As you may know I was honoured to be part of the final leg of the epic Team Honk relay last over the weekend and as such spent several days north of the border in sunny Scotland (one of my favourite places in the world!) It was my job to find us accommodation on route and in an attempt to save money I decided we'd stay in hostels rather than hotels! Now I know what you're thinking hostels are pretty grim aren't they, draughty rooms, cold showers and very basic facilities - well they were last time I stayed i a hostel. However I could not be more wrong! With a map of our route in my hand … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2014
TV mums – why can’t I be more like……..
We see them all the time don't we? TV mummmy's that is! Holding the imaginary family together, a the ever patient for the neighbour hood to lean on, or the exasperated parent of naughty children. Rolls we all take on at times I suppose! And I guess we all have a favourite or two don't we as well as those we love to hate. So having looked through the list of top ten TV mums I'm ashamed surprised how few of them I knew anything about! I've never seen Desperate Housewives, Modern Family or the Gilmore Girls so I have no idea how good or otherwise these mum's are sadly! Are they worth … [Read more...]
The final leg!
It's hard to believe it's here really. After all the hard work people have put in and all the miles covered. Mr B is almost on the home stretch! On Saturday we take on the mantel (and baton) for the last leg of what has become the huge blogging, money raising, tweeting, juggernaut that is Team Honk. I say "we" I'm the support team really - Mammasaurus, Mummy Central (and others) will be leading us them on a white water rafting trip on the Tay before we take in on ever northward towards the very top of the country! There will be bagging a Munro, a possible paddling in the sea! an … [Read more...]
A Parent’s Guide to New Online Platforms
If you’re in any way down with the kids you’ll most likely know about a handful of social networking sites and online platforms. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest – you can probably reel these off like nobody’s business – perhaps you’re even using some of them yourself. In all probability, you’ve had it up to here with your tweens taking pictures of their dinner before tucking in like some form of weird, high-tech grace. But the internet is a fast-paced place and a new, cool online phenomenon seems to emerge every other day. So which new platforms and networks should you know about? Ar … [Read more...]
52 Cook books week 11
I've reverted back to a "piece of paper" recipe for week 11 ! Another one of the hoard of clippings and scribbled notes with ingredients on! And as my BFF is coming to stay for a girlie weekend whilst our boys go off and play silly buggers for a couple of days, it seemed a good idea to make something sweet ad gooey ready for an evening of pizza, white wine and chick flicks! Simple - chilled cheesecake with added crunch! 150g bourbon biscuits crushed 50g butter melted 300g cream cheese 175g melted honeycomb chocolate (I used a Malteser bar) 200ml softly whipped … [Read more...]
No-one deserves for their first day to be their last
2.9 millions babies round the world die in their first month of life. Often of simple and preventable conditions. Simple things such as clean water, antiseptics, a clean warm environment and most importantly the attention of a qualified midwife. We have the help we need when we deliver our babies, so why should't every woman? Why shouldn't every baby? When Splosh was in difficulty there was a wonderful midwife on hand to help us both through and a SCBU for him to recover in. When Bernard needed encouragement to arrive into the world, there was a team of people to do just … [Read more...]
52 Cook Books week 10
I know I know - it's late this week - but you'd understand if you knew what a week we've had! Still here we go 52 Cook Books week 10 ! A Great British Bake off recipe this week - from a book bought about 3 years ago and never ever used! Sticky Gingerbread cake It's a pretty standard ginger cake recipe - treacle, brown sugar, bicarb, etc - nothing mind blowing or unusual. I don't remember making ginger cake before I always cheated ad bought one - Bernard was never a great fan of it when she was little so we tended to avoid it. Luckily her tastes have changed so … [Read more...]
Team Honk, International Women’s day and making Lasting Change
I'm sure you all know that I've been taking part in the Team Honk baton relay from Landsend to John o Groats raising money for Sport Relief. It's been a pretty amazing experience to see so many people all pull together with one aim in mind. Earlier this week the "Honkettes" (Mammasaurus Mummy Barrow & Alexander Residence )travelled to Tanzania to meet with some of the people who have been helped by previous fundraising - making a lasting change to the lives of some of the poorest people in Africa and this country. Let me introduce Claudia an inspirational 54 year old mother and g … [Read more...]
Should I wear heels or flats ?
So heels or flats? For the trip to London tomorrow? This discussion was had at length on Sunday evening. "Perfect opportunity to wear my beautiful blue suede hotter shoes!" What do you think? "Well you could - they'll look dead smart and supposed to be very comfortable - excellent test of the manufacturers claim...... But you haven't worn heels for a long time, and you'll be a long way from home if your feet start hurting and you can hardly use the underground in just your socks" "Oh come on - you make me sound like a little old lady! It's not that long ago I wore heels everyday! … [Read more...]