Magic Shelves

Dear Husband

one of the things I love about you is your DIY skills. You are an excellent handyman. Oh dear. This isn't coming out the right way.

Let's start again.

Dear Husband

you are awesome. You can build things. I am sure these shelves will be able to store many thing.

But I have a small concern which you keep airily brushing off. You see, we are demolishing TWO rooms in our house. This is just SOME of the stuff from them.

So my question is. How the hell are these shelves going to accommodate it all? Whilst I do not doubt your ability as a constructor I fear you may have misjudged the situation somewhat or are closing your eyes to the problem while you blithely hammer away It begs the question. Are they magic shelves?

Love
Sarah xxxx

Truly odd

Sometimes I find myself doing Very. Odd. Things.
Care to venture a guess?

Friday breast exam awareness- link up

It has been amazing and inspiring to see the Twitterverse turn pink this week in support of breast exam awareness.
So many people have written their stories, the stories of their friends and families.
If you have a story, I'd be honoured for you to link it here so people can visit you.
For those of you visiting, I urge you to visit these blogs and comment and encourage the people who have taken the time to write their stories.
And thank you again.

  

FeelthemupFriday

One of the hardest things about watching people suffer is that so often you can't do alot to help. 
Geography, lack of knowledge or simply not having the skills can make it a huge exercise in frustration. 
Recently I wrote about my family friend. Our euphoria at her initial results was turned to despair a few days later, when the pathology results showed she needed a radical mastectomy and months of chemo, instead of the initial lumpectomy and radiotherapy as first hoped.
Which, by the way, I still thought was pretty bloody awful, but when it comes to breast cancer, it was an infinitely more preferable option.
And being on the other side of the country means I can't cook a meal, babysit her kids or sit with her when she's in hospital as I would love to be able to do.
So last night, when I was hanging out on Twitter which I do ALOT I admired the truly fabulous Carol Duncan and Naomi's new profile pics which were delightfully pink.
The conversation went like this:


Carolduncan: I think all the ladytweeps need pink

   

Me:  maybe we could have a pink Friday where we turn them pink? And raise awareness about breast exams at the same time? #thinkpink


*prompt reply from Carol*


Carolduncan: #feelthemupfriday


Me: Lets do it!


Now only Carol could up with such a succinct name for this event. She's written her story here. 
And so on Friday I will be doing something for my friend. I'm turning my avatar pink and I'll be tweeting non stop about the importance of self examination.
I hope you will ALL join in feel them up Friday.

Guesting

I was lucky enough to guest post here at the beautiful Fat Mum Slim's blog.
I wrote about fairies, party planning and believing in magic.
Enjoy x

Kidspot Top 50 Blog Your Way To Dunk Island

Often when it gets crazy at home which is a great deal of the time my husband and I will look at each other and chorus: “We need a holiday!”

There is however, a new rule in our household that there will be no more holidays by ourselves. Well, actually my husband will no longer be able to take holidays by himself. I am the exception to this rule naturally.

Let me explain why I am enforcing this new draconian according to my husband   rule.

My husband LOVES skiing. Loves it the way I love chocolate. However it’s slightly more expensive than chocolate. So while he talks in longing terms of the trips we used to take when we lived in the UK, they’re not really an affordable option here.

But earlier this year through the frequent flyer points he gained from travel for work and the begging and pleading of his friend I relented and said he could take a ski trip.

He booked the trip and I gave him my blessing.

“Go,” I said.

“Have a good time,” I said

“There’s just one thing you have to promise me.”

“Anything,” he said lovingly.

“Swear you’ll come back in one piece.”

“Of course,” he said laughing.

Now we duly discovered the trip had been booked DURING school holidays which meant I had all three offspring at home ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. Coupled with that I had just started my new job.

But did I complain?

No I did not.

I remained sunny and cheerful when he called me.

I gaily told him cheerful anecdotes about the EXCITING things we were doing while he was away. Like cleaning out the kitchen pantry.

And for EIGHT long days we carried on this way.

And on the ninth and final day he broke his fucking shoulder in two places.

I could have killed him.

He has been unable to help me out with many of the domestic duties that make life so much easier.

Thinking about that, I may still kill him.

And that my friends is why I need a holiday.
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Sponsored Post- I love Bega as much as my Tupperware.

I have blogged at length about my hatred of sandwich making. However that doesn’t mean I don't work hard to ensure my kids have yummy lunches for school. I walk a fine line between giving them “cool snacks” and ensuring they have healthy food to eat.

In my household there is a little routine with my clan where they prepare their own lunchboxes for school. Even Mr. Small joins in on the act and in fact, he insists on preparing his own pack. Occasionally this means I have to “edit” the contents when he isn’t looking but usually it goes smoothly.

What I do is leave out the contents they need to include and they then fill their lunchbox. I leave them an ice block to keep their food cool, a morning snack, a piece of fruit and a sandwich. They then pack it up to take to school.

My kids love trying new foods so when I was asked to try the new Bega Junior cheese and the Bega Shaper Puzzlers, they were delighted. Because I like to keep an eye on their nutrition intake it was really important to me to ensure what they were eating was good for them.

I am pleased to report that they have no artificial colours or flavours and have a solid amount of calcium which is great for their bones.

All good, so far.

But would the kids like them?

Well, judging from the rapidly denuded packaging in our fridge I’m on yes, they do.

The older two like the Junior Cheese pack and Mr. Small LOVES the puzzle pieces of cheese. He solemnly collects his puzzle pieces from the resealable ziplock bag to place in his little Tupperware container. (This container is meant for storing jelly, but is awesome for storing little snacks like this instead. Win/win)

So here’s how I leave the food out:

 And then Mr. Small sets eagerly to work. (Pardon the black smudge on his face. He was playing army commandos with his older brother beforehand )

Working to ensure my children are independent and eating properly is a constant balancing act. Right now I’m pleased to report it’s all good on this tightrope. ;)