Reasons to Smile... Days out, opportunities and family

I enjoyed a movie and a meal out with the Mr last night. I do love the Mini Mes endlessly but they can be hard work at times (can't all children?) especially when I work from home too. An evening as a couple is appreciated and I would highly recommend seeing Two Guns. My little crush on Mark Wahlberg goes on *blush*.

We are at the zoo today and my mum is joining us. I do love enjoy out with picnics so as long as the weather remains nice it should be a great day. Whipsnade is a favourite of mine!

The opportunities I've had due to blogging have been incredible and I'm now a Prezzybox Pundit and also a Red Hot Ambassador! At the weekend we visited Lollibop too which was a lovely day out for free. I managed to steer clear of the bar and delicious food and I've now lost 14lb in total.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to Smile - Family Fun and Camping

We are camping in Matlock, Derbyshire this week and enjoying the great outdoors as a family. A nice break from work to refresh ourselves and a break from technology to appreciate the simple things in life. I must admit I was never keen on the idea of sleeping in a tent until I met the Mr but we have had a few really relaxing holidays on some lovely camp sites so far.
We tend to go for small, basic ones so it's peaceful with plenty of space to play - ideal for the Mini Mes.


We have had some great day trips so far including Matlock Farm Park, Conkers, the Heights of Abraham and the caves and today we are at Chatsworth House. Tomorrow we are heading to Gullivers and testing out the new Spy Zone before travelling home.


The Mr and I also have a weekend away planned while the Mini Mes go to their dad's home. We are off to Brighton (I've never been!) for some couple time before he heads back to work.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons To Smile

 

 

4lb down this week!! That is definitely worth smiling about as it's a big boost to my self confidence and also a great excuse to start buying new, smaller clothes very soon. Retail therapy here I come.

Minxy has her school show today and although it's a late night (it finishes at 9.45pm!) and is a bit of a trek to get to the theatre where it's being held, I am so very pleased and proud that she is involved with it. She is dancing and has been showing me her moves at home over the past few weeks.
This time last year she would NEVER perform infront of an audience so it would appear her confidence is building too.

Jamster has a school trip tomorrow and what's even better is that it is all FREE! His house scored the most amount of credits this year so they have been provided with a zoo trip as a reward. The weather is gorgeous for it too so hopefully lots of animals will be out for him to see. I'm going to give him a disposable camera to take and I'm intrigued by what will be worthy, in his eyes, of a photo.... I look forward to printing the pictures of food, monkey poo and his girlfriends *giggle*.

The weekend ahead is childfree and we are probably heading to somewhere near the beach with the poochie camping for a relaxing break. BBQ, booze and possibly bikinis here we come.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to Smile

Another 1lb down this week and I'm starting to see that my body is actually changing shape! Not only has the Mr complimented me (although I do wonder if he may be after something) but my dad has commented too which was lovely and very unexpected. I'm finding weight loss and exercise is enjoyable and I feel so much fitter for doing Zumba and walking more. It's becoming a way of life and I'm not struggling to find motivation to do it... or making excuses not to!

It's the summer holiday and we have already spent the first day jumping about on bouncy castles, having a go at the bungee run, getting some new books for the summer reading challenge and doing a nature hunt around the local park. I'm looking forward to what the 6 weeks will bring - hopefully lots more family fun.

I'm really proud of Minxy and how well she did in her school show last week. Her dancing was very impressive, even as her mum, and she shone on stage with confidence which she often lacks in public.
Her and Jamster have done so well at school - she received a certificate and badge at her end of year assembly for being in the top 5% of achievers in her year and he had his SAT results back and they were great.

Fingers crossed they do as well when they go back in September.

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

What Has Made Me Happy

 

 

We are booking our holiday today - woooop!!
I always feel so much happier having things to look forward to so a week in Kefalonia will do nicely. Sun, sea, sand and erm, saunas.

The Mini Mes had amazing school reports. Both are meeting targets and Minxy is way ahead of what is expected. Her reading age is over 2 years older than she is - making me a very proud mum.

I had a lovely day of retail therapy yesterday with a friend followed by a meal out with the Mr to review. I always feel a little odd taking photos of food but I'll admit when the bill comes and we don't have to pay it is worth it.

Tomorrow we are off to see Despicable Me 2 and I am so excited, probably more than the Mini Mes. I loved the first and I've had the odd Happy Meal over the past fortnight to collect my own minion toys! Well I am only 28....

I'm off to see Minxy in her cello concert later today. I'm very pleased that she has stuck with music and her instrument the past few years and is doing really well.

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

What Has Made Me Happy

 

 

I'm very excited nervous about meeting some bloggers on Sunday at the MAD's meet up at Legoland. Unfortunately I'm not in with a chance of an award but I'm going along to help in the morning with the Mr and the Mini Mes and to have a great family day out - good times!

Saturday is going to be a busy one too with baking and crafts lined up and an afternoon at a nearby forest. I really enjoy being creative and outdoor fun so this is perfect. Hopefully the sunshine will return for us.

The Mini Mes did really well at sports days and I had a lovely day nattering with other parents while being proud of my little people.

I want to say a huge thank you to the Mr with Father's Day approaching. Taking on someone elses children and treating them as your own is an amazing thing to do and I'm very grateful to have him in my life. He is a fantastic role model.
 

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons To Be Happy

 

 

Minxy is off to London for the day with school and it was a completely FREE trip. I didn't even have to pay for the transport, which is unheard of these days! The school has been selected along with a few others to take part in a funded ballet experience so they are watching a show today... did I say it's for FREE?! *Closes purse and saves pennies*.

She has been counting down the sleeps and is very excited.

 

 

Sports day is tomorrow and both of the Mini Mes have been training. When I say training I mean jogging around the house like herds of elephants complete with sweat bands and squatting down into positions I didn't know existed. They are eager to be involved and I'm pleased that they love running and athletics. I shall be cheering along at the sidelines... hopefully there isn't a mums race this year but at least I'm still young enough not to require Tena Lady.

 

 

I have a child free weekend ahead so the Mr and I shall be watching Fast and Furious 6 at the cinema and probably playing poker with my parents. I never really win, not that we play for money or anything, but it's lovely to catch up with family and enjoy a relaxing evening together.

 

 

 

 

What reasons do you have to be cheerful this week?

The Funny Things Kids Say and Do

I know when the Mini Mes are up to something as I can hear their giggles a mile away!

Luckily I saw the trainers that were placed above Jamster's door this morning before opening it.

He and Minxy have been playing little tricks on each other for a few weeks now and this is the latest idea - although I don't know how he manages to reach up there to line up his shoes, books and Moshi Monsters. I think he must use his cabin bed to his advantage on this one!



Some of our conversations from the week....



Minxy: I can't believe you remember my friends name mum, you haven't seen her in ages.
Me: It hasn't been that long Minxy.
Minxy: Well you are getting old now so I didn't think your memory would be working.

Thanks!!

------

Jamster: Can we go and milk the lambs now please?
Me: We can feed the lambs milk if that's what you mean?
Jamster: Doh! I think I'm going crazy mum.

------


What has made you laugh this week?


I'm linking this with...

 

Reasons To Be Happy

Our Feather Down Farm trip is fast approaching and I'm really looking forward to it. A nice family break in the great outdoors, collecting our own eggs each morning from the chickens and cooking on a wood burning stove - good times!


The Mini Mes have sports day next week which is always something they are excited to be involved in. The event lasts the entire day so I shall pack up a picnic and enjoy a day watching them run, skip and jump in the sunshine (hopefully).

You know that feeling where you are focused and really determined to complete something. That. I am doing really well with weight loss and exercising at the moment and I feel proud of myself for sticking to it. I was always strong at first and then slipped back into old habits but I'm keeping on track. Watching The Biggest Loser has spurred me on and I'm keeping in mind that it took a while to put weight on so it will take a while to shift it.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be Happy

 

My reasons to be happy

May has so far been amazing! The sun has been shining and I had a lovely bank holiday weekend, spending most of it outside working on my tan. Bronzed beauty here I come.

 

 We have another weekend away ahead and one that I am very much looking forward to. We will have lots of outdoor fun as a family and getting back to basics, in a slightly glam way....

 

Minxy has started athletics club and Spanish and I'm very proud of her for doing so as she doesn't usually like to get involved with groups (or she drops out quite quickly!). Her confidence is really building and I'm pleased to see she is enjoying activities with friends.

 

 

The Mr makes me happy for all of the little things he does for me. While out shopping at the weekend he purchased some new perfume for me (Versace Bright Crystal) and it smells divine. Apparently buying me things makes me smile - perhaps he was implying that I'm otherwise grumpy, hmmmm!

 

 

  

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

We had an amazing time in Blackpool at the weekend to celebrate my birthday. We spent Saturday on all of the rides at the Pleasure Beach followed by a meal out at a lovely Indian restaurant called Imli. Sunday we explored the local shops and the sea front picking up a few goodies to take home for family and friends. Mmm fudge!

 

I've lost 11lbs in a fortnight by calorie counting and I'm very proud of myself. It won't be long until I'm purchasing my dress for my brothers wedding in September and I'm looking forward to hopefully getting into something a little smaller and looking (and feeling) stunning.

 

 

 

My birthday was yesterday and I had a great day of retail therapy with my sister. I received some fantastic gifts including a variety of new Pandora charms for my bracelet, blu-rays and clothes. Thank you to everyone who sent cards, gifts and birthday wishes - appreciated!

 

 

  

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

It's beginning to look a lot like spring! Waking up to sunshine is fantastic and walking through my garden of baby daffodils each day always puts a smile on my face. Sunshine is an instant mood lifter and I can already smell the BBQ's.

 

We had a lovely weekend at Drayton Manor and the weather didn't disappoint either. It was great to have a family day out at a theme park now that Mini Mes are a little older as they go on all the scary rides too - woohoo!

 

 

 

My weight loss continues and I'm not craving junk food at all as yet. I'm focused and completely in the right mind set to do this. My goal weight doesn't seem so far away!

 

We have a weekend in Blackpool ahead. It may be a little challenging with my diet but I can't wait to have fun at the pleasure beach, see my family, have a meal and drinks out to celebrate my birthday.

 

  

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

Despite a few April showers we had a lovely time in Torquay, enjoying the last week of the Easter holiday. We had fun at the arcades and the beach, a wonderful day out at Crealy and a great time at Pennywell farm feeding lambs and handling newborn lambs, goats and miniature pigs.
Lovely relaxing time together as a family.

Both of the Mini Mes went back to school without any issues and they have done a great job with spellings and reading so far this week. I always find doing homework as soon as they come in the easiest option as then they can play afterwards without getting books out again after dinner or before bed!

I have lots to look forward to with my 28th birthday fast approaching, a weekend at Drayton Manor and another at Blackpool.

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

We are currently enjoying a family holiday in Torquay, 5 days away from the norm at the seaside. Perfect. The weather has been surprising good considering how it has been the past few weeks so I'm very thankful for that!

Torquay October 2010

Another birthday this week with Minxy turning 9. She received lots of lovely gifts and we enjoyed a family meal out on Sunday to celebrate. I'm happy to have such a bright and kind daughter who is turning into a little lady.

The weight loss continues. I've not really been calorie counting the past few weeks and I've managed to still lose a few pounds which I'm so pleased about. Once we return from our holiday I'll be increasing the exercise considerably though while I'm searching for a new job.

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

The Mini Mes have driven me insane today with constant bickering since 6.50am but regardless of that I still just about have reasons to smile with gritted teeth!

 

 

 

Jamster had a lovely birthday. We all enjoyed lunch out and the Croods and he received lots of lovely gifts. I am grateful for friends and family that sent him birthday wishes.

 

We had a really nice Easter weekend and the Mr even got me a huge Thorntons egg which was a delicious surprise.

 

We had a nice afternoon out yesterday at a small local farm feeding the goats and lambs in the sunshine. There are tea rooms there and a little farm shop with great quality produce too to explore. The newborns were seriously cute and I've not seen bottles empty that quickly in quite some time!

 

I've received prizes for two competition wins this week, I rarely even enter any, and what lovely prizes they were too. Thomas Sabo Sweet Diamond earrings, necklace and bracelet and then a Kenwood Chef Classic arrived this morning from Whitworths Sugar for my Easter recipe... in total worth around £700 which is amazing.

 

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

 

My reasons to be happy

My little man is 7 today - Happy birthday Jamster! We are going to the cinema to see The Croods and out for lunch to celebrate. He has received so many lovely gifts from family and friends, all of which I am very thankful for! I don't know where the past few years have gone, he is a proper little man now.

It's half term which means no early morning wake ups and lots of fun with the Mini Mes. We have some Easter crafts and baking to do and we are heading to the seaside in a few days time too. I do love lazy days and a relaxed routine.

A good friend of mine treated me to lunch the other day to say thank you for all of the bits and bobs that I give her for her little ones. She is a lovely lady and it was really nice being picked up from work, taken to the pub and dropped back home after a delicious meal. Thank you!
 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

The Easter break fast approaches and I can't wait to spend a fortnight with the Mini Mes. Both of their birthdays are during this break so I'm looking forward to celebrating with them being at home rather than school! We have lots planned including a trip to Torquay with friends, a few cinema visits and days out at the zoo.

The school Easter fete is being held today and Minxy has offered to work on her stall, selling ice cream! She is always keen to help others and is very kind in that way which makes me a rather proud mummy. Hopefully we can win some eggs on the raffle while we are there!

We are going to Drayton Manor at the weekend and I'm really looking forward to a day out as a family. I'm hoping the weather improves a little though as it seems bitterly cold out there again but hopefully it will be a nice way to enjoy the Mr's birthday (yep, 3 family birthdays in the space of 14 days eek).

 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

I am very proud of Minxy who represented her school yesterday in cross country. She did so well bless her, especially as it was her first ever attempt at it and it was agianst around 200+ other children. I'm glad that she is starting to come out of her shell a little and get involved in new activities.




Minxy at the finish, with the green headband

It was parent's evening at the end of last week and both of the Mini Mes are doing so well. Both above target and Minxy has a reading age of almost 11 (she is 8). Very happy with their progress.

I was contacted today by Thomas Sabo and told that I have won a prize this morning... diamonds! I seem to do quite well when it comes to winning jewellery and I'm very much looking forward to some new bling to wear*.

It is my anniversary today with the Mr (also National Steak and Blow Job day!). He has put up with me for 4 years and I am very happy to have him in my life. Love him millions.

*Note to the Mr, this does not mean you don't need to buy me a diamond ring!
 

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

I'm very thankful for my family today. Knowing that their love and support is endless and to have each member here and healthy is a blessing. I love them all dearly and I will be thinking of someone in particular today, as many in the blogging community will be, as she lays her baby to rest.

　

I'm thankful for the dog. A little bit random I know, but as I was never keen on the idea of having a puppy originally he is a lovely pet. He will always come over for a snuggle at just the right time and it is sweet to see him eager to say goodnight to the children each night. He sits patiently on the bottom step waiting to be called upstairs after they have been tucked in and he will pop his head in each room for a nosey before heading back downstairs to his own bed for the evening.

　

I'm thankful for my mummy. With Mother's Day being this Sunday I thought it would be nice for her to know that I am grateful for all that she does for me and has done for me over the years.

I'm happy to have booked our first holiday of the year and I'm looking forward to a break. We are actually going away with friends for the first time so it will be nice for the kids to all play together.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be happy

My reasons to be happy

We had a lovely half term and managed to do so much during the week; baking, days out, theatre, cinema etc. The Mini Mes have settled back into the school routine well without any issues and have been cracking on with spellings, reading and homework without fussing either!

We had a lovely meal out on Monday to celebrate my dad turning 54 and the Mini Mes were complimented on their good behaviour - proud mummy alert! We also had a lovely meal out last night but as a farewell gathering for my brother and his fiancee before they move to Liverpool (her home town) to live. They will be missed but they are only a few hours away thankfully.

Minxy started swimming a few weeks ago and I am really pleased by her progress. I'm quite fearful of water and I don't want her or Jamster to be like that so it's lovely to see her confidence building. Jamster will be starting lessons after the Easter break.

What reasons to you have to be cheerful this week?