Things you should never, ever say to a mum!

Hey readers, 

Being a parent for over 10 years now the amount of comments you get regarding your own parenting is unbelievable. It is amazing how people are quick to judge so below are 10 things you should never, ever say to a mum from my personal experience. 

 1. Breast is definitely the best... well actually it is a case of fed is best and whatever works for you. But just because I used formula does not make me a failure!

2. I had all the cooking and cleaning done before 9am in the morning.... chill out I mean especially when to have a newborn or even they are older I opt for sleepover housework cheers!

3. Cherish these moments - this phase really annoys the hell out of me because it is just more pressure and guilt to try and be a perfect parent, which we all know will never be happy. Plus I am not sure I  want to cherish every moment, sometimes I just can't wait for bedtime so I don't have to deal with them having an attitude because they are so tired. 

4. Oh it's not that bad.... come again I think that would be up to me to decide on that one. I thought we were all meant to be different so what is good for one may be totally manageable for another. But instead of downplaying how I feel why not try to listen?

5. You look tired... well no shit sherlock that is called parenting whether it be knackered from worry or just general exhaustion parenting is bloody hard work and takes a lot of energy out of you. 

6. I didn't do that with my kids.... and so what, I do what is right for me and my kids. Just because you have experienced parenting doesn't mean you are right about everything. Instead of making judgments why don't you provide me with some support instead. 

7.  Boys will be boys... It has got nothing to do with whether my kids are boys or not. Kids are kids regardless of what gender they are.

8. That kid needs a good-hiding.... erm no get out of here, that is never going to happen to my children end of!

9. That's not autism, that is lack of parenting... oh do shut up and stop being ignorant, try learning about autism then you might understand the child better.

10. Your kid has too much screen time... I don't care because they are happy and sometimes they just need some time out or I need space for my own sanity. TV is not evil and I have no worries about my children watching tv, in the end, they get bored and walk over so I turn it over anyway!

What are your thoughts on the unnecessary comments told to mums? Have I missed any of the lists that should never be spoken out loud to another mum? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 30/01/2022

                Something magical happened....My boys are playing nicely together and not squabbling which is lovely to see haha. 

How to make moon sand.

 Hey readers, 

Looking for some sensory fun then look no further than this easy activity you can do at home. It is really simple to make. 

Ingredients. 

* 8 tbsp of cornflour. 

* 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil. 

* A few drops of food colouring. 

How to make the moon sand.

1. Put the flour in the bowl, then slowly stir in the oil and food colouring. 

2. Rub the oil and colouring through the flour with your fingertips, as if you were making a pasty until the mixture feels sandy and no oil is visible.

 If the mixture feels too dry, add a few more drops of oil, or if the mixture is too soft, add some more flour. The consistency should be dry, shapeable clay, and crumbles fairly easily squeezed. 

Cheers for reading X 

Go Puff magic bag from Too Good To Go App

 Hey readers,

The other day I purchased my second ever magic bag from the app too good to go. 

I bet you're wondering what a magic bag is? Well, let's start with the app Too Good To Go app which you can download too good to go app on Google Play and the Apple Store. 

The idea behind Too Good To Go is to reduce food waste by allowing you to buy surplus food at a reduced rate from shops and restaurants. 

The items have a short life but you do get good value for a magic bag (which is what it is called on the app). 

The type of places that offer magic bags are Greggs, Go Puff, Costa, Starbucks, Morrisons, Auntie Anne's, Tony Carvery to name a few. The cost of the magic bags ranges between £2.66 -£5.00. 

There are a variety of products on offer from sweet treats, to grocery items, and some now even offer magic pints where it is just alcohol-based. 

The idea around the magic bag is you don't know what you are getting, it really depends on what is not sold on the day that needs to be gotten rid of. 

So, that moves nicely on to my own experience of the Go Puff magic bag I purchased and it cost me £4.00. 

With my local Go Puff store on the Too Good To Go app they offer three choices which are a mixed bag, a vegetarian bag, and a magic pint bag. I chose a mixed bag this time.

Now Go Puff is a fairly new service that is internet-based. It is an online grocery shop that offers everything you can think of really from toiletries to meat, to vegetables, drinks etc. 

You download the app called Go Puff and click the items you need and they will deliver in minutes regardless of the time of day.  

Now when you purchase a magic bag from the Too Good to go app you can purchase your order using Google Play, card payment, and PayPal. 

You do have to pay for the bag straight away and it will be reserved for you.

 Depending on the store it can fluctuate with the times. My time location was between 11:00am and 5pm.

 I got to the location around 3:30 pm. It is straightforward to get their location using the directions from Google map which is automatically done in the app click on the location and then it will transfer over to Google maps. 

At the place I just rang the bell, went to reception, and said that I was here to collect a magic bag from Too Good To Go. 

They asked how many so assume there were others who also were coming to collect a magic bag.

 I said 1 and they were really friendly and it took two minutes for them to get the bag and hand it over.  

Once you have received your bag you should click on the app and scroll the bar across to confirm that you have received your magic bag. 

Below is the details of the items I got in the bag. I will state how much the items cost normally on the Go Puff app so you get the feel of how much money you are saving and see what good value it is. 

I have also previously done a Auntie Anne's magic bag a few months ago if your interested check it out here.

I always say make sure you have your bags as I didn't know that Go Puff provided bags free of charge. 

Though it is a big bag I did transferred it into my own bags as it was quite heavy with the foodstuff inside. 

I was a bit conscious of travelling on the bus and the bag breaking and all the food rolling on the floor, that would be a bit embarrassing. 

These are all the items I got in my Go Puff magic bag which cost £4.00. 

The Curators Biltong sticks, 28g - £1.99.

Yeo Valley organic skimmed milk, 1 litre - £1.30. 

1 aubergine - £0.94. 

MuscleFood beef burgers, 4 x113g - £3.99. 

BOL Korean chilli posh noodles, 1 pot, 345g - £3.00. 

Bertagni aubergine parmigiana grandi girasoli, 250g - £3.99. 

Rocket leaves, 60g - £0.99. 

Butternut squash, 1 pcs - £1.52. 

I added up the cost to see how much I saved by buying a Go Puff magic bag and in total it cost £17.72 which I got for £4.00. 

Obviously the food does have a short date however for £4.00 it is good value. One point to make is that when examining the food the aubergine was a tiny bit ripe. 

But for the value saving, I can't complain and save food that would of most likely gone in the bin. 

I would like to try others obviously though do have to have the money and also get transport but yeah can't fault the app. 

I definitely would recommend the app if you want to save some money. One final point is that you get to try food that you wouldn't normally. 

Have you experienced Too Good To Go app? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 23/01/2022

My kids get easily amused by the simplistic of things such as these Dairylea stackables and stacking them up. 

Sods law of parenting.

Hey readers,

We all hate situations that happen when we least want to deal with them. It happens a lot with my boys and sometimes it begs the question if sometimes my children do it just for the laughs. 

Check out the list below:

1. Snot. 

Kids enjoy wiping snot onto your trousers - yep my children do this disgusting habit! You feel that you as an individual are merely there for their convenience to do what they want to you.

2. Early mornings.

Why do children get up at the same time in the morning no matter what time they go to bed evening it does not matter how late they go to bed they still seem to master getting up every day the same every fucking time, sods!

3. Toilet.

When you are just about to leave the home after half an hour wrestling with getting my boy ready, boom he needs to go to the toilet. Doesn't seem to think about time and is very blase in going to the toilet and taking longer than normal just when we need to be somewhere at a certain time. 

4. Attachment. 

When you get round to thinning out the children's toys suddenly they become attached to that one item that they have not seen for months.

5. Falling asleep. 

The moment you arrive at the supermarket the little monkey falls asleep in the car. Then you have to wake them up and be greeted with a mardy bum all around the supermarket, fun times.

6. School run.

Why is it when I try to get the boys to school they take forever, forget everything, and dawdle. Compare this to the normal days when I am more relaxed they race of like Hussian Bolt.

7. Bus. 

When I get on the bus there is always some old dear at the front where I can't run away. They so kindly like to tell me some 'lovely' pieces of advice on how to parent or question my ability to parent. Go fuck yourself you know nothing about me or my situation.

8. Shower.

Why is it when you try to have the fastest shower in the world that something happens? It is either my DS1 within seconds will need a wee even when asked prior does he need to go and saying no. Or an argument will erupt where hubby needs assistance in breaking it up a major meltdown.

9. Cold.

The first day back to school after the holidays you end up getting hit with a cold, grrrrr!

10. Lego.

Every time you always get the Lego out you will at one point stand on a piece of, the little fuckers!

Are there any sod's law of parenting that I have missed that you have experienced? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

McDonald's I love thee!

Hey readers,

I love McDonald's restaurants as they are the one place I can take my boys without too much stress. My boys really enjoy going to Mcdonald's too, not to mention that is reasonably priced meaning I won't break the bank. That is just one of the reasons why I loved McDonald's. Want to know more? then keep on reading down below. 

1. Child-friendly. 

Where do I start with the reasons to love Mcdonald's well I guess the first point would be that it is child-friendly and I can relax as a parent. I don't have to worry about being judged as it is laid back and people have children that make noise so it is much more relaxed to go than other places where you get judged if your child dares breathe a word. Inturn if I am relaxed it gets mirrored in my children's behaviour. 

2. Meal boxes. 

With the children's happy meal you can tear around the bottom and it instantly becomes a plate which is fun. Kids love the magic of the box transforming into a plate and as a parent, I like the fac that keeps food clean in one place. 

3. Tablets. 

 McDonald's at some of the tablets (electronically) to keep kids entertained whilst you chill out without losing your shit waiting! It is great it has child-friendly games and they get to learn as well, win-win!

4. Toy. 

With the children's happy meal you get a free toy which the kids love. You can bed that toys are still played at home months later.  

5. Grownup. 

 My sons feel like they are grown up sitting on the stools at the table. They are located near the window which is perfect for people and bus watching.

6. Chillout. 

If I am shopping with the boys in town and feel a bit overwhelmed going to Mcdonalds is a good place to go as I can relax there, it is reasonably priced and my kids really enjoy going too. 

Therefore I can have time to calm down from the mayhem of shopping with kids and have a drink in peace. That my friend is living the parenting dream!

7. Reasonably priced. 

With Mcdonald's, it is reasonably priced, a great way to entertain kids and this is a particularly good place to go during the half-term holidays compared to other activities which can cost an arm and a leg.

8. The app.

The Mcdonald's app is awesome because you can sit at the time, take your time and look through the menu (whilst your child takes ages to decide what they want). Easy to navigate and the best bit is that you can request someone to bring over your order so you can get relax and not have to wait in big queues with kids messing around.

Therefore, McDonald's....... I heart you.

What are your thoughts on Mcdonald's? Are you a fan or not? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 16/01/2022

                                                  

50 things to throw out today!

 Hey readers,

January means a time to do some cleaning so what better way to feel fresh and new than to sort out some clutter that you no longer need. Below I have 50 things that you can declutter and throw out straight away. This will help immensely with having more space and less rubbish. 

50 things to declutter and throw out now. 

1. Puzzles with missing pieces. 

2. Old nail polish that is all dried up. 

3. Earring without a match. 

4. Old socks.

5. Broken toys. 

6. Old glasses (you can donate them at your local options). 

7. Take out menus.

8. Worn out shoes.

9. Old make-up.

10. Old newspapers and magazines. 

11. Empty bottles.

12. Old perfume. 

13. Old razors.

14. Clothes that don't fit. 

15. Old underwear.

16. Broken hangers. 

17. Old shopping bags. 

18. Rubbish from your handbags. 

19. Old spices.

20. Junk mail. 

21. Old cords.

22. Expired coupons.

23. Old calenders.

24. Old receipts. 

25. Cardboard boxes. 

26. Open bottles.

27. Old condiment sachets.
 
28. DVDs. 

29. Old medicines. 

30. Old towels. 

31. Lidless containers. 

32. Extra cleaning rags.

33. Old phone covers or screen protectors. 

34. Old paint. 

35. Plastic cutlery.

36. Jewelry you don't wear.

37. Expired food. 

38. Stretched out hair ties.

39. Little shampoos that you got from a hotel 5 years ago. 

40. Kids' old art projects. 

41. Kids' clothes that are too small. 

42. Travel mugs that leak. 

43. Expired sunscreen.

 
44. Plug-in air freshers without a refill. 

45. Old batteries (can take them to the supermarket as they ask for them).

46. Goody bag toys from an old birthday celebration. 

47. Hair products you don't use.

48. Phonebooks. 

49. Borken Christmas lights. 

50. Catalogs.

Have I missed anything on the list of items to declutter today? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X

kids activities to do while stuck or driving.

 Hey readers,

Do you dread the prospect of traveling long distances with kids in the car? Then you need to read this post. I have some cracking activities your kids can do in the car to keep them entertaining and stop them from asking are nearly there yet. 

1. I spy. 

Starting off with a classic game of I spy. It is a really straightforward game where the person asks I spy with my little eye something beginning with a letter. Then the other people taking part have to guess that something with that letter they can see with their eye. Once the person guessed correctly it is then their turn to say the phase I spy...

2. Name that song. 

A fun game is for one person in the car to hum a tune whilst all the other people have to try and guess the name of the song. 

3. Car bingo. 

For this game, you will need a pen and print the bingo sheets beforehand but it will be worth it as it is lots of fun. Below is an example of car bingo (there are many free printable ones, just type into google car bingo UK printables). 

As you can see reach square has something you will come across journey so hold on to paper and circle of every item on the sheet. The person who circles all the boxes and shouts out bingo is the winner. 

I got the above bingo sheet from Startrescue which is free to use and print if you're looking for a good resource check that one out. 

4. I went to the shops and bought...

.

Someone starts off with the first person saying I went to the shop and bought and they have to think of something beginning with A (e.g. apple). 

The next person continues by saying the previous item (apple) and then something beginning with B (e.g. banana).  This then continues with each person having a go and working through the alphabet, adding one more item to the end of the list each time.

 

5. 20 questions.

Designate one player (the thinker) to think of a person, animal, or thing familiar to all the players.

The other players (guessers) take turns asking yes-or-no questions to help them guess the person, animal, or thing. 

The thinker must keep track of the number of questions asked. If you like, distribute twenty counters (pennies, beans, or paper clips) evenly among the guessers. 

As each guesser asks a question, she gives a counter to the thinker. When the guessers run out of counters, the game is over.

Any guesser may try to guess the person, animal, or thing on her turn. If she's right, she's the thinker for the next game. If she's wrong, the guess counts as one question, and the game continues until someone guesses right or until twenty questions have been asked. 

If no one guesses right within twenty questions, the thinker reveals the person, animal, or thing and starts a new game by thinking of a different person, animal, or thing.

Are there any good car games that I have missed out that you enjoy? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 09/01/2022

                                                  

Salted caramel truffles recipe.

Hey readers,

Truffles are fairly straightforward to make so why not have a go with my recipe below and enjoy :)

Ingredients.

* 70g of milk chocolate buttons. 

* 20g of salted butter caramel pieces. 

* 8g of chocolate powder. 

* 40ml of double cream.

How to make the chocolate truffles. 

1. Put the chocolate buttons into a bowl. 

2. Measure the cream into a jug and boil it in the microwave (this will take approximately 40 seconds). Alternatively, you can boil the cream in a pan on the hob. 

3. Pour the cream over the chocolate and allow it to stand for 3 minutes. 

4. Using the spatula, combine the chocolate and cream until you reach a smooth texture. Then add the caramel pieces and combine these fully into the ganache. 

5. Put it into the fridge to set for approximately 2 hours. You'll know when it's set when the ganache is firm enough to roll into a ball into your hands. 

Rolling the truffles.

The ganache will typically make 11 truffles using a teaspoon. Make sure you have clean, dry hands before rolling the truffles. 

6. Put the chocolate powder on a plate ready to roll the truffles. 

7. Take a teaspoon of the ganache and in the palm of your hands, roll it into a ball. 

8. Roll the truffle in the chocolate powder coasting fully and plate it on the plate. Repeat for the remaining ganache. 

Once made. 

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 3 days. Enjoy at room temperature.

Cheers for reading X

100 outdoor things to do with kids

Hey readers,

Sometimes I can find it hard to think of ideas on how to entertain children especially outside. So if you're looking for inspiration then look no further as below I have a whopping 100 children's activities. The activities vary and different seasons depending but it is always good to plan now and again. 

 1. Roll down a big hill.

2. Camp outdoors.

3. Skim a stone.

4. Build a den. 

5. Create some wild art. 

6. Go paddling.

7. Watch a sunrise.

8. Explore a cave.

9. Discover what is in a pond. 

10.  Catch a crab.

11. Fly a kite.

12. Make a campfire.

13. Toast marshmallows.

14. Pooh sticks.

15. Make a leaf collage.

16. Play conkers.

17. Collect shells.

18. Go sledding.

19. Swing on a rope swing. 

20. Make a daisy chain.

21. Plant a tree.

22. Run a mile. 

23. Climb a tree.

24. Go fruit picking. 

25. Count 60 when hola hooping. 

26. ride a bike. 

27. Blow some bubbles.

28. Play frisbee. 

29. Play duck, duck, goose.

30. Make a birdfeeder. 

31. Feed a horse.

32. Visit a farm. 

33. Have a picnic in your garden. 

34. Go bug spotting. 

35. Enjoy a nature walk. 

36. Create an obstacle course in your garden.

37. Enjoy some tie-dying outside.

38. Paint some rocks and put them in the park for others to spot.

39. Create a nature diary.

40. Make up some potions.

41. Do some bird spotting. 

42. Find a shady tree and read.

43. Make a floral crown. 

44. Learn cartwheels. 

45. Have a water fight.

46. Build a fort.

47. Dance in the rain. 

48. Imitate a bird's call. 

48. Blow dandelions into the wind.

49. Dig up worms. 

50. Sleep under the stars. 

51. Explore a skate park. 

52. Jump in a pile of leaves.

53. Build a snowman. 

54. Make a walkie-talkie out of two tins and some string. 

55. Go fishing. 

56. Find a walking stick. 

57. Catch snowflakes on your tongue. 

58. Make a crayon leaf rubbing. 

59. Whittle a stick. 

60. Collect 6 different types of rock. 

61. Rollerskate.

62. Draw a hopscotch board on the floor. 

63. Eat homemade ice lollies.

64. Sing as loud as you can.

65. Water the plants. 

66. Run through a sprinkler. 

67. Pick flowers.

68. Walk barefoot on the grass. 

69. Make nature confetti. 

70. Ice-skating.

71. Snow paint. 

72. Christmas light walk.

73. Go caroling. 

74. Construct a mud pit. 

75. Jump in muddy puddles.

76. Photograph flowers.

77. Go on a scavenge hunt. 

78. Paint fairy houses.

79. Stargaze. 

80. Go for a swim. 

81. Kick a ball. 

82. Create twig frames. 

83. Battle with shaving foam. 

84. Float a paper boat down a stream. 

85. Use a compass.

86. Yoga outdoors. 

87. Listen to a waterfall. 

88. Nerf gun wars.

89. Geocaching.

90. Pokemon Go. 

91. Fly a drone.

92. Go ape.

93. Orienteering. 

94. Hide and seek. 

95. Plant a vegetable garden. 

96. Go to the beach.

97. Build a sandcastle. 

98. Jump over waves.

99. Press flowers.

100. Pick up rubbish. 

Have I missed any good activities that you think are perfect to do with children outdoors? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X