Goodbye 2017 - Hello 2018

Goodbye 2017 - Hello 2018

January 2017 - doesn't he look small xx

It's New Years Eve and as I look back over the year I think it's been a good year. Wet, cold and busy but good. Each year starts with the promise of a warm Spring and hot Summer and in about one year in twenty we get both! This year we had some sunshine early on and then rain.

Christmas Made Easy- Sign up for alerts and tips

Christmas Made Easy

Christmas Made Easy if only that was possible. I'm sat here exhausted with only two days to go. I keep reading parents struggling to get the presents wrapped, the food shop bought and the stockings filled. It's such a busy and stressful time.

Even though I always plan to be more organised next year, it sort of creeps up on me. I suddenly realise it's too late to bake my own cake or steam my own pudding. My cards start arriving and I've missed the scout post and second class post again, so they all have to go first class knowing that some won't even make it until the New Year.

2018 is going to be different. I am going to plan it and stick with it. The difference is that I am going to share it with anyone who wants to join in. I'll send out a newsletter when appropriate (no spam - I promise) with alerts, tips and shopping lists.

BabyHub SleepSpace Travel Cot Review

BabyHub SleepSpace Travel Cot Review

Christmas is such a busy time and I am always so unprepared so I was delighted to be offered the Babyhub Sleep Space Travel Cot to review* as it really got me out of a pickle. I had nowhere for Bee to sleep when he stays over. Bear and Bee will be visiting with Mummy and Daddy over Christmas and whilst Bear has a bed in his own room I have nowhere for Bee. Previously Bee has slept in his Moses basket but he is now way too big for it. A BabyHub SleepSpace travel cot is the perfect solution for so many reasons.

5 Minute Games For Toddlers - Cardboard Castle

5 Minute Games For Toddlers - Cardboard Castle

If you have a toddler that is obsessed with knights or princesses then you need a castle. You can rush out and buy a lovely wooden one or a flashy plastic delight or you could make one out of a cardboard box.

A Christmas Carol - to Deck The Halls

It's almost Christmas and I am nowhere near ready. I panic at not getting it all done but still leave it all to the last minute. Next year....

Our Weekly Journal - 18th December -Naughty and Nice

We didn't have snow but our neighbours still have a snowman. look at that face! What a little poppet.

Our Weekly Journal - Naughty and Nice

We try not to label Bears behaviour as naughty or not but sometimes it can't be helped. We started the week on Tuesday with a child that is certainly on Father Christmas's nice list. He was wonderful from the minute he arrived until he left. It is lovely to see him well and happy.

48 Hours in London; An Itinerary for a Quick Visit

48 Hours in London; An Itinerary for a Quick Visit

*Collaborative guest post

With so much to do in London, it can be challenging to plan a two-day itinerary visit that will allow you to see all the good stuff before it's time to leave. Fortunately, with the right route, a solid schedule, and a bit of transportation-related research, you should be able to take in the best of the English capital within the course of a single weekend.

However, if you're not familiar with the area, you could waste a lot of time planning a huge list of destinations only to be disappointed by time constraints. One way to streamline the process of obtaining tickets to each attraction is to use a London Pass Mobile Ticket.

In addition, to help you stay on track and on time, we've devised a quick 48-hour schedule that can you can use as a template to design your own personalised two-day London itinerary:

Our Weekly Journal - A Quick Catch Up

Our Weekly Journal - A Quick Catch Up

I haven't written a weekly journal for ages, in fact the last one was 2nd October! Wow that was a long time ago, until I checked I didn't realise how long it was. It isn't that we haven't done anything, in fact we have been very busy, it is my SAD. I just can't be bothered. Nothing has any point to it so I carried on with posts I had committed to, and left all the chatty stuff.
I mean who reads it anyway? What is the point? I didn't even get the lap top out for over a week at the beginning of November.
Then last week I received a Christmas card from my sister, she told me how much she loved reading my blog, the journals and the Junk Food one (it brought back memories for her too) and I realised that I actually enjoyed writing about our days and there are people who enjoy reading it. So I decided to do a catch up, there's a fair bit to include so grab a cup of tea and read on...

Megableu Tumball Game - Review

Megableu Tumble Game - Review

Last week Bear was feeling very poorly, he had a nasty ear infection and nothing was distracting him. I had been sent the Tumball Game by Megableu to review* and so took it with me when I visited, not expecting him to want to play with it at all. How wrong I was! He loved it.

Prestige Festivity Christmas Flowers

Prestige Festivity Christmas Flowers

I love flowers and was overjoyed to be sent* a Christmas bouquet from Prestige Flowers. I have been lucky enough to have reviewed their bouquets before and they never disappoint. They arrived by post in a huge box and in pristine condition. I love the scent of the flowers gently seeping out of the box, giving a hint of what's inside.

The Tradition of Christmas Wreaths with Amara - Review

The Tradition of Christmas Wreaths with Amara - Review

I was asked to review* something Chrismassy from Amara. This was not as easy as it sounds as they have so many wonderful Christmas decorations and gifts. I eventually chose a Robin and Birdhouse Christmas wreath. It is beautiful, a little quirky whilst still being very traditional and it made me wonder about the history of hanging wreaths on doors and how it became a Christmas tradition. So I did a little research (well I Googled it).

Hallmark Itty Bittys Star Wars and Disney Christmas Collection Review

Hallmark Itty Bittys Star Wars and Disney Christmas Collection Review*

We are very lucky to have the opportunity to review products on our blog. Bear knows that we have to take photos and then he is free to play with the toys, but he is only little and sometimes he forgets. Sometimes the toys are just so cuddly and cute that all he wants to do is give them a big hug. That was the case when we were sent some of Hallmarks itty bittys to review.

Easy To Grow Paper White Daffodils for Christmas

Easy To Grow Paper White Daffodils for Christmas

We all love fresh flowers and especially love having them in the house at Christmas, Paper Whites are easy to grow, look wonderful and have a scent that reminds me of honey. To be precise they are Narcissi, but are commonly called daffodils.

Is It Bad Parenting To Serve Junk Food?

Is It Bad Parenting To Serve Junk Food?

I never asked this question when my children were little. We just fed them. We fed them junk food and nutritious, healthy, homemade food. They both had healthy appetites and ate whatever we served, well almost. I say almost because we both worked full time it was easier to cook what the children liked. They liked homemade food, cooked from scratch and they liked junk food too. 

We rarely had fast food, like McDonalds, as neither Mr P or I actually liked them. They were kept as a treat for the children. They had school dinners (I'm sure they had the notorious turkey twizzlers) and on Fridays we would have a takeaway curry and the children would have pizzas, or fish fingers, or burgers. Whatever their favourite was at the time. We had a chocolate drawer.

Squidgydoodle Winter Wonderland Craft Box Review

Squidgydoodle Winter Wonderland Craft Box Review*

Squidgydoodle sell craft and party boxes for children aged 3 - 8 years old. Each box is handmade and full of art and sensory activities for children. We love crafts and were delighted to review this handmade box.
Delivery is included in the price and the box fits through the letterbox, so no need to stay in waiting for the parcel. The box is packed with everything you need to complete the craft.

#MySundayPhoto Remembrance Sunday

#MySundayPhoto Remembrance Sunday

These knitted poppies are in Roath Park, Cardiff. I have seen so many wonderful displays around Cardiff. Like many people I have relatives that died in WWI or WWII. Here are the names of a few of mine killed in action.

Lest We Forget

David Yorke aged 38
17th Feb 1915 Ypres

Albert Mackerness aged 24
15th Sept 1916 France & Flanders
Brother to Charles.

Charles Mackerness aged 29
25th Nov 1917 France & Flanders

Thomas Richard Sturley aged 34
16th April 1917 France

Alfred John Mackerness aged 30
21st Mar 1918 France

Swann Ripsher aged 25
15th Jun 1918 Italy

William Henry Ripsher aged 37
21st Aug 1918 France & Flanders

George Henry Sturley aged 34
24th Oct 1918 France & Flanders


Charles David Ripsher aged 26
15th May 1941 Galatos, Crete, Greece
(you can read more about Charles here)


Extract from For The Fallen by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Follow me on
Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter

10 Great Accounts To Follow On Twitter

10 Great Accounts To Follow On Twitter

Twitter is a place to tweet (chat) to other twitterers (people lol) in less than 140 characters. Well that's what it started as, a chat room. Now it is harder to find people that like to chat but if you can find them it is still a great place to be. Twitter moves fast, I find it hard to keep up with people I like without lists.
The best thing is that you do not have to follow someone to put them on a list, I have Donald Trump in one of my lists (Funny, clever and Trump) but I wouldn't dream of following him.

10 Great Pages To Follow on Facebook

10 Great Pages To Follow On Facebook 

Facebook is an American social networking site. It is free to use and started as a means for college students to stay in touch when they were off campus. It is a website where users can upload photos and videos, chat and have instant messaging. It is an easy way to keep in touch with family and friends. Accounts can be private (the user chooses who can see what is posted) or public where anyone can access the content.

Fisher-Price My First Thomas & Friends Railway Pals - Review

Fisher-Price My First Thomas & Friends Railway Pals - Review*

We were so pleased to be sent a Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends Playset to review. Whenever Fisher-Price is mentioned I think quality toys. It was a brand we trusted when our children were little. Now we have grandchildren we are always looking for toys that are fun, that inspire their active imaginations and if they encourage learning then that is a bonus.
Bear put up with the obligatory sitting in front of the box for me to take a photo, but he couldn't wait to open the box.
While I was trying (and failing) to get the perfect shot, Bear pressed Percy's light up bumper, (it's on the outside for you to try). Percy said one of the many phrases, I didn't catch what Percy said but Bear chastised it.

"It's Percy, silly!".

That was the beginning of a day of make believe.

..And then we were eight

And then we were eight

The theme for #Blogtober17 Day 25 is A Year In Review. Our year has been full but this is about our newest member of the family, Bee.

Now we are eight.

WOW Toys Town Advent Calendar - Review

WOW Toys Town Advent Calendar - Review*

It's nearly that time again, CHRISTMAS!! It wouldn't be Christmas without an advent calendar and one of our favourites is the WOW Toys Advent Calendar*. When Bear was one I bought him the WOW Toys Farmyard Advent calendar and he loved it. He didn't open a window a day, he opened them all and took them all out at once, but he was only one and quite adorable so I didn't mind at all. He still plays with the toys from it. None are damaged or broken at all so we were really excited to be given a Town advent calendar to review.

#MySundayPhoto Number 42 - Waterfall

#MySundayPhoto Number 42 - Waterfall 

We walked twice last week, in waterfall country, near Ystradfellte. It is hard walking but beautiful. Sadly Storm Brian has put paid to any walk this week.

The water falling over the rocks, although yellowish/brown looked like glass, and the noise! It was so loud!

Follow me on
Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter

Vitamin D Awareness Week with BetterYou

Vitamin D Awareness Week with BetterYou*

BetterYou is supporting Vitamin D Awareness Week which runs from 23rd - 29th October and asked me to join in. I have a personal interest in Vitamin D as I suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) and found that taking Vitamin D supplements really help with my symptoms. I plan to start taking a daily supplement from October and continue right through the winter until the days are longer, and the sun is stronger, (usually end of April, beginning of May). I take DLux 3000 as it is a mouth spray that absorbs easily and tastes great, in fact, I feel better almost as soon as I have used the spray. BetterYou invited me to take a test to find out my Vitamin D levels but firstly why is Vitamin D important and how do we get it?

A Walk in Waterfall Country - Sgwd Clun Gwyn and Sgwd Yr Eira

A Walk in Waterfall Country - Sgwd Clun Gwyn and Sgwd Yr Eira

Difficulty - Strenuous
Parking - £4 all day

We decided to attempt the Four Falls walk in waterfall country, near Ystradfellte, Wales. We have done it before, many years ago when the children were small, and my over riding memories were that it was a long hard slog there and back, with hundreds of steps down to the waterfalls. We thought we wouldn't overdo it by doing it all at once so did two walks a few days apart, each taking in one waterfall.

Both walks are not for the faint hearted and require decent walking boots although we did see a supervised group of children doing it in wellies. It is perfectly possible to do the route in one visit, we just couldn't do all the steps down and back up in one go.

There are information boards in the car parks and at each waterfall. They describe the walks as strenuous and warn about the steep drops and uneven paths along the way. Although this is true the group of children (probably aged about 8 or 9) managed it. Even if they did complain all the way up from Sgwd Yr Eira!

Gingersnap Cinematic A4 Light Box - Review

Ginger Snap Cinematic A4 Light Box - Review*

Since I have had my own room, to decorate as I like, I have wanted a cinematic light box. They conjure up the nostalgia of the great movie era of the 40s. I love seeing all the images on instagram of beautiful rooms and a light box with a simple message spelt out. I just had to have one!
I was therefore really happy to review a  Gingersnap Cinematic A4 Light Box for the blog.

10 Funny Phobias (but maybe not if you have them) #Blogtober17 Day 16

10 Funny Phobias (but maybe not if you have them) #Blogtober17 Day 16

The theme for Day 16 of Blogtober17 is phobias, I do not have any. I'm scared of heights and I do not like needles, the dentist (both make me cry just to think of them), pain, flying, the cold, oh I could go on but none are phobias - A Phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of something.
None of mine are extreme or irrational, doesn't everyone cry in the dentist chair while waiting for a check up? Oh just me then.
Anyway I thought I'd Google some funny phobias, I know they are not funny if you have them but a fear of long words? Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia Honestly! You have to laugh.

#MySundayPhoto Number 41 - Old Photos

The top of Sugar Loaf, about 1990

#MySundayPhoto Number 41 - Old Photos

The theme for #Blogtober17 Day 15 is Old Photos. I thought this would be easy as I have hundreds of old photos, but which do I choose? Many are very old and obviously not digital, a few are black and white. During the 70s many were given a purple tinge that no-one liked but I guess the film processors thought was "cool".

I thought I'd choose some with me and my children, but there are so few and those that I do have are not very good quality. It is so much easier with digital cameras, we used to take just one or two pictures and not know if they were any good until weeks later when we got them back from the processors. Many would come back with stickers on them stating they were "out of focus" or "over exposed".
Now we all take hundreds, just remember to get some with the people that are important in your life.

Me and my son at Woolacombe. My daughter is taking the opportunity of me not looking to wander off in the background haha! This would be about 1992.

Follow me on
Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter

Novels I Wish I Had Read - #Blogtober17 Day 14

Novels I Wish I Had Read - #Blogtober17 Day 14

The theme for Day 14 #Blogtober17 is Novels. I could write about my favourite novels but I have already written My 10 Favourite Books and the only thing I would change is to include Game Of Thrones. I am reading it at the moment and loving it, I haven't seen the TV series though.

Inspired by squid mamma and her post Iconic Movies I Haven't Seen, I thought instead I would write a list of books that I wish I had read.

Gift Guide For A Three Year Old

Gift Guide For A Three Year Old*

Three is a magic number, toys and gifts that were out of bounds are now suitable. Bear was three last week and he had some amazing gifts. Some were bought because he asked for them and some we thought he would love. Three is an age where their hand eye co-ordination matches their imagination. They can put together puzzles and make their own games up with the simplest of toys. Gifts do not have to be expensive and most of these are affordable and suitable for both birthdays and Christmas.

10 Aphrodisiacs To Boost Your Love Life

10 Aphrodisiacs To Boost Your Love Life

The theme for Day 12 of #Blogtober17 is Love. Aphrodisiacs are suppose to increase your libido. For thousands of years people have believed that certain foods can boost your love life.

The Romans thought that foods worked as aphrodisiacs if they were warm, moist and made you windy.
In the Middle Ages people thought that anything that looked phallic, like cucumbers, would increase desire and in the medieval period many herbs and spices (such as basil, saffron, pepper) that were used in love potions were banned.
Honey was widely thought to be an aphrodisiac and the Honeymoon was named after the custom of couples drinking honeyed mead in the first month after their marriage. I  am not sure if they actually work but there's no harm in trying.

A Dozen Fun facts About Bread

A Dozen Fun facts About Bread

It's day 11 of #Blogtober17 and the theme today is Kitchens. I did look for facts about kitchens but they were very dull so I thought I'd give you some fun facts about bread instead.

Joke - Day 10 #Blogtober17

Joke - Day 10 #Blogtober17

I have been doing a big declutter, I've thrown out at least fifteen bags of recycling (shredded paper and old magazines). I have shredded GCSE work, nursing courses, NVQ work and more, both mine and my daughters. It mostly went back to 2008! Stuff just put into boxes, hidden in cupboards and forgotten. I came across a sheet of paper. It made me giggle when I saw it so I thought I'd share it with you as part of #Blogtober17.

Scary and true Ghost Stories for Hallowe'en

Scary and True Ghost Stories for Hallowe'en

Today is Day 9 of #Blogtober17 - the prompt is Ice Cream. I couldn't think of anything about ice cream so instead here is I SCREAM!!

I don't believe in ghosts but (there's always a but) I have heard lots of stories, my neighbour saw one in a chateaux in France this year which reminded me of an event many, many years ago.

#MySundayPhoto Number 40 - Happy

#MySundayPhoto Number 40 - Happy

#Blogtober17 theme's run alphabetically, yesterday was G - Goals and today should be H - Holiday. It was Bears 3rd birthday this week and I wanted #MySundayPhoto to be about him so I've chosen Happy instead.
I love this photo, he was throwing the balls for us to catch and every time we caught one he reacted with the loudest false laugh ever. He would then collapse into fits of giggles, which I did too. So much I just couldn't take any more photo's. This is Happy.

Happy Birthday Bear!

Follow me on
Bloglovin | Facebook | Twitter

How to find your goals and achieve them

Day 6 of #Blogtober17 is Goals. This got me scratching my head, laying in bed awake and generally deciding that I do not have any goals and that I am happy plodding along, but that's not strictly true. I have goals but they are vague. They are wishes, dreams not goals. Unattainable because they have no structure and no measurable end - there is no goal. So it got me thinking (and googling) what does it take to find your goal and once found how do we achieve them?

How To Use Flowers In Your Home - #Blogtober17 Day 6

How To Use Flowers In Your Home - #Blogtober17 Day 6

I love fresh flowers, they brighten up a home. We are not all florists (and I am completely rubbish at arranging flowers) so how can we use flowers in the home?

Learning Through Messy Play

Learning Through Messy Play 

The theme for Day 5 of #Blogtober17  is education. I was stumped as I have no expertise in this field. I thought maybe I would write about my pet grammar hates; the misuse of there, their, they're, but I wasn't inspired. We were then forced to have two days close to home. Bear had a tummy upset (euphemism for poo, poo and more poo) and going anywhere was out of the question, firstly incase of accidents and secondly, we didn't want to pass it on.

10 Ideas For A Date Night Without Leaving Home #Blogtober17 Day 4

10 Ideas For A Date Night Without Leaving Home

The phrase date night may make you cringe a little but whatever you prefer to call it, dedicated time together in a relationship is important. This is especially true when you have children. Date night is not just for hopeless romantics.

There are a million excuses to not have a date night from not enough time and no childcare to not enough money but it does't need to be expensive or even away from home. The most important thing is that the time is set aside just for the two of you.

What's in My Car Boot? - #Blogtober17 Day 3

What's in My Car Boot? - #Blogtober17 Day 3

It's day three of #Blogtober17 and the theme is Car. Firstly the image above is not my car, in fact I do not drive, but all the other images are mine. We were getting ready to go out. There were three of us. Grandad, Bear and me. We were going to Garwnant, about a thirty minute drive, and had planned to stay a few hours. Garwnant has a visitor centre and cafe, it is not in the back of beyond but as I was filling the car with essentials it made me think if I am the only person who takes so much? Please tell me you fill your boot too!

Our Weekly Journal 2nd October 2017 - Babies and Honey Bee #Blogtober17 Day 2

Honey Bee 

Our Weekly Journal 2nd October 2017 - Babies and Honey Bee

Day two of #Blogtober17 is Babies. So this weeks journal includes Bears baby brother. I don't see him as much as I saw Bear when he was a baby, mostly due to our other commitments and they now live a bit further away.

This week was different, I spent Friday morning with Mummy and Bee. YES! He has a blog name. Bee was lying on the sofa and I was cooing and chatting away (as one does) when I called him my Honey Bee, no idea why, I had called him lots of endearments, but he looked at me and smiled. I think that means he likes it. So I now have Bear and Bee.

10 Things That Make Me Mad! - #Blogtober17 Day 1

10 Things That Make Me Mad - #Blogtober17 Day 1

Day one of #Blogtober17 is All About Me. I wrote that last year so I didn't want to repeat myself, and I haven't done anything amazing in the meantime. No lottery wins, no Peace Prize.
I thought that a list of What Makes Me Mad would give an insight into my very angry brain.

#Blogtober17

#Blogtober17

#Blogtober is a challenge of posting every day for the month of October, using given words or phrases as a prompt. I really enjoyed writing every day throughout October last year. #Blogtober16 was whole phrases, from what am I afraid of, my favourite movies or songs through to more important things like what's in my handbag or my fridge!

Britax Römer Dualfix Car Seat Review- First Impressions

Britax Römer Dualfix Car Seat Review- First Impressions

We were overjoyed to be given the Britax Dualfix car seat to review*. With our second grandson we were looking for a car seat that swivelled. We found one of the hardest things with Bear was putting a squirming baby or toddler into a rear facing car seat in our Kia Venga. It is a smallish car which has ample room in the front but a bit restricted in the back. Even if it wasn't the law we want our grandchildren to be rear facing as long as possible. We didn't want the struggle to get them in to become an excuse to turn them at the first opportunity.

Our Weekly Journal 27th September 2017 - Fun at Garwnant

Our Weekly Journal 27th September 2017 - Fun at Garwnant

Every week I think that I will use less photos in our weekly journal. They take ages to resize (so that they load quickly), and then I have to label each one twice, once when I save it on my desktop, and again when I post it on the blog, it takes ages. So this week there is only one photo, well two, Ok I lied, there's hundreds. Maybe next week I'll just have one (or two).

#MySundayPhoto Number 39

#MySundayPhoto Number 39

This week #MySundayPhoto is of Bear with baby Bear at Garwnant. It is a wonderful place, free except for a small charge for parking. It has walks, sculpture trails and a great playground. There is a visitor centre and a cafe too, all in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. We love it there.

A Touch of Luxury with Prestige Flowers

A Touch of Luxury with Prestige Flowers

I had a small procedure in hospital yesterday (nothing serious, just zapping my leg for varicose veins) so I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. When I arrived home, there waiting for me was a huge box and inside the most gorgeous bouquet* from Prestige Flowers.

The Cheese Tag

The Cheese Tag

The lovely (and slightly crazy but in a warm, and very funny sort of way) Mrs Helicopter has tagged me in The Cheese Tag. Jess is a turophile. I love cheese so couldn't say no.
Jess asked me some questions, I put the answers here and then tag some other cheese lovers to answer them on their blog. Easy Peasy.

So here goes;

Our Weekly Journal 18th Sept 2017 - Conkers and Potty Training

Our Weekly Journal 18th Sept 2017 - Conkers and Potty Training

We have talked about Potty Training with Bear before, but he just wasn't ready. Of all the tips we had been given the most popular was do not force it by starting too early. Wait until they are ready. This is such good advice.
Bears parents started on the Saturday so by Tuesday he was on day four. We wanted to go out while the sun was shining so took the easy option of visiting Tredegar Country Park. It's only a fifteen minute ride away so less opportunity for accidents. We packed his travel potty and buggy, bike, coats, wellies, change of clothes (times two incase of accidents) and filled the boot. Anyone would think we were going away for a week not having a walk in the park.