Teens 'n' Twincesses

Business Mums Unite - at last!

2012-01-22T23:19:00.005Z

October last year I was lucky enough to attend to the launch of Business Mums Unite.
I don't mind telling you I was a more than a little apprehensive as it was my first ever large event of this type. As it turns out I had a really super day.
The Venue was very easy to find, very impressive, the staff were friendly and the buffet lunch provided was scrummy!

In the morning there were some truly inspirational women speakers including Elaine Hanzak Gott. I am sure I am not the only person in the room to be moved to tears by her incredible story. She came across as such a warm and upbeat lady that you would have absolutely no idea of the personal trials she has endured. The fact that she chooses to help people whilst at the same time dealing with the things that life has thrown at her is truly amazing.

Rebecca Jones made a wonderfully humorous speech. Her style was so animated and she seemed to have so much energy that you couldn't help but be captivated. She gave some really valuable pieces of advise; in particular doing less but doing it better and scheduling time more effectively in order to appear more professional - even if you are working from under your stairs. She also wore the most gorgeous red shoes.

Noami Temperley also spoke about her path to success with Baby Loves Disco and how she entered and survived the Dragons Den; brave and incredibly down to earth.

After a very yummy picnic lunch on the carpet (lots of fun) and far too much cheesecake I attended two workshops. The first one held by Becky from Baby Budgeting on how to generate income from your blog. I took a great many notes and learnt a lot so thank you Becky for all the fab tips.

The second, small business accounting was run by Georgina from Starfish Accounting Being horribly mathematically challenged shall we say, if ever I needed a notepad it was now!
Georgina managed to make it sound not quite so scary and explained the important parts in, what I should imagine are to her very simple terms. She patiently answered all our questions and I definitely came away with a clearer understanding of what is required. Thank you!
Shall still be using an accountant though, really cannot face it on a regular basis...

As well as meeting some truly lovely other ladies I also met one who I think will continue to be a life long friend. I entered a twitter competition for mentoring from The Mother Factor
A.K.A Sally Petitt. Since then she and I have had many conversations and are planning a girly day out. Sally is one of the most generous and kind ladies I have ever met, if you are a Mother in business or thinking of starting one I highly recommend her services.

The whole event was planned by the lovely Charlotte Pearson. I have no idea how you manage to plan something on a scale such as this and still look so utterly unfrazzled but she pulled it off perfectly.

I know that Business Mums Unite 2012 is in the planning, not only that but she also runs Mummy Fever which is launching on the 17th February. Thank you Charlotte and I am so very sorry it has taken so long to get this written up for you, I truly had a wonderful day!

Love,

Oh There You Are 2012

2012-01-21T02:55:00.003Z

Hello there!

Am afraid I have been absent from this little place for yonks now; it's months since I wrote anything of any note 'sigh'.
It's not that I have had a lack of material, I have a couple of posts outstanding, one of which is a promised one. Quite awful of me really. I've had lots of ideas for posts too as I whizzed round wearing myself to a shred over one thing or another.

2011 will not, unfortunately go down as one of the best and I am not sorry to see the back of it frankly. There has been the odd highlight. Going to my first ever blogging Conference in October and meeting some very lovely ladies was such fun. I was rather nervous but ended up having a smashing time, more on that to come.

But fun was thin on the ground sadly. I spent the majority of the year chasing the proverbial tail. Hours on end were taken up with caring for my Grandmother. She moved into a nursing home in January, picked by the local caring services 'cough'. It turned out to be the most awful place.

She endured all manner of indignities which I wont go into in public. Needless to say I made a great many official complaints. Numerous visits, letters and telephone calls were made to various officials to try to force the place to comply with the rules but it was such a huge waste of time.

Unfortunately, whilst all this was occurring she was in a huge amount of constant pain, not having some of her basic needs met and was distressed a great deal of the time. Anyone who has been responsible for an older relative will know how draining this is. I was constantly emotionally and physically tired. Frequently in tears and struggling to cope with the normal household work and the demands of Home Schooling the girls, sorting her personal correspondance and financial affairs and just life in general.

Add to that a huge change in our financial situation, my general lack of organisation and a rather choice falling out with my father 2011 wasn't the best.

It stank.

So I face the New Year with resolve.

I will try to get more than four hours sleep a night.
I shall open all the envelopes that lie waiting for me.
I shall endeavour to sort my wardrobe into some semblance of decency.
I shall definately go out to meet more people.
I shall try to develop more confidence in myself when I am not behind this screen and stop fault finding and not trying for fear of failure/judgement blah blah blah.
I would very much like to learn to drive and I absolutely have to lose some of the weight that tiredness and poor diet has made me gain. Five years on and I cannot go on blaming the twins.
I shall try very hard to be the very best that I can be and to count my blessings - often.
Most importantly I am going to take better care of my health. Having been pretty resilient for most of my life the last year has given me a couple of very loud warnings that I do not alas, have a cape. 'lights fag' I will give that up too!!!

My Grandmother is now in a new nursing home. It is within walking distance so I can pop in and say hello whenever I like rather than having to drag out Mr Bunny and the twins to take me three miles and sit in the car whilst I see her. This is huge relief and makes life much easier for all concerned. The fact that it is beautifully clean with such marvellous staff and doesn't smell like someones dog dropped of its mortal coil in it is also a plus...

To anyone that I promised to join in with a linky, didn't leave enough comments, wasn't very chatty on Twitter, didn't write that post yet I really can't apologise enough. Across the road is the local mind centre; there were points in the year where I wanted to knock on the door and check in for a few days.
Most of all I promise to try my utmost to be a better, happier and more reliable and productive blogger in 2012.

Hope everyone is having a good start to the year!

Love,

2012-01-21T02:24:00.003Z

Normal service will soon be resumed,

Toodle-oo!

Sailors and Lions and Clowns, oh my!

2011-11-14T02:02:00.004Z

A few weeks ago I took up an offer from the very kind Merry Raymond who was asking for people to review some Hama beads from her shop. I was able to pick whichever set I thought my girls would like so I opted for a marvellous looking Puppet Theatre set. As you can see,the twin bunnies were a tad excited when it arrived.

I picked this set for two reasons, one because bunny lashes is absolutely nuts about Lions and two, because being a larger kit and having two children on the front I thought that it would be something they could do together and not fight over...

First things first, in the box are two bags of beads,(five thousand in total) four sticks with discs on, a set of sticky pads, one board to make the chosen design or pattern, a sheet of ironing paper and a colour sheet with four characters and instruction booklet. This particular set also comes with a very colourful cardboard puppet theatre so you may create theatrical masterpieces once you have made your figures.

For anyone that isn't familiar with Hama beads the concept is very simple. The image is made with the corresponding beads on the picture. It requires a small amount of dexterity and a little bit more counting. Once your creation is complete you place the ironing paper over the design and iron carefully over it until the heat fuses the beads together. Once it is cool you can remove it from the board.

With this kit you make a front and back for your character and attach them to the sticks using the double sided tape.

Whilst there was never any shadow of a doubt as to which character would be chosen by one twin, Bunny Dimples just could not make up her mind.


Decisions, decisions.

Both girls were eager to get started but I hadn't read the details of the kit properly and was rather dissapointed to find that there was only one board supplied.This was, of course, my fault entirely but I do feel that as the box depicts two children and it is a large kit with four characters to make that perhaps two boards would be more practical.

I put a teatowel on a baking tray to stop the board moving around and the beads ending up all over the floor and decanted a few of each bag into plastic tubs to make them easier to get at.

One twin grasped the concept fairly quickly and finished her sailor pretty easily. The other one did not. Not at all. She refused to finish it and couldn't be coaxed back to the table for all the tea in china. Despite finding the process easy the other twin also refused to do anymore so her poor sailor has just a front.

I have to admit that I was genuinely surprised by their reaction to it, I thought it was a really lovely kit. The characters are bright and engaging and the cardboard Theatre lots of fun.
The girls absolutely love crafting and making things and so far this is the only thing that they haven't really enjoyed very much. I think that it may be due to the constraints of making the characters. They have subsequently made their own designs and enjoyed that much more.

To sum up, I think that Hama beads are great fun. This kit at £13.99 is very reasonably priced and I think for the right child it would offer many hours of fun (read peace and quiet for parents). There is such a huge range to choose from and larger beads for smaller fingers.

I have not put the kit away, it remains on the bookcase and I am keeping my fingers crossed that they return to it and finish it. If they don't I may very well do it for them!

Love,

We Will Remember Them

2011-11-11T11:35:00.000Z

SS Edwin Meredith R.A.S.C./ S.H.A.E.F 1916 -2001

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,

England mourns for her dead across the sea.

Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,

Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal

Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,

There is music in the midst of desolation

And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,

Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;

They fell with their faces to the foe.

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

Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;

They sit no more at familiar tables of home;

They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;

They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,

Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,

To the innermost heart of their own land they are known

As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,

Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;

As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,

To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon (Published September 1914)

Edward Elgar - Nimrod

Vintage Kitsch at Pilfered

2011-10-06T22:45:00.002+01:00

I have to hold my hands up and admit that one of my biggest time wasters is sitting on Facebook.
I know, it’s usually a pointless feed of nonsense and other folks moans and woes. But sometimes you come across something like this that really, really catches your eye!

I know; gorgeous isn’t it!! Does it remind anyone else of certain lovely Pin Up lady?

How about this adorable set of bottles?

Or these terribly pretty ceramic pin up vases?

So being the frightful nosy poke that I am I just had to know more about these super creations.

I contacted the lady responsible (who turned out to be simply lovely and is called Jenna Greenwood by the way) and asked if I could feature some of them on this little blog. I also asked her one or two questions which she very kindly answered.

Mumma Bunny What is the name of your Company, how did you come up with it and where are you?

Jenna Pilfered! It came to me when I was trying to explain that I ‘pilfered’, bottles and jars from recycling bins to paint. I’m based in Bradford, West Yorkshire

Mumma Bunny Do you work from home or have a studio?

Jenna Home...much to my parents displeasure (they are forever tripping over tea pots and cleaning up after me!)

Mumma Bunny What made you start Pilfered?

Jenna I am a Medical Photographer by day and missed getting my hands dirty! I have an art and design background and prior to being a photographer, almost ended up on a fashion design degree before retraining at the last minute. I try my hand at most crafts...jewellery making, photography (less nowadays as it’s my job) and painting anything I can get my hands on!

Mumma Bunny Where do you get your inspiration from?

Jenna Anywhere and everywhere...50s kitsch, animals, circus themes, food and my childlike imagination!

Mumma Bunny Do you have any plans to expand the range to include textiles or furniture?

Jenna I would love to try larger scale items like refurbished furniture but currently don't have the space!

Mumma Bunny What are your dreams for the Company?

Jenna To be able to leave my full time job, have my own workshop and maybe a trusted assistant to mould Pilfered into a much sought after, collectable and well loved brand.

The very talented Jenna will take your forlorn and unloved China, Glass or even Mirrors and turn them into these lovely pieces of art.

Just perfect for your dressing table, kitchen, sitting room; in fact I think I would put them anywhere. That’s the beauty of them, you get to pick from a range of things she has available to be made beautiful.

Not only that but she also has a marvellous selection of transfers such as these for you to browse to make your choice even more personal.

Was there ever anything more perfect for a girly prezzie?! (Not that any special days are coming or anything like that of course...)

You can find Pilfered and Jenna on Facebook where she takes orders and you can have a peek at more of her work. You can also buy pretty things ready to deliver online.

Everything is modestly priced in my humble opinion but she has kindly offered my readers a further 10% off an order until the end of October, hurrah! As she has recently added some Halloween themed items this couldn’t come at a more perfect time. Just quote the code Newpal1 when you place your order.

Thank you so much Jenna for taking the time to talk to me about your work and of course I wish you every success with Pilfered. Here’s to seeing it sold nationally very soon!

Love,

Silent Sunday

2011-10-02T09:00:00.020+01:00

Love,

This Little Light of Mine. #HealthWorkers

2011-09-18T21:56:00.001+01:00

Twenty One years ago our little boy was born. At 28 weeks he weighed one pound and ten ounces.
His fingers were the same length as your fingernails and he took another six weeks to breathe by himself.
His chances at birth were described as slim; we were told it was 'hour by hour'.
Thanks to the care he received he thrived.
He had several difficulties along the way but with professional help he grew strong and overcame them.
At seven he stood and sang to a crowd of people; the light shining out of his little face. Full of hope, dreams and loving his life.
Today he is over six feet tall; the Captain of his American Football Team at Uni and short listed to carry the Olympic torch next year.
For the care that he received I will be forever grateful.
The life I have shared with him so far is more precious than I can describe.

Now Save The Children is asking for your help to let more precious lights shine.
Their Campaign urges David Cameron and the UK Government to commit more funds and resources to ensure that no child dies because they can't see a health worker. To support Women and Children in the Countries that need it most.

"In 2009, more than
8 million children died before reaching their fifth
birthday, approximately half of them in sub-Saharan
Africa.4 India and Nigeria account for a third of all
child deaths worldwide."

Read the facts
Watch the video featuring the health worker hero; Doctor Joan of Sierra Leone on the blog of Christine Mosler.
Blog 100 words about your experiences with a great health care professional and share the link with Mummy From the Heart
Join Save the Children on Twitter and use the #healthworkers hashtag
At the very least take action and sign the petition.

I'm tagging a couple of Mummy bloggers to join in;
Victoria @Love Being a Mummy to Two
Annie @Mammasaurus

Love,

Mallorca, Majorca or whatever you like to call it...

2011-09-16T00:32:00.001+01:00

(Our pics, otherwise known as other peoples ~~fascinating~~ boring holiday snaps. Aren't you glad I spared you all 500?)

Well here we are again, back in dear old Blighty after a very hot two weeks in Mallorca.

We try to go every year; for us it's not just a family holiday as much as a family visiting holiday. My father (and his parents) are from the little magic island and although that probably makes me biased I truly love the place!

If you've never been, you've probably heard (and read) horror stories about 'that dreadful Magalluf' place and hoardes of drunken, half naked teenagers doing unmentionables on the beach? I can't deny they happen of course, the poor Mallorcan police and locals would tell you otherwise. But it's worth taking a closer look at this tiny place to find the magic it has to offer.

Hundreds of small beaches or Calas, crystal clear water, nature reserves, very friendly people (as long as you don't shout loudly at them in English. Hmm, yes people still do that.) Archeological Talyot villages and boat trips to Islands with no inhabitants other than small lizards.

I love Valldemossa; the place where Chopin and his girlfriend George Sands came to stay. It is car free and one of the loveliest places to visit as long as you have a strong stomach for the windy roads.

Being a huge fan of Chopin it's an absolute thrill to see his piano in the Monastery there. He was a favourite composer of my English Grandfather too so it makes me a bit teary now 'sniff'. Anyway, moving on!

We spend fourteen blissful days hanging by the pool, eating more wonderful food than is good for us, boat trips plus of course, happy and teary family reunions. The twins also had their fifth Birthday over there and we spent the day at my Fathers house in Buger, swimming, eating, drinking fresh pomegranate juice and knicking his almonds.

I timed our booking to coincide with the Santa Ponsa festival. It's a yearly event, full of activities for everyone. The highlight for us was the 'Nit de Foc' or Night of Fire. Yes, it's as mad as it sounds and the public are advised to wear non flammable clothing... Locals dress up as fire devils and dance with fireworks.

That's it. No barriers; nada.

They also shake what sounds like cowbells and chase small children, great fun!

Of course for me, my holiday isn't complete without several of these.

and some long overdue family hugs.

My boys & twins with their Great Uncle & Aunt

The boys & my Father


The girls & their Great Aunt

The island is very child friendly. You can buy all the usual baby products, some of them are actually better than ours. They have fantastic medical care (great chemists too), especially if you have your E11 card with you and have one of the best new hospitals in Europe; in case those sorts of things worry you. Let's face it, as parents they usually do! I think my next post will be about travelling with small babies on aeroplanes? Just in case anyone would like any pointers.

Hope you all had fab holidays too!

Am off to try and finish a disgusting amount of laundry now...

Love,

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-09-11T11:17:00.000+01:00

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-08-21T10:03:00.000+01:00

Love,

Listography - Guilty Pleasures

2011-08-17T01:04:00.005+01:00

This is the first time I have joined in with the linky from Kate Takes Five but this weeks topic seemed too much fun not too! Am not sure I should really admit to all of these but nothing ventured and all that so here goes...

1. Mafia Movies and 'Mob' type chaps.

Young Marlon Brando 'swoon'

I confess to having seen the Godfather (all of them) several times and we have them on Video and DVD. Casino, Heat, Goodfellas, you name them. I love them all. Darn those pesky bad boys!

2. Curtis Jackson - a.k.a 50 Cent.

Number one son and I have been to see him twice in Concert. I behaved very badly and got a tad hot under the collar when he started to strip off and then threw his shirt into the crowd. Sadly not to me, but it was still a rather nice sight. Number one son was very good and pretended not to notice (bless him) The whole concert was amazing, so full of energy I was high for days. A fine example of a man in his prime 'cough cough' Killer smile, great sense of humour ( lots of laughs all night) what's not to ~~drool~~ lust over?

I appreciate not everyones cup of tea and I have to admit it did take a while to find a clip without a huge amount of expletives but here he is with that smile and those eyes! 'melt'

moving swiftly on to

3. Fabric

Am utterly addicted to buying fabric and have boxes overflowing full of yards, scraps and fat quarters; some of it still in the bags am ashamed to say. I save old pieces and clothes to cut up for 'projects' some of which never materialise. I can't help it. I can't leave it alone, the feel, the colours - it's like sweet shopping for me. I love to sew and cover things in fabric too, I just can't leave anything alone the way it is!

4. Enrique Iglesias

What's not to like? I know that his Daddy is nearer my age but who cares right? He's just plain gorgeous. The first time I saw him was on the video for 'Bailamos' about ten years ago. One of the girls I worked with brought the CD with it on in. I don't recall doing a huge amount of work that day...

Is it molt calenta in here or just me? Must be in the blood...'fans self'

Last, but not least a foodie pleasure.

5. Nestles Sweetened Condensed Milk

This was a chance discovery when I was expecting number one son; I had bought a tin and left it in the fridge without it's 'lid' on. Overnight the top hardened, a sort of layer. It was like runny fudge or white caramel. So utterly yummy, really, really sweet and probably really bad for you too. About twice a year I buy a tin just to take the top off and leave it to harden; every time I go in the fridge I eat a teaspoonful, isn't that awful!

I really enjoyed reading other folks guilty pleasures; made me feel so much better about mine ( although I could have written more than five; (fried chicken, sobraine cigarettes and fruitellas spring to mind!) some of them are really funny, pop over and have a read

Love,

Business Mums Unite

2011-08-16T17:23:00.000+01:00

I really am genuinely excited to have been invited to attend the launch of the Business Mums Unite Conference and Exhibition on the 19th October. It's being held at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham; just a quick trip on the train away for me. (As a non driver this really helps!)

The aim of the day is,
'to bring together mums in business to share ideas, support each other and network, as well as this we would like to encourage those mums who have not yet ‘taken the leap’ to do so and this is the ideal platform to support and inspire these women.'

This really appeals to me as I have been toying with a business idea for a few months now and have absolutely no idea how to go about it. I think it's a jolly good one; whether it's viable or anyone else concurs remains to be seen. If it is then the accomplished ladies attending will certainly be able to steer me in the right direction!

The keynote speaker is Elaine Hanzak- who through personal experience talks about postnatal depression from the baby blues to severe more forms. She is renowned internationally as an inspirational speaker and attends events worldwide to share her expertise. I was lucky to not suffer postnatal depression after the twincesses were born (was there time?) but did have a dreadful time after my first son was born and am known to struggle with terrible lows after Christmas each year. (I know it sounds funny but I really suffer for a couple of weeks!) So I will certainly be interested in any coping strategies that she may have to help and look forward to hearing her.

Another speaker is Naomi Temperley, Dragons Den survivor and UK director of the very funky Baby Loves Disco and Social Media Boom, who specialise in the the best ways to get the most out of Social Media. Such an important tool for any business and I'm sure that I still have a huge amount to learn about this ever changing subject.

There are also workshops throughout the day to suit all areas of starting or improving a new Business.
I am really loooking forward to attending one hosted by Amanda Farren. She will be talking about the importance of branding for a Business- I don't have one so hopefully will glean lots of tips to help me. As she is better known as one of the founders of Mumpreneur UK and owner of Qwerty Cow (and a busy mum of four) I don't think I could have any better advice on branding!

The other workshop where I will be making masses of notes is held by Georgina Rollings from Starfish Accounting. The word accounting fills me with utter dread frankly. As a complete mathematical dunce I am absolutely clueless when it comes to keeping books, V.A.T forms, business plans and other such horrors.
She was also awarded a WOW award by Jacqueline Gold (Chief Exec of Anne Summers & Knickerbox)
Hopefully she will be able to ease my fear of of such things and she is also a fellow twin mumma so it can't be that scary, surely?

Tickets are £65 and include lunch and a fab goodie bag, extra tickets are £40 per person; bargain!
Business advertising is £30, trade stands are £150; to include your delegate place and lunch & aforementioned goody bag.

If you would like to attend, both the Business Mums Unite website and Facebook Page have more information or you can contact them via twitter.

Wish me luck with my new business!

Love,

Crazy For You

2011-08-10T22:41:00.004+01:00

I have to apologise in advance; this IS one of those posts where I ramble on about how marvellous one of my children is. He is, everyone who sees him says so, so there...

Anyway, if you're still with me?

Every Summer, the Theatre in our little town runs a Youth Project. They hold auditions early in the year and then for two weeks, 100 children sing and dance their little socks off to perform a show for six day/nights. That's just over 10 days to learn a whole show; pretty impressive!

My boys have been involved in it for a few years. The eldest with the technical side, painting props and playing with wires. The youngest has been in the chorus and had minor roles. Until this year that is, this year he was given the lead part. 'eeeeeek'! It was just the most perfect part for him too.

'Crazy For You' is billed as the 'New Gershwin Musical Comedy'. It has the most wonderful score as you'd expect and features songs such as 'Nice Work If You Can Get It' & 'Shall We Dance', heaven!

The story thus follows,

Bobby Child, a well to do 1930's playboy has one dream in life; to dance (sounds familiar!)

His mother and his fiance want him to work in a Bank. But Bobby has 'dream girls' in his head

He only wants to work with Bela Zangler; the famous follies director.

His Mother sends him from New York to Theatre in Nevada to deliver a letter of forclosure from the Bank. Here Bobby falls in love with Polly whose father owns the Theatre. They dance & they kiss 'ooooooo'

Then she finds out why he has come and slaps him, telling him that the only person she wants to is Bela Zangler. who will put on a show and save their Theatre. Bobby has an idea...
You guessed it - wig, glasses and a stick on beard for Emile.That plus a Hungarian accent made for a lot of funny routines and a few dozen very quick costume changes as he played both parts. In the later part of the show the poor chaps face was bright red.

Well of course; Polly falls in love with 'Zangler' and wont have anything to do with poor Bobby.... 'sniff'.

But a few more dance numbers, six more kisses and two slaps later all is well and Bobby gets his girl.
Cue a starlit finale and a tearful Mumma as 'Bobby' sang his solo then spun his girl around.

Here is a little video clip of Emile singing and dancing on a car (carefully) in the first musical number in the show. I know the quality at the beginning isn't good - it's very hard to video without disturbing people and I couldn't see where I was filming! (It does get better)

I spent two weeks chaperoning and working in the girls dressing rooms, making head dresses and generally having a long but fabulous two weeks with the most amazingly talented group of young people. There were lots more tears on the last night and I know we all can't wait for next years show.

Hope everyone is having as much fun this summer holidays!

Love,

SILENT SUNDAY - Crazy For You

2011-08-07T10:19:00.000+01:00

The Gallery: Vintage

2011-07-26T01:07:00.001+01:00

When I saw the theme for this weeks Gallery I got just a little bit excited. Not that I have a passion for Vintage or anything like that you understand.
I took lots of photos of my treasures and thought about this post for quite a while. Then tonight, when I sat down to write it I decided to make it about someone rather marvellous instead. Something much more precious than any piece of china or glass. Even more thrilling than a steal of a flea market find.

My Grandfather.

Here he is, in the middle with his splendid quiff; just joined up to the Army in 1939. His wartime career didn't get off to a particularly spectacular start. Fairly normal, thoroughly nice young chap signed up to do his duty with the Staffordshire Regiment, where he soon became a Staff Sergeant.

A few years later he was sent to London on 'important' business. My Grandmother says that he didn't really tell her an awful lot about it, she just got invited down there to have lunch at the Ritz with him and some other nice fellows. He was stationed at Grosvenor Square and was to form part of the S.H.A.E.F. In 1944, General Eisenhower moved the operation to Camp Griffiss, Bushy Park and my Grandfather went with them.
It was from here that 'Operation Overlord' a.k.a the D.Day landings were planned.

From his military records we know that sometime after the move my Grandfather was sent (read dropped) in an intelligence capacity into Belgium. My Grandmother also has a painted piece of the Ardennes Forest that he bought for her during this time. The records suggest that he was instrumental in 'some' sort of spying and transmitting.
Whatever he did, he survived and in 1945 we know that he was working for a Brigadier in Holland as he sent my Grandmother two postcards.

He also sent her a business card from a hairdressers telling her that he had a haircut 'just here', so sweet.

He returned safely in 1946 and the rest as they say, is history.
He never told anyone what he did. As well as his British service medals he was also awarded the American Bronze Star Medal
for a person who 'distinguishes, or has distinguished, himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service,'
Amongst his paperwork sent by the M.O.D was correspondence that he had dealt with including this which I think you will agree is rather special!

Of course I would love to know exactly what he had done and what part he played in ending the War but he took the secret with him when he passed away in 2001. The man I knew was a quiet, generous, kind and gentle soul. An utter gentleman who wore his sports jacket and tie to dig the garden.
Fearless and brave with the best jellies in his pocket and always, always knew exactly where to find the dockleaves when you fell in nettles. We were Pooh and Christopher Robin, best friends and always together. The very best Grandad a little girl could have.

As always, there have been some beautiful posts and pictures on The Gallery for this topic, pop over and have a read!

Love,

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-07-25T01:01:00.002+01:00

Of Course It's a Girl

2011-07-25T00:20:00.000+01:00

Scrabbling around in my kitchen cupboards I found this the other day.

I bought it months ago, ~~had put it away~~ , shoved it with all the other plastic lids and boxes and forgotten all about it. It was from the pound shop, sometimes you you do actually find useful things in there. Sometimes you buy things you forget all about....anway

The girls were very bored; teeming down outside again of course, so I was trying to find other ways to grab their attention away from wrecking the play room.

They decided they wanted peanut butter dinosaurs and had great fun spreading it and trying to cut them out. Aren't they cute?!!

Obviously pink milk was 'the only thing to go with these Mummy', and they carried them into the dining room very carefully and we all sat down to have lunch. Bunny Lashes had arranged her dinosaurs and put them face to face.

"This is the boy and this is the girl" says she, pointing at them.

I hardly dare ask how she had come to this conclusion at such a tender age but had to as she was smiling at me, expecting a reply.

"Oh yes, how do you know that?"

"The girl has longer legs silly"

Cue much laughter at my obvious lack of dinosaur knowledge.

My punishment?
I got to eat the attractive offcuts.

Love,

SILENT SUNDAY - Broom Tennis

2011-07-17T19:13:00.001+01:00

Magpie Monday - Feeding my obsession

2011-07-04T16:11:00.000+01:00

I love that you find all the best things when you least expect it. I don't get to many markets or car boot sales so have to rely on the local charity shops for treasure and sometimes they really come up trumps!
I was happily pottering around the town, or having a 'mooch' as Grandma says when I decided to pop in to see a friend of mine who works in one of the many charity shops we have here.
I didn't see these lovely things at first as of course, my first concern was a good natter!

They still had their bubblewrap on and were waiting to be priced.

They looked a little bit dusty and I wasn't sure how good the condition was really but the fact

that this piece had the original pottery salad servers made me think it had been taken pretty good care of.

Aren't they adorable!!!

There was even the matching butter dish,

which already holds a new packet of scrummy Country Life.

When she uttered the words "Give me £6 for both of them" I didn't hesitate.

I have become particularly fond of green lately!

Pop over to MissLizzies Blog and see the other lovely finds for Magpie Monday

Love,

World War Twee?

2011-07-03T23:22:00.004+01:00

So penned by Tanya Gold in the Telegraph last weekend.

Apparently, the current trend for Cupcakes, baking, home making and other such domestic delights are really not her cup of tea so to speak.
Well that's fair enough, we are, after all entitled to our opinions and she actually gets paid for hers.

But this article strikes me as just a teensy bit offensive. Just what is it so much that she objects to? It all sounds just a tad like jealousy to me. After all, for years women have been employed in typically male orientated workplaces. They have donned suits, heels, blow drys and mobiles to do battle in a male environment. There wasn't really much option to be a 'Professional' before was there?

Over the last ten years, with the rise of the internet and social media, women now have many other ways to earn. They also don't have to make the choice of work/home life should they choose not to. The lines are blurring and I think it's a jolly good thing.

If a woman wants to stay at home with her children or indeed without children and earn from the comfort of her kitchen or craft desk who is Tanya Gold to say that she shouldn't? Does this imply that the 60's never happened? It's as though she is suggesting that these very talented and creative women have somehow 'sold out'.

Surely the very ethos of feminism is choice and freedom for women? Am I missing something here? Does the fact that I choose to stay at home and am not terminally bored mean that I have let 'the girls' down?

She is scathing to women that don't put their careers first. She accuses Michelle Obama of hiding her light under a Cupcake stand and describes Samantha Cameron & The Duchess of Cambridge as 'models of almost insane domestic submission.'
These accusations are clearly not true. Michelle Obama is no stranger to rolling up her sleeves as proven by her Kitchen Garden at the White House and her workout with Desmond Tutu last week & her working on a playground.

Samantha Cameron cut her working hours when she was expecting her last baby, after the death of their son and to help her husband with his campaign. Now she dares to design handbags. Handbags! How dare she, such evil things. Why aren't you all carrying sack cloths you silly, vain creatures.
Are these actions really worthy of such an attack?

As for the Duchess of Cambridge; she is new to her Royal life. Love her or loathe her she is behaving impeccably. I would suspect that she has seen the mistakes previous Royal wives have made and is anxious not to repeat them in the glare of the worlds press. Does that really make her nothing more than 'a prop for her royal husband, like a talking, if very photogenic, cushion'?

Other comments such as 'cupcake mania', enforced domesticity', 'playing with sprinkles' do nothing to dispel the myth that women who work at or stay at home are docile, imprisoned or just plain silly. Which is just PLAIN SILLY in itself.

Perhaps La Gold should visit some of these women who make, bake, decorate, look after their families, do their books and run their websites late into the night?

Maybe 'Retro Feminity' is on the rise. Just maybe it's a smart option for the modern women who really do want to and indeed can have it all. Maybe women are remembering or just realising that it's ok to be pretty, a mother, have gingham curtains and earn a bloody good living too.

Personally, I love Cupcakes. Sprinkles? Sprinkle away.
I think it was time these militant feminists realised that sometimes, you actually do catch more flies with honey.

Would love to know what your thoughts are,

Love,

SILENT SUNDAY - In my garden

2011-07-03T15:20:00.002+01:00

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-20T04:31:00.000+01:00

Am not quite sure what prompted me to post after so many weeks; it's been a strange year and I am trying to put into words why I haven't blogged for a while but haven't quite managed it yet. (Hopefully I will soon...)

I have however, managed to do some crafty things with the girls for Fathers Day. They had such fun making everything. As with all of the special days, I really object to mass produced rubbish. After lots of browsing I found so many lovely things for us to make; there really are some generous and very talented folk out there!

I thought this idea from Amy at The Ideas Room was super. We adapted it a bit as I wanted to treat Mr Bunny to a taste of home. So some Australian beer was ordered and the girls coloured in the little shirts and ties to add to them.

I picked up the wine carrier for nothing at the supermarket and mixed the paint from some leftover pots.
Then I stood back and let them at it. There was the odd splatter on the cheeks of one and the other one had it in her nostrils ( you don't have to ask) but they actually did a really good job of it and didn't fling it around the room at all!

Once it was dry they put the bottles in and I made a label for it. I think it looks fab; Mr Bunny certainly looked pleased with it!

We also filled a large jar with sweets to go on his desk. I cannot lie; this did involve a small amount of sampling by the twins. Obviously they had to make sure they were nice before they parted with them. The labels came from the Martha Stewart website. She has some very clever ideas and lots of free printables too.

We also made him a little book of vouchers for car washing, lawn mowing, foot rubs and other such Daddy treats. I did the ribbon and the girls did the stamping and punching.

Vouchers from Martha Stewart

After the big clean up and lunch they made handprints and I framed them for Mr Bunny to hang in his study. I couldn't for the life of me find a twin handprint poem so I re jigged one that I found online. I think this gave Daddy the biggest smile of all.

Add to that a much deserved lie in, big brekkie, relative peace and quiet, managing to escape without the twins this afternoon, followed by a huge roast I think it's safe to say that we have a happy Daddy!
Hope you all had a lovely day, whatever you did.

Love,

No More Eggs!!!

2011-04-27T22:42:00.003+01:00

I didn't manage to post much over Easter as we were rather busy visiting people and the weather was far too nice to be indoors. I did try and do as many crafty things with the girls as I could muster this year; they really do love it. I don't know why but the thought is always worse than the actual doing and they actually were really good!
I gathered lots of supplies the week before and boiled/blew the eggs out ready and they were rather excited.

I already had the red acrylic paint from Christmas but bought (what I thought would be) fun stencils for eggs too.
I had my own stash of supplies to play with when they were in bed. Egg painting is a tricky business; you can only paint one side at a time so it's a lengthy one too 'sigh'. I kept them on the work top and did a coat each time I boiled the kettle. Anyway, here are my supplies. Left over sample pots, very handy!

The girls were SO careful with their eggs. I put a little dab of sticky roller on the bottom of a tray so the eggs wouldn't roll about and each missy picked a colour.

The stencils were pants frankly. Despite much 'dab dabbing' and careful holding on the paint ran and the pictures non existant. Sooooo, we ditched them and they painted them all over, getting covered in the process. When they were dry the girls covered them in punched shapes, glitter and sparkly bits; much more fun!

They were exhausted after all that sticking and sprinkling so decided a lolly was in order; girls need sugar you know!

Why do so many of my pics have laundry drying in them?

I had also picked up some feathers and sticky bits to make some chicks so after we had washed our hands, faces and the table again they happily glued their creations.

I think they had a lot of fun despite sitting at the table most of the day. We also did some thumbprint chicks & bees which they really enjoyed. I had my fun once they had gone to bed, six pastel eggs decorated with my new Martha Stewart punch.

and one polka dot one which I think is just lovely!

Happy Belated Easter, hope it was fun!

Love,

The Gallery - Tomorrow

2011-04-13T21:48:00.001+01:00

I have been thinking all day about this weeks theme at The Gallery.
At first I couldn't think of anything particularly inspiring other than the things I do on a daily basis. More laundry, thinking of something for dinner again. Opening bills with huge amounts of inserts and adverts that I never read, the usual mundane motions that I go through whilst I try to retain some semblance of myself.
Now, after dinner, the twins are in bed and the house has stopped moving. I have a chance to hear my thoughts in more than just 'must do' snippets.
I am able to think what tomorrow means to me.
For the most part I hope that tomorrow brings no news, nothing of any major importance. I am content for tomorrow to be, for the most part as mundane as today. I don't mean that I wouldn't like a little glamour but in the absence of that I will settle for everyone being just where they should be. Everyone I love being safe and I hope that tomorrow my little girls face will not be quite so sore!

I hope that I will get a call from number one son finally. He has been in China for a week and I haven't heard his voice since I hugged him at the departure gate last Friday. I know he's in once piece; he has sent me text messages but nothing compares to hearing him.

When I go to bed at night I hope that tomorrow I will get to see and hug my Grandma again. She has been in a nursing home for three weeks now and she isn't very happy. I would love to have her live with us but we have absolutely no room. Add to this the amount of care she needs now she is unable to move at all and it just isn't possible. I am sorry about this every day. I hope I can see her again and that I get to say to her, " see you tomorrow" for a while longer yet.

Love,

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-04-03T14:13:00.001+01:00

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-03-27T22:13:00.000+01:00

Love

The Gallery - Education

2011-03-23T21:47:00.003Z

This is number two son Emile, having a full days Hoofing Masterclass with Tap giants Avi Miller & Ofer Ben of the New York Jazz Centre during their recent visit to London.

Jazz hands anyone?

And you thought it was going to be an old school pic, ha ha!
Some other brave souls may have posted some over on The Gallery?

Love,

Magpie Monday-oooh just what I wanted!

2011-03-21T22:04:00.004Z

I finally remembered this week that a) it is Monday and b) to join in with Magpie Monday fun on Me & My Shadow!
This week can only get better hey?

I love nothing better than a rummage around the Charity shops or flea markets. The ones here don't usually yield anything worth getting very excited about but sometimes you stumble across something lovely that you didn't know you wanted.
Even better, sometimes you are lucky enough to chance on something you really really wanted.
You might remember that I have been slowly adding to my stash of lovely green glass? I love the way the light shines through it and it feels very 'spring like' too. To me anyway...

So you can imagine how happy I was to find this little treasure tucked away at a place just around the corner!

Isn't it lovely!
I think it's pretty much all there although I am sure the glass tray didn't come with it originally. All the brass lids are intact and there are no chips of cracks; it's perfect.
It has already been washed, polished and filled with a powder puff and cotton wool and the odd pair of earrings on the dressing table.
All for the absolute bargain price of £5.99 too.
Mr Bunny has not yet noticed that the Vintage items are creeping into the bedroom. I did promise to keep them in the Kitchen and dining room after he made a small comment about 'all we need now is a Spitfire outside the damn kitchen window'.

Shhhhhhhh ok?

So where DID the week go?

2011-03-16T22:02:00.001Z

I can't believe it's almost Thursday. I do look forward to them as it's the only day off from the twins I get.
My sanity or 'Twin Free Thursday' as it's known.

But I was full of good intentions to do so much this week. I made lists, set Calendar reminders and found ~~lovely~~ reasonable pictures.
In fact, I had so many things to blog about that I actually ended up doing none of them; consequently my little page has remained unloved this week.'sniff'

I had promised myself to join in with MochaBeenieMummy again on Silent Sunday. It's great fun to do, doesn't require you to be a fabulous writer or photographer ( although the standard of piccies is remarkable most weeks and puts my efforts to shame!) There are some lovely bloggy ladies who take part too.

So why didn't I?

It started with Sunday; which was spent watching number two son dance his little Tap shoes off at a fabby masterclass in London. It reqired a horribly early start and we didn't get home until quite late. It's a whole other post altogether as I was actually meant to leave him at his class and take the underground to a Vintage Fair.
(Something else I meant to blog about but haven't managed)

Then I wanted to take part in Magpie Monday. Missielizzie and I definately share a love of charity shop finds and I have lots of them to share at the moment. But Monday was spent doing huge amounts of laundry as being away on Sunday meant that the beds weren't done.

Is there a pattern here?

The Gallery is another blog event that I have wanted to take part in for a while but always either miss it or don't have the right type of picture!
This weeks theme was trees but I have been so cold this week that I haven't really been in the mood to venture out to take any. The lovely Tara assured me on Twitter that the beauty of it is that you can join in anytime so I am absolutely determined to do so next week, on Wednesday...

I have been a little busy though, besides administering love, mummy hugs and clean pj's to the small people I have started to write my very first tutorial.
I hope it will be simple to follow and someone will actually try it and let me know if it's not a dreadful disaster? I have made a couple of these lovely necklaces for the twins last Birthday

Aren't they pretty? Which is more than can be said for the face Dimples is pulling at lashes. 'ahem'..moving swiftly on.

I plan to make some more to match their new summer frocks this year and I think it might be fun to make some up using some Vintage beads if you have any that are beyond repair? (Of course, I could never advocate breaking up the precious Vintage ones!!)

So that's about the week sewn up. Not much accomplished but onwards and upwards,
Hope you all are faring much better,
Love

Handing down the wisdom

2011-03-07T21:58:00.000Z

I love how my elder children have taken to having twin sisters!
They have fed, bathed, changed, pacified and loved them in equal amounts. They have become very close to both of them despite being thrown up on, jumped on, pooped on and generally behaved like another set of parents. I really don't know how I could have coped in the early days without them.

I know that over the last four years the girls have learnt a huge amount from their big brothers. Number one son teaches them Chinese over the dinner table and tells them about Internationl Politics. Number two son teaches them dance steps and dances with them around the dining room; a lot! They get to play on his drums, keyboard and all of the other instruments strewn around his room. For all of this I am truly grateful. It does this mummas heart good to see that despite the fifteen year gap they all are genuinely fond of each other.

However,

I cannot say that I ever expected my four year old to hand me a plastic play cup and say

" MUMMY, HERE'S AN EMPTY CUP OF CARE"

Gee, thanks Emile...

Children, aren't they a treasure

Love

For my big brother xx

2011-02-20T22:04:00.000Z

Things to make me smile!

2011-02-16T11:11:00.001Z

Other than the children of course ( before I am chastised ) obviously they give me the biggest smiles...even at 3 a.m.
No, these are the material things that I have added to my growing collection.
I have decided the house needs cheering up, especially now all of the lovely Christmas decorations have gone. I have 'taken over' the Kitchen and Dining room and given them a much needed facelift and have been keeping my peepers open for pretty things to complete the transformation.
My local charity shops have been particularly obliging, I seem to be able to spot exactly what I want! Maybe it was always there before and I just didn't see it? Anyway, I am rather pleased with my new Vintage treasures; Mr Bunny is too as I am being very thrifty.
I have developed a love for coloured glass, I can't think why I didn't see it all before. Green especially is gorgeous. I found these only last week and I just know they are going to look wonderful filled with Daffodils.

Aren't they pretty!
I also found this. I am not quite sure what it will be used for. It's too small for fruit really and a little wide for flowers. Am sure I shall find a use for it, it was too nice to leave on the shelf.

I think my favourite find was this adorable little piece of Crown Derby. It was an absolute steal frankly, apparently it's hard to find. It does have a little crazing to the glaze but I think it just adds to it's charm. It was only when I took it to show Grandma that she reminded me she had a matching piece; a jam pot that belonged to her Nanny! I knew it looked familiar.

When I spotted this sweet tray I had to have it. Aren't Hydrangeas beautiful? I love how happy this is, it has already been put to good use and the price was no more than pocket money.

Oh, have just spotted the wall behind it -ughh. That was before the facelift, it's much brighter now!
I also found a few other bits and bobs that are dotted around, I am really pleased with them all and I think the Kitchen is looking especially nice.

I shall have to make pastry now!

I really will have to stop buying for a while; I am running out of shelves and cabinets to store things. Maybe I just need hubby to put more up for me? The ones he put up are already being put to good use as you can see.

Well I really must dash, it's so lovely today - almost sunny enough to use the washing line ( I did say almost)
Hope the sun is shining wherever you are,

Love

Maybe it's Maybelline?

2011-02-14T12:38:00.000Z

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T11:14:00.001Z

We actually don't celebrate it at all anymore; it's so terribly commercial and expensive and seems rather silly when you have been together almost eleven years.

After all, wasn't half the fun of Valentines supposed to be in the not knowing who had sent it? I remember being at school and waiting for the post to arrive, some girls always had heaps of them! It was all so much fun.

It doesn't seem quite the same handing a mass produced card across the breakfast table with huge bunches of extortionately priced, forced blooms. I think I would rather wait for my lovely roses to grow in the garden.

But that's just us and I'm probably sounding very unromantic but the fact that my husband bought me flowers because he's expected to doesn't feel very romantic. I always felt a little bit guilty that his hard earnt pennies were being spent on something that was ten times dearer than they should have been when he could have bought me a lovely bunch a week later without leaving his pockets empty. I think I would be over the moon to get a surprise bunch some other time of the year!

As to the cost of trying to eat out on Valentines day, that's another post altogether I think. Valentines seems to have become like the word 'Baby' or 'Wedding' to the retail/hospitality industry. In other words, carte blanche to print money and I object, very much indeed!

But that's just us, we decided mutually. For anyone that is celebrating with their amour today I hope you are feeling very loved and having a wonderful day and just to prove that I am not an awful grump here are some of my favourite Vintage Valentines cards.

In fact, I am an incurable romantic and my darling hubby is just the best in the world. I utterly adore him, every day of the year.

Have a super, happy day!

Love

Happy Happy Mummy!

2011-02-07T17:49:00.001Z

I am a very happy mummy today!

#2 son decided to take a day from College and #1 son arrived home for two days so
I have a full nest, BLISS!!!

Hope you're all having a lovely Monday too,

Love,

Mojo and Toes.

2011-01-30T23:05:00.001Z

It had taken me absolutely weeks to recover from the lurgy that emerged on Boxing Day, almost five weeks I think but with much taking of Vitamin C, Iron and other such restorative lovelies it had almost gone and I was beginning to feel like myself again.

In fact, so much so that on Thursday morning I jumped out of bed with the alarm (without swearing at it too) and was full of thoughts of a day out in lovely London to go shopping for a Ball gown!
Along the landing I trotted and first foot on the stair carpet and I am not sure quite what happened then. I know it hurt, an awful lot actually. I had one hand gripping onto the bannister for grim death, one leg half way down the stairs, a sore elbow and the other leg half way under me. Ouch!

I shouted for help as I couldn't really get up terribly well and my poor right foot was a bit, well crooked actually. Having been helped to the settee by my hubby I sat with my poorly foot on the table, soothing it with a pack of something frozen whilst hubby cleaned by carpet burnt elbow. I felt a little battered and took a painkiller and nodded off for an hour or two.

I cannot begin to describe the pain in my foot when I woke up, I can only liken it to having ones toes stabbed with an icepick, or at least how I imagine that would feel. After all, I've had four children; I'm a big girl where pain is concerned! But this was something new altogether, truly awful.

So off I hopped to our local A & E and to cut a long story short I have broken two toes, the big one and the little one which is rather inconvenient on two counts. I can't walk on the side of my foot as it hurts on both of them and I can't stand long enough to try on a Ball gown either :(

Needless to say I am not a happy Bunny at the moment. I am grateful that I didn't break a larger bone but it is such a nuisance! 'sigh'
Only one thing for it for now , rest, strapping it up and hoping that I am sufficiently recovered to purchase something befitting such a lovely event very soon-onwards and upwards I say!

Motto of this post? Beware of stairs and recovering too much mojo!

Love

Great Grandma Hugs

2011-01-30T16:29:00.000Z

This is what we think of you Mummy

2011-01-16T22:37:00.001Z

Yuckky Yuckky Yuckky

2011-01-12T21:49:00.002Z

I took Dimples into town with me today, she's sunny natured, easy going and pretty amiable most of the time (unlike her dear Mamma) so I was looking forward to it.
After we had finished most of the purchases she said she felt a bit peckish so we popped into one of the Coffee shops in the Precinct. What a horrid mistake that was.

You may have heard of Greggs the Bakers?
What used to be our local Bakers Oven actually, anyway for anyone who doesn't live here it's a Bakery at the front and a coffee shop at the side with tables where you can buy the same food but with drinks too.

After I had paid for my Coffee and a Ribena and doughnut with sprinkles for missy( what else?) I turned around to sit down, only to see that almost every single table was dirty. There were trays and empty cups & plates everywhere.

Having worked in Catering for a few years I understand that during peak hours it's rather difficult to keep everything ship shape as it were but this was two thirty in the afternoon. Long after the Lunchtime rush. In fact there were probably three or four tables occupied and three people at the Bakery counter - hardly a run on Bread and Lardy cake.

I put my tray on a table near the one Dimples had picked so I could clear it. I got out my trusty pack of baby wipes to give it a jolly good rub down and got a rather nasty shock when I turned it over. It's not a pretty sight, I give you good and proper warning!

Not terribly nice is it?
I rubbed it a couple more times until I was a bit happier and then let Dimples sit down, threatening all types of plague on her if she put her hands underneath the table. After all, if the top is this dirty, heaven knows what lurks underneath!!!
I think it's only fair to point out that as a Mother of four I am not paranoid about general, good, healthy dirt. The sort that they eat when ingesting garden stones, small snails, and sweets dropped for less than three seconds. In fact, I think I would rather her have licked the patio in the back garden than this table.

Whilst we ate-well, she picked the sprinkles off and I felt in need of a white coat & test tube, I watched one of the ladies working there come and clear and 'clean' the tables around me. There are approximately 28 small tables, probably 18 were in need of clearing. She moved a tray to one side, took a cloth, wiped the crumbs from it onto the FLOOR (???) then moved the tray to the other side and did the same. She did this with every table. Same swishing of food debris onto the floor, same cloth, no rinsing, no spray.

I also watched another lady make rolls behind the counter. She wiped the preparation area with her hand, scooped the bits into her other hand and opened a bin behind her and put her hand INTO the bin to shake it. Then, with the very same said hands, opened a fresh pack of rolls to make some more... I kid you not.

On the way out of the shop I handed the filthy wipes to the lady behind the counter and told her that her tables, mirrors & infact the whole place was filthy.
I am not sure what she muttered, frankly my dears, I don't give a damn because none of the usual, 'short staff, so busy' excuses were going to cut the mustard.
There is dirt in there that is more than a day old, I have worked in terribly busy places and they did not look like this.

I am going to email the nice people at Gregs to see how apologetic they are about this. If you feel so inclined, maybe you could share your thoughts with them too?
Greggs the Bakers I will of course, keep you posted.

In the meantime, here is another pic of the tables and the 'mad rush'.

Is there anywhere you care to name and shame with shocking hygiene? I would love to hear about it. I personally think there should be a National Campaign for hygiene in this Country. This isn't the first filthy place I have encountered, far from it. The only saving grace on this occasion is that I didn't have to actually use the highchairs and that Dimples is smart enough to understand about germs and not touching anything just yet....

This is not the end of this by a long way...

Stay healthy lovely readers!

Love

Just Fabulous!

2011-01-11T13:31:00.004Z

I am so very, very. very excited! In a little over six weeks I have a Charity Ball to go to. It is for a fabulous friend (more about that another day) and I suspect most of my other twin mummy friends are going to be there too.

Some of them I have met, others never. Some of them are absolutely scrummy Mummies so I really do want to look my very best. Unfortunately, at this time of the year I have to watch my pennies rather more closely than I would like to. I have scoured the net for something worthy of such an Event but have yet to find a gown that is affordable and I actually would wear.

I do adore Vintage, but I fear that it is way out of my price range at the moment and at present, I am not Vintage sized! So you can imagine how excited I was when I saw these smashing gowns!

This one is called 'Harlow'. Isn't it divine! Best of all, you can HIRE it!! It would be unthinkable amounts to buy but you have it for less than £100 for a whole week.

Then there is this one.. 'swoon'

I would like to think that I could pull of such a stunning dress, it certainly ticks all the right boxes. I fear my upper arms would not be happy, a cape may help!

Lastly, this one caught my eye - for obvious reasons

Isn't it divine! It's a Cavelli Goddess Gown... utterly scrumptious. A tad more to hire but in the world of glittery events, I think it would definately be a 'red carpet' number.

All of the dresses are simply wonderful, whether you need a cheeky little Cocktail dress, a rock chick ensemble or a Silver Screen worthy creation 'Girl Meets Dress' certainly has something to make the pickiest of girls squeal with delight. The majority of them are Designer labels, such as Halston, Cavelli, Fendi, Herve Leger, the sort that I can only usually dream of wearing.

Just have to find the shoes, jewellery and some poor patient mortal to tame my unruly locks into Vintage loveliness now, I may be a while...

Love

p.s This is one of my affiliates so do I get a small amount of pennies if you hire something. It's free for you though of course. As a member of British Mummy Bloggers I did pledge integrity at all times, so feel honour bound to mention it.

Wikio testing!

2011-01-08T02:02:00.000Z

I appreciate there has been a few of these posts but just hang on in there- am working hard on the blog to make it as fun as possible :)

Love

Technorati Verification ignore please!

2011-01-07T00:49:00.000Z

9ZK397UJBRTV

Just had to share!

2011-01-07T00:22:00.002Z

I know Christmas is almost over and so I apologise for this post in advance. Having been horridly ill for most of it I didn't get chance to share many of my creations this year, notably the twins Christmas outfits and the cute gift tags I designed.

So here is a shameful display of my talents, limited such as they are.

Aren't they adorable? The tops are all my own creation too. The headbands are altered ones from a large unmentionable department store. The leggings by me too, fur topped with large dots on. The fur cuffs are removable, marabou sewn onto red headbands, inspired hey? (Although sewing with marabou is not something I am anxious to repeat unless bribed with large amounts of chocolate)

Here is twin two trying on the half finished outfit very patiently for me. You can see the Reindeer more clearly on this pic, sans ribbon bow of course.

I also made some rather nice gift tags this year too. Darling husband has been very generous in creating a lovely, organised craft area for me so I was able to stamp and punch my merry afternoons away. I think they are very sweet and I do love red & aqua!

Last but not least, I saw some adorable little Christmas Trees and just had to try my hand at them. You buy them from the Miniature Village Websites, the sort that sells things for Train sets. They come very dark green. You bleach them and dye them and roll them in glitter. I love them! I shall be making lots of these next Christmas now I know how easy they are. Even if they did make the kitchen a tad whiffy, I think you'll agree that they are well worth it?

Just a shame you can't really see just how sparkly they actually are.

I promise, no more Christmas posts, I am undecking the halls or whatever the term is, this weekend. So I will be full of the joys of spring, bulbs flowering, new projects and maybe the odd resolution or two.

Love

The things they say

2011-01-06T22:25:00.003Z

I really should write down all of the little gems that my twins come out with, I feel that in four years there is almost enough material to fill a small best seller, I can wish can't I?

The latest four year old take on the world is this.

Second son has kindly been supervising teeth cleaning whilst I have had the flu:

Luscious Lashes "The tooth fairy brings you coins when your teeth fall out"
#2 son "Yes I know, mine fell out a long time ago"
Luscious Lashes:" Did they come to me?"

I have absolutely no idea where this came from. How on earth do they think of these things? Recycled teeth??

Playing nicely together the other day quickly descended into the usual yelling mayhem. To cut a long story short, one wanted to watch the television quietly, the other to sing..

Twin one : "la la la la christmas, la la la"
Twin two: "be quiet"
Twin one : "la la la la santa clause is coming to towwwwwnnnn LA LA LA"
Twin two: (in a more irritated tone) "Be QUIET!!"
Twin one: " LA LA LA LA SANTA GOT STUCK UP THE CHIMNEY LA LA LA"
This accompanied by dancing in front of the screen like a fairy...
Twin two: " BE QUIIIIEET, SHUT UP, FOREVER"

I am so filled with joy that my obvious mummy skills have created two such friendly, amiable little girls.

Love,

Silly Mummy

2011-01-05T00:45:00.002Z

I have changed the background again 'sigh'
I liked the other one, but I like this one more, I think?
Oh the frustration of being so indescisive!

I would really like to design my own background and buttons but have tried on a test blog and failed, spectularly I might add. I will conquer it one day when I have more patience.

Today I have none, I don't expect to have a huge amount tomorrow either actually.

These next couple of weeks are known officially as the worst.
I truly cannot begin to tell you how much I hate them. I dread them,
put them out of my mind smiling maniacally when anyone mentions them.

I have another week like it, in the Summer but it's not quite as bad as these two.

They are the official end of the Christmas Holidays.
Other, saner people consider it all over by now.
However, in our house it's not over until the eldest
Children go back to College/pack up their room to go back to University.

Then the 'black dog' arrives...

The house takes on a different life when we are all home, there is double the laughter and noise. Different conversations, more hugs to go around.
Frankly I am in heaven.
The joy of going up the stairs and knowing that all the bedrooms are full of your most precious things is immeasurable.
I smile, turning off the twinkly lights, the tree is beautiful, the stairs all lit up. I feel completely content at that moment. The house is full of Christmas and family - my two favourite things.

Then one goes back to College. Yes, he sleeps here everynight but he leaves the house at silly o'clock and returns when it is dark. He is tired, he has Dance rehearsals and homework. We barely see each other. I do try to arrange the odd day out together, at the Tap Jam or some shopping or a Master Class that I go with him to. But they are snatched moments, I know this.

Then the eldest goes back to University. The hole he leaves is immense. He is full of life, full of new things and ideas he has learnt while he is away. He is handsome and a true Gentleman. I adore him as I do his brother of course. He brings his washing home and I love to do it. He shops for things that he eats at Uni. He fills the basket with his clothes and plays with his sisters.
Then he leaves.
He packs up his room and his bed is stripped, things taken off the walls. His room is at the top of the stairs. The first thing you see when you go up. In two weeks the door will be wide open and his room empty. And when I go up the stairs at night a bit of the house will be missing.

Silly old Mummy...

I know it's the way things are, I know it's right that they do their own thing, life their lives and make their way in the world. I am grateful they are well and smart and have grown big enough to do all this.

But I miss them, and with all my heart would have those long summer days back when they played in the Garden all day and bathed together drowning the Bathroom and laughed and chatted until late at night.

Don't wish those days away, treasure every minute, they are your blessings.

'sniff'

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T18:24:00.000Z

To all my lovely readers, new and old.

I hope that Christmas was absolutely the best ever and that
you all have a super night out tonight.

I, on the other hand will be firmly esconced in my flannels with a toddie long before the midnight revelry begins. I have lurgies.

But sincerely wish you all a wonderfully Happy New Year and the
very best of British for 2011.

Christmas has finally arrived

2010-12-21T22:03:00.001Z

at our house!!
For anyone that knows me offline this is not news but for anyone reading this that does not know, " I LOVE Christmas".
I love the absolutely everything. The shopping, the decorating, the build up, lighting the fires, making pomanders, the whole thing.

It does take rather a long time to decorate the house we have SO many decorations. All very tasteful may I add - none of those flashing lights or multicoloured tinsel garlands thank you. A couple of lanterns glowing outside, lots & lots & lots of fairy lights and this year we have paperchains for the first time since I was terribly small. I have forgotten just how much I love them, they are so fun for the dining room which is essentially the Childrens room. The dining room is very red this year.

I even went as far as to paint the old fireplace bright red. Probably a tad toooo far but in my defence, I had bought a darling, cheery bright red & white polka dot table cloth and the poor old fire looked so glum that it had to be made happy again.

See?
It's a very happy fire now, complete with new mirror and very jolly Vintage inspired Wreath.

I have also painted a very drab chest of drawers a pretty eu de nil green & recovered a very sorry for itself lampshade with adorable polka dot fabric and white pom poms. Isn't that a fab word..pom pom. You have to say that in a very deep voice- "tiddly om pom pom"..
Anyway, having put the paintbrushes away, I put lots of paperchains up and added to my very old tree some new finds. I also had some cuties to put on the new fireplace. I don't think they would have looked half so nice on the drab coloured one?

Aren't they adorable?

There's lots more pretty things around the house this year but I can only add so many pictures at a time. I really must go and finish the bows on the girls Reindeer outfits tonight!
Can't resist adding a sneak of my new favourite bauble before I go.

Hope you're all having fun decorating and keeping warm!
Much love,

2010-12-21T21:35:00.003Z

Lets try again... the signature is supposed to have
a transparent background?

We Will Remember Them

2010-11-11T11:13:00.002Z

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is a music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncountered:
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables at home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end they remain.

'Tis the Season!

2010-10-28T23:28:00.002+01:00

Well almost anyway! Can't believe it's been four months since I had the time to sit and blog, darling Grandma has been very poorly plus we had a fabby holiday over in Mallorca but those are for another time. Can you blog about your holidays two months after the event? Is there some sort of 'blog etiquette that says once it's gone, you've had your chance and blown it. Am sure one of my lovely readers will know and tell me off if there is!

But as the 'C' word looms towards us am getting more than a little excited. DH has put up a lovely new craft area for me and I have been a busy bunny painting the kitchen. Eeeek! It's soooo lovely, all red & aqua and very retro.Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Vintage nut, music, clothing, dancing etc and have been collecting some Vintage lovelies recently - at bargain prices, promise lots of pics soon.
Anywho, more on that another day, it's nearly Christmas!!!!!

Can you tell I'm just a bit excited? Have been browsing online and found some really fab & cheery things for Santa to put in my stocking - not that my stockings are big enough for some of these prezzies ahem. I may be ample but am not quite QE2 proportions just yet - that comes after Christmas ha ha...

I would be an over excited Bunny if I got this on Christmas morning!
Isn't it divine? I have no idea how much it is and I don't think Santa worries about such horrid practical things
as cost. Just the fact that it matches the new kitchen and I would squeal is enough don't you think?

If he can't manage one of those this will do very nicely. My fridge has been a faithful friend for some years now and it has definately seen better days. This one is just perfect, although it does just have an ice box at the top. Not sure it will be big enough to feed six but maybe will have to ask Grandma how she preserved veggies & such like during the war then I wont need to buy frozen ones! That's what I'll tell DH anyway...

I just love these too - perfect for Birthday teas - you could probably cut out sandwiches with them too don't
you think? Either way they are very cute & small in price so would make great stocking fillers.

Not forgetting these, perfect for drying up after Christmas Dinner. Actually I think they are too nice to
use so I may have to get one and put it in a frame somewhere- am sure there is bare wall somewhere just waiting to be cheered up in this house!

They have far too many nice things on that website - I am just keeping my fingers crossed for a pretty vintage phone from there this year amongst other things.

There is a slight theme running through this post - I am unashamedly patriotic. And so is my house now, well at least the Kitchen & Dining room are. Am loving collecting all the Vintage & Retro pieces for them, they are so very cheery! Or as my friend in blogland "Happy loves Rosie" says

Promise to keep the blog updated more now and post lots and lots of lovely pics,
Bye for now, love

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-09T10:22:00.000+01:00

Have never joined in with this before so am a bit excited
oops words!
Well just a few- just to remind us that it was actually sunny a few days ago and never to work with small children or animals.....

Love

Just testing!

2010-06-08T21:47:00.001+01:00

My new signature - what do you think?
I love it, it's my nickname in the offline world so I think I should use
it here too.

I may change my mind in the next week or so but for now it stays.
It goes really well with the new blog design I am working on too.

Thanks for reading, comments always appreciated and read with love!

Bye for now,

Ok I'll come out and say it....

2010-06-04T14:39:00.001+01:00

SOMETIMES HAVING TWINS STINKS

There, I said it.

I know, I know.

My girls are beautiful, smart, healthy etc blah blah blah and I am aware that there are people who can't have children who would sell their house for a baby before anyone gets all angsty with me. But truly, there never, ever seems to be anything negative written about having twins. Not truly, warts & all honestly.

As a mother of two singletons who I really, really enjoyed I can honestly say if the twins had been first that I wouldn't have had anymore.

I don't know what it's like for mothers who have twins first. Is it more of a shock to have two at once having had none or is it worse when you can compare the comparative bliss of one baby?

All I do know is that I fully expected when trying for these that I would be getting more of the same. Special moments, mummy & baby bath time, swimming bath time and all of the other things that I had enjoyed so much with my elder children and really longed for. I truly ached for another small person to do it all again with.

Instead I got a preganancy fraught with fear. I mean it would have been bad enough having a single baby at 37. It started at the first ultrasound. It all went downhill rather rapidly. Days before I had been discussing how much I was looking forward to a Home Birth. Strike one ( I now know it would have been possible but was too fearful to push for it at the time) After leaving the scan room I was seen by the consultant - a woman might I add who proceeded to scare the living daylights out of me. I was told about pre-eclampsia, premature delivery, amniocentesis and all manner of things that I hadn't even considered. Hell, I'd barely actually processed the news never mind thought of the implications. I sat there in shock, she sounded like she was underwater, in slow motion. A few hours later, having digested some of the news and having Googled a bit to calm me down I called the Hospital back and asked to be given a new Consultant. I really didn't feel that I could continue to be seen by someone with such a negative attitude for 9 months. I spent days in tears, veering from utter fear to trying to find out things to reassure me.

Fast forward to almost 38 weeks - ha ha what did she know!!!???

Two hours after a spinal with one baby by my bed & one in the special care unit ( she got a bit squished) and I was expected to walk down to see her wth a drip stuck in my arm whilst leaving the other baby alone....

This was just the beginning. The dreams of taking a bath with my baby? The reality? You bath one in a hurry while the other one screams on the mat. Feeding two babies at once is no easy task. Winding one over your shoulder whilst feeding one over your lap is a major milestone. When the one on your shoulder throws up on your neck you have to try and wipe it whilst stopping the one on your knee from rolling onto the floor. When are changing the bum of one, the other one has thrown up over itself and has to lie there in it until you finish, put the other one somewhere safe to go and wash your hands.This doesn't even take into account the sleep deprivation, utterly indescribable!!!!

None of this is a pretty picture is it? It certainly isn't what you dream of when you are lying on the bed rubbing your bump in anticipation.

Other things worth a mention are delights such as the noro virus. You think it's bad with one or maybe two of different ages - try it with twins. Going shopping? Park the car. Yup. Carry two babies across the car park and put them in the trolley? Ummmm. Leave them both in the car with the door locked while you leg it for a trolley? Ummmm perhaps..... Take one & leave the other? Oh hell I don't know, I'm not even dressed never mind hungry......

Laundry - hah! One baby makes a lot of washing, but it's all so cute and small. Two babies make an utter heap the size of a small country. My first babies spent their days cooing in darling outfits, with matching socks & hats. Smelling sweetly of baby cologne. My twins spent their days in vests & babygros. A quick wipe with a flannel was considered really clean in the first few weeks.

If you think Mother equals guilt, you should try being a twin mother. One laughs & the other one cries. One cries, you comfort it then the other one starts. .Then you all cry.

Those precious one to one moments that you dream of - never to be experienced by a twin mother (without help anyway). I felt guilty. Guilty & cheated. Guilty for not enjoying them more, guilty for not being able to comfort them both at once properly. Cheated for not being able to have the time to enjoy them fully, like I knew I had years ago.

I love them both dearly, but still feel the same way. I can't help feeling that it would have all been much nicer if they had arrived with a few years between them. It's my guilty secret.

I hope I don't get too much stick for this post, I certainly am blessed and I know that my life could be much worse but sometimes someone somewhere has to tell the truth.........

Time for a facelift I think

2010-05-31T12:46:00.000+01:00

I like my blog, well I did like my blog a few months ago...I am very grateful
for the background from 'The Cutest Blog' et al.

But after looking at a few others it feels a bit drab :-(
A bit unloved and definately in need of traffic!!
It's sort of girly but not fresh, it needs making pretty and to be honest it
doesn't really tell anyone about who we/I am.
(Not that I expect anyone to really give a hoot) or what we do or like.
The colours are too dark and it feels like it needs brightening up just a tad.

I seem to have been so busy administering to Grandma Eunice, running for prescriptions, making sure
she is fed ( no thanks to meals on wheels - but that's a whole new post!!)
sorting her bills not to mention a very long team meeting for the Charity
plus the twincesses & Daddy being horribly poorly that all
I have had time to do is tweet random 'hello's' & likes at people.
I have more followers on twitter ( thank you so much!!!) had a huge laugh during 'This Week' & managed to help some rather more eminent tweeters with a trending topic regarding George Galloway & his fondness of miaowing..............
Anywho, as usual I digress!!
So I have decided to design my own background & headers with the help of 'The Cutest Blog'. Not only do they have fab templates & background and other cute things they also have a very very helpful section should you wish to go it alone....

So, deep breath & I hope to have the finished design for you very soon. Hopefully a vision of loveliness!! ( is that a real word?)

Watch this space :-)

Just A Little Mile

2010-04-12T15:50:00.003+01:00

As a parent my life is full of fear- you know how it goes right?

You go into the delivery room with one kind of brain and come out with

one donated from a crazy woman?

You didn't feel them replace your old brain as you were

concentrating on the watermelon wrapped in glass paper

emerging from your nether regions :-)

You first notice this on the way home in the car...............

There are other cars on the road NEAR YOUR BABY!!!! How did they get there?

Didn't anyone tell them that you had a baby in your car and it's fragile. "Hey you!, don't drive near me, oi! matey, don't come near my baby",.... and that's just the first few hours.

On it goes, "it's too hot", "it's hungry", "shall I pick it up?", "why is it making that noise", "does it look blotchy, oh no is that a rash?, what's that on its face?"

and any parent who says they haven't had this conversation is telling huge porky pies...

"It's been asleep a long time?

"It's very quiet"

"It isn't moving much"

"Are you sure it's ok?"

"Get a mirror,"

"no don't put the lights on,"

"what do you mean you can't find it",

"shhhhh "

'putting ear to babies mouth'

"I think it's ok...."

"here's the mirror"

"about time"

"put the light on I can't see"

"oh hell it's awake now"

"at least it's ok 'yawn'"

"shhhh go back to sleep".....

Thankfully for most of us it's panic for nothing. We manage the first year unscathed or at least the baby looks ok despite the mushed veg up the nostrils and the amount of poop it's made.
So you breathe a sigh of relief at twelve months...

"phew"

Because that's what we all used to be led to believe - after twelve months the risk of cot death is almost gone

BIG FAT WRONG

Unfortunately, some parents find this out by having their worst nightmares realised.
Parents such as Ian & Nicola Richardson. A beautiful family, young & full of dreams had the worst happen to them in 2007. Nicola has told her heartwrenching story here. I defy any parent or indeed anyone to read this story and not need tissues. I have vivid memories of the days that followed - being a parent of children almost the same age it struck terror and such sadness in me and many other people that knew the family. Alexander was 18 months old, a twin, utterly adored and amazingly beautiful.

In association with The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) and in loving memory of Alexander Nicola organises and walks "A Mile in Memory"each year. Her walk takes place on:

Saturday 15th May
11:00 - 14:00
Cannon Hall Park, Barnsley.

There are walks taking place all over the UK, all on the same day, at the same time. It's just a mile- not a race. It can be a leisurely stroll with some friends or with your pushchair. You can join in with Nicolas walk by R.S.V.P via her walks facebook page or any of the others via the FSID link above.

If you can't manage to join in with any of the walks please can you consider a donation to Nicolas 'Just Giving' page. All of the money raised will be used to support the work that FSID do including:

Funding research
Supporting families whose babies have died suddenly and unexpectedly
Disseminating information on infant health, baby care and sudden infant deaths to health professionals and the general public
Working with professionals to improve investigations when a baby dies The services offered by FSID include:
A Helpline for parents, carers and health professionals and bereaved families
A wide range of publications and resources on reducing the risk of cot death and safe baby care
A network of trained befrienders to support bereaved families
A phone card to enable bereaved parents to call our Helpline free of charge
A busy programme of training, events and Family Days Out throughout the UK
The Care of Next Infant (CONI) Scheme, with the NHS, to support bereaved families when they have subsequent babies.

Which incidentally ties in nicely with happy news for these incredibly brave parents - they have a beautiful new baby boy.
I am sure I am not alone in wishing them and him a very long, happy & healthy life watched over by their angel Alex from above.

Work in Progress!!!!

2010-02-28T21:47:00.003Z

You may have noticed just one or two changes on here..... it's looking a little wonky
& I have no idea who I am anymore having deleted the 'about me' section by mistake

but I promise to return very soon with more updates on what's going on, what makes me grrrrr
and what makes me giggle!

I am wider than before -(ha ha yes dieting has never been my strong point) 3 column blogs are the way forward (or so I'm told).
Seems like an awful lot of work at 9:45 pm on a Sunday and I have no idea what possesed me to do it now.... but I did so there you are :-)

I am also working on a button to share so you can all stick it on your blogs & wherever else takes your fancy -no rude comments thank you!

Am hoping that 2010 will see this blog grow & gain more respect. More followers, more posts & hopefully some giveaways and reviews - who knew blogging was so FIERCE!!!

Here's to surviving another year with twins minus one at Uni blub blub....

Fran xx

Five minutes of your time

2010-02-02T01:44:00.007Z

for something a little more serious this week.

Anyone who knows me is aware that I have a huge soft spot for our Armed Forces.

They risk life & limb to keep us safe daily. I can't really imagine what life must be like for them so every chance I get I donate, support & go & wave my flag when they arrive home – I think it's the least I can do. I would hate to think that they didn't realise they were appreciated and it's always a good feeling to do something- just because.

I read the news of the latest casualties, sometimes several a week & it makes me so sad.

Then you hear of something that makes you stop still & take breath.

Such a terrible thing happened to a brave & handsome young man last year.

Rifleman William Aldridge.

'William Aldridge was one of five soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles who lost their lives on 10th July 2009 in a daisy chain of I.E.D explosions whilst on routine foot patrol not far from their base at FOB Wishtan.....and one of eight to have lost their lives within 24hrs.
He still remains the youngest soldier to have been killed at just 47 days past his 18th birthday.
He along with members of his fellow fallen displayed great acts of bravery in trying to save their injured comrades.
Despite his own injuries, sustained during the first explosion that killed one of his friends instantly and left several others wounded, William assisted the Field Medic in tending to casualties. A second device detonated whilst the injured were being moved back to the relative safety of the FOB, killing three more of his friends, injuring several others and mortally wounding him.'

I read the account of the incident & looked at the pictures, the names & ages and I realised that these boys are younger than my own darling sons and it made me cry.

His equally brave mother is now raising funds in memory of him. They are to be divided between the

RCDM MoD Patient Welfare Fund & The Riflemans Fund, both of whom support injured soldiers & bereaved families, both rely heavily on Charitable donations

There are several events taking place including an Auction of promises, a Charity Ball & a Trek up Kilimanjaro by his girlfriend & friend in September 2010.

His aunt has a lovely blog about the gorgeous items she knits for sale to raise funds too and a shop to buy them online.

The Auction of Promises on the 6th February is set to be a huge success as is the Ball on Friday 5^th March. For more details on William, the Charities, how to buy tickets to attend or take part in one of the events; buy Merchandise or any questions you might have please have a look at the Facebook group links above or the main page here "Raising Money in Memory of Rifleman William Aldridge"

or the contact page.

I hope you'll please, please take a minute to link & share this post, perhaps attend an event if possible or simply make a donation.

I don't personally know this young mans Mother, only through a shared friend but I wish her all the luck in the world with her Events and I can only ever hope to have half her courage.

Thank you

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"

All in one place too.......

2010-01-26T22:07:00.000Z

I just found 'Big Crumbs'! Am sooooo excited.

I thought it was going to be another one of those 'refer 2 million people and we might
remember to send you two quid next year if you're lucky' sites.
BUT it's actually useful :-) and helpfully easy to sign up too and all the referral links work - so far.

You sign up, give yourself a new name ( don't you just love that on new sites now?Create a username :-) Ok today I am Mrs Fancy Pants, or Mr La la la) anyway......
Once you are in (via email verification) you get a store. You get to link allll of your Etsy, Ebay & Amazon stores in one place ( that in itself is surely worth it's weight in gold, no?)

On top of that you get to make money for referrals, you link your account ( i.e your ebay one) then you link your ebay store too. Following me so far? So people on Big Crumbs can see your items and you can get cashback on your purchases too. That's impressive ( I think so anyway!)

You have to click thru Big Crumbs to get your cash first though!!! Don't forget that bit, it's important :-)

The list of online shops is HUGE, everyone from ABE books, to Sizzis (7% cashback - yup I looked already)
Joanns, American Express, Apple - the list is endless, in fact you may never leave home again :-) And all of the listings have their earnings on so you can see what you're getting for shopping with them.

Add to this the lil pics you get to put on your blog and the email links ( already done for you, phew) and the Facebook link too and I think they just about got it all covered.........

Nope, am not getting paid for this, just wanted to share but if you're signing up be kind and use me as a referral TuttiFruttiCutie please xx

Am off to add all my stores, the fact that they are all empty at the moment isn't going to stop me!!!
Have a good week
xxxxxxxxxx

Bloggers For Haiti

2010-01-18T12:15:00.001Z

A fellow twin mummy posted a note today - she's also a fab journalist btw... about Blogging for Haiti.
English Mum has started a campaign for Bloggers to donate via a Just Giving page to Shelterbox.
As a novice blogger I don't think I can better her appeal so apologies to her but I've nicked your post (for a good cause of course!!!)

"So some eminently sensible person once said that nobody ever gets rich from blogging. This, I fear, is true. However, it does have some advantages. I’ve been to Walt Disney World, Florida, for example, and I’ve been invited places and given things, and well, suffice it to say I’m very lucky.
The other advantage is that I’ve met (both in person and electronically!) loads and loads of really nice people. My commenters, for example, are supportive. They laugh at my jokes. They sympathise when I’m miserable, cheer my successes and commiserate my failures.
So you know me, right? Well, if you’ve read even a tiny portion of all these thousands of words, you should have some idea. I don’t ask for much. I don’t even ask that you visit if you don’t want to. But seeing as you’re here, I’d like a favour. With several of my blogging friends, I’ve created a JustGiving page for the Haiti disaster. I’d really, really like to be able to collect enough money to send one of these amazing ShelterBoxes. They cost around £500. That means that if just 50 of you give a tenner (and what’s a tenner? A bottle of wine? – or two if you drink crappy ones like me), we’ll be able to pay for a whole one just on our own. Multiply that by all the amazing bloggers dotted across the globe, and we could really make a difference.

ShelterBox is such a unique organisation, because what they provide is an entire rescue kit in a box. Each box contains:

A ten-person tent with privacy partitions that allow its occupants to divide the space as they see fit
A range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall
Life-saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.
A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.
A wood burning or multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.
Each box can be adapted to the individual needs of the disaster area, for example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so ShelterBox just sent tents, packing two in each box. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past – from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
And lastly, but I think just as importantly, each box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all, of their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.

So a small donation, then? That’s all I ask. And then I’ll feel like I’ve really achieved something out of blogging. Even if it doesn’t make me rich. Thanks xx

http://www.justgiving.com/Bloggers-For-Haiti

Oh and if you’re a blogger, please join us in promoting Bloggers for Haiti. You’ll be amongst some serious blogging legends!
(Please note that if you prefer, you can also donate to the DEC Haiti Earthquake appeal and UNICEF by clicking on these links.) "

So I hope that you will add this to your blog, blog about it, tell all your fellow bloggers about it and donate for one of these fab boxes!!!!!
Also, if you have multiples take a look at Lindas Blog here,http://www.gotyourhandsfull.com/ informative & very funny - in fact just the thing to go with a nice cup of tea :-)

Close to my heart

2009-09-09T10:15:00.002+01:00

OH my has it really been this long!
So much has happened that I will be posting all this week so grab a coffee
and have a good nosey!
I think one of the most important things in my life, besides the family of course is a cause very close to my heart and I have been helping (in my very small way) I hope.
Honour Our Troops is a team of very dedicated, unselfish people whose aim is to stage a concert in honour of our British Soldiers. A 'Live Aid' style concert, the first of it's kind in the country. The hope is that it will be shown around the world to our lads & lasses serving away.
All of the work being done is voluntary. There are many people in various groups fund raising in different ways - a fab Calendar, A 500 mile walk across Britain, other walks and ventures too!
Please, please, please have a look and see if you can help in anyway, Just buying a wristband, joining a walk or staging your own or donating a pound. Yup, just ONE pound! Join the Facebook groups, follow the updates on Twitter, spread the word.
It's coming and it's going to be HUGE!!!!! :-)

To all of my overseas and USA visitors, our boys work closly with yours, risking their lives side by side and we mourn them as much as our own. They are all somebodies babies.

Have a great day peeps!

Fran xxx

I'm a cheeky monkey.....

2009-06-01T22:00:00.004+01:00

No, not me, well I have been called that in my younger years but it's been a while
so of course I am talking about the twin terroristas :-)

They seem quite sure of this fact, even proud. They even made a little song about it..

See? LOL

So now there is nooooo denying it :-)

I am so glad for digital media, I really wish I had had it when my boys were
small. I have to store all those memories in my head and just retell them time
and time again. Kids love to hear stories about themselves don't they?

But these two, ha ha ha.......... I have the evidence, and momma's not
afraid to use it :-)

Fran xx

Gotta Dance!

2009-06-01T20:58:00.007+01:00

What a weekend!
My youngest son just lives to Dance - especially Tap.

So when I heard that Rusty Frank (whose book we just happened to have!) was over in London from the USA, doing a three day Tap Workshop I knew I just had to take him down there.
Here is Rusty in action, she makes it look so easy! :-)

American Style tap classes are virtually unknown here in the UK and the style is so relaxed and easy compared to ours here in the UK. It's just a joy to watch!

Of course, thanks to British Rail at it's finest there were NO trains early that Saturday morning.... so it was a taxi from home at 5:15 am, then a coach to Victoria and a couple of tubes to the dance studio in Old Street for 9:30...... We were sooo tired! I don't know how my son managed to dance all day but............

I don't know who enjoyed the day more, he or I :-)
He came out beaming from ear to ear from every class and I sat and listened to all those feet and that fabulous jazz, grinning from ear to ear! LOL.

He had two classes booked, beginners and intermediate. I wasn't sure how he would do.
You never know how hard these things are going to be do you?
In the end he did both of these and the advanced class.
I was so happy for him!

He's fifteen, loves to Tap, loves swing and jazz music and has just the best smile in the world :-) He's my baby, can ya tell?? Mummy was just more than proud of him!!!

Rusty turned out to be just amazing too.
After lunch she did a wonderful clip show of some fabulous tap dancers.
My all time favourite clip was included- that amazing dance with Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell, when they dance in front of mirrors?
If you haven't seen it, it's so adorable, makes me smile every time I watch it. Here it is on youtube

It was a lovely way to spend an hour for me (non- dancers were allowed to watch ) and despite having worked with and met some of the most famous names in the business Rusty was just so friendly.

Emile came away with a huge smile, a huge hug from Rusty and a dvd to practice all those moves he had learnt that day.

I don't think he will forget it for a long time and I know that he will keep tapping and hoofing until he is very old!
Thanks so much to Sam from Sam Hawkins Dance School for making us feel so welcome, we had just the best day and of course to Rusty who I hope we get to meet up with again if we manage to get over to the States.

Have a great one!

Fran x

What Classic screen dame are you?

2009-05-17T23:11:00.002+01:00

Ok so this is no surprise :-)

But yes, it's a little silly, another time waster - like I have any spare time
but it's fun!

Let me know which dame you are!

Your result for The Classic Dames Test...

Bette Davis

You scored 36% grit, 19% wit, 14% flair, and 52% class!

You're one smart cookie, and you know it. You also know how to let everyone else in on the deal. You've worked hard to get where you are, and sometimes you might not have played fair. You are ruthless but charming, and the light of intelligence sparkles in your eyes. When cornered, you can and will act, but you'd rather have things go your way and live a life of ease and comfort. It's not a great idea to cross you; you will run the competition down like a rabbit, and leave them wondering what hit them. Your leading men include Errol Flynn and Paul Henreid, men who like a feisty gal with a touch of class.

Find out what kind of classic leading man you'd make by taking the
Classic Leading Man Test.

Take The Classic Dames Test at HelloQuizzy

Recipe for happiness.............

2009-04-20T22:27:00.010+01:00

Just had to share my newest creations......... and their
srummy models :-)

Two baby pink tulle tutus.

125 yards tulle-hand tied on no-roll elastic, umpteen yards of
baby pink satin ribbon, four yards oyster pink chiffon ribbon-curled,
six pink gerberas with pink crytal centres.......
and sixty teeny tiny crystal hearts hand glued by moi........
with love of course!
Add to that two satin ribbon wrapped headbands with baby pink gerberas and a crystal centre.

Then...................

Take two very excited five year old birthday princesses
and this is the result :-)

Aren't they just gorgeous girls!

Happy fifth Birthday girls and thankyou to their mummy for letting me post their pics :-)

Thankyou to Kimberley at Angel Babes Tutus for the quick ship of the tulle from the US too.
Her tulle is just the softest and she has a great range of colours!
(She also does custom orders and accessories for your little princess.)

Free store!

2009-04-20T22:08:00.003+01:00

I have found this nifty little site that lets you create a store, customise the widget and post it to your blog, facebook, myspace.. in fact just about anywhere you want to stick it! LOL
Have added a handmade tutu so if anyone wants one am taking custom orders now :-)

Just thought I'd let ya'll know!

Fran xx

A New Chapter

2009-04-20T11:03:00.007+01:00

After almost 16 years of a male dominated household I'm not ashamed
to admit that on finding out that the new arrivals were to be girls my first reaction
was not a happy one...........
The thought of dolls, prams, and all things - wait for it...
PINK did not fill me with glee at all.
Having grown up in a household where women
were all things annoying, mostly bitchy, secretive, backstabbing and that's on a good day!!!!
I really wished I'd paid for sex selection LOL

However, almost three years on I have to admit a sneaky liking for girly things!
Although the house, or my poor sons will never be the same again it has given me opportunities to explore things I had forgotten how to do. In my quest to dress my girls in any colour other than pink and the challenge to tidy their hair in anything other than the overpriced, chinese cr*p from Claires I have discovered a whole new world of crafting and made so many new friends in the bargain.

My newly twin shocked brain was addled........ the endless round of feeding,
changing, winding etc had left my poor head so tired.
I was sleep deprived and housebound.
The only conversation I got was online and so during the long periods of
screaming and thowing up I sat with one on a shoulder and found things to do
with my brain that it so desperately needed - namely a challenge.

Ok so it's not quantum physics but anything new learnt is going to keep
the ole grey matter ticking along nicely right? :-)

Bow making, tutu designing, hair clippies and so many millions of other cute and adorable things have been my saviour during my long hours of confinement in the house. The ladies on the yahoo groups have been a constant source of knowledge, laughter and kindness. I can't begin to thank them enough. Girls, you will never know how much you have brought to our household! Thankyou all so much.

I can now happily spend hours fiddling with grosgrain and tulle. Can create something to wear in a matter of hours and have managed to find something to share with my girls and that in itself is worth a big hug. The fact that I may possibly be able to make a living doing some of these things is a possiblity I had never considered.
I don't profess to being the master of the boutique bow yet but thanks to the fab videos kindly provided by Jessa on youtube I can sit here trying :-)
Her Etsy store is testament to her fabulous bow making skills.

Other ladies I just have to mention are Nancy whose unique sense of humour has brightened my day more times than she will ever know:-) Have a browse of her Etsy shop- it's full of fabulous creations.
Also, Janelle who has a great site and blog and is always adding fab new clippies is another lady who has been so helpful to me.

These and countless other moms who take timeout of their busy lives to add their pics, tips and advice, all free of charge are worth their weight in gold. Big hugs to you all!

Fran xx

p.s I still hate pink really and girls do squeal and whine a hell of a lot but I'm learning to live with it............. LOL

The things they say........

2009-04-17T00:16:00.006+01:00

Lucious Lashes:
"there's a fly"
Dolly Dimples:
"yes it's the fly that kicked amalia"

It did??

Lucious Lashes:
"It's gone"
Dolly Dimples:
"hmmmm gone back to it's hive"

You couldn't write it could you.

two year olds!!

Love,

The wee small hours

2009-03-16T12:28:00.004Z

Have been staying up rather late recently, 2 am or later. "yawn"

I'm so tidy when I get creative as you can see :-P
Am working on several sets of clips to send to a friend who is fundraising for her little boy, Ollie.

He has CP and is currently terrorising his loved ones in his whizzybug wheelchair :-)
He is one of a pair of gorgeous twin boys and on top of his disabilities
suffers from seizures, little man is just soo brave!

He needs treatment that will cost his parents sooooo much!

If any other bowmaking momma's would like to help by
donating a bow/clip/headband I know Tracey would just love to hear from you!
http://olliesfund.co.uk/

They're for a lucky dip at the fundraiser fete for Ollie :-)

Will hopefully get time to make some more this week
and some larger bows in Spring colours.
My first chance to really use my lovely, shiny big kick :-)
(thankyou darling xxx)
I think they are too cute!!

Hope they go down well!

Day dreams......taught to me by my Grandparents

2009-03-16T12:03:00.004Z

Everynow and again I daydream........ doing the laundry, chopping the veggies, pushing the pram..... I always have a playlist of some sort or another. You know? One to fit the mood, the sort of day it is :-)

Today I updated my player with my favourite day dream playlist.
It's a sunny day, the twins are both out at the childminder and people have
their washing on the line for the first time in ages.
I have the urge to bake and hum along.

I love romance, in my head, in the movies and want everything
to be beautiful for everyone who comes into my world :-)

Sunny days, cut grass, fresh baking, crisp sheets and warm pj's :-)
ok so I know that it can't be like that everyday (well in my head it can LOL) but I think to create a little haven is just the most satisfying thing ever........ in my four walls. No matter what sort of day outside there is always a 'movie' way to make the magic.

Pouring rain? A big fluffy towel and a hug, let me hang your coat over the heater and dry your shoes

Snowy days? Lets light the fire and have hot chocolate and marshmallows and watch fred n ginger make the world ok again......

Too hot! Lets put the fan on and dance in our underwear, stick our heads in the freezer and eat too many ice lollies and sit outside in the dark listening to the world with tealights amongst the flower beds.....

Tired and cold? Run you a hot bath, blow soap bubbles, make a mound of bubbles with the kitchen whisk and put your pj's on the heater.

Bad day at school? Turn up the volume and dance round the kitchen, use the pot rack as a drum kit :-)

See? If you want, you can do it :-)
Same day as anyone else, same bills, same dusting, same jobs......... new soundtrack!

Have a great one with yours xxx

ooooh yummy!

2009-02-26T00:54:00.012Z

I'm feeling a bit smug, I made some yummy, yummy cupcakes and some

cookies for the first time EVER and they came out just perfect.........

well almost if you don't count the icing bag bursting half way

though and having to use a freezer bag..........

I don't think I will try to make these again for a while.

Gumpaste stuff is sooo much harder to do than it looks ok? :-)

These little beauties took about six hours to make 16 of them

and then they had to dry for about 4 days.

Isn't that cute! edible glitter too.....

Ok -so they were the easy part but look how flat the tops are,

I was sooooo happy, happy, happy that I didn't have to squash

them down or cut the tops off,

that would have got really messy....

Ta Daaaaaaaaaa! One finished cupcake. Isn't that pretty?

Love,

We got snow!!!

2009-02-26T00:36:00.005Z

Finally, after watching the rest of the country get some we got our snow.

Yaaaaaaaaaay!

The girls had never seen that much before so we put on enough clothing for a week and went out to make footprints

After much eating of and throwing we tried to make a wonky snowman but didn't have any carrots (do I qualify for the worst mum in the world now??)

His stick nose didn't really impress LL & DD at all...........

Dont leave us alone........

2009-01-30T23:39:00.004Z

My girls love breadsticks, they've become a sort of standby snack in this house as they are cheap, no sugar, and they don't stain anything so they are good all around.

But I wont ever leave a box of them in reach to go and check the dinner again...

Love,

2009-01-30T23:33:00.004Z

So today Daddy took the twins to the pet shop......... and they ran around like a pair of loons, licked the glass on the fishtanks and generally caused mayhem the whole time. All pretty normal so far.

They liked the hamsters and the rabbits but 'you can't poke your fingers in the cages Mummy',so they didnt like that too much apparently.

They burst in the door, hair all over the place and rosy cheeks announcing that they saw rabbits and fish and monsters at the pet shop.
I'm not sure pets at home keep monsters and I have no idea what they mean so I just agree,
" oh lovely, uhuh...."
then Lashes says,
" they are sooo cute" and the penny drops that they mean hamsters...of course.

Love,

2009-01-23T00:09:00.009Z

Oh goodness it's been months since I even thought about this and since then we've had a

fabulous Christmas and I lost my first baby boy on his first trip abroad by himself.........

Isn't he just too handsome?? I miss him sooooooo badly! He usually has a fab afro but mummy persuaded him to get it braided before he went as I didn't think the afro would be too easy to care for in Ghana. Yep, that's right he's in another continent!! He had to have so many jabs you just wouldn't believe it, poor boy went to bed for a few hours after each of them.

Such nasty things such as yellow fever and hepatitis c........

Am so longing for him to come home and look down at me and say hi little mummy LOL!

BTW forgot to say that he is teaching kids to play Basketball while he is there and has been helping out an orphange too. I am just beyond proud of him. When I think of all he has gone through to get where he is I could just burst.

I just know that I will give him the biggest hug when he gets home even if he does smell like something the cat dragged in, cause I love the very bones of him - all 6ft of them.

And then in a few months he's off to UNI and I will cry all over again........ silly soft mummy that I am.

My DH says I am not soft, I'm a flippin' truffle! :)

Love,

My Little Twincesses

2008-08-20T22:21:00.004+01:00

Don't they just look so cute! So sweet and quiet and harmless........
Never in my wildest after 16 years of males did I imagine two of me to battle with daily.
This was just the beginning and I don't know if I held on tight enough!