - sorry I haven't a photo, the clothes have been sorted and the box whisked away by Car to be a castle, car, baby bed!)- the quality like last year is fantastic.

Also a big shout out to Emma And 3 who won the £15 uniform voucher from Tesco - which I tweeted to win last week

Humf - DVD review and competition

2011-09-08T22:30:00.005+01:00

So what's purple and fluffy and loved my toddlers everywhere?

Yes its Humf.

And he has a new DVD out to entertain your kids this September. Luckily though we were sent a copy to review (which we've done seeing as September is actually more like November here!)

Humf and the Fluffy Thing - out 12th September on DVD, rrp £9.99

Humf and his friends, Loon and Wallace are furry things of multiple colours. They have adventures daily and Car is a big fan. She sat there and watched the 10 episodes on the disc back to back. And still wanted more. It makes her laugh, makes her smile and Humf is the thing in our house. We also realised the other morning that Humf has been translated into Welsh so we can watch our favourite character in both languages!

Humf is narrated by Caroline Quentin, a leading British actress and has been gracing our screens since 2009, long may it continue to do so!

If you want a chance to own a copy of Humf yourself then leave a comment below telling me what kind of furry thing you think Humf is! If you've popped over from my Facebook page then leave it here not there.

The winner will be drawn by random from the correct answers. The prize winner will be contacted by myself and the prize will be sent out directly from the company. No cash alternative will be offered. The prize will be sent within 28 days. If the prize winner cannot be contacted within 3 days then a redraw will take place. This competition will end at midday on Tuesday 13th September .This competition is open to UK residents 18 years and over only.

Good Luck!

BNM

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Starlight

2011-09-08T21:19:00.000+01:00

I love the night sky but not as much as Neb who loves it.

Unfortunately, I have a very unhappy Neb at the moment. You see yesterday I heard about the Supernova on the news. The one that you can see in the night sky over the next couple of nights. But we have a problem, it has been raining and cloudy and useless for any kind of spotting round here.

Neb thinks that he is jinxed - as he has never been able to see anything interesting in the night sky. He has never seen a shooting star, or meteors, missed Hayley's Comet last time around and also missed the eclipse as it clouded over. Luckily for him I have seen plenty of shooting stars being a country girl and living with no light pollution. This he doesn't like.

Image: suphakit73 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So if you have any hints on how he can see one or will help me pray to the great god of cloudless nights then please do - I will then have one very happy bunny.

BNM

And on a very ~~random~~tenuous link - here's a star song .. well it has star in it somewhere, and it may help me from wanting to scream when I keep on getting Sky adverts for Glee coming soon.....

PS Having just listened to that song, I've realised that actually the only stars are the one singing it and what I thougt was star rockets in flight, is actually sky rockets in flight. Oh Well!!