Toddlers Easter Wish List with The Works

Toddlers Easter Wish List with The Works*

Easter will soon be here and the children off school which means the inevitable rainy days. We usually go to soft play or another indoor venue when the weather is bad but when the children are off school it can be too busy so I like to keep a few items to surprise Bear and keep him happy. I love The Works because it has a huge choice of books, craft supplies and toys and it doesn't cost a fortune.  I love browsing the internet and The Works has a great site and delivers too.

Toddlers Easter Wish List with The Works

Books

The Works books are always such good value and are top of my wish list. The only difficulty would be choosing which Easter Egg Hunt book to get (1-4). I love the look of the Easter Treats (5) book too, full of recipes for cakes and biscuits there must be at least one Bear and I can do together. Bear loves colouring (6) and stickers (7). Lastly a book that is also a craft, making animals out of egg boxes (8).

Slimming World Weigh In #12

Slimming World Weigh In #12

This week I thought I would try drinking more water. Somewhere in the back of my mind I know it can help with weight loss, and that's what it's all about. Trying new things to see if they help or hinder. I plan to drink at least a litre of water on top of any other fluids.
I have been good this week and only had one hiccup. I went for lunch with an old friend and ordered grilled chicken with avocado and bacon. I asked for salad in place of the fries and coleslaw. What I got was a few rocket leaves with tomatoes, a brioche bun (??where did that come from??) with FRIED chicken. Yes I did eat it but I left the bun and the avocado. The avocado was going to be my treat but I just couldn't eat it once I saw the chicken covered in oil. Too many Syns.

Slimming World Chip Shop Curry Sauce Recipe

Slimming World Chip Shop Curry Sauce

If you are looking for a true Chip Shop Curry Sauce then you will be disappointed as the only place you really can get that is your chip shop. If you are looking for a delicious, easy Slimming World friendly Chip Shop Curry Sauce then try this. It is easy to make and really is delicious. This is adapted from a Slimming World on-line recipe.

Being Second Is Best

Being Second Is Best

I am a second child. I have an older sister and two younger brothers. I loved being the second child and I definitely think being second is best.

Our Weekly Journal 27th March - Water and Singing

Our Weekly Journal 27th March - Water and Singing

Some weeks I just forget to take photos! We did have a quiet week as the weather was awful and it only seemed to brighten up in the afternoons when Bear went down for his nap. So what do you do when it's raining outside? Play with water of course, then dress up in your waterproofs with Gruffalo wellies and go hunting for puddles.

#MySundayPhoto Number 13

#MySundayPhoto Number 13 was taken two weeks ago when we had a little sunshine. The daffodils were looking beautiful and Bear gently walked amongst them without damaging any. He then posed for me, he's definitely a bloggers child and grandchild Lol

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#BeInThePicture March 2017- Reflections in a mirror

I am never in photographs as I am always behind the camera, so when two of my blogging friends, Kerry and Alana , said they were starting a #beinthepicture linky aimed at getting the photographer in front of the camera I really wanted to join in.

Baby Boomers had it way too easy

Baby Boomers had it way too easy is a phrase bandied about every time pensions or housing are mentioned. (And at the risk of sounding like a pantomime) "Oh no we didn't!".

Baby boomers are post war babies, born in the baby boom between 1946 and 1964. It has been said that we had it too easy, I suppose it depends on what is considered easy and what socio-economic group you belonged to. I don't think I had it easy.

7 Easy Baby Led Weaning Recipes

7 Easy Baby Led Weaning Recipes

When Bear was weaning we tried a mixture of pureed food and baby led weaning. He loved feeding himself but also he really liked pureed vegetables. So whether you are doing only baby led weaning, or a mixture here are a few recipes to give you a head start.

Slimming World Weigh In #11

Slimming World Weigh In #11

Back on plan and now I am starting to think about the variety of the meals that I eat. I think we are very good as we have fish at least twice a week and also lots of chicken. We also are very good at eating vegetables, fruit and salads. My only hesitation is that I do love Slimming World chips and roast vegetables and wonder if it is a good thing. We eat lots of boiled rice, pasta and boiled potatoes but roasted veg (including chips) are my favourite. We do cook them all in Fry Light so Syn free.

Slimming World Sea Bass with Tomatoes and Bacon Recipe

Slimming World Sea Bass with Tomatoes and Bacon Recipe 

This is another Slimming World recipe from one of their books. My initial thought was that bacon and fish was a very strange combination but they go together beautifully, cod works very well too.

How To Cope Being a Long Distance Grandmother

How To Cope Being a Long Distance Grandmother

I am very lucky that my son and daughter in law live close to me. I care for my grandson whilst they work and see him lots every week. Many grandmothers are not so lucky and have families spread around the world. If they could move to be near one, they would be moving away from another. Recently someone asked on Gransnet how to cope being a long distance grandmother. They wrote that having their family living far away had made them both angry and depressed. I could understand how difficult it must be to be a long distance grandmother but couldn't give any advice. Other grandmothers in the same position shared some of their coping strategies.

Our Weekly Journal 20th March - Owls, Sunshine and Baby Lambs

Our Weekly Journal 20th March Owls, Sunshine and Baby Lambs

We have had a really busy week. We were going to have Bear Friday instead of Monday as his Mummy was on a course but she needed to have blood taken on Monday so we had him for an hour or two in the morning. It was a beautiful sunny day so we managed to sit outside. Bear is just fascinated with bugs of all sorts and sat for ages watching woodlice roll up into balls.

#MySundayPhoto Number 12

#MySundayPhoto Number 12

I just love this photo of Bear meeting an owl. Lots of Cardiff attractions have special toddler days on Fridays but we do not have Bear so never attend. This week his mummy was on a course so we had the chance to go somewhere.

We chose Parc Play in Cardiff, an outdoor play centre, to meet some owls. We were allowed to get close and touch the owl, it was amazing. Bear wasn't at all worried and he was so gentle too.

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Tall Tales from a Grandmother

Tall Tales from a Grandmother

A small boy is delivered to Nanny. Sometimes there are giggles, sometimes there are tears but a typical day goes something like this.......

Phinexi iPhone Charging Battery Case - Review

Phinexi iPhone Charging Battery Case - Review*

Anyone who has an iPhone 6/6s will know the battery life is just rubbish. I carry around a chunky battery pack wherever I go to make sure I have enough power. Then I saw the Phinexi iPhone Charging Battery Case and was delighted to receive one to review. I have had it a few days now and I just love it.

Slimming World Weigh In #10

Slimming World Weigh In #10

This week I have given in to temptation and been very good too. I really, really fancied a burger so I did. I used my healthy extra a and b on the wholemeal roll and cheese. I had two Birdseye burgers and some lean bacon with a green salad. It was yummy! Each burger is 5 Syns, I squeezed out all the fat and patted on a piece of kitchen roll so maybe a little less? It was my daily Syn allowance but it was worth every bite. That's why I love this plan, I get to eat what I want and still stay on plan. What did I resist? We went out on Sunday for a pub lunch and I had grilled chicken salad, no dressing. It was great, I made up for being extravagant earlier in the week and just enjoyed eating with my family.

Slimming World Salmon with Green Beans Recipe

We first came across Salmon with Green Beans recipe in one of Jamie Oliver's Recipe books many years ago. We love the simplicity of Italian meals and the flavours. It is not Syn free, it has olives and anchovies. We eat it just as it is but if you would like a more substantial meal  it is wonderful with boiled new potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes. Pop them into the preheated oven while you prepare the other vegetables.

How to be a fabulous first time Grandmother

How to be a fabulous first time Grandmother

I'm not an expert on being a fabulous grandmother, far from it. I have made many mistakes but luckily I have a forgiving daughter in law. Not everyone is as lucky. Reading comments on the Gransnet forum it seems easier to be a fabulous grandmother to your daughters child. So if your first grandchild is your son's, do not despair it's not impossible, it just takes more effort.

Your darling daughter or son has just announced the impending birth of their first child. You are either distraught or over the moon, either way you are going to be a Grandmother. You now have the choice to be a fabulous grandmother or a complete pain in the neck. The choice is yours.

Our Weekly Journal 13th March 2017

Our Weekly Journal 13th March 2017

We started the week at soft play, Bear just loves it and we do too. He has so much energy and can run wild without fear of getting hurt. He wouldn't even step on the bouncy castle last time but this time he had a go holding on, then let go and bounced in the middle. Brave boy!

#MySundayPhoto Number 11

#MySundayPhoto Number 11

It was sunny and warm here on Thursday and we spent the morning in the garden. The camellia is looking lovely and the raindrops left from an earlier shower just glistened in the sunshine.

I hope we have a few more sunny days as we love being outside.

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Thoughts on Saturday - Iraq & Afghanistan Memorial and Howard Hodgkin

Thoughts on Saturday

Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial

A memorial to those who fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan was unveiled on Thursday. It is two Portland stone monoliths with a bronze medallion between. Three sides of the stones are smooth whilst the third is rough hewn, to represent that the conflict is not resolved. The memorial, by sculpture Paul Day, commemorates the contribution by both military and civilians, those who survived and those who died. No names are inscribed, the military that lost their lives are remembered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

7 Rules for a Grandmother Shower

7 Rules for a Grandmother Shower

If you have no idea what a grandmother shower is you have come to the right place, until yesterday I hadn't heard of it either. Grandmother showers are just like baby showers, not for the mum-to-be, but for the grandmother-to-be. I kid you not, this happens across the pond and I am bringing it to our shores. I feel left out as it is only good form to have one whilst expecting your first grandchild. Well I missed that so I think I'll have one anyway, no-one has heard of them here so I can just do it.

Slimming World Weigh In #9

Slimming World Weigh In #9

I faced the scales with trepidation, my Syns this week topped 130. Oh yes I had indulged. I really fancied toast on Wednesday so had that with my eggs, so far Syn free but I put butter on. I did weigh it but it was the first of many naughties.

Slimming World Salsa Recipe

Once I joined Slimming World I found that I had lost gravies and mayo and butter to cover my food and it was all a bit boring. Not the curries and stews but the cold meats and potatoes. My Slimming World Salsa Recipe is so easy, Syn free and really adds to any meal. Recipes do not have to be complicated to be delicious.

My Photography Wishlist

My Photography Wish List*

Many years ago my lovely compact camera, a Canon Sureshot, died. I searched for a replacement camera and fell in love with the Panasonic Lumex. I loved the pivot screen but I needed a new phone too so bought my first smartphone instead. Now I'm looking again and have just seen the 4K Compact System Camera Panasonic. I was amazed at how much compact cameras have advanced.

Miss Treadway and The Field of Stars - Miranda Emmerson. Book Review

Miss Treadway and The Field of Stars - Miranda Emmerson Book Review*

It's 1960s London and an American actress Iolanthe Green disappears. The media is full of speculation over her fate but soon lose interest.

The only person who seems interested in finding out the truth is Anna Treadway. Iolanthe's dresser at the Galaxy Theatre. She lives above a Turkish Café on Neal Street and with the help of Aloysius, a naive young man from the Caribbean.

Our Weekly Journal - 6th Mar 2017

Bear likes to join Grandad in the bathroom in the mornings, brushing his teeth and having a shave. It was fine until he tasted the soap, yuck!

Some weeks I have few photos to share and others, like this week, we have loads. We have been out to the park, had lunch at John Lewis' and I watched my first musical with some local mummy bloggers at Cardiff's New Theatre. What a week. We also found out the gender of our next grandchild. Will it be a brother or sister for Bear?

Bloggers Lunch at Benugo - John Lewis Cardiff

Bloggers Lunch at Benugo - John Lewis Cardiff

Last week I was invited* to attend a bloggers lunch at John Lewis Benugo café. I jumped at the chance to taste their new Spring menu and have lunch with local bloggers. Bear came too. It was a glorious sunny day and the Benugo Café takes full advantage of this with their floor to ceiling glass windows. It's a lovely setting for lunch although the sunshine did make taking photo's a bit tricky.

#MySundayPhoto Number 10

#MySundayPhoto Number 10 is of the glass walls in the Benugo Café at John Lewis in Cardiff. We were invited to lunch and it was a beautiful sunny day. A rare treat in Cardiff. The sun shining through was warm and welcome.

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Thoughts on Saturday - Child migrants, Sex Education and Sir Philip Green

Thoughts on Saturday - Child migrants, Sex Education and Sir Philip Green

Last week I didn't publish a Thoughts on Saturday because I couldn't find anything that didn't involve "you know who" and "you know what"! This week the news is slowly becoming more diverse and there are lots of topics that have me thinking.

Slimming World Weigh In #8

Slimming World Weigh In #8

Eight weeks and I'm still on track. I have wanted to break the rules a couple of times with the thought "one won't hurt" "a little bit will be OK" but I have resisted. I'm not really missing anything, it's more that when I get peckish I just do not fancy fruit. I want chocolate, or bread or pies!

Slimming World Pork Meatballs with Orzo - Recipe

Slimming World Pork Meatballs with Orzo - Recipe

I love meatballs, I often make a version of Italian meatballs with lots of herbs but it contains breadcrumbs so I was really pleased to see a recipe in my Slimming World book that was Syn free. The recipe looked very complicated though with frying and grilling and lots of pans so I adapted it to go into the oven. The sauce is really rich and the meatballs very limey. Delicious and filling.