Photo a Day January Round Up




I've been doing my photo a day rather quietly as last year I gave up around May and felt a bit annoyed with myself. This year however, I'm not looking at is a challenge but more something to look for in my day..whatever the prompt may be! So here's to January:


1)Today: We had beautiful sunshine to wake up to on New Years Day which was perfect.

2)Something New: I've decided to start a journal of 2013, a bit like those life journals that I see a lot. This is a lot more manageable for me though!

3)Heart: My favourite cushions

4)The View from Here: My boy sitting on the other end of the sofa just before bedtime

5)Movement: I started the 30 Day Shred this month!


6)Street: My street at night, very quiet on this occasion.

7)Mine: This lemon meringue pie was mostly eaten by ME because it was MINE!

8)Something Beginning with T: Toes!

9)Paper: A letter written to me from my Lithuanian penpal Monika.

10)One O'Clock: In the afternoon I sat down with a lovely hot chocolate. I think it was a particularly chilly day this one.


11)Water: Rain poured on us during the morning school run. Luckily we had our trusty brollies!

12)Surprise: we took Midge to the aquarium as a surprise birthday treat. This croc was also a surprise because he looked fake!

13)Circle: My beautiful wedding ring

14)Something Yellow: Party bags for Midges Rainbow party

15)An Ordinary Moment: The school run


16)Two Things: Party bag favours. A teddy for the youngest and lollies for the older children

17)Ready: Midges birthday cake all ready to be shown off to the Birthday Girl!

18)Shadow: The shadow of my ice cream bowl

19)Delicious: My dinner was so tasty!

20)Something you saw: Midges Cinderella doll


21)What You Do: I get to lay in with my babies (some days) I do love being a stay-at-home Mum!

22)Corner: Daddy on the corner of the bed with Little Man

23)Electric

24) Stripes: The rather funky train doors of the Virgin Train we travelled on

25) Landscape: I walked home from my massage and passed this beautiful graveyard. I thought it was a good shot for this prompt.


26) Together: My hand linked together with Midges

27) Sun: Due to alack of the big ball in the sky, I settled with a yellow flying saucer..because I can..

28) Through: Looking through a heart hanging I have you can see a photo of my nephew and niece plus my lovely wall art.

29) Grow: Little Mans nails grow so quick! He loves having them cut though so Daddy takes the clippers to then regularly

30) Down: Me being very quiet after finally being able to go downstairs, leaving the night monkeys to their sleep

31) Yourself: Hard one today as I don't feel in the mood! But here I am in all my edited glory.

I'm looking forward to Februarys Photo A Day now. Are you?
CupcakeMumma

10 Good Things January

So the first month of the year has come to an end. It's been a good month for me, a hard one for those close to me but I hope things improve soon.

I'm going to write 10 things for every month of this year in order to look back and find the goodness in my days. For every down day there are far more good ones.

If you feel like you want to write your own 10 Good Things then please do, I'd love to read them!

1) Myself and Little Man have found the perfect toddler group. Mums and Dads alike will know these are like gold dust but this one is small, not cliquey in the slightest and is one of the only groups apart from the library locally that is still free. Little Man loves it and I feel happy attending so I think it's a keeper!


2) We got a date for a festival my family hold every year and we're really excited to plan our trip. I love Cambridge and this year hope to explore a bit more!

3) My sister and I have had much more contact than we did last year which has been great. I know she's happy, having fun and meeting some lovely people.

4) I've had some fabulous reviews to do over January and I hope to get more. I don't do many reviews and I like it that way but what I do review I love and more often than not become a new customer myself!

5) I sent a surprise gift to a friend who was feeling a little low this month and it made her feel better. Of course this makes me feel good! As we approach February my next surprise gift will be going out. Yey!

6) With just one more photo to take I have finally, finally completed my first ever photo a day! Look out for my round up post tomorrow!

7) I'm feeling fitter! I lost a few pounds at the beginning of January and feel a bit healthier. I'm doing an Ab Fab February challenge, inspired by Cupcakemummy which I'm looking forward to..sort of! There will be before and after pics for this challenge!


8) Midge turned 5 and had an awesome birthday. When we eventually had her birthday party that too was thoroughly enjoyed!


9) I've found my motivation to study which is great. Luckily for me my mother in law is on hand with her printer as mine has yet again decided it hates me! Still, where there's a will there's a way!

10) I officially couldn't give a flying monkeys arse about certain school mums! I now talk to a good handful of mums and have noticed the ones who ignore not just me but other mothers too are completely alone until their clique arrives. That's how much they've alienated themselves and its sad but I'm pleased I no longer feel less than them. It's all about confidence really, so I found some!

As usual, thank you for reading. Here's to February!

CupcakeMumma



Firsts..

My Little Man will be 2 in just a few weeks time. He said his first word at, heck I don't remember but I know it was his sisters name and that it was incredibly sweet to hear him say it.

From there it was, in no particular order: 'Hi,' 'bye,' 'lub yoo' then just recently 'love you' as well as the usual Mum, Dad, 'uh oh' and 'oh well.' He hasn't started joining words together just yet and I don't expect him to.When the time comes however I think,no wait I KNOW what his first, fully fledged sentence will be:

Watch out for the dog poo!!

It may not happen but currently, and not limited to my town, there seems to be a vile rise in the non collection of ones dog crap. In some cases there is so much dog poop on the pavements (especially and annoyingly on the school route) that I have invented a game which requires total alertness and super skills:

Buggy Poo Dodging.

I'm ace at it now, although times are bad at the moment. I actually have to go on the road to avoid serious wheel coverage. That's bad. And my skills in buggy poo dodging ain't that good.

In all seriousness though why can't certain people pick up their dogs leavings? Why can't these people see that their behaviour is totally disgusting and completely selfish? Twice I've been greeted by some pooches 5am leavings on my doorstep.

What can we do though? Not a lot I suppose. Ill just continue to hone my amazing buggy skills and hope pray that the aforementioned sentence is absolutely NOT my sons first.


CupcakeMumma

Catch Up with The Cupcakes

Time for a little catch up I think. We haven't been up to anything amazing but everyday has potential with my two!

We've had the drag to ballet class Saturday (which always ends in a fantastic session and a prancing Midge) and the long awaited 5th birthday party. Midge invited 6 friends to her little tea party in our cosy little house and they all had a great time!

We played pin the tail on the donkey (which I'm convinced there was DEFINITE cheating involved,the little tykes!)


There was the must-have games such as musical statues, musical bumps and sleeping lions (best game ever invented!) Daddy even took it upon himself to learn the art of making balloon dogs:


There was, of course, cake. White, rainbow themed cake as promised. I couldn't be doing with coloured cake layers so I took the easy route and went with decorating the cake all simple and pretty.


We had bunting, colourful party bags and, wait for it: milkshake in mini glasses with funky straws and hundred and thousands:


Cool right? Yes, I know, Mum of the year award stuff that is!

Little Man has recently decided that he's far too big for his daytime naps and has taken to throwing himself out of his cot for a little toddle to the stairs before screaming 'Mum!!' It's very sweet, slightly annoying but just another step in the growing up direction!

Today I picked up his forms for starting nursery *sobs* which seems scary but don't worry, this Mummy won't be toddler-less until Easter next year so that's plenty of time for the Little Man to wreak havoc on the home!


He's also learnt how to say 'love you' so that saves his cute little bottom most of the time!

I'm knuckling down with the good old studying which is awfully dull sometimes but will explain any blogging absence (should there be any!)

Hope you are all having a good week!

CupcakeMumma

Scavenger Hunt Sunday #3

I'm now three weeks into Scavenger Hunt Sunday and I'm really enjoying the challenge of finding all the prompts. Here are my offerings for this week:
Lace:


The only lace I have *winks*

Bling:


This is the kind of 'bling' you'll find in the Cupcake House. Midge and I are pretty girly and none of us like gold so colourful and quirky it is!

Wood:


I could've photographed a table but that would've been boring no? Instead, here are some lovely little birds catching the early morning sun. It's sometimes worth freezing on the school run for some sights.

Fuzzy:


Cinderella sure has had some hair styling problems this week! I'm not sure what Midge did to her but she is indeed looking a bit fuzzy..

Fabric:


My beautiful niece surrounded by soft fabric. This is an old shot but couldn't be more perfect.

Do check out the other lovely bloggers who participate in this weekly hunt.
CupcakeMumma



Reasons To Be Cheerful No.3

I missed a week and that's annoying but I'm in a good mood today so here are my Reasons To Be Cheerful this week:

1) I had an actual massage today! Not a thumb digging lousy attempt by The Husband, but a full on proper massage. It was amazing! Next month I'm going to go for some Hopi ear candle therapy.

2) Yesterday was Husband's birthday and we had a lovely day. We dropped Midge off to school (although we would've loved to have had her with us, learning is more important than a shopping trip) and set off to Truro so Hubby could spend his birthday money. I even bought myself some lovely marzipan chocolate, a brand new bag and funky nail art. Win.





3) Midge's Rainbow Party is on Sunday so it's all systems go here after it was cancelled last week. My house will be bursting at the seams but I hope everyone enjoys themselves.

4) I had a great chat with my sister the other night and she's really happy, this in turn makes me happy. Love you Little Sis xx


I could think of more but you'd be here all day so, what are you cheerful about this week?

CupcakeMumma



Midge Turns 5!




On Wednesday 16th I stayed up late preparing cake, wrapping gifts and putting up decorations. Why? Because our Midge was going to turn 5! We woke up bright and early to have pancakes for breakfast (just the two of us) and when Daddy came down Midge opened her long awaited for gifts:


She also got a brand new bike, a fab drawing of Doctor Who by her Uncle, 2 Disney dolls, a baby you can dress up and some onesies (plus more!)


Midge opened her cards (she adores getting post and often opens mine!) before getting her uniform on and heading off to school. Three other children in her class had birthdays too which surprised me! They ate butterfly cakes and received a 'Happy Birthday' card from the school which is something for the memory box.


Later on, Daddy made the Birthday Girls requested dinner: egg and soldiers! Fortunately I put in a request for homemade fish and chips so also thoroughly enjoyed my dinner too. We did the singing and blowing out of the candles which Midge enjoyed, despite Little Man coming in for a blow!


Later on Midge started feeling unwell and ended up off school the next day. Today I had to cancel the long awaited for rainbow party and hope all her friends can still come next week instead. We had a lovely cuddle though which got me thinking that actually, she may be 5, and as much as she already dislikes it, she'll always be my baby.


Happy Birthday Midge xxxx

A Letter for Midge

You're 5 years old tomorrow my precious little girl and each day you change that little bit more.

Right now you love Max and Ruby because you like rabbits and find the accent funny. You like Disney Princesses and are still as creative as you've ever been! My house is full of lid-less pens and unsharpened pencils complete with notepads and paper taking up each corner of the home!


You hug your brother tightly everyday after school, it's clear to me you miss each other and have a close bond. I hope it stays that way for a long time. You both share a bedroom and can't sleep without the other, that's quite sweet because I know in time you'll be desperate for your own space and Daddy and I will be contemplating wall partitions!


You're enjoying school a lot and make me so proud. You particularly like maths and sadly find reading boring! You love writing though so there's still hope for English!

You ask me every week if we can change your brother into a girl and when I explain that no, we can't, you then lecture me on the many reasons why you must have a little sister. We'll come back to that one in a few years I think!

I'm very much looking forward to watching you turn 5 Midge. I'm looking forward to seeing you dance and have fun when Sunday comes and all your little friends pile in our small home for your rainbow themed party. I've made things extra special for you Midgey, I hope you like it.


We had a tough start you and I my wonderful little girl. There was even a time I thought leaving you with your Daddy was the best thing I could do. But Mummy would've been so very sad. It may have been hard and there's still some tough times ahead, I just know you're going to be a tough cookie and a little stubborn like Mummy but I won't ever want to change you.
You Midge, gave Mummy direction, a meaning when I felt I was nothing. It's because of you Midge that I'm studying, that Mummy and Daddy are so happy in our little home with your younger brother and you. It's because of you Midge, that I faced my worst fears with anxiety and depression.


I love you Midge, with all my heart.
Happy Birthday.
Love Mummy XxxX

Crafty Creatives Box 7 is Here!




I was really hoping my next Crafty Creatives box would be delivered today and I'm so pleased it has been! I love my monthly craft treat and really like not knowing what treats are hidden in the box!

If you're waiting on your box, don't look now because I'm about to show off my goodies!

First of all the art work. I love this illustration by Lucy and I'm actually going to stick it up on my bedroom wall. The art gave away the box contents straight away: a lovely nature theme! Lots of wood items and woodland-themed items which will make adorable crafts.


I absolutely love the 3 little mushrooms I received, I think i'll make a bracelet? Not sure yet.


In the box there are 2 adorable foxes which could make lovely earrings. I don't have pierced ears though so I think i'll make mine into a simple keyring.There are some wooden leaf buttons, leaf pendants and 3 birch hearts with a pine cone (which Midge will cover in glitter!)


This owl pendant is amazing! How beautiful a statement will that make with an outfit? There are also 2 pots of Flower Soft with glue which means you can make cute little flowers. My Mother in Law makes cards and I've seen her use this before- lovely, but a bit messy!


Owl print fabric that screams out my name! I sense mini bunting!!
Finally we have this months Craft Kit which should be interesting: felting.


I'm a bit nervous about this. I still haven't attempted my crotchet mouse so I need to have a go at one of them soon!

I hope you enjoy your Crafty Creatives box as much as I know I will!
CupcakeMumma

Reasons To Be Cheerful: Week 2

So, I'm a bit late in posting week twos R2BC but better late than never hey? My reasons for smiling since last week are:

1) I walked Midge into her school room today and saw a little girl, who I know by name and am friendly with her mother, who was crying reading her a book. The teacher had spoken to her and then left to see to other pupils and parents, which is fair enough. I couldn't leave though and felt that I had to try to make this child happy again.
I did. I spoke to her about missing her Mummy and that she would have a great day at school then see her Mum later. I read her book then went through a hat box where I discovered some pretty cool puppets I used to get some giggles. Soon after, she hopped off her pillow, picked up a pen and started writing on the white board before the bell rang. I started my morning feeling very happy with myself and very pleased that this little girls day had changed from possibly still sobbing through the register to smiling through it instead.

2) We visited Newquay Aquarium last Saturday and had such a great time, it was the best family day out we've had in a long time. Here are some of my favourite bits:


3) Both of the children have been sleeping much better this last week which has meant I've been able to start my work out DVD and continue working on my 2013 journal as well as catching up on some studying.

4) Midge is 5 this week and I'm so excited for her to see her presents. We've bought her a scooter (I personally hate the damn things on a school run so let's just say we'll be going to the park more!) and 2 beautiful Disney dolls to go with the one she was bought at Christmas:


Finally, Little Man has been a lot more vocal. He'll be 2 next month which is just crazy because he still seems like my little baby (Mummies Boy!) he's saying his "Uh ohs" and "Oh no" along with "bye" and I think he's trying to say 'night' and 'love you' at bedtime which is adorable. His first word was actually his sisters' name which was just amazing.

There you have it, a lovely week had and I'm hoping to link up this Thuraday with some more happy offerings!



Newquay Aquarium: Our Best Day Out

On Saturday we visited Newquay Aquarium as part of MoneySupermarkets Family Days Out and we had SUCH a great time!

The Blue Reef aquarium is really easy to find as its just opposite the beach (which is the most beautiful view to me) and stands out with all it's colourful, welcoming flags at its entrance.

We handed over our tickets and entered the Aquarium with 2 very excited little toddlers! As its Midges birthday next week we thought this would be a lovely pre treat for her and actually for Little Man who is 2 in February. We were really lucky because just as we arrived, there was a talk being given to some younger children about crabs and lobsters. We were lucky enough to see the crab up close and personal and we even touched the lobster (very soft, it fidgets a lot when touched but actually I found him very cute and have vowed to never eat one!)



It was amazing to see this creature up close. The guide answered any questions we had and was brilliant with my two little ones, encouraging Midge to feel the lobster and teaching her briefly about the large pincers this mighty crab carries around with him!

We travelled around the lower part of the aquarium constantly stopping to admire the beautiful array of fish. The aquarium has recently introduced a new underwater feature called 'Weird and Wonderful.' Let me tell you, these creatures were definitely weird!
The children really were captivated by all the fish, sting rays, sharks and even the crocodiles...Check this guy out!

The tour guide came around and informed us there would be a turtle feeding shortly which we were excited about. This actually impressed me because so many times I go to attractions and miss out on the really special treats so I was grateful he came and told us as about it.

The turtle feeding didnt disappoint. The children loved sitting by the rails where you could see right into the biggest tank there which holds all the Sting Rays, Sharks, a wide variety of beautiful (and funny looking) fish as well as the huge but wonderful turtle!

The guide gave us a 20 minute speech about the turtle (he was rescued after being hit by a boat and is also completely blind) then he spoke in a child friendly way about how to help the turtles, the environment and other sealife by picking up rubbish on the beach, walking to school and he spoke about what you should do should you find a turtle who looks injured or lost. I thought it was fantastic how he addressed the children and made it fun!

There really is so much to see at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay. It's a small aquarium compared to others, but we easily went around twice to get a good look at all the amazing creatures. My personal favourite were the Big Bellied Seahorses (pictured above).

All the staff were friendly and there were many learning points like the ones below where you could learn facts about the sealife at this centre.


Finally, we finished our trip by visiting the gift shop! Such a large selection to choose from for Midge! I left with my postcards and the children had a teddy each. The aquarium has a really reasonably priced cafe which, like the rest of the establishment, is completely child (buggy!) friendly. Bonus!


We all had an amazing day out, on a budget too (be sure to check the booking online options which are always cheaper!) and learnt so much. We can't wait to visit again in the summer!

CupcakeMumma

*I was sent one, free ticket by MoneySupermarket*

Getting Back to Normal

We're all back to normal here at the Cupcake House. Husband is back to his evening shifts at work, Midge is back to school which she is most pleased about and Little Man is finally on the mend.

We've had hardly any sleep for over a week now with Little Man feeling slightly worse for wear. After a trip to the doctors we collected some eye drops and a mini inhaler to help his wheezing at night. The cough is better and the eyes are getting back to normal, I'm so grateful there was nothing else wrong with him but you have to check!


We've been co sleeping with the little guy for a week (or rather just being co awake-in-the-bed-because-I-refuse-to-sleep) and now we have a few bad habits that will cause much disruption for another week or so I suspect!

Midge went to school with her invites in her book bag today. I can't quite believe she's going to be 5 next week but she's excited for her little party at home. It'll be a tight squeeze but we just don't have the money for hall parties and children's entertainers.


I have some great party bags lined up and some lovely party food ideas for this rainbow theme. I even have mini bunting with 'happy birthday' written on it; exciting!

I'm finding the evenings pretty tough at the moment. I find it incredibly difficult to let my Little Man cry and often give in after half an hour letting him stay up until Daddy gets home. The only thing that keeps me going is this: it won't last forever.

CupcakeMumma

A Year in Gifts- January

I've decided this year that every month I'm going to send a package with goodies inside to a friend or family member I think could do with cheering up. There may not be anything majorly wrong, but the thought of my recipient opening a gift they had no idea was coming their way fills me with happiness. 2013 is about giving that little bit more for me and feeling the benefits from doing it.

The first gift I've put together is for a very close friend. We met online nearly 6 years ago when I was due to give birth to my Midge. Her son is 2 months older and her daughter 2 months younger than my Little Man which always fascinates me!

Anyway, this gift is for my friend to make the post Christmas and back to work period a little better. In this months box I've put together:


Some sweet treats! I wanted to respect the fact my friend is going on a weight watchers diet starting this week so my usual gift of a good bar of chocolate was out!

A nice new make up bag. I'm a pink and polka dots kind of girl but even I like this bag and i know my friend will love it! It's a nice big one too so plenty of room for all her bits.

A small selection of pampering items. I love body shop moisturiser and thought what better than having a bath with some delightful smelling bath bombs and then a nice moisturiser to feel all fresh? The candles are vanilla cupcake scented: Yum.

My secret Santa bought me some of these handy note pads so I thought I'd try and find one for my friend too. They're very useful and hopefully my friend will soon cover her walls with 'to do' notes!


How sweet is this? I saw this miniature card in my local gift store and thought of this friend straight away. I hope she likes it.


All packed and ready to go. I added a letter to my gift and posted it off today. I really hope she likes everything I've sent and it does exactly what I've intended it to do: Make her feel good.

Why don't you surprise a friend or family member with a gift 'just because?' Now, whose for February?!

CupcakeMumma

Gluten Free & Milk Free Lemon Meringue Pie

Sunday saw me desperate to bake something but what to bake? I had made a lemon meringue pie 6 months ago and it went so bad I have never attempted one since, preferring to rely upon Mother who makes a cracking lemon pie! But I took my baking enthusiasm and ran with it to my cupcake filled kitchen and made one. A ruddy delicious one too if I may say so myself!

I'm going to share my recipe with you now so if you're gluten/ wheat/ dairy free then please do have a go at this pie, it's very tasty! As a little side note here, I'd like to add that by making this with an egg replacement product sold in health food stores, you could also make this pie vegan. Good times.

You will need
200g gluten free plain flour
2 tbsp icing sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
2 tbsp cold water

First you want to make your pastry. Put the flour, salt and icing sugar into a bowl then add the butter. Mix together using your finger tips to create breadcrumbs. Make a well in your ingredients, then add your egg. Now mix together using your hands to create a soft dough.


When you've rolled your pastry out, blind bake in the oven for 12 minutes at 150 degrees. You can make your filling whilst this is being done.

For Your Pastry You will need

Juice and zest of 4 lemons
100g caster sugar
6 tbsp cornflour
6 egg yolks
100g butter

Grate 4 lemons putting the zest and sugar into a pan. Add the lemon juice mixed with water to make 300ml into the pan and bring to the boil. Add water to the cornflour to make a paste and add to mix stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Remove from the heat and slowly add your egg yolks and butter.(don't forget a sneaky taste!)


Don't forget to remove your pastry from the oven. When your lemon filling has cooled slightly pour onto the pastry. Now you can make your meringue topping!

For Your Meringue Topping You will need:

6 egg whites
1 tsp cornflour
300g caster sugar

Use a hand mixer to beat your egg whites and cornflour until the mixture forms stiff peaks. Add the sugar until you have a thick, glossy mixture. Don't worry too much about your meringue, I'm not very good at making it but it's still edible!
You can simply spoon your meringue on top of your filling or pipe it on if you're feeling fancy!

Bake your pie for 10-12 minutes at 180 degrees and once cool you can enjoy your delicious pie. Yum!


I'm no chef so I wouldn't know where to start with writing a really good recipe here but it's not too difficult so I do hope you have a go. If all else fails there's always Google!

CupcakeMumma

My Thrifty New Year Thinking

I'm starting off the year fairly laid back. I won't lie, today I've been so laid back I've been horizontal. Kids have been running rings around me (or rather, in front of me) while I've taken it upon myself to lay down under a duvet and chill, only returning to the vertical position for the most necessary of tasks: naps, feeding, loo trips, you get the idea.

I'm quite a sensitive and up tight person. I always have been and always will be I dare say. I'll always be wondering what someone thinks of me or what will happen in certain situations and I'm always stressing about money (who isn't?) being a worrier is some what ingrained into my genes.

However, it's come to the new year and I've already made a few changes. I've sort of been bobbing along these last few days and I feel quite happy to be doing this. I feel pretty happy and content with things as nothing is wrong, nothing is bad. Sure, I'm shattered as anything with Little Man not sleeping well at all but if that's my only complaint then life is good no?

I've started off January by paying off all my bills and replenishing my savings account which although small is at least something. I used some today to pay for 2 tickets to Newquay aquarium which we're really looking forward to. We're going to be doing a pre birthday treat for Midge as well as it being a great opportunity from Tots100, so I'm looking forward to that.

I've also made a 2 week meal plan! I know, I'm way behind in the whole meal plan thing. We used to do one all the time but then I got bored of the fussiness from my children and my dietary restrictions so gave it up in favour of hunting the cupboards every night. Stupid really.
We went just over the budget this week so not too bad but not ideal. Still, feeding your family, buying a bit of bargain party food and baby nappies is pretty good for around £54.


Midge helped me to make homemade pizza tonight!

The other thing I'm going to do this year is to make or buy most of the presents for birthdays and one off occasions second hand. I won't be able to buy for everyone I know in such a thrifty way, but if you have someone like my teapot collecting mad mum then you can be sure to find some treasures in your local charity stores that are often brand new but unwanted gifts. This isn't to everyone's taste, but I like to be thrifty. If its good enough for me then it's good enough for my family!

Some other changes we have are: turning off our tv and phones for a couple of hours every Sunday for some family time, even a nice walk. I've started a journal of the year 2013 which I'm really excited about.


Hope you've all made some thrifty, family plans for 2013? Do share your thoughts with me!

CupcakeMumma

Reasons To Be Cheerful

I'm feeling pretty good this week but I'm still having to think of actual reasons why I'm so content with things. I've sort of been bobbing along in a new state of calmness which is suiting me just fine!

1) It's the New Year! A new year, another clean slate. We should put the past behind us and try to look forward to 2013 and what it holds for us. I know I am anyway.

2) I probably shouldn't say this, but I will anyway: It's nearly Monday which means I'm on back to school countdown! Midge has been pushing the old buttons these last few days and been asking to see her friends so I'm pretty sure she's missing the place to be honest.

3) it's January and I like January. Midge turns 5 in 2 weeks and I'm planning her a lovely little party at home after much deliberating between home and a hall. I went with the money saving option (and sanity saving option!) It's also Husbands birthday on the 24th. He's easy this year as all he wants is money (he's saving for a nice pair of football boots bless him) but I have bought him a rather nice gift I think he'll appreciate.

So there's just a few of my reasons this week. Please join in by clicking the badge below and share your reasons to be cheerful this week.

CupcakeMumma




Simple Woman's Day Book January 2013

I thought writing this months Simple Woman's Day Book post would be a nice way to start the New Year before jumping into blogging properly again.



For Today:

Outside my window...
It is 5.15pm and growing steadily darker. The street lamps have just switched on and the traffic on the street is slowing down. I'm glad I'm inside though because its very cold!

I am thinking...
About how relaxed I feel. I'm sort of bobbing a long in a fairly organised way which is very calming. I'm thinking about little crafty things I could do this year, what swaps I could sign up to or even host? All fairly pleasant things to think about.

I am thankful...
For everything. It's as simple as that.

In the kitchen...
It's pretty untidy as I'm a messy cook (but an organised and tidy baker?) so pans and plates are scattered everywhere. Nothing major! At least it smells of rice pudding!

I am wearing...
A comfortable hoody, some frog pyjama bottoms and my very lovely, fluffy and warm slippers.

I am creating...
A sort of scrap book of my year. I've drawn little squares for the whole of January to write in and I'll use scraps and random bits from the craft draw to create a lovely memory book of 2013.

I am going...
To fall asleep if I don't move! I've been snuggled under our sofa duvet for about an hour reading blogs with my children cuddling me either side. Bliss.

I am wondering...
Why my Husband is going to football training when it is simply so dark and so cold? He really is mad...

I am reading...
Pride and Prejudice on my Kindle app and Carries War which is on my bedside. As much as I like reading from my phone, I will always love a proper paper back book.

I am hoping...
My children will sleep as well tonight as they did last night for once. I really need to wash my floors and tidy.

I am looking forward to...
Oh there are many things to look forward to this year I feel: Midge turns 5 this month so we're treating her to a visit to Newquay aquarium before her birthday and then she's having a rainbow themed birthday party the weekend after.
Little Man will be 2 in February and our niece will be 1! There's my parents 25th wedding anniversary to look forward to as well as our first too.

I am learning
To be calmer, especially with the children who have made me feel slightly frustrated with the lack of sleep they seem to be imposing on me. I'm also learning to swear less and have made a swear box..it costs us 10p a swear. At the end of the month we'll total it up and add it to our holiday pot.

Around the house...
It's slowing getting less cluttered. Unused items have gone to the charity store so that's shifted a few bags and all the decorations have been removed to create some breathing space.

A favorite quote for today...
A day without laughter is a day wasted..

One of my favorite things...
My phone. Incredibly materialistic but lately I've been in such close contact with a very good friend I'd find it hard to part with it! We write letters but due to the busy festive period and now work we've been mailing and texting to keep close. We all need someone don't we?

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Clean the house properly and food shop (with a meal plan)

A peek into my day...



Little Man and his Daddy x

CupcakeMumma