Star of the Week, Letters Home and Prizes

I've had such an amazing week and I am so proud of the Mini Mes and their achievements 

Minxy was star of the week just a fortnight ago for excellent work in maths and she was star of the week yet again last week for being helpful and supporting the reception children. She was beaming stood at the front of the hall in assembly with her certificate and head teachers sticker. She is really enjoying year 5 and has already exceeded our expectations. She also received a letter home from her teacher to say how well she is doing with her reading and expression so I'm really pleased.

She is so bright and always thinking of others.

Jamster was 1 of 3 in his class to get 100% on his spellings - another proud mummy moment.

He has been putting in such a lot of effort this year and his hand writing is improving no end.

I'm really looking forward to parents evening later this week so I can hear first-hand from their teachers on how well they are both doing.

I've started to enter the odd comp here and there and on Friday I won an iPad Mini in a Twitter party! I was absolutely thrilled. My laptop died a few weeks ago so this was perfect timing. I'm really looking forward to it arriving and I'll be downloading lots of apps for the Mini Mes too.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy - Movies, Back to School and Weddings

I have very mixed feelings about today as the Mini Mes return to school. At the same time as looking forward to the end of the bickering, a healthier bank balance and some form of routine I will miss them so much! Both of them seemed reasonably pleased at the thought of going back this morning and the chance to see their friends so fingers crossed that they will have a good day.

We didn't get to complete our bucket list but we can always extend it into the Autumn which is something nice to look forward to!


Tuesday was a lovely evening for the Mr and I. We firstly picked up our new car, a beautiful Insignia, before going out for dinner and then on to the cinema. With huge pots of Ben and Jerry's we took our seats on the back row.... before realising we were in a subtitled viewing! I actually found it quite amusing that the Mr, who had looked at the screenings for the film Elysium, hadn't noticed. I do like a good sci-fi/action movie so it was still enjoyable even if the words were a little distracting.

I've had my nails done with glitter tips and 3D roses as this weekend we are off to Liverpool for my brother's wedding - the first wedding in our family for 20 years! I'm not looking forward to dressing up, I really don't like formal events, but I am very excited to see the Mini Mes and Mr in all of their beautiful new outfits, celebrating a special occasion and having a catch up with family that I haven't seen in a while.

Good times!

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to Smile... Days out, opportunities and family

I enjoyed a movie and a meal out with the Mr last night. I do love the Mini Mes endlessly but they can be hard work at times (can't all children?) especially when I work from home too. An evening as a couple is appreciated and I would highly recommend seeing Two Guns. My little crush on Mark Wahlberg goes on *blush*.

We are at the zoo today and my mum is joining us. I do love enjoy out with picnics so as long as the weather remains nice it should be a great day. Whipsnade is a favourite of mine!

The opportunities I've had due to blogging have been incredible and I'm now a Prezzybox Pundit and also a Red Hot Ambassador! At the weekend we visited Lollibop too which was a lovely day out for free. I managed to steer clear of the bar and delicious food and I've now lost 14lb in total.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to Smile - Movies and Me Time

I'm child-free until Saturday night now as the Mini Mes are with their dad for a few days, which means I can pop my feet up, enjoy some chocolate (without needing to share) and dive into some celeb gossip mags while watching a romantic comedy. This however won't be the case as I intend to have a bit of a clear out and a day shopping with my mum for wedding outfits, but the idea is nice all the same. It's funny how I long for some peace yet when I do get some I seem to spend it cleaning and organising things. At least I won't have to deal with bickering for a while anyway. Bonus.

We enjoyed a trip to the cinema yesterday to see Percy Jackson Sea of Monsters which was actually very good for a PG with plenty of action throughout. Orange Wednesdays rock and I even invited my mum along to join us as the freebie.

Tomorrow the balloon festival comes to town so I'm hoping to head along to that. A nice evening out with the Mr and the opportunity to work on my photography skills. I could do with a new camera as I currently only have my mobile but that has been added onto the 'to do' under 101 other things!

Sunday we are off to Lollibop and I'm really excited to be attending again this year. The line-up looks great, especially as we are Skylanders fans and there will be the opportunity to try the new Swap Force game there. If you are a blogger going along and see me, please do come over and say hi, I don't bite unless asked... you may find me in the VIP tent at the meet and greets, probably hyperventilating with excitement more so than the children.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to Smile - Family Fun and Camping

We are camping in Matlock, Derbyshire this week and enjoying the great outdoors as a family. A nice break from work to refresh ourselves and a break from technology to appreciate the simple things in life. I must admit I was never keen on the idea of sleeping in a tent until I met the Mr but we have had a few really relaxing holidays on some lovely camp sites so far.
We tend to go for small, basic ones so it's peaceful with plenty of space to play - ideal for the Mini Mes.


We have had some great day trips so far including Matlock Farm Park, Conkers, the Heights of Abraham and the caves and today we are at Chatsworth House. Tomorrow we are heading to Gullivers and testing out the new Spy Zone before travelling home.


The Mr and I also have a weekend away planned while the Mini Mes go to their dad's home. We are off to Brighton (I've never been!) for some couple time before he heads back to work.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons To Smile

 

 

4lb down this week!! That is definitely worth smiling about as it's a big boost to my self confidence and also a great excuse to start buying new, smaller clothes very soon. Retail therapy here I come.

Minxy has her school show today and although it's a late night (it finishes at 9.45pm!) and is a bit of a trek to get to the theatre where it's being held, I am so very pleased and proud that she is involved with it. She is dancing and has been showing me her moves at home over the past few weeks.
This time last year she would NEVER perform infront of an audience so it would appear her confidence is building too.

Jamster has a school trip tomorrow and what's even better is that it is all FREE! His house scored the most amount of credits this year so they have been provided with a zoo trip as a reward. The weather is gorgeous for it too so hopefully lots of animals will be out for him to see. I'm going to give him a disposable camera to take and I'm intrigued by what will be worthy, in his eyes, of a photo.... I look forward to printing the pictures of food, monkey poo and his girlfriends *giggle*.

The weekend ahead is childfree and we are probably heading to somewhere near the beach with the poochie camping for a relaxing break. BBQ, booze and possibly bikinis here we come.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to Smile

Another 1lb down this week and I'm starting to see that my body is actually changing shape! Not only has the Mr complimented me (although I do wonder if he may be after something) but my dad has commented too which was lovely and very unexpected. I'm finding weight loss and exercise is enjoyable and I feel so much fitter for doing Zumba and walking more. It's becoming a way of life and I'm not struggling to find motivation to do it... or making excuses not to!

It's the summer holiday and we have already spent the first day jumping about on bouncy castles, having a go at the bungee run, getting some new books for the summer reading challenge and doing a nature hunt around the local park. I'm looking forward to what the 6 weeks will bring - hopefully lots more family fun.

I'm really proud of Minxy and how well she did in her school show last week. Her dancing was very impressive, even as her mum, and she shone on stage with confidence which she often lacks in public.
Her and Jamster have done so well at school - she received a certificate and badge at her end of year assembly for being in the top 5% of achievers in her year and he had his SAT results back and they were great.

Fingers crossed they do as well when they go back in September.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

What Has Made Me Happy

 

 

We are booking our holiday today - woooop!!
I always feel so much happier having things to look forward to so a week in Kefalonia will do nicely. Sun, sea, sand and erm, saunas.

The Mini Mes had amazing school reports. Both are meeting targets and Minxy is way ahead of what is expected. Her reading age is over 2 years older than she is - making me a very proud mum.

I had a lovely day of retail therapy yesterday with a friend followed by a meal out with the Mr to review. I always feel a little odd taking photos of food but I'll admit when the bill comes and we don't have to pay it is worth it.

Tomorrow we are off to see Despicable Me 2 and I am so excited, probably more than the Mini Mes. I loved the first and I've had the odd Happy Meal over the past fortnight to collect my own minion toys! Well I am only 28....

I'm off to see Minxy in her cello concert later today. I'm very pleased that she has stuck with music and her instrument the past few years and is doing really well.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

What Has Made Me Happy

 

 

I'm very excited nervous about meeting some bloggers on Sunday at the MAD's meet up at Legoland. Unfortunately I'm not in with a chance of an award but I'm going along to help in the morning with the Mr and the Mini Mes and to have a great family day out - good times!

Saturday is going to be a busy one too with baking and crafts lined up and an afternoon at a nearby forest. I really enjoy being creative and outdoor fun so this is perfect. Hopefully the sunshine will return for us.

The Mini Mes did really well at sports days and I had a lovely day nattering with other parents while being proud of my little people.

I want to say a huge thank you to the Mr with Father's Day approaching. Taking on someone elses children and treating them as your own is an amazing thing to do and I'm very grateful to have him in my life. He is a fantastic role model.
 

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be Happy

 

 

The Mini Mes have settled back into school well after a fun packed half term of trips to the cinema, crafts, baking, seeing friends, playing at the arcades, eating out and more. We have made the most of the nice weather too and used the scooters to and from school each day - it makes the journey a lot quicker also!

Although sports day was cancelled it has been rescheduled for next week which the Mini Mes are excited about. Minxy is very much into running at the moment so she is doing quite a few long distance races. Jamster is still in KS1 so his races include the egg and spoon and funny outfit run. Fingers crossed for some certificates and stickers.

I booked tickets to the TT for next year as a surprise for the Mr. I left him this note in his lunchbox last week when he went to work to see if he could work it out.

He wasn't able to work it out so I had to tell him but the flower delivery I received was proof that he was pleased!

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons To Be Happy

 

 

Minxy is off to London for the day with school and it was a completely FREE trip. I didn't even have to pay for the transport, which is unheard of these days! The school has been selected along with a few others to take part in a funded ballet experience so they are watching a show today... did I say it's for FREE?! *Closes purse and saves pennies*.

She has been counting down the sleeps and is very excited.

 

 

Sports day is tomorrow and both of the Mini Mes have been training. When I say training I mean jogging around the house like herds of elephants complete with sweat bands and squatting down into positions I didn't know existed. They are eager to be involved and I'm pleased that they love running and athletics. I shall be cheering along at the sidelines... hopefully there isn't a mums race this year but at least I'm still young enough not to require Tena Lady.

 

 

I have a child free weekend ahead so the Mr and I shall be watching Fast and Furious 6 at the cinema and probably playing poker with my parents. I never really win, not that we play for money or anything, but it's lovely to catch up with family and enjoy a relaxing evening together.

 

 

 

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons To Be Happy

Our Feather Down Farm trip is fast approaching and I'm really looking forward to it. A nice family break in the great outdoors, collecting our own eggs each morning from the chickens and cooking on a wood burning stove - good times!


The Mini Mes have sports day next week which is always something they are excited to be involved in. The event lasts the entire day so I shall pack up a picnic and enjoy a day watching them run, skip and jump in the sunshine (hopefully).

You know that feeling where you are focused and really determined to complete something. That. I am doing really well with weight loss and exercising at the moment and I feel proud of myself for sticking to it. I was always strong at first and then slipped back into old habits but I'm keeping on track. Watching The Biggest Loser has spurred me on and I'm keeping in mind that it took a while to put weight on so it will take a while to shift it.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be Happy

 

My reasons to be happy

May has so far been amazing! The sun has been shining and I had a lovely bank holiday weekend, spending most of it outside working on my tan. Bronzed beauty here I come.

 

 We have another weekend away ahead and one that I am very much looking forward to. We will have lots of outdoor fun as a family and getting back to basics, in a slightly glam way....

 

Minxy has started athletics club and Spanish and I'm very proud of her for doing so as she doesn't usually like to get involved with groups (or she drops out quite quickly!). Her confidence is really building and I'm pleased to see she is enjoying activities with friends.

 

 

The Mr makes me happy for all of the little things he does for me. While out shopping at the weekend he purchased some new perfume for me (Versace Bright Crystal) and it smells divine. Apparently buying me things makes me smile - perhaps he was implying that I'm otherwise grumpy, hmmmm!

 

 

  

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

We had an amazing time in Blackpool at the weekend to celebrate my birthday. We spent Saturday on all of the rides at the Pleasure Beach followed by a meal out at a lovely Indian restaurant called Imli. Sunday we explored the local shops and the sea front picking up a few goodies to take home for family and friends. Mmm fudge!

 

I've lost 11lbs in a fortnight by calorie counting and I'm very proud of myself. It won't be long until I'm purchasing my dress for my brothers wedding in September and I'm looking forward to hopefully getting into something a little smaller and looking (and feeling) stunning.

 

 

 

My birthday was yesterday and I had a great day of retail therapy with my sister. I received some fantastic gifts including a variety of new Pandora charms for my bracelet, blu-rays and clothes. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, gifts and birthday wishes - appreciated!

 

 

  

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

It's beginning to look a lot like spring! Waking up to sunshine is fantastic and walking through my garden of baby daffodils each day always puts a smile on my face. Sunshine is an instant mood lifter and I can already smell the BBQ's.

 

We had a lovely weekend at Drayton Manor and the weather didn't disappoint either. It was great to have a family day out at a theme park now that Mini Mes are a little older as they go on all the scary rides too - woohoo!

 

 

 

My weight loss continues and I'm not craving junk food at all as yet. I'm focused and completely in the right mind set to do this. My goal weight doesn't seem so far away!

 

We have a weekend in Blackpool ahead. It may be a little challenging with my diet but I can't wait to have fun at the pleasure beach, see my family, have a meal and drinks out to celebrate my birthday.

 

  

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

Despite a few April showers we had a lovely time in Torquay, enjoying the last week of the Easter holiday. We had fun at the arcades and the beach, a wonderful day out at Crealy and a great time at Pennywell farm feeding lambs and handling newborn lambs, goats and miniature pigs.
Lovely relaxing time together as a family.

Both of the Mini Mes went back to school without any issues and they have done a great job with spellings and reading so far this week. I always find doing homework as soon as they come in the easiest option as then they can play afterwards without getting books out again after dinner or before bed!

I have lots to look forward to with my 28th birthday fast approaching, a weekend at Drayton Manor and another at Blackpool.

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

We are currently enjoying a family holiday in Torquay, 5 days away from the norm at the seaside. Perfect. The weather has been surprising good considering how it has been the past few weeks so I'm very thankful for that!

Torquay October 2010

Another birthday this week with Minxy turning 9. She received lots of lovely gifts and we enjoyed a family meal out on Sunday to celebrate. I'm happy to have such a bright and kind daughter who is turning into a little lady.

The weight loss continues. I've not really been calorie counting the past few weeks and I've managed to still lose a few pounds which I'm so pleased about. Once we return from our holiday I'll be increasing the exercise considerably though while I'm searching for a new job.

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

The Mini Mes have driven me insane today with constant bickering since 6.50am but regardless of that I still just about have reasons to smile with gritted teeth!

 

 

 

Jamster had a lovely birthday. We all enjoyed lunch out and the Croods and he received lots of lovely gifts. I am grateful for friends and family that sent him birthday wishes.

 

We had a really nice Easter weekend and the Mr even got me a huge Thorntons egg which was a delicious surprise.

 

We had a nice afternoon out yesterday at a small local farm feeding the goats and lambs in the sunshine. There are tea rooms there and a little farm shop with great quality produce too to explore. The newborns were seriously cute and I've not seen bottles empty that quickly in quite some time!

 

I've received prizes for two competition wins this week, I rarely even enter any, and what lovely prizes they were too. Thomas Sabo Sweet Diamond earrings, necklace and bracelet and then a Kenwood Chef Classic arrived this morning from Whitworths Sugar for my Easter recipe... in total worth around £700 which is amazing.

 

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

My little man is 7 today - Happy birthday Jamster! We are going to the cinema to see The Croods and out for lunch to celebrate. He has received so many lovely gifts from family and friends, all of which I am very thankful for! I don't know where the past few years have gone, he is a proper little man now.

It's half term which means no early morning wake ups and lots of fun with the Mini Mes. We have some Easter crafts and baking to do and we are heading to the seaside in a few days time too. I do love lazy days and a relaxed routine.

A good friend of mine treated me to lunch the other day to say thank you for all of the bits and bobs that I give her for her little ones. She is a lovely lady and it was really nice being picked up from work, taken to the pub and dropped back home after a delicious meal. Thank you!
 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?