My Sunday Photo ~ Beautiful Tulips

My favourite flowers are Gerberas, Tulips and pink Roses. These have really made smile this week. My week has ended so much better than it started and every time I look at these flowers they make me smile. I can't wait until they open.

Cupcake Mumma

Little Man ~ Now You're Six

Sometimes it feels like only yesterday when I think about the day you were born. How you were brought to the surface of the water, my own hands gently guiding you to air. My little boy.

Newborn Baby A

You've grown so much in this last year my Little Man. Your speech has just come from no where (actually it's taken the school and your lovely speech therapist a while but you've done so well) I find you as feisty and stubborn as ever. Sometimes I wonder if there's something else to you. I can't quite explain it but sometimes, Little Man you persist where many give up. You question things over and over, I am always afraid to upset you. You remember things that hurt you, upset you or made you sad long after they've happened and we have the same conversations over and over again. You are oblivious to how annoying this can be! I don't know if that's what every other boy does. I know how different we all are.

I enjoy your energy and your curiosity. Your love of animals and babies is wonderful and you make so many people laugh. At school the teachers fall for you, you have nice friends but you let others get away with far too much; all because you are afraid of getting told off (which you hate.)

On the red tractor at Paradise Park

Now you're six, little man. I can't lie, I'm glad you're a little older because now we can talk to each other. Now I understand you, what you want, need and feel and there was a long time when you were distressed, sad and very angry and I was lost, stressed and frustrated but now mostly that is gone. You frustrate me in many ways but still I wouldn't trade it for the early days.

Right now, you are getting into football, you are a Mums boy very much. You love penguins and Lego, The Avengers are your favourite toys. You enjoy books but love your tablet with all its silly games. It's difficult to get you off that thing sometimes! You are a kind boy, but very much a little lad too with a wicked sense of humor. Your Dads' humor I would say. Oh and you hate bedtime...It's 9.45pm, you are wide awake messing about, asking questions, up and down the stairs getting a yogurt, a drink, complaining about school, playing with your toy and demanding kisses and hugs..This is you, at six.

I love you my Little A.

Mummy xx

Reasons to be Cheerful #2

Midge had a sleepover last night which was really good fun. We had a few mishaps and a couple of tears from the youngest but once we settled down with food and movies everything went really well. We all painted our nails and watched Secret Life of Pets and Hocus Pocus. I took Little T up to bed but the girls didn't settle until 1am so they'll all be tired today no doubt!

This photo of me and my nieces made me cheerful. It's not very good quality, my phone has always been funny when you turn the camera around but I'll still post it on here because I really like it. There's a funny one on my phone after this one, G and I are the same but Little T who popped the crisp in her mouth isn't because it was a mustard crisp!

I've been volunteering at the children's school and it's be going really well. I'm getting a fairly good insight into what a TA actually does, which is pretty much everything without the tonne of paper work to take home at the end of it! I work really well with the main teacher in the class and have enjoyed working 1-1 with some children helping them with their phonics. I get to change book bags on a Friday which isn't as much fun but being a bit of a hermit I like being on my own so sometimes working on my own suits me. Am I 100% sure on a role as a TA? I'm not sure. I don't like the idea of leading a class on my own when teachers have meetings etc but I guess that's not a case in all schools or perhaps it is and it will something I would be better at than I think. For now, I'm just going to enjoy the volunteering and the experience.

Reading and happy mail

I've read 3 books so far in January, all 3 I have loved. I've got loads of happy mail to catch up on plus 2 new pen pals! I haven't had much time to settle down, plus with the children not settling at night that time hasn't be easy to write in either!

I hope you all have some reasons to be cheerful this week to.

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to be Cheerful

It's been a little while since I wrote a post about being cheerful. The last few weeks have been pretty stressful and there has been plenty of moments where I felt so drained and done with everything. Things still popped out at me though. Lots of small things like the children having good days at school and the leaves changing colour (I love Autumn) and discovering groups online I could follow to give me healthy eating ideas which weren't dull and boring! There have been some big moments to be cheerful though..

1) We have a house! A week today we move and we're all looking forward to it! The children will be in school which will be really handy and we have plenty of offers of help which is so nice. This place is small and cosy which I hope will be better for us. The children will be sharing a room again which A is really pleased about, Midge is okay with the arrangement too. We will have a bath and a shower so I no longer have to have fights with A who hates the feel of the shower on his skin. I really hope here we can make some real family changes and be a happier and stronger family again and that I can be a happier Hannah!

2) Although getting A to do his homework is still very much a bang your head on the wall event, I am really pleased we have stuck to our routine of home, get changed and do homework as tea cooks. We use Lego to help with counting, and he has surprised me with his determination to write the red words he has to learn. He doesn't know any of them but just copying them down without a meltdown is a big success! 

3) I treated myself last night to some new clothes. I don't have the funds outright so made a Very account and bought a selection of clothes in the sale which I can pay off with no trouble at all. I'm really strict with myself when it comes to budgets. I got myself some work out leggings which are awesome and will boost me to do some exercise, even if it is just some yoga and dog walking. I also bought myself some new jeans (size 16 boo!) but I've been squeezing into size 14's for too long, I may be trying to lose weight but I must accept my size for what it is currently while I continue my journey. I also bought myself a poncho which may or may not suit me but I've always wanted and if worse comes to worse I can just wear it around the house to be comfy and warm!

4) A surprise random act of kindness. It's always lovely to open happy mail but when you don't expect something it's really wonderful!

Those are some reasons I'm smiling today, do you have any reasons you'd like to share? Please comment below or drop me a comment on my Facebook or Twitter! 

The Simple Things...

Wonderfully large Bumble Bees coming out to find my flowers. I've had to rescue several already from my kitchen. They seem to be able to get in but not get out quite as easy.

A wrap and a hot chocolate whilst reading the paper on your own.

Starting to stick my letters and some wonderful stamps in the scrap book I've owned for 2 years!

Beautiful Blossom

My son starting to write properly and drawing pictures not just for me but for his teachers too. So proud.

Having a tidy house, donating a bag of old bits to a friend who does car boot sales, reading a good blog post, finding inspiring recipes for next weeks meals, eating a healthy dinner with the children, walking to school with my husband, my daughter cycling to school looking so grown up, simple bread recipes, a clean bathroom, a shower after a workout, a thank-you e-mail, a .good morning, I love you' text and many other things.

Can you name some wonderfully simple things from this week?

My Sunday Photo...

Midge was so, so pleased to win a competition recently. Her vouchers came this week and her face was priceless. I'm sure she's got the comping bug now!

My Sunday Photo #3- Because We all Need to Laugh!

It's been a tough week for many and I haven't been too grand with my dental business (i'm presently terrified of my next appointment on Wednesday) I rooted through my Kawaii Box and I found these. They made me laugh. I mean, I look ridiculous and that's totaly the point. Hope you like this weeks photo!

Self Care and Why it is So Important

Question: What was the last thing you did for yourself and let it really matter?

I get to pop to the shops on my own every now and again but the knowledge of returning home to my 'jobs' often lingers in the back of my mind. This means I'm not focusing fully on myself and my time alone. It means, instead of thinking through other things whilst I sip my hot chocolate, I'm focusing on other people and not myself and my precious me time.
I may get to paint my nails in quiet but I find I never pick the right time and rush through what should be a more delicate and peaceful piece of me time for fear of getting interrupted.

Self care is so very important yet we as parents put our needs to the bottom of the pile and often forget to look after ourselves. To nourish ourselves physically and mentally. If we do not look after our own physical and mental health, our well being, if we continue to neglect ourselves and place ourselves to the bottom of the pile then we can become lost. We can become tired and frustrated and become heavy from the day to day lives we lead.

I'd like to share with you some ways I look after myself. I have always needed me time. I have always needed to be alone on occasions or to fulfill certain challenges and adventures either by myself or with friends. I have a husband who understands this and supports me. We recognise that we are not only parents but people too who have needs, wants and feelings that all need to be fulfilled in some way or another.

Self Care in my life:

10 Things to Smile About August

It wasn't until I checked my mail this evening that I realised it was time for another 10 things to smile about with  with Emmy Mom. I can't believe we've sped through August and are now heading into a new school term. Here are 10 good things from August:

1) First off we've moved house! It was totally out of the blue and unplanned. A complete last minute up and go kind of move but it must have been fate, someone sending us in the right direction. We have, I hope, found 'home'.

2) My dad got a new job! This is ace news to me because for years he's been in the same job and now he has returned to his open university studies and completely changed direction going from a gardener at the local air base to a care worker. It really is never too late!

3) Another month another cake. This time a strawberry milkshake flavour cupcake. Seriously light and tasty and it's on the blog tomorrow!

4) Jason had 11 days off work. I love having my hubby around and it was great timing with the sudden move too. We haven't done much because of all the packing and what not but we've enjoyed some family dinners and a film night too.

5)We celebrated our one year anniversary! Jason treated me to a meal out and we watched a film in the evening. I can safely say we enjoyed and appreciated the child free time even if it was only a few hours!

6) I started my New Project and performed my first random act of kindness by asking a local therapy studio to get their followers to nominate a friend who deserves a pampering. I'm going halves with the studio to pay for the winners treatment and it feels good. I can't wait to get back into the swing of things!

7) We picked our first lot of blackberries in ages. The last time I blackberry picked was when I lived in the countryside so this was just ace for me and the children today. We didn't get many but they'll go nicely with some apples to make a crumble.

8) I have officially registered and paid for my new course with the Open University! Ill be doing an access module in arts and literature to prep me for a history degree next year. I hope I do good!

9)I'm now only 2 months from completing my monthly payments with Park so soon ill be getting my love2shop vouchers ready for Christmas! This pleases me because its such a tough time financially, I like knowing I've got something to use instead of cash! I'd just spend that £20 a month if it was in a tin..

10) I finally bought these two candle sticks from the antique store. They were originally £12 but by the time I got there they were knocked to half price! I'm so pleased because I'd had my eye on them for ages and were sure they'd be snapped up! Fate again I tell ya!

If you have lots of reasons to smile this month or just some good things to share, do link up too!

CupcakeMumma

Catch Up Time

Well haven't I been a relaxed blogger? I haven't actually, I've been very tired and grumpy if truth be told. I have absolutely no guilt when I say I'm looking forward to September the 5th! I love my Little Two with everything I have but any more bickering and I think you'll have to bust me out of a locked room because I shall not be coming out voluntarily! 

Anyway, as you know I like to keep this blog fairly free from negativity so lets not dwell on the fighting children. Instead, I shall share some good things that have happened this past week: First, we stayed the night at Grandma's and Pop's place for a mini holiday. They live by the sea so this def counts as a holiday! We planned to stay 2 nights but I had such an awful sleep with Little A that I only just pulled through the day after without jumping on a bus home! 

Little A enjoying the park at Grandma's house

I've been really into my letter writing at the moment and I have some wonderful letters slipping through my letter box. I'm pretty lucky that I deal with everything online so if I don't get a letter from a pen pal then I don't get mail at all...That sucks though right!? I've started Postcrossing again too and have received postcards from this here beautiful country, Germany, Russia and Poland. My postcard tin is filling up wonderfully. We've also been baking cakes and the one below is made with strawberry Nesquik. Give me a shout if you want the recipe on the blog!

I passed my Indian Head Massage! The whole thing feels a bit weird, as if I'm not really qualified but I am so please form an orderly que (and no pushing!) My Aunt was my model and I'm pleased to say she was happy being the guinea pig. My tutor was debatable..but nice enough. I celebrated my success by visiting Archie Browns in Penzance for some Booja Booja ice cream! I don't think any more will come of  my massage though, my nearest college doesn't offer the course I need and in all honesty, my social anxiety just really doesn't allow me to go back to that setting. I hate college. That's a post for a different time. I'm studying with The OU so it's not over yet...

We're moving house! At the beginning of September we'll be lugging some boxes a short 15 minutes away and settling into a bigger and more spacious house. Everyone seems to be moving and/or having babies at the moment, lets hope the latter doesn't happen anytime soon!!

Finally, I'll leave you with some cake. Because it's my Mum's birthday today and she got spoilt for choice with cake. A vegan chocolate cake and my Messy meringue and Lemon cake. Both were delightful and rounded off a picky tea just perfectly. I've already given my Mum some breakfast in bed (yes we braved another night, it wasn't too bad this time, plus Hubby was here) and my Sister and I are cooking a roast for this afternoon.

I hope you're all good. Look out for some more posts this week, one in particular is a new project I'm working on all about Random Acts of Kindess. Have a great Monday all.

CupcakeMumma

Reasons to be Cheerful!

I thought I'd put a little selection of photos together to show why I am feeling particularly cheerful this week.

First of all, sibling love! I absolutely adore it when my two come together to play and chat and give one another a big hug. I took a few pictures and was having a real 'melting heart' moment! Little A has been struggling with the heat so has been a little clingy towards me. It's nice to see him hanging off someone else for a change!

Library groups.
I have been going back to our local baby and toddler group at the library and Little A and I have been really enjoying it again. He's the eldest there at 2 and I'm getting incredibly broody surrounded by Mums of six month old babies! (Or even younger!) The Mums have been friendly which is always something of a worry isn't it? With a new found confidence I realise I am there for A and not for anyone else.

Beautiful flowers.
Monday was a tough day and it was on the afternoon school run I picked this flower from the wall and began twiddling it between my fingers. I probably looked mad but it made me smile. There are some beautiful things in this world and flowers are one of them. They make me happy.

Raising money.
I turned up for my yearly Race for Life with my Mum, Sister and also my Dad this year for some moral support. The walk was really nice but I won't lie, it was blooming hot! As a pale skinned, fair haired person the heat isn't fairing well with me! I'm loving the sunshine nonetheless and wouldn't wish it away. I've decided this is my last Race for Life because so many people do it I just can't raise any money for it anymore. I have other charities that are close to my heart so will focus on them.

Teachers.
Midge finishes school tomorrow and will go into Year 1 when the new school term starts. It's gone incredibly fast but I couldn't be more proud of her progress. The reception team are lovely and helpful. I've enjoyed helping with school trips and activities and seeing my little girl really grow into a caring, loving, creative individual. We made a small gift for all the teachers which included: 3 note pads, 3 teacher pens and some lovely star shaped chocolates.

I hope your week has been cheerful. Do link up with Mummy from the Heart if you feel like sharing some happiness!

CucpakeMumma

Reasons to be Cheerful

There hasn't really been much to blog about recently. Who stole the beautiful weather by the way and how much for it back? It's May! I'm all for a bit of rain, it's very important after all but come on, a little bit more sun please?

I haven't been about much but I love the Reasons to be Cheerful link up and as I have a few things to be happy about I thought I should get typing.

1) I have been receiving a lot of 'happy mail.' I love 'snail mail' (as posting letters is commonly referred to) because I can get so much out and I can show a friend I'm really thinking about them by taking the time to sit down and put pen to paper. I have been getting mail from new pen pals which is so exciting. I received this beautiful bracelet from an American pen pal.

Midge also has a pen pal now. They exchange gifts and everything it's the sweetest thing and her writing in school is coming on leaps on bounds!

2) This Saturday marks the last football game of the season which means Hubby and I can finally plan some family days out without his sports getting in the way! I love that he has a hobby, has something he enjoys doing and is good at but obviously I miss his company. It's hard to do things on a weekday as there's school and he works late shifts, so Saturday is a day to go out. Sunday is for pj's, roast dinners and maybe the park if we fancy it!

3) I passed my exam! It wasn't a hard exam but it was still an exam. I lucked out on a couple of questions by the process of elimination and others I got totally wrong (as usual the most obvious!) but I still passed and am now have an Anatomy and Physiology Level 3 Diploma. I'm looking into baby massage courses and reflexology. My vocation in life is to help people in some way. I find that by sending gifts once a month and writing surprise letters I help people but if I can help people with a therapy of some kind then that would be just great.

I hope you all have something to be cheerful about this week too. Please share it with me in the usual place :-)

CupcakeMumma x

Reasons To Be Cheerful

Hello! I hope this post finds you well? Although today has had me wiping away a fair few tears as we think of the lovely Jennie and her family who have said their final goodbyes to their beautiful daughter Matilda Mae, there was much happiness to be found in the people from the world of social media. There was such a huge outpouring of love for Jennie and her family that it made me feel, one again, to be very proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.
Here are this weeks Reasons To Be Cheerful with Michelle over at Mummy From The Heart.

1. I suppose what I am most cheerful (and proud) about this week is reaching the very top of Mount Snowdon with some lovely people for Red Nose Day. It was an amazing adventure and a wonderful experience, I'm still smiling now!

photo- Kat

2. On March 5th it was St.Pirans day here in Cornwall. I didn't go to any celebrations as there are too many people for me and the children weren't able to come. To make up for not joining in, I put the children to bed and made myself a yummy vegetarian pasty to mark the occasion. It was very nice!

3. It's nearly the weekend so this makes me naturally very happy! Tomorrow is pay day so the Husband is happy, it's the last day of school so Midge is happy and on Sunday it's Mothering Sunday which I'm looking forward to. We're heading over to my Grans as a surprise which I'm hoping she'll love. 

What are your reasons to smile about this week? We all have something after all.

CupcakeMumma

When Little Man Turned 2!

Yesterday was such a lovely day but I still can't believe my Little Man is 2 years old all of a sudden! We started off the day with some birthday pancakes which has become a tradition in our house (apart from Husband who hates pancakes- weirdo!) We all had them smothered in chocolate spread which was delicious.

After breakfast, Midge's friend came over so her Mum could have a break as she's been a bit unwell. Little Man played with the girls until Grandma arrived shortly followed by Auntie Fiona. He was all about the cards this little guy! He opened a pair of lovely new trousers and some new black shoes to wear about the town.
Later on, Auntie Emmie came over with yet more presents: some Thomas Tank shoes (these went down a treat and were tested out in the evening on the way to our meal) he also got a racing car mat for downstairs, some new tops and a Thomas Tank DVD (his first one!) No more relying on Netflix then!

Playing with his Bin Truck from Grandad

He also received a fantastic looking multi-coloured looking trike from his Nanny and Aunt which will be wrestled with as soon as I can muster the ability to keep swear words to myself. We bought him a bean bag chair, a play tent (which is currently being played with as I type) and a new dressing gown.

In the evening we ventured out to Wetherspoons for a nice family meal. Unfortunately Midge and Little Man were a little hyped up so they weren't as well behaved as they usually are but we dealt with all that the best we could! Our meals were really tasty (and very large):

Little Man had a fantastic day and he must have played and laughed so very much because from 7pm onwards i didn't hear a single peep from him until half 8 this morning!

Happy Birthday my beautiful Little Boy xx Mummy xx

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

November Pinaddicts Make!

Another month, another crafty challenge using inspiration from pinterest. This month I knew exactly what my focus would be: Thanksgiving. I know I'm not American, Canadian, German but once upon a time Thanksgiving was celebrated in England (thinking back to Henry VIII) but is long something thought of as a tradition done by our friends across the pond. My thinking, however, is that everyday I have something to be thankful for, so this year myself and my family WILL be bringing Thanksgiving into our home. Why not?

To tie in with my Thanksgiving idea of having the family over, I wanted to make a calender like this:

Click image for original link

The idea (which i had already. I just wanted to see how people had made their own calenders) is to insert a card into an envelope and write something you're thankful for on that particular day. I had some red cards left over from my wedding so I halved them (they're mini cards from Ebay which are great and a perfect size) I used thick cardboard for the back (in the original it is wood which is what I would've done had I been able to get some!)

I covered my cardboard in parcel paper and stuck my halved envelopes onto it. I then used glitter pens to write numbers on the envelopes to make it all sparkly and lovely. I added sequins and hearts to finish the look off before cutting white card into little rectangles and slotting them inside the halved envelopes.

What do you think?

So far we have written: 

1st November

Midge: I am thankful for a really good sleep.

Mummy: For getting all the great Christmas gifts today!

2nd November

Midge: For going out today shopping!

Mummy: For my lovely lay in from Daddy and my delicious tea!

(Daddy works evenings so hasn't written his Thanks yet!)

I hope you like our Give Thanks calender and view some more fab makes from my other fellow Pinaddicts! 

CupcakeMumma

Birthday Post!

It's Birthday Time!!

Ah finally I get a chance to blog about my birthday. I turned 23 on Monday and had such a wonderful day. I was all recovered from whatever horrible illness I had a few days previous (much to my joy!) I had nothing planned, just a nice, normal day with my family to start half term.

I was woken up at half 6 by Midge. This is too early for me and she knows it by now! I felt her snuggle up beside me, then half an hour later Daddy brought up some presents. I had lots of help from both Midge and Little Man that morning. Here's Midge showing off the lovely cushions she helped Daddy find just for me.

I opened one other present before breakfast which was a really, really pretty necklace I had spotted when out shopping in a local charity store. Now, some people may pull a face at a thrifty find being given as a gift, but I could not have been happier. It smells so old, it's from Spain and is also a locket. Thank-you Dearest!

After we all had breakfast and watched a bit of TV my Husband was desperate to show off the cake he had made me. I was very pleased indeed! He bought some candles, made a lovely chocolate icing and the children refrained from poking their fingers in (long enough for this photo to taken anyway!)

In the above photo is: 

My lovely birthday cake.

A really, gorgeously soft pink blanket covered in cupcakes and 2 cupcake note pads from the lovely Kat who blogs at Kat A Pillar. Thank you so much Kat, my gifts are fab!

My Hello Kitty balloon that Midge insisted Daddy bought for me...I'm thinking it was more for somebody else though!

I received a lovely cook book from Husband as well as a Florence and the Machine CD with our wedding song on and the prettiest wellies I have ever seen. Seriously, pink polka dotted wellies with ribbons on!

Husbands' parents got me a great little kit to make some lavender hearts and I also got some other craft bits and a handy little notebook (I love making notes)

I was seriously spoiled this year. To add to my list I received: some rather tasty smelling bath bombs, a new sewing machine (thank you family!!), chocolate, a lovely onesie from my sister so now I have 2 which is ace, a lovely new jumper with some new pajama bottoms and my sister-in-law bought me this great little kit to make your own purse. I'm half way through and can't wait to finish it so I can show it off!

I had such a wonderful day and I got even more than I have written. I do love a birthday! 

Look out for my new blog post on our rather awesome Halloween party that we've literally just finished and also my Mug Swap link up party!

CupcakeMumma

Road Trip

If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen a few Tweets from a very unsocial hour (try 3am) just before being collected by the parents and younger sister for our 7 hour road trip to Keele University. I'm already missing my sister like mad but it must be all in my head because I never saw her loads when she lived down here! I think it's about her being so far way with no family around.

We set off in total darkness, had a few debates which were really not suitable for such early hours and eventually both my sister and I took a half hour kip trapped under her full length mirror and other student must haves! When I woke up the sun was breaking through the clouds and the day was finally beginning!

We arrived in good time and set about getting my sister all set up. The process was actually surprisingly quick and even the ques for party tickets and freshers passes weren't that long. I found myself getting excited and I wouldn't even be staying!

Bracelet to be kept on all week to get into
all Freshers events!

After all the excitement of becoming a proper signed up new student we located the accommodation blocks and began unloading. We all took it in turns to take bits and bobs up the 3 small flights of stairs to my sister's room which is a lovely size (it's bigger than the bedroom she's had to leave behind) There's plenty of storage space, a nice big desk, phone all ready to go and a lovely view with a tree to the left which actually gives her some privacy. The block she's in is at least a couple of miles from the actual campus so it's like she's totally removed from the university and actually in the countryside. I'll be visiting!!

It didn't take long to get all of the car unloaded and I helped put things into place. We're both pretty organised little beings so I don't think she'll move too much stuff that I put out. When the bed was made and all the boxes flat packed her room looked lovely and cosy. All it needs now are some photos on the notice boards and a little homely touch. 

The first items to be removed from storage! Sourz, I am told,
have already been consumed!

I snapped a photo of the campus as we were walking to her blocks. It's so peaceful and lovely I really hope she'll be happy there. I could see myself immersing into crafting communities and eating cupcakes on the lawn!  

After unloading the car we took my sister off for some much need first week shopping! Seeing all the lost students was such a funny sight. Everyone was having the same conversations about how to use a washing machine, what were dryer sheets and how do you use them? Do I need this, that and the other (usually a 'no' from the wise parent). 

We've been lucky in that we've always had to muck in with the washing up and laundry. Because our parents have never been 'well off' like so many we've learnt to budget and prioritise and save for the luxuries. I don't live by this all time though, life's for living after all!

 The shopping came to a reasonable price given we bought items in bulk so she won't have to spend much over the next few weeks. My sister is really adamant on using meats and vegetables from the local market on campus so I hope they are offering students a good deal to enjoy the fresher foods.

We left my sister at 3pm making one stop on the way. I think I fell asleep for another half hour about 10 minutes into the journey. My phone didn't die until we were an hour from home which was good going considering I had been busy on Twitter and reading blogs during the journey up! 

We made one stop at 'Road Side Chef' which was OK. Nothing amazing but then where can you stop on a road side that will be 'amazing!?' My Dad asked us to buy him something, 'just not a burger,' he said. That was a problem seeing as we were standing right in front of the only shop open which a huge sign displaying the name 'The Burger Bar'! Mum and I grabbed some fries and picked Dad up a surprise Krispy Kreme. I hate the fact I can't eat these delicious looking doughnuts but apparently it was 'Yeah very nice. Professional like,' nom nom nom....Hmmmm

I've since heard there's already been a bit of partying and a rather successful comedy night on campus. I'm really pleased my sister has already made friends and I haven't contacted her yet. Breathing space and all that! I'm writing her a letter tonight so hopefully she'll get that and put drinking aside to give me all the weekend gossip and details of upcoming excitement! She better be getting me some freebies while she has such a great opportunity!

If you'd like to read all about my sisters lead up to leaving for university you can do so here. When she has the Internet up and running again you'll be able to read more of her thoughts as a new student as well as lots of tips which will be handy for any newbie students.

CupcakeMumma