Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

With two poorly children off school with flu and tonsillitis it has been a bit tricky to think of reasons to smile this week. I guess the fact that so far the Mr and I have remained well is worth being cheerful about though.

I have a child free weekend ahead so I'm looking forward to relaxing a little without the constant need to fetch tissue, drinks and medicine! We were originally helping family relocate to Liverpool but they have altered their moving date by a day so don't need our assistance anymore -  I can relax.

We had a lovely meal out on Tuesday evening, the poorly Mini Mes went to their dad for a few hours so I didn't have cabin fever. The Mr and I went to Red Hot for a complimentary meal to review. We have been a few times but it always tastes better when their is no bill at the end!

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

I'm really glad I took part in this weekly link up to concentrate on the good things in life and I continue to do so into a new year - 2013. It can often be hard to see the positive when there can be so much hurt, stress and loss but I find it really uplifting and it makes me appreciate the things that make me smile, however small, that little bit more.

My reasons to be happy

We welcomed in the new year surrounded by loved ones; parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings which was really lovely. My Grandma came along too and I was surprised she managed to stay awake to hear the fireworks go off at midnight, as did the Mini Mes for the first time. They are usually tucked in and snoring away so it was nice that they were involved too enjoying everyone's company and the delicious buffet meal my mum had prepared. We were told it was fancy dress but it was only Jamster that wanted to wear costume!

Blogging has given me some really great opportunities over the past few months and for that I am grateful. We have enjoyed some lovely days out as a family and even a weekend to Blackpool in 5 star luxury reviewing 7 Merlin attractions. I already have some goodies on the agenda to review this year and I won a luxury spa trip during December for my Reindeer Pops.

Having things to look forward to always keeps me smiling and we are already thinking of holidays for this year. It looks like we will have some camping trips when the weather improves, some UK breaks and a trip abroad. I need sunshine!

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

My reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

It's been quite a rocky week. Minxy has really been really struggling to settle in at school in her new class, crying daily and not eating any lunch so it's been quite a difficult time. However, every cloud has a silver lining and she did thankfully go in today with a smile on her face. I think she may finally be getting used to it and realising it's not as bad as she thought it was. That's a reason to smile at least. I feel happy again knowing that she seems happy again!

Minxy will finally be starting Brownies tonight. After over 18 months on a waiting list she finally has a space! She seems pleased to be going and I'm hoping it boosts her confidence a little as she can be shy at times. I'll be staying with her this evening to see if she likes it (maybe I'll get to join in with some crafts hehe).

Before Brownies we are catching up with some friends at soft play. I've not really seen either in about 6 weeks, with the summer holiday and back to school we all seem to have been busy, so it will be nice to have a good old natter! The kids will all get to play too.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

My reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

Although the summer holiday is over and we have returned to the routine of school and work, I'm still happy knowing that the Mini Mes had a great break. We did so much and I have some lovely memories from the past 6 and a half weeks (you can see what we got up to here).

Since having Minxy 8 and a half years ago (is it really that long?!!) my eating and exercise habits have been awful. I'm a complete yo-yo dieter which is definitely not a good thing. Since Monday I've been using a meal replacement plan and although the first day I had such a bad headache and felt a little hungry I am feeling better for it now. I'm hoping a few weeks on the plan will give me the boost I need to keep healthy eating going until I finally reach my goal weight. I'm staying focused and positive.

Although it's now September the weather already seems to be so much better that July and August! I've woken to the sun glaring through my window daily and I love it! We even got to enjoy the beach last week. It really does make you feel better about getting out of your duvet each day.

Autumn is possibly my favourite season. I love how beautiful the crisp leaves look on the trees and the fun you can have playing in them. There is of course Halloween on the horizon too - I do love dress up so having something to look forward to cheers me up dramatically!

What has made you smile this week?

My reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

I have that warm, fuzzy feeling at the moment. The one where you smile to yourself when no one is around and feel all happy inside. Life seems to be good and I'm feeling happy as I have lots of holiday related reasons to make me cheerful this week!

Family Holiday

We went away last week to Dorset and had a lovely time. We camped at a really nice site called Newlands with two pools, shop, bar, restaurant and lovely facilities. While there we visited the Sea Life Adventure Park in Weymouth and also Farmer Palmers.

Summer Holiday

It seems to be flying by but we are having an amazing time. Bar our family holiday we have had so much fun with bike rides, baking, crafts, cinema trips, festivals and more. I'm enjoying working through the Bucket List we made mid July and keeping track with scrap books too.

Couple Holiday

The Mr and I have 4 child free nights while the Mini Mes go to their dad next week so we are having a break with the poochie camping. We aren't sure where we are heading yet in England but possibly Matlock Bath again (we went a few years ago) or similar. Somewhere we can chill out and enjoy the scenery.

What has made you smile this week?

Back Soon!

We are having a family break for a few days but we will be back later this week!
Hopefully my scheduled posts will appear like magic when they are supposed to.

If you need to get in touch you can email me.

My reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

Even though the weather has had a turn for the worse I'm still a cheerful little lady with lots to smile about again this week!


A relaxing child free weekend
Being so busy during the summer holidays keeping the kids entertained can be hard work at times, so I thoroughly enjoyed a chilled out, child free weekend with the Mr when the Mini Mes went to their dads house Friday-Sunday. We enjoyed a trip to the cinema, a pub quiz night and some retail therapy. I feel rather refreshed!


Family over for dinner
It's not that often that my family come over, generally we do the travelling and go to them, but I invited my mum and sister over Monday night for dinner. I cooked lasagne and had some chips, salad and garlic bread that everyone could help themselves to. The Mini Mes and I also made flapjacks (their current fav) and we made our own mint choc chip and marshmallow ice cream too. Both were a real hit so I was pleased.


Holidays
Next week we are heading to Dorset for a few days camping. I don't really like mud or mess but I do love the great outdoors and I'm really excited! We have some fab day trips planned too while we are there (but if anyone has some suggestions on places to visit let me know!). We will of course miss Spartan but I'm sure he will be ok in the kennels with his freshly cooked chicken to eat!

Some pictures from our last camping trip

What reasons do you have to smile this week?

My reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

Summer fun

We are having a fantastic summer so far! We have done so much already and the Mini Mes are really enjoying themselves. We still have lots to look forward to as well including Paultons, camping and Chessington World of Adventure.

Olympics

I'm feeling super proud to be British and I'm loving the Olympics. The Mini Mes have been watching it too and are really getting into it, their favs are the diving and gymnastics. We also went to an Olympic craft event yesterday with t-shirt and cake decorating, flag and torch making which was fab.

Review products

I have some lovely items on the way and I'm really looking forward to reviewing them. We also received tickets to Camp Bestival to review which was super!

What are your reasons to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

I seem to be a lot more positive since I started joining in with link ups about happiness! The little things I took for granted previously now seem to have value and I appreciate them far more. Long may that continue!

My reasons to smile this week...

Summer Holidays
I am officially off work until September and I've been enjoying some great fun with the mini mes. It's only day four and we have already been on two bikes, enjoyed a magic show (you can see that here), spent two mornings in the paddling pool , had a picnic, had a bbq, been to two science events, spent an evening at the park, signed up for the book challenge at the library, made egg box bugs (that's here) and lots more. Love it.

Sunshine
Doesn't a little bit of sunshine lift your mood?! When I wake and see he sun pouring in it automatically makes me smile and makes getting out of bed so much easier!

Weight Loss
It's going well! Despite the odd ice cream due to the warm weather I'm gradually losing weight and clothes are feeling looser - yay!

What do you have to smile about this week?

Reasons to be Happy

My reasons to be smile definitely don't involve sunshine as yet another week of  'summer' goes by with more rain, thunder and lightening! However I am excited about the possibilty of sunshine soon...



Holiday
The kids are possibly, fingers crossed, spending a Wednesday-Sunday in August with their dad once he confirms it so the Mr and I are going abroad for 5 nights! It will be the first time abroad without the children but the thought of relaxation, sunshine and cocktails sounds amazing and I really can't wait. We just need to pick somewhere to jet off to... suggestions welcome!

Holiday part two
The Mini Mes finish school tomorrow and I finish work for 6 weeks *yay*. They have a fun day at school today with bouncy castles, face painting, jugglers and performers and a picnic lunch with ice cream too. Tomorrow is mufti and toy day - what a lovely way to finish the academic year.

Meal out
I enjoyed a delicious meal out with the Mr and my mum last night at The Harvester. I have only ever been there once before and I had forgotten how good it is. Unlimited fresh salad and then a juicy 8oz rump steak followed by a cookie sundae. It was a lovely treat after my recent effort to lose weight.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?