Project 366, 121/366 - Birthday gifts!

I've got books on my dresser, hanging out of drawers and in various locations across the house and I've needed wanted a Kindle for some time to help sort this issue out. Although I love a good paperback the idea of storing several books in one place and being able to fit them in my bag while I'm on the go is very appealing.

It was my birthday today and the Mr got me a Kindle Touch as one of my gifts - Yay!!

Any ideas on what books I should put on it?

Project 366, 120/366 - What wellies are made for

Being a dog owner you need to be dedicated as the poochie needs his walks regardelss of the weather! If it's raining outside we just wrap up warm, put on our wellies and enjoy some time jumping in HUGE puddles along the way!

I've also linked this up with the Country Kids linky over at Coombe Mill where you can see what other fun things people have been up to outdoors.

Silent Sunday

Project 366, 119/366 - Best friend

The Mr loves Spartan and I know the feeling is mutual. We don't let him upstairs usually but he does get to pop up and say hello from time to time!

Saturday Caption #SatCap

It's Saturday again (how fast has this week gone!) and that means it's time for another picture to caption. I'd love it if you could leave a funny or witty comment for this picture of Minxy in Cyprus.

You can then pop over to Mammasaurus and link up your own image or view some more if you like.

Project 366, 118/366 - Lush

There's nothing better than a soak in the tub with a book, chocolate and a glass or two of wine and having some nice smellies makes it even better. I purchased a few treats from Lush earlier in the week and this lovely Blackberry bath bomb made the water a fab deep purple colour and smelt delicious!

Listography - Top 5 wishes for my child

This weeks Listography Challenge provided by Kate Takes 5 is to select my top 5 wishes for my child. Similar to Sleeping Beauty who had 3 Fairy Godmothers, we are to imagine our little ones have 5 instead, each offering a wish - how awesome would that actually be!

Health and Happiness
This one goes without saying really. When their little eyes light up and a big smile appears across their face it's so lovely to see and it makes me happy knowing that they are. I wish they live happily regardless of what they choose to do and where they go as they grow. Being healthy fits in there too. The odd cough or cold can be dealt with but I wish they don't suffer with anything severe that causes them long term pain or suffering.

Success
What area they achieve their success in is up to them but I wish that whatever goals they set they reach and any targets they make they meet. I want them to know I am proud of them always and if wealth comes with their success that's just a bonus!

Self-respect
I wish that they are able to say no to others if they don't agree, I don't want them to be little sheep and follow the crowd. I want them to look after themselves and their bodies, eating well and exercising too and I don't want them to take any rubbish, from anyone. I wish they are strong individuals both in mind and body.

Finding the perfect partner
To be loved by someone and to feel love for someone else is incredible. The butterflies you get, that warm feeling in your tummy when you meet 'the one' is so magical and I hope my Mini Mes meet someone that they adore and would do anything for.... Preferably someone that accepts them for who they are, is funny, can cook, clean and do DIY. I don't ask for too much, honest!

They get to travel
I want them to explore, see the world and have a fabulous time doing so. Maybe learning new languages on the way while seeing amazing sites and trying new food and new experiences. Holidays are some of the best times and I have wonderful memories from trips I have been on. I want them to make lovely memories too.

If you could bestow 5 wishes on your child what would they be? I would love to hear your thoughts.

To join in or read other entries you can click the badge below for the linky.

Project 366, 117/366 - What was I thinking

I'm quite a Marvel movie fan and with the release of The Avengers I had noticed the Disney Store had filled up with the latest character products. I'd purchased my eldest Mini Me some clothes on my shopping trip but I hadn't got the Lil Mini Me anything so I decided to purchase one of these bad boys; a Hawkeye bow and arrow. It was only when I got home I feared for my safety and that of everyone else's! To be fair, there hasn't been any breakages as yet or eye injuries!

Project 366, 116/366 - Relax

Those lovely moments when it's raining outside but you are cosy indoors with something delicious to nibble, a warm drink and enjoying a natter with a friend.

Relax

Win Tickets To The Baby Show

The Baby Show is back! With your chance to test, try and buy and 250 baby and parenting brands under one roof it's the perfect place to be for parents and parents-to-be this May and we have tickets up for grabs!

The show in association with Prima Baby and sponsored by Fisher Price runs this May 18th-20th at Birmingham NEC. It's an exciting event offering the best and latest products in toys, clothing, pushchairs, nappies and wipes, food and feeding, car seats, carriers and furniture from top brands. It's a great opportunity to have questions answered from people in the know and you should be able to find some great offers that can't be found elsewhere! There will be experts on hand to offer advice on first aid, breastfeeding and sleep too.

What's there?

Fisher-Price Will have a selection of products on display helping parents and parent-to-be find something suitable for there little one.

Find Prima Baby at stand N15 and if you purchase two issues of Prima Baby Magazine at £2 (RRP £2.80 per magazine) you will receive a free good bag!


Face of the Show
Hosted by Bumpkins there is the return of the popular Face of The Baby Show competition offering you the chance to enter your child and have the opportunity to be a part of the marketing campaign for 2013. Every child can have their photo taken with the best images being entered into the competition and parents get a free copy too!

Me Time
If you fancy a look around without the children Fisher-Price provides a free crèche where your child(ren) will have the latest toys to play with and be supervised by a professional care team.

If you don't want to carry your bags about you can use the Emma's Diary shopping drop-off and collect by car service for free. There is also an Emma's Diary mums meeting point where you can have a rest and chat with other mums in the arena.

The Pregnacare Juice bar offers smoothies and fresh juices across the 3 days and Superdrug will be there with some great discounts at their Beauty Booth.

Free at the café! Plum Baby’s Cafe will be providing under 1's a free sample of baby food as well as having some great exclusive offers on the Plum range.

The main stage  There will be great advice throughout the event with talks on first aid from the British Red Cross, breastfeeding from Clare Byam-Cook and Sleep by Jo Tantum.

New Brands New brands showcasing at the event this time include:

• Partners Labour of Love
• My Beauty Bundle
• BabyDam
• SnuggleBundl
• Laboraide by Opro
• Baby Mum-Mum
• Waterbaby

The Baby Show at Birmingham NEC takes place between 18th-20th May 2012. Tickets are available in advance from www.thebabyshow.co.uk or on the door.

WIN!

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to this event you can enter below. The competition closes on 10th May and the winner will be notified.

Good Luck!!

Project 366, 115/366 - The Mr has taste

After a trip to Tesco for some food shopping the Mr appeared with what looked like new bedding. I was a little 'eeek' at first as we don't always have similar taste in items for the home but he picked a lovely plum set which matches the room colours perfectly. Job well done - I was pleasantly surprised!

Trutex - School Uniform Review and Activity Pack Giveaway

The Mini Mes are forever coming home from school with paint covered jumpers, mud on their trousers and lunch on their lap so making sure we have lots of clean uniform to hand is important - it saves my washing machine and sanity!

The lovely people over at Trutex who have been supplying clothing for 145 years kindly provided some uniform for my eldest Mini Me, Minxy, so I was very pleased to have an extra supply for my active little princess.

Usually when buying uniform I struggle to get a perfect fit as Minxy is quite a dinky 8 year old but like me has rather long legs. I'd requested age 7 clothing to ensure it wasn't too big and both the pinafore and skirt were comfortable for her and a great length and the blouses and jumper fitted nicely without swamping her. The items were roomy and proportioned well.




The cherry logo on the pinafore was a pretty added touch and the long zip made getting changed fast and easy - a bonus if your children like to dawdle getting ready in the morning! It's a great quality item but also lightweight which is ideal for the approaching summer months.


The jumper is a cotton and polyester mix and is very soft to the touch. Even after tumble drying it hadn't become bobbled like clothes often do and it kept its shape well without shrinking. I was pleased with this as it was actually more comfortable than her exisiting logo jumpers from school and cheaper!

The summer blouses have rever style collars and are fitted in shape. They were easy to iron and only have 4 buttons which again is super if your child struggles with doing them up or takes a while to get changed. Coming delivered with hangers as all the items provided did, is always helpful for storage too.

I was impressed by the skirt as it has an adjustable wasit so you can alter it as your child grows or if your child is small or big for their age. It's also stain resistant and smart in appearance with either tights or socks for the various seasons.

It's also great to know that Trutex work towards an Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code which helps to ensure employees around the world are woking in a clean and safe environment with a fair wage.
You can grab yourself some lovely Trutex uniform by finding your nearest stockist or by viewing the online retailers.

Get your child's school 100 free activity packs

Trutex have 50,000 free activity packs containing a colouring competition, recipe and little activities to give away to primary schools. If you would like to request some for your childs school just email the schools address details with a contact name to kcottier@trutex.com

There is a fab idea on how to create a bird feeder for the garden and the monster cakes look delicious! These would be great to keep the kids entertained on car trips over the summer or rainy days indoors.

Project 366, 114/366 - Patriotic

Today was St. Georges Day so we decided to be a little patriotic and hang some bunting and decorate.

I'm supporting Team GB

Will you be watching the Olympics hosted in London later this year? I certainly will be and I'll be showing my support for the athletes by waving and wearing my scarf sent from the lovely people over at Next.



The official paralympicsGB scarf arrived beautifully packaged in a ribbon wrapped box lined with tissue paper. With it came a catalogue packed with great ideas to on how to wear your scarf and with other Union Jack printed items; perfect for showing your support not only for the Olympics but the Queens Diamond Jubilee too!

It has a hand painted lion on it as a visual reflection of the quote 'Ice in your mind, fire in your belly' and it features 60 hands which symbolises the 60 million supporters for the athletes.

The scarf is 100% cotton and great for adults kids and even pets....

Spartan decided he wanted to be patriotic too!

All profits from the sale of the scarves will be donated to the British Olympic Association which helps British Olympic and Paralympic athletes perform their best.

There are two scarves to choose from and two sizes which cost either £5 or £10. If you want to grab yourself one you can do so over at Next. There is also the chance to win with their Wear it, Wave it, Win with it campaign!

Snugglebutt and the Mini Mes is a member of the Next Bloggers Network

Meal Planning Monday

If I do the food shop instore with the Mini Mes in tow I generally end up spending far more than I intend to and coming back with vast quantities of lego, toys, books and sweets that the kids have popped in the trolley when I'm not looking! Therefore I do my food shop online and have it delivered, but I don't really meal plan in advance, I add to my basket a few bits and bobs and then on the day search the fridge and decide then what's for dinner.

I've decided I do need to start meal planning instead and getting involved with Meal Planning Monday each week should help me to keep on track and hopefully save me time and money by being organised. So here goes!

• Monday - Fish, new potatoes and veg
• Tuesday - Chicken and chorizo stew (slow cooker)
• Wednesday - Salmon and gnocchi bake
• Thursday - Lasagne
• Friday - Pizza, wedges and veg
• Saturday and Sunday we are often out and about visiting family or on day trips so I'll buy fresh on the day instead but Sunday is usually roast of some description.

The Mr loves fish so that had to be on the agenda atleast once and we have Jamsters friend round Friday and his fav is pizza so we decided that would be perfect for then.

The chicken and chorizo stew recipe I got from Mummysknee's and her link up for Slow Cooker Sunday which I've started to join in with too over at Mediocre Mum. Chorizo is always a hit, we love it, and I'm trying to use the slow cooker a bit more aswell.

If you want to see some more meal plans you can use the hash tag #MealPlanningMonday on Twitter or pop over to At Home With Mrs M for the link up.

Project 366, 113/366 - Daffodils

Popping round Tesco to top up on the essentials the kids noticed little pots of baby daffodils for £1 - bargain. We got them a plant each for their rooms to take care of.

Slow cooker - Chilli Con Carne

The slow cooker is a favourite of mine, bunging in a combination of ingredients first thing in the morning and serving up a scrummy meal come 5pm is almost magical. Dinner times have never been so easy!

This chilli recipe is great for all the family as it's not too spicy but is packed with flavour. It will make enough to feed 8 hungry tums so you can always save leftovers in the freezer or store it in the fridge to use in lasagne, enchiladas or anything else you fancy later on in the week.

Ingredients

2 onions, chopped

1.5kg of lean minced beef (you could use a Quorn if vegetarian)

600g (1.5 tins) of tinned tomatoes

400g (1 tin) of kidney Beans

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

2 tbsp of tomato puree

2 tsp of chilli powder

2 tsp of mixed herbs

1 beef stock cube, dissolved

Method

1) I always fry the mince and onions together first in a pan and drain of excess fat but you can skip this step if you don't have time or prefer not to.

2) Add all of the ingredients into the slow cooker and stir well.

3)Cover and cook on high for around 3 hours or on auto for 8 hours.

This meal goes really well served with soft, fluffy rice but we tend to have it on jacket potatoes with salad and a blob of creme fraiche - delicious!

This post is part of the #FaveFamilyRecipes Competition with BritMums and Tilda Rice. Every pack sold will provide a meal to an expectant mum in need in support of the World Food Programme’s Mothers Helping Mothers initiative in Bangladesh

Silent Sunday

Project 366, 112/366 - Mexican

I really fancied fajitas for dinner so we all had a lovely mexican style dinner. The kids as usual tried to pick the peppers out but they did eat it all in the end. Little fuss pots.

Hatton Farm Village

Hatton Farm Village offers a fantastic, great value day of fun for all the family. Set in several acres of beautiful countryside with farm animals, funfair rides and daily shows there is plenty to do and see. There is ample free parking too and a selection of shops nearby to visit offering jewellery, toys and homeware.

We have visited Hatton several times now, it's fairly local to us so it doesn't involve hours in the car and there is plenty to keep the kids occupied for a full day. For my family of 4 entry was £35.80 which I think is superb value for money and the food isn't priced too badly either if you decide not to take a picnic (or if the weather doesn't allow!).

We arrived as they opened and queues were minimal due to there being plenty of staff on hand. Upon paying we were provided with wristbands; this saves the hassle of hand stamping if you need to pop back to your car or want to nip out for lunch which is a great idea. We were also provided with details on the days events and attractions.

Attractions

Tristan the Runaway Tractor

Childrens Show

Adventure Play

Trampolines

Snorty's Bouncing Barnyard (indoor soft play)

Indoor under 5's play area

Guinea Pig Village

Farmyard Favourites

Pig Palace

Gold Rush

Fun Fair Rides

Childrens Puzzles and Games

Tractor Trek

Rare Breeds

.... and lots more.

If you want to find out excatly what's at Hatton you can view their Map of Activities.

Favourites
Our favourites included the falconary display where Minxy got to hold and feed a bird of prey, JCB Young Drivers Zone where the kids drove around a track on little diggers and the Farmyard Favourites area where we could handle small animals and got to see a tiny piglet!

Overall we think that Hatton Farm Village is a great day out and definately worth a visit.
Hatton Farm Village in Warwick is located just a few minutes from Junction 14 of the M40 and is well sign posted as Hatton Country World.

They are open daily bar Christmas Day and Boxing day from 10am- 5.30pm


**This is not a sponsored post. We paid for our own tickets and the views are honest based on our experience.**

Saturday Caption #satcap

Can you think of a funny or witty comment for this picture of the kids at the country park after Jamster had taken a tumble?

You can find more Saturday Caption entries just here if you want to comment on others too!

Project 366, 111/366 - Chocolate fudge brownies

These Thorntons brownies were heavenly! You could almost class them as evil as they were so more-ish. Tasty but so not good for my waistline.

Project 366, 110/366 - Toilet trouble

There are bins in both the upstairs and downstairs bathrooms so I often find myself wondering why I always find empty toilet rolls left on the holder, on the radiator and on the cistern! *grr*. It's almost as irritating as that sock you find just after switching on the washing machine!

Project 366, 109/366 - Easy life

Spartan enjoying a snooze... as always. He usually has his tongue poking out too. I can't believe how quickly he has grown during the 3 months we have had him.

Easy life