New Shoes

Ensuring the Mini Mes have properly fitted footwear is really important when it comes to their growth and development as wearing incorrect shoes can cause no end of issues for tiny toes. We generally have our feet measured at Brantano every 3 months as advised, and have done for several years, but it's always lovely to be invited to a store to review their service and receive new shoes in the process, which we were asked to do recently.

Upon arrival we were greeted by staff and shown to the fitting area. There is a table of WOW Toys to keep little ones entertained and also a large variety of stationery, bags, umbrellas and other accessories to browse while waiting. The wait wasn't long however and within minutes the Mini Mes had taken off their existing Nike footwear and were stood on the iPad foot gauge to have their feet sized. The device used was from Clarks and with whole and half size measurements and four different widths it really helps to ensure the perfect fit. It's interactive (they can pick a character, insert their name and age) which means children can really get involved with the entire experience.

Family Fun at The Welsh Mountain Zoo

Voted one of the top ten attractions in North Wales, the Welsh Mountain Zoo is a lovely place for a day trip, especially as it reasonably low cost too. For just £38.10 a family of four like ours can spend the day interacting with animals, watching creatures big and small being fed and having lots of outdoor play at the Jungle Adventureland. We have just returned from a holiday at Conwy over Easter and this attraction really appealed to the Mini Mes.

After paying from your vehicle at the entrance you drive around to the car park which is in the centre of the zoo. It's a really picturesque location with some stunning views across the Snowdonia Mountain range, Isle of Anglesey and the coastline. If you don't want to take your car you can always pop on the free mini bus between May and September from the railway station nearby instead however.

Fun Science: How to Make a Dough Volcano

Jamster had a natural disaster school project to complete over the half term break and after the initial tuts and sighs about homework in the holiday he was very keen to get stuck in. He actually enjoyed it far more than he expected and I know he felt proud once it was complete knowing that he had put time and effort in to create it himself.

I thought I'd share the details on how it was made so you can give it a go at home too! I feel by using dough instead of card or paper mache it looks quite textured and therefore more realistic.

What you will need

Perfect Pancakes (Plus Your Chance To WIN)

Shrove Tuesday is less than a week away and that means it's time for pancakes! Whether you are whisking up your own or planning to purchase some, it's a great opportunity to have the whole family sat at the table to enjoy a breakfast feast. You can even have some savoury ones in lunch boxes, ham and cheese are my favourite, or save them as a dessert for after dinner too.

Pancakes are great any day of the year however, and Abra-Ca-Debora provide three delicious types of pancakes to save you time in the kitchen. Each variety can be heated in the oven or a microwave for your convenience and they taste freshly cooked every time. They are moist and packed with flavour as if they had just come straight from the pan - to be honest, they are actually far better than any I've made myself!

Abra-Ca-Debora have kindly provided some goodies so you can enjoy pancakes at home this Spring.

The Funny Things Kids Say and Do - Holiday Havoc

Every now and then our little ones wake up feeling unwell so we keep them off school until they are better and ready to return to their classmates. Jamster had a day off recently. He came into my room as soon as he woke and looked incredibly pale, complained of a headache and was a bit emotional; a sure sign he isn't great. I told him to head back to bed and that I would make sure his teacher was aware that he wouldn't be in.

The following day he was back to his cheerful self so I was happy for him to go in which was exactly what he did. I assumed that would be the end of the matter but apparently it wasn't! The day after returning to school when I dropped him off at the cloakroom the teaching assistant was there...

Valentine's Day Gift Guide - For Him and Her

It's that time of year again; when the shops fill with confectionery and flowers, cupid seems to be firing arrows at everyone and love is in the air. That's right, Valentine's Day is upon us.

We have some great gift ideas to suit most budgets here for the him or her in your heart... 

I just hope my Mr is taking note too!

Low Calorie, Vitamin-Enriched Drinks (Plus Your Chance To WIN)

These fresh new drinks not only contain the core essential vitamins to promote overall health and well-being, but they are also made with spring water - perfect for those thirst-quenching moments. Each drink is naturally flavoured (orange, citrus, mango & passion fruit or apple & raspberry) to ensure that taste is not compromised.

The ‘A Little More’ range can be enjoyed by children over 3 years of age and is one of the first drinks of its kind; making it an essential item for mum’s shopping trolley. The small, easy to carry bottles, complete with a convenient sports cap, make it a perfect addition to any packed lunch, picnic or a simple daily nutritious treat. The Mini Mes have taken a bottle to school each day recently and it has really encouraged them to drink more! We have taken them on a few day trips too for convenience.

7 Things Parents Do, Because They Love You

Until I became a mum myself I would always look back at my own childhood and think my parents were seriously harsh when I was growing up. I remember hiding in my room, with music playing believing they had ruined my life and things were so unfair (think Kevin and Perry), but it's now, as an adult, I realise they had my best interests at heart.

They were in fact doing their best for me regardless of what I thought at the time.
Just as I try to do for my little peeps now.

The UK’s Only Flavoured Pistachios (plus your chance to WIN)

With the cold, winter months upon us and duvet days being very tempting, it's a great time to snuggle up on the sofa to watch the snow fall outside with some delicious treats. The Mr in particular is a big fan of nuts (especially when it involves cake too) so he was very pleased to hear about these great varieties from Wonderful Brands.

The pistachios come in 4 flavours; Sweet Chili, Roasted Salted, Salt & Pepper and Roasted Unsalted. They are crunchy in texture and at only 3 calories each they are lighter than you would imagine. 

Spanish Beef Recipe - Family Food

With calorie counting well underway and being a few pounds lighter already, I've been trying to think of some meals that are both filling and healthier for us to enjoy. After all, there is no use eating a salad if you will be hungry and reaching for the biscuits five minutes later is there!

This meal can be slow cooked so it's ready for when you return home from work/college/the gym etc. With couscous and vegetables taking just a few minutes to heat through, I've found these make a great accompaniment. This should prevent you from wanting to raid the fridge like Pac-Man afterwards!
It's quite similar to my sausage casserole recipe which is a family favourite.

Ingredients 

(Serves 2 generously (we often share this between the four of us) Approx 500 calories per portion)

Self Confidence and Embarrassing Parents

It seems as though the older the Mini Mes get the less cringe worthy things they say and the more embarrassing I become as a parent. Apparently. I've recently been told that I'm not allowed a kiss goodbye at school anymore because;

The Funny Things Kids Say And Do - School's Out For Summer

I'm always proud of the Mini Mes and their achievements, as I'm sure most parents are with their own children, but when I get their reports and read how well they are doing at school it always makes me grin ear to ear with pride. I said to them both how pleased I was after reading the latest edition and they requested a visit to the ice cream parlour as an end of year treat... which I happily agreed to (yum)!


Jamster always goes to school very cheerfully and he has lots of friends. I know he likes to giggle and talks a lot too the cheeky chappy. His teacher points out that he loves art because of the mess - spot on, he loves playing in mud and getting grubby at home in the garden.

Magic Tricks... Busted!

When the Mini Mes return from their dad's house on a Sunday evening we snuggle up on the sofa, put a movie on and talk about their weekend. I miss them when they go there every fortnight, although I really appreciate the time alone with the Mr and the opportunity to catch up with friends, so it's nice to find out what they have been up to while I've not been with them.

When they came home on Sunday this week, unpacked their bags and made their way into the lounge, Jamster decided to put on Dynamo. We all love his illusions that leave us completely baffled and we soon began discussing magic...

Jamster: You know the trick when people pull a coin out of your ear?

Minxy and I: Yes.

Jamster: Well, I know how that's done.

Me: Oooh do you, how do they do it?

Jamster: Well, the magician has a tiny mouse which he gives the coin to, it carries it up the persons back and passes it to the magician when he touches your ear. 

Me: *Giggle* I'm not sure if that's quite how they do it but I do like your thinking!

What have your little ones said to 
make you laugh this week?

Compliments from Kids

Fast approaching my 30's I don't tend to receive that many compliments anymore, so the ones I do get generally leave me in denial or make me feel amazing for days!

The Mini Mes are little angels when it comes to making me feel special, it comes naturally to them, but I'm not quite sure they have completely grasped the concept of compliments just yet.


While heading out of the door for the morning school run...

Jamster: Ooo you smell lovely today mum.
Me: Aww thank you, that's very kind.
Jamster: That perfume you wore yesterday stunk.


When collecting the Mini Mes after school in my new winter footwear...

Minxy: Witwoo mum! 
Me: Thank you, do you like them?
Minxy: Those boots make you look really tall and skinny like a huge giant.


Errm, thanks, I think!

Do your kids 'compliment' you?

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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?

Homework and Haribo

At every opportunity possible the Mini Mes like to ensure their teachers know EXACTLY what sort of a mummy I am. They don't tend to mention all of the days out we enjoy as a family and all of the fun that we have with baking and crafts. Instead, they like to highlight the embarrassing moments and point out all of my faults. *Cringe*

Jamster has already made sure his teacher knows that I dance in my underwear and run around in my onesie and with this weeks homework he decided to share my love of sweets...

It's true, no treats are safe when I'm about!

I have a sweet tooth and Jamster knows it.

Do your children share things about you at school?

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