Project 366, 152/366 - Mr Motorbike

The Mr has been doing his CBT and intensive motorbike course this week. He's so pleased to be doing it and he gets all excited when he returns home to tell me what he has been doing and where he has driven to each day. He has his module 1 test tomorrow - good luck!

Jubilee Jam Tarts

Having a Jubilee party? These Jubilee themed jam tarts are delicious and would look great laid out on your picnic blanket to share and enjoy. They are very simple to make so the kids can help out too!

You can add crowns to make them Jubilee themed!

Ingredients
5oz plain flour
2.5oz butter
1/2 tsp salt
Jam
Egg yolk (optional)

Makes around 12 tarts

Method

• Preheat the oven to around 180 degrees.
• Rub the butter in with the flour and salt until it looks like breadcrumbs and then add a small amount of water (around 2/3tbsp) to form a stiff dough.
• Flour the surface lightly and roll out the dough to around 3mm. Cut into rounds with a 7cm cutter and place in a cupcake tin.
• Add a tsp of jam to the centre of the rounds
• With the leftover pastry dough cut out crowns and place on top of the jam.
• If you want to give the tarts a shine you can brush them in egg yolk at this point.
• Cook for around 15 minutes.
• Scoff - Cooled or lovely warm with ice cream!

Have you made anything special or the Jubilee?

Project 366, 151/366 - School Trip

I offered to help out with my daughters school trip so we headed to Badby village today to learn about several Victorian families that lived there. I captured this photo in the church yard. It was very beautiful but it still had an eerie feel to it.



Project 366, 150/366 - Readathon

My daughter has a subscription to Animals and You magazine and the latest edition has some information on the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and how they try to help orphaned animals. Minxy and her love of animals, hence the animal themed subscription, had asked to sell lemonade to raise money to help the charity (too much looney tunes and ICarly maybe) which I said wasn't really possible. She then suggested a sponsored read - great idea! She loves reading so between us we thought that reading 50 books in 50 days would be the best option.

We took this picture this evening to use as her image for her just giving sponsor page ready for her readathon to begin on 1st June.

If you would like to sponsor her please visit www.justgiving.com/chloesreadathon - she and I would really appreciate your support.

Project 366, 149/366 - Pool fun

After our previous pool decided to go pop (bye bye pretty seahorses) I picked up this bargain pool today from Argos for £11.99. Naturally with the sunshine I pumped it up and filled it ready for the kids return from school and they had great fun splashing about before dinner.

I have linked this outdoor fun with:

What sort of a mum are you?

Waiting outside the school doors watching my phone eagerly for 8.40 to strike I look at the queue of parents in the playground waiting to take their children into class. There is 'just-off-to-the-gym' mummy in her tight leggings, vest top and trainers all slim and toned, 'makeup-mummy' who has probably already been up 3 hours straightening her hair, picking out the perfect outfit and heels ready for the day and then there is the complete opposite 'just-fallen-out-of-bed-mummy' who literally looks like she's sleep walking with her unbrushed hair and breakfast stained t-shirt always arriving just on time.

I think about myself and how I appear to others. I'd probably class myself as 'taller-than-average-dull-wardrobe-mummy'. I'm 6ft which is tall for a woman and the majority of my clothes are black and boring. I don't like to stand out from the crowd generally or draw attention to myself. I just plod on wearing what I find comfortable without thinking about being a fashion icon. I live in ballet pumps, black skinny leg jeans and the only colour I explore is pink and red on the rare occasion.

I've had a nosey on Joe Browns website and found some really lovely casual chic items that I would love to add to my wardrobe. They won't break the bank and they also do a longer length trouser which is ideal for my 34" pins.

I think these three items would be ideal for me. A little bit of colour yet comfort is still key. The shoes tie in nicely with the floral dress (which I would actually wear as a longer length top) without clashing and the jeans can be dressed up or down with other clothes too. I imagine they are called Awesome Fit for that very reason and I would think the bootcut style would level out my curvy hips and thighs nicely.

How do you think your clothing makes you appear to others?
Does it matter to you what others think?
Do you dress for comfort or style?

Meal Planning Monday

Last weeks meat free week was reasonably successful, although with the beautiful weather we had family over at the weekend where we all enjoyed a variety of caramelised onion and jalapeno burgers, sausages and chinese style pork... nomnom! We did well otherwise and the kids enjoyed helping to make the spinach and ricotta cannelloni in particular.

This week with the weather remaining hot and a loss of appetite due to the heat we are cooking meals that are lighter and more snack-like.

Monday - Pizza and salad (in the garden)

Tuesday - Fish, new potatoes and veg

Wednesday - Lamb moussaka

Thursday - Fajitas

Friday - Salmon and gnocchi bake

At the weekend we are heading to Hyde Park for the Sainsburys Jubilee event so we will have a picnic lunch and probably pick dinner up on the way home. Sunday will be a roast chicken but without all the trimmings, more of a buffet/salad meal.

What's on your menu this week? Do you lose your appetite when it's hot?

You can link up your own meal planner or view some others over with At Home With Mrs M.

Project 366, 148/366 - Homemade Ice Cream

The weather has been perfect for scoffing ice cream as an excuse to cool down and this evening I put my new ice cream maker to the test! Homemade mint choc chip - yummy!

Silent Sunday

Project 366, 147/366 - Sunset

Once all the food and drinks had been finished off and everyone had said goodbye after a lovely BBQ in my garden, me and the Mr headed out for a slightly later than usual stroll with Spartan. The sunset was a really colourful warm glow and despite losing Spartans ball as it was quite dark I managed to get some nice late evening photos.

Saturday Caption #SatCap

Here is Spartan the poochie crashed out on the sofa after a long walk - do you have the perfect picture caption for it? We love to read your funny and witty comments and will pop over to your page to return the favour if you're involved with the meme too!

For more pictures to caption or to link up your own head over to Mammasaurus!



Project 366, 146/366 - A new friend

There is a broken fence panel and Spartan has been jumping up to have a nosey into next doors garden. He recently discovered that there is infact a lovely new poochie over there too and now whenever they are both outside they both go and say hello!

And you thought toddlers were a handful...

Minxy is at the age where if she isn't busy bossing someone around she is stomping up stairs and slamming doors behind her before blaring her stereo. Yes, she is infact 8. Teens come early? You would be surprised, quite a few mums I know are going through similar with their kids the same age too. Eeek!

Jamster loves Horrid Henry and after reading quite a few stories with him from the collection recently I've started to think Minxy is the female version sometimes! Don't get me wrong she is my little princess and the majority of the time she is so loving and thoughtful that it's amazes me... but she can go from angel to devil quicker than the Mini Mes rush to the front door when they hear the ice cream van outside!

Recent things lil Miss has said

"All the mums here smell like elderly people"

"That lady has a massive butt"

"They should be on The Biggest Loser"


Trying to get a photo of her in her new summer dresses was quite challenging!

But then the next minute....

"I saved you my last cookie from my lunchbox mummy because you are simply the best." She said as she presented me with a daisy and a note too.

It's the moments like this that make being a parent lovely.

I find her attitude quite amusing for now, its so over the top and dramatic. She reminds me of myself at times the way she speaks her mind... Ooops!

How have you dealt with 'tween' behaviour? Are you dreading your children becoming teens?

Project 366, 145/366 - Cannelloni

With it being National Vegetarian week we as a family have tried to get involved a little by cooking some meat free dishes. The kids really enjoyed helping to make this delicious spinach and ricotta cannelloni for dinner tonight. This pic was taken just before we popped it into the oven. (Can you tell I LOVE cheese?)

Project 366, 144/366 - Jubilee

The kids came home from school today with a Jubilee mug each. It seems you can't go anywhere without having red, white and blue on show at the moment... but I'm pleased! It's good to be patriotic and get involved with events. The kids are looking forward to making crowns and having a Jubilee tea party.

Project 366, 143/366 - Odd one out

We had our usual evening stroll with Spartan today and I came across this one little red leaved tree amongst lots of green. It summed up very much how I feel at times - a little bit different is good though!

Family Tree Art

After purchasing a button tree recently (read here) I decided that it would be lovely to create our own family tree masterpiece aswell and to make it even more personal - with handprints as leaves. The kids really enjoyed doing it as it involved getting messy with paint and it was easy to do too.

All you need is a canvas and some paint!

The kids took it in turns to write the letters in 'family' and chose what colours they wanted their handprints to be done in.

It may not be perfect but it's special and unique to us as a family. We will be adding it to the wall soon.

Have you made any personal artwork as a family?

I'm linking this with:

Project 366, 142/366 - Pink Tic Tac

I'm not sure how new this flavour is but we have only discovered it. My initial thought was 'they're pink' so I felt the urge to buy them purely for that reason. There is a sweet one and a sour one in two different shades within the tub (I discovered after eating them rather than reading the packaging bleugh). I can't say I was keen but the kids were atleast.

 

Tots100 Book Club - Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I generally go for crime or real life when it comes to books but Me Before You is a modern love story with a twist, and I found it really thought-provoking and enchanting.

After losing her job at a cafe, Louisa Clark takes on a 6-month contract as a companion for Will Traynor, a former high-flyer hooked on adrenaline until a motocycle accident left him trapped within a wheelchair. She soon discovers that Will wants to end his life and the 6-month contract is infact due to the length of time he has promised his parents he will wait before he arranges an assisted suicide. Louisa trys to help Will to see the good in life during this time to change his mind and takes him on various trips where she slowly falls in love with him regardless of his disability.



Despite the story being based around a quadriplegic wanting to end his ongoing suffering it's far from a depressing book. It has some great humour in it and you can really connect with the characters and see their relationship develop. Both Louisa and Will are witty and sarcastic and there is some great narrative between the two that will make you smile.

The discriptive language makes it easy to visualise them, Louisa's random fashion sense and their surroundings. You follow them on a journey through his ups and downs including pneumonia as well as her split with her long term partner, supporting eachother as they go. There are several high points with a dinner date and drunken fun, a sensual shave experience and times spent in a beautiful garden enjoying eachothers company and conversation.

I wont give the ending away as it's best if you read the book yourself - it's perhaps an unexpected one and it did almost bring me to tears. Proof of a well written book in my opinion!

Who do I recommend it to?

I have selected this book to be sent with some delicious galaxy chocolate from Tesco to someone that regularly comments on my 366 posts and seems to be a great versatile blogger. Her recent recipes for the Jubilee have been very original and I think after all her baking she will enjoy a sit down with this book and a tasty treat. Elaine at Fun-as-a-gran - enjoy!

Father's Day Review and Giveaway!

The same beer, socks and chocolate year in and out will no doubt become a little dull - so Prezzybox is the perfect place to find some unique and quirky gift ideas the dads in your life will love this Father's Day!

We have been sent two lovely items to review and you can get your hands on your own set too with our giveaway.

Dear Dad - From You to Me Book

This is a great way to find out more about your dad and it's an item that will be cherished. Each page has a different question with space for your dad to fill in the gaps, providing the story of his life before and after parenthood. There is plenty of room for drawings and pictures to be inserted making it even more personal.

With 128 pages, around 60 questions, a ribbon bookmark and hard cover it is a great quality product that can be passed down the family over years to come.






First Class Dad Porcelain Mug


 Stamp prices may be on the increase but this fab novelty mug definitely wont break the bank. Let your dad know how special he is with this practical yet fun gift solution. Every time your dad has a drink he will be reminded about how special he is to you and not only is this great for Father's Day but birthdays and Christmas too!


The item is strong and made from porcelain, it's dishwasher safe and arrives in a air mail style box... My dad is actually a postman so he will really appreciate this one!



For your chance to win a Dear Dad Book and a First Class Dad Mug you can enter below but if you don't fancy waiting you can head over to Prezzybox now to crack on with your Father's Day shopping!

The competition closes on 12th June.

Good Luck!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meal Planning Monday - Vegetarian Edition

It's National Vegetarian Week and to get involved we have decided to meal plan meat free - much to the Mr's disappointment!

Monday - Vegetarian sausage pasta bake
Tuesday - Quorn fajitas
Wednesday - Mousakka
Thursday - Spinach and ricotta canneloni
Friday - Jacket potatoes with salad

The weekend coming is a child-free one so we will probably eat while out and about or grab something fresh on the day but I'm going to stick with vegetarian options.

If you want to link up your own meal planner or view some more you can head over to At Home with Mrs M!