Word of The Week 28/02/14

This week I am linking up with Jocelyn from The Reading Residence. This linky is simple. Pick a word that sums up your week. Feel free to join in, leave a comment below what your word of the week is - or if you're a blogger join in. I think it's a great idea. Might help to de-stress.

Just so you know, my word can't be 'BUSY' every week...

Our Belgian City Break

This is a PR Collaboration 

Cosmos are currently running a competition on Facebook for summer or winter holiday. It got me thinking about my favourite holiday. We've been on many holidays, but there was one particular one that stood out... 

Back when me and Warren first got together, before the nappies and bottle-feeds took over - we went on a lovely little holiday to Belgium. Of course we still had Emily, but she was only too happy to stay at her Grandma and Grandad's while we went galavanting for three days. And what a fantastic mini-break it was too.

Shit Mum/Super Mum

There is a such a fine line between being a shit mum, and a super mum. I used to think that they were two very different things. On one side, you had the sausage-roll feeding, Facebook Mums, and on the other you have the Mother hen who makes pancakes for breakfast and wears an apron, carries tissues and puts plasters on boo boos.

It's not true though is it.

Review: Asda Direct Wooden Glamour Mansion

We were so excited to review this Wooden Glamour Mansion from Asda Direct. I never had a doll's house as a child, and I was really chuffed that mine would get to review one! The first task was to set it up - and of course, that was Dad's job.

I Clearly OWN the Gym

I have been a member of my local gym for FOUR (4) days now. That clearly makes me suitably qualified to write this kind of post. I understand the ways of the gym. I know the do's and don'ts and all that crap. Save me the drama, meat-heads - I know what I'm on about.

What Is Miley Cyrus Teaching Our Kids??

Lately I've been reading about Miley Cyrus. Gone is the innocent girl, and I'd just like to say hello Miley the Minx.

She has been quoted as saying that she would like her Bangerz tour to be 'educational for kids.'

Miley, love, darling, in non-condescending and  absolutely in the most sincere way possible - what are you teaching our children?

2014 Wish List Ideas

My 2014 Wish List

Although the holidays have passed us by, this does not mean we must stop dreaming! Birthdays, anniversaries, and special just-because-s! There’s always something to add! So, here goes, my 2014 top 20 (still on my) wish list!

Food For Thought...

I don't write too much about Emily. She is our little tween. Aged ten, she is on the cusp of high school, the cusp of dramatic change emotionally... and she is probably still trying to make sense of everything.

Does everything ever make sense anyway?

Review: LivLife Low Carb Bread

I must admit to being a little sceptical about reviewing low carb bread. I am always looking for healthier ways to improve our diets, and new products do interest me. Carbs do lie heavy on me, and I do try and avoid eating white bread if I can - it's just not worth that bloated feeling. So when we were sent some LivLife low carb bread I was interested. Sceptical, but definitely interested!

Review: Nakd Snack Bars

I was delighted when given the opportunity to write about Nakd snack bars. I have tried these before and I must say I am a big fan. These natural balance food snacks are a yummy mix of fruit and nuts and are great as a snack, or a breakfast on the go.

A326 Empire TMA 03 Results

I got my results from my last essay, and it was a pass 1 again.

I am over the moon with this. It was a slight drop from my other two marks, and is a bit of a downward trend, but technically as long as I stay over 85% then I'm still on the way to a first class degree.

The MAD Blog Awards - My PITCH

So, it is now the time for blogging award nominations!

Wow.

The following is taken from the The 2014 MAD Blog Awards website:

The MADs 2014

The fifth annual Mum and Dad Blog Awards, in association with Parentdish.co.uk, are the UK’s biggest and most exciting awards for parent blogs.
Last year, more than 150,000 nominations and votes were received in the UK's biggest and best awards for Mum and Dad blogs

Our very 'normal' Winter Little Adventures Challenge

We were sent some yummy cake treats called Barny in strawberry and apple flavour as a part of a blog link-up with Britmums. The challenge was to take the bars on a winter little adventure. There are prizes for the best blog post. I love entering these, and I love photos and videos so this is great. However, in this weather, we don't exactly go on adventures...

Tips for a girl's night in

This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84

A girls' night in is a great way to catch up with your friends in a nice relaxing setting. You can chat, dress comfortably and have some fun. Here are a few ideas for a great night in with your best friends.

Bright and Beautiful: The Perfect Children’s Bathroom

This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84

If you are renovating a bathroom to make it more child-friendly, or if you are lucky enough to be able to give your children their own bathroom in your home, there are a number of things that will need to be considered. Safety is obviously the prime concern but the design will also be important – does a child really want to bathe in a serene, spa-like tub or do they want aquatic murals and pirate-themed accessories? Read on to learn www.bellabathrooms.co.uk ideas for creating the perfect children’s bathroom.

Announcing My Sponsor For Britmums Live! 2014

One of the main blogging events every year is Britmums Live! which is held in central London. It is a big event with brands and bloggers networking and attending workshops. There is also an awards ceremony for the Brilliance in Blogging awards. I was chosen as one of the blogs to watch out for 2014 by Britmums, in the same category as Michael Rosen, no less!
This year I will be attending the Britmums Live! event and I am so delighted to announce that I have a sponsor for the event. An amazing sponsor - I am so over the moon that they chose me!

Pennies turn into pounds – but how?

As parents, we all want to give our children the best possible childhood. But it can be difficult to give them all the material goods they desire, particularly in this climate of economic uncertainty. But even in these belt-tightening times, there are still ways to save a bit of money so you can treat the kids every now and again.

Review: Peppa Pig & George Fancy Dress from Jokers' Masquerade

We received these fancy dress items free of charge for the purpose of the review. All words and views are my own.

I was chuffed to bits to be asked to review some fancy dress costumes from Jokers' Masquerade. Both Alice and Rosie are, like most children their age, absolutely up the wall obsessed by Peppa Pig. We have Peppa Pig teddies, Peppa Pig clothes, even Peppa Pig tissues...seriously this house is one big homage to the porky pink thing.

TMA 03 A326 Empire

I've just submitted my TMA 03.

Phew, pretty much sums up that one!

I had an extension of a few days, but had to get it in as the next one is due in three weeks and I can't let myself fall behind.

Re-Imagine Your Kitchen

This article was written by Amanda Walters, an experienced freelance writer and regular contributor to Huffington Post. Follow her here: @Amanda_W84

Your kitchen should be at the heart of your home, so how come many of us would rather trudge through snow and wind for a takeaway rather than cook in it? If this sounds familiar then maybe it’s time you gave your kitchen a New Year makeover and re-energise your passion for home-cooking.