Jessie's Promise

I promise… never to lick your face….unless I’ve first been eating something unmentionable out in the garden…




I promise… never to nick your food…well, not unless it’s within reach of my nose when you place your plate on the table…
I promise… never to dig any holes in the garden…well unless you’re indoors making a cuppa while I’m out there on my own…
I promise…never to eat any of your plants…unless they happen to be newly-sprouting shoots that you’ve only just planted…sooo tasty!...
I promise…never to sneak upstairs and jump on your bed…unless you happen to be sitting in it enjoying a lazy cuppa in bed on a Sunday morning…
I promise…never to jump up onto your lap while you’re sitting on the sofa watching TV…unless I’ve just been outside digging up the garden, in which case I should have some nice messy paws and a muddy nose to rub into your nice clean lap!
I promise…never to pull your arm out of it’s socket as I’m walking on my lead…unless I see a pesky cat and I simply cannot resist the urge to chase it up the nearest garden fence…
And, last but not least, I promise…never to stop rushing to knock you off your feet in my excitement to see you when you come home after leaving me in charge of the house for a few hours….cos I know you love me just as much as I love you…!

Written by Bev.

Low Cost Summer Holiday Ideas -In and Around Norwich

It's that time of year again where we need to entertain our children for six whole weeks without breaking the bank. Enjoying quality time with our children needn't be expensive. After all, when you look back at your summers as children, do you remember every detail of a day out at the zoo/theme park or do you remember every detail of catching your first fish, playing under the sprinklers and bike rides with friends and family?

Holidays are fantastic and so are days out but prices are high and most days out to a theme park or zoo for our family can cost at least £100 for entry tickets alone. Summer holidays don't have to cost the earth. Here's a few ideas to get you going to have fun for free or very cheap:

A Day To The Beach
Very low cost if you plan your day well. Check journey times and pack up the essentials. A home made picnic, football, kite, net-for the rock pools, bucket and spade (or whatever you have to entertain the kiddies) if not kites, buckets and spades are relatively cheap and can be so much fun. Stuff it all in the boot and away you go. Remember to keep the essentials for next time, making it even cheaper. Oh, and don't forget a good old ice-cream.

Feeding The Ducks
There's plenty of rivers and ponds to choose from in Norwich. Good old fun for all ages.

Reading Challenge At The Library
As soon as the summer holidays begin, get down to your local library and get the children signed up for the reading challenge. It's a great way of filling in the time gaps or a rainy day activity. Plus children keep up (or start in some cases) with their reading for when they go back to school in September. You'll find the homework routine is easier to get back into.

GoGo Gorillas - The Gorilla Hunt In Norwich
While your at the library get a map of the Gorilla Hunt going on in Norwich. What is it? Break Charity, Wild in Art and Born Free have set up an interactive art event. With 120 Gorilla sculptures (67 baby Gorillas and 53 Large adult Gorillas) placed in and around the city of Norwich. Each one has a number you can tick off on your map with a letter. After you have found all the Gorillas and all the letters work out the mystery words. This is something that can be done over a few days.

Bike Ride
Exactly what it says, simple, healthy and children love them.

Bake
Cakes, muffins, cookies, fairy cakes. You name it - the children will love it. Most of us have the ingredients in our cupboards. If not they are very cheap.

Chalk Drawings
My children love to get their own patio square in the garden and draw a picture on it - Dick Van Dyke style from Marry Poppins. Draw hopscotch, snakes and ladders and four square. Little stone and away they go for ages.

Build An Obstacle Course In The Garden/House
So much fun and it's great that children have to use their imaginations too. I've had to take part in many obsticle courses my children have set up, from making mud pies to scootering around objects, climbing and tunnelling. Once they even made a zip-wire from tree to tree with a hose pipe & tow rope!

Park
Either a good hours free entertainment or make a day of it. Take a picnic, meet up with friends.

Walk
A nice walk in the woods or neighbourhood. Let the children make a map, it doesn't have to be perfect. Or write some things down that your likely to see on your walk. Let the children tick them off on the way.

Geocaching
This is a free interactive treasure hunt you can get on a smart phone.

Tye Dye
You need an old t'shirt, elastic bands, stones/marbles dye. You can purchase dye from supermarkets quite cheap. Place the t'shirt flat, put a stone/marble inside the t'shirt and push up. From the top wrap an elastic band round the t'shirt and stone as tight as you can. Do this as many times as you like. In a bowl or sink of water pour the dye in and stir. Then place the t'shirt in and soak for at least 6 hours. Once the time is up, carefully remove the t'shirt and wring it out. Hang it out to dry. Once dry remove the elastic bands and stones/marbles. Enjoy your very own creation.

Paint
Most children enjoy painting and most mums hate the mess! Instead do it outside where it can easily be hosed down. A really good tip I got from the creator of Karma Family Life-Mrs Kerry Anne Head, to dry the paintings, hang them on the washing line with pegs. This resolves the issue of not having enough surface space.

Cheap Cinema
Hollywood cinema in Norwich offer showings for just 99p. Similarly the Vue and Odeon offer cheap am showings and off-peak rates.

Play Date
Not only is this a chance to see friends but to have a coffee morning and catch up on some sometimes much needed adult conversation.

Build A Den
Inside or out its always a winner. Cushions, blankets, furniture and pegs can all help to make a den inside on a rainy day. In the garden or a woods you can use fallen branches and sticks to make a den.

Wizards Maze
It costs under £15 entry for a family of 5 to go. Take a picnic and the children can enjoy going round the maze, go karts, the big bouncy cushion, tractor rides and other activities.

Museum
Lots of museums hold activity days for free or very low cost. Check out your local ones to see whats on.

Fruit Picking
This is always a winner. Not only will your children fill themselves up with fruit but it's very cheap to pick your own (PYO) White House Farm is one of our favourites in Norwich. They grow a variety of fruits. You can also turn your pickings into a bake day with berry concoctions and apple pies.

Theme Parks & Days Out
It's nice to get out and do something different sometimes but before you do be sure to look out for 2for1 vouchers on days out and money off. Good places to look are cereal boxes, Spree Book, Primary Times Magazine, Money Saving Expert website and use Tesco Clubcard Vouchers.

Written by Victoria.

What I wore Wednesday

This week, I bought a new pair of combat trousers and they are WHITE!!!!

I have NEVER, ever owned a pair of white trousers. I was always brought up to believe that white made you look 'heavier' so I have steered clear of them all this time.

These are really comfortable, and light, for the warmer weather (which, fingers crossed, will
continue!)

They were also only £10 from George at Asda, which is most definitely a bargain.

I just hope that everyone else likes them as much as I do, and don't think that they make me look even heavier then I already am.

I do feel very proud of myself for taking the plunge though, as there was an identical pair of these trousers in black hanging right next to these white ones!









White combat trousers - George at Asda
Black ribbed vest top - George at Asda
white thong sandles - Next
Blue charity bracelet - Black Dog Campaign in association with SANE - Save a Life, Send a Text.

Written by Kerry.

Raising confident kids

There’s something I want you to do, today. Right after you’ve read this blog or as soon as your kids come home from school – today!

Ask your children “What makes you YOU, why are you so loved, what’s special about you”?

This task isn’t to determine who brushed their teeth properly this morning, who behaves the most or answering to please you. This is to find out what your children think about themselves. You know why you love them and what makes them special. But what do they think? Can they even answer the question?

If they are stuck and can’t think help them. Do they think they are kind, caring, a good friend. Or do they think they are amazing! The answers your children give you may be a shock or may show that they aren’t as confident as you thought they were. They may even surprise you and say great things about themselves.

The task is important I think, as it will show what you project onto your children. Yes there are the celebrity footballers and singers for role models but who are their biggest and most influential role models? You, the parents and careers, the people around them the most

This is not something to make you feel good or bad but to show you what your children think of themselves. It can be deceiving that you think your child is the most confident of them all with lots of friends, captain of the team. Or you may worry about your child if they have trouble making friends or you think they daydream too much. There’s lots of examples but you may find that a child who is happy with themself, inside their mind but who doesn’t have many friends is actually better off with the perspective of them than a child who is maybe the captain of the team with so many friends but feels insecure inside.

However your children answer, there is no need to worry as it’s just about boosting their confidence. When you tell your child how much you love them throw in your amazing or you’re so clever, what a great friend you are.

Let’s all work together to raise happy children.

Written by Victoria.

What I wore Wednesday

This week, I played it 'safe' with black on black.
Very basic, very boring, but there it is.
It was a comfortable choice over a 'fashionable' one.



Black tunic - H&M
Faded black skinny jeans - Primark
Plain black ballet pumps - Clarks
Written by Kerry.

What I wore Wednesday

This week, I decided to give some shorts a try!
Not short, shorts, you understand, I've not got the leg for it.

Apologies for the lighting, my little dude had fallen asleep on the bed, and I didn't want to wake him!




Black top pleated T-Shirt - New Look
Stone wash knee length denim shorts - Matalan
Black bow ballet pumps - George at Asda.

Written by Kerry.

What I wore Wednesday

It's that time of the week again, and guess what?!
I've finally bitten the bullet and brought myself a full length mirror!
I know, I know, it was about time, but, as I'm really unhappy with my body, I have never owned one, since I  had my first child, and now, 4 children later, I look in this mirror and don't even recognise myself :(
Anyway, today, it was another warm(er!) one, so *drum roll, please* I decided to go with a DRESS!!!!!

It's a black and white, butterfly print maxi. It had a wrap around top half which covered my bigger bust well, and has a lovely V next line, which is very flattering.
The large print, helps to disguise my lumpy middle a little, and the longer length, means that I'm comfortable not showing too much off!







Butterfly print dress - George at Asda
No shoes today, as I just had a day barefoot in the garden with my little man :)

Written by Kerry.

What I wore Wednesday

Another week has flown by, and we are back to Wednesday again! So this is what I wore!














Teal, loose sleeve top - TU at Sainsburys
Denim skirt - Next
Black bow ballet pumps - Asda
Green and silver leaf pendent - Debenhams
Today I have teamed my dark blue denim knee length skirt with some flats and a teal top, as we have finally got a few days of sunshine!
A denim skirt may seem to be a safe choice for many, but I rarely wear skirts or dresses, so this is a huge step forward for me, not only to have worn it this week, but I also wore it last week too!
Written by Kerry.

What I wore Wednesday

Here is what I wore today!

White vest top - George, Asda

Silver double heart necklace - Asda

White bow sling back wedges - Asda

Denim knee length skirt - Next

Written by Kerry.

What I wore Wednesday

This week I decided to try a scarf with my outfit to try and inject a splash of colour, as I'm still not brave enough to try a full on change from my basic muted outfit colour scheme.

And yes, I know.. Still no mirror :(
I'm working on it!



Today's outfit:

Black skinny jeans- Primark
Teal 'basic' long sleeved T-shirt- Primark
Grey and pink cat print scarf-Primark
Dark brown suede ankle high boots- River Island

What's the best way to try a pop of colour when you are used to a muted pallet?

Written by Kerry.

Love the Skin you're in

There’s a lot of talk in the media news today, concerning the growing number of children apparently having cosmetic surgery for facial imperfections.
It’s been quoted that 68% of parents would gladly encourage their children to have cosmetic surgery on their faces in order to avoid bullying!

I find this revelation quite shocking and horrifying! Obviously bullying should never be tolerated. I think that goes without saying. However, surely we are pandering to the bullies and to the shallowness of our society if we send out the message to our children that they will only be accepted if they have “perfect” faces?

In my opinion, individuality of looks is something to be proud of and embraced. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and not obtained from a photo-fit catalogue of some shallow preconception of what is defined as uniform beauty! The world would be a truly boring and uninspirational place if we all strived to look exactly the same.

I remember an incident some 15 years ago when my eldest son was a newborn baby. I was proudly showing off my beautiful new baby in the crèche at the gym that I attended: Another mother noticed the tiny, insignificant red birthmark on his forehead, looked at me sympathetically and exclaimed, “Oh dear, you do realise that you can get that mark removed by laser treatment, don’t you? I took my son as soon as he was old enough. It only took about 4 laser sessions to correct his. I assume you’ll be taking him to your doctor to get him treated as soon as possible?” I won’t tell you what my reply was. This is a family blog, after all. Suffice to say, that the silly woman was left in no doubt as to what I thought of her unwelcome and ridiculously narrow-minded opinions!

My son’s little birthmark was, and still is, a unique feature of his beautiful face. It has faded over the years anyway and is barely even noticeable. However, it has never been an issue anyway, even if it hadn’t faded, and he has never been in any doubt as to how much we love him… and his face! Incidentally, he also walked into a door frame, as a toddler, and, although it wasn’t noticed at the time, it has left him with a nose that’s not quite as straight as it started out! However, this hasn’t spoiled his good looks either and he has absolutely no problems attracting the ladies as he matures!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t consider surgical enhancement if your child suffers a disfiguring accident or illness. I just don’t think we should be constantly striving for a “perfection” appearance that absolutely does not exist anyway.

Look in the mirror now. Yes, go on, I dare you!

See..you are beautiful simply because you are you, and there is no one else who looks exactly like you.

You are unique. Sure, you might have a spot on the end of a nose that may have taken a knock in its time, a few wrinkles that weren’t there the last time you looked, and one eyebrow slightly higher than the other: What does that matter?

Chances are, if you are reading this now, you’re a less-than-perfect-looking mum, like me. However, you are guaranteed to have been told how beautiful you are, at least once in your life.

Remember that little miniature person who jumped on you as you crawled out of bed this morning? You probably thought you looked a wreck with your un-combed hair, bleary eyes, and pillow-creased face! Well, believe that lovely little person who gave you that slobbery kiss and blurted out “I love you Mummy, you are the most beautiful mummy in the whole universe.”

Who needs perfection?

Individuality and personal flaws are so much more interesting and endearing.

It’s the people who love the faces we were born with , that make us beautiful and perfect, anyway, and not the cosmetic surgeons.


Written by Bev.

What I wore Wednesday

http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.co.uk/p/what-i-wore-weds.html

Week 2, and I still haven't sorted out the photo situation, apologies.

I have to confess that I don't and have never owned a full length mirror, so taking full photos of my outfits are  somewhat troublesome. I will endeavour to purchase one in the very near future to enable me to take better photos for this this segment of the blog.

Today, this is what I wore:

Black Long length vest top - Matalan
Black skinny Jeans - Primark
White thong sandles - Next
Shell and glass beaded green necklace - Made by myself.


As you can see from the photo, my tummy area is most definitely my biggest problem. I am working hard on losing the weight and I will be writing a 'Fitness Friday' post each week detailing the exercise that I have been achieving during that week, so feel free to check that out next week too.

Once again, if you have any ideas or tips for me to look and/or feel better about myself, I would love to hear from you.


Written by Kerry.

The start of Something New?

This isn't the sort of post I would usually write, but I'm trying to be all new and shiny and brave!

I have long adored reading the 'What I wore Wednesday' posts from (Mostly) Yummy Mummy.

Join in here!

Originally devised by Transatlantic Blonde, What I wore Wednesday, is a huge hit with all the fashionistas out there, and consists of people posting a photo of, you've guessed it, what they wore on a Wednesday!

I most certainly do not consider myself a 'fashionista' I don't really follow fashion. As a mother of 4, on a tight budget,  I can be found in some sort of jeans and T-Shirt combo most days.

For me, my 'style' is practical, comfy, long lasting, cheap (!) and, well for want of a better word, safe. 

I don't really do colour. My wardrobe is pretty muted. Black, dark gray, and navy seem to be the winning team. I do like green. I own a couple of teal pieces which I often team with black items. 

I like the layered effect. I like accessories, jewelry in particular. I like boots. I like the smart-casual look.

I am now aged 30 (soon to be 31, eek!) I am done having all of my babies. My youngest is now attending afternoon nursery sessions 5 days a week. 

I am fighting the battle of the bulge. The weight really just doesn't seem to want to shift these days, so rather than keep worrying about it, and stressing myself out and feeling like a complete and utter failure and an all round disgusting mess, I have decided to try my best to embrace what I am right now, with the premise that if I feel happier about myself then the rest will come and hopefully I will be able to stay focused and lose some more of the triple tummy!

I have also just started a new job, although, I have a set uniform, so work clothes aren't an issue. I am struggling with my confidence, as I am customer facing and just feel gross. 

My aim with these posts it to try and push my boundaries a little more, and get ME back. I used to love dressing up when I was a slinky pre children size 8. Now, I am, well quite a few sizes bigger than that, with lumps and bumps in all the wrong places. I am definitely a 'plus size' gal these days.

Lets see if these posts can help recapture my confidence and my love of clothes.

If you have any tips or ideas for me, please do let me know, I am very interested in how others have gone from  Frumpy to Yummy.

If you are on your very own journey, please leave your blog address in the comments below, so I can follow along with you. Or, if you are one of the many amazing plus size fashion bloggers out there, leave me some hints on where to buy clothes that don't cost the earth, what type of cuts and fabrics and even colours/prints that look best on us 'curvy' girls!

So here goes, my very first 'What I wore Wednesday'

Ok, so I know these aren't the best photos, but I will also continue  to work on being confident enough to post full length photos of my outfits!

Skinny Jeggings, in indigo - Primark

Black T-Shirt with chiffon detail - George at Asda

Black bow ballet pumps - George at Asda
Black music note bracelets - Claire's Accessories
Silver beaded bracelets - Claire's Accessories

Written by Kerry.

Colchester Zoo

Over the Easter holiday, I took my tribe to Colchester Zoo.

We've been a couple of times before, and have really loved it there.
They have a bit of everything, from Monkeys to Lions, and Meer Cats to Penguins, so it is always a real winner for our family, as no one misses out on their favourite animal!

We, thankfully managed to bag a sunny (but very cold and windy) day for our trip, and had great fun seeing all the animals and playing in the many playgrounds that they have dotted around the zoo.

So I thought that I'd share with you some of our favourite photos from our family day out.

If you would like to find out more about Colchester Zoo, and their animals, you can visit their website by clicking here.

Have you visited Colchester Zoo? What is your favourite animal?
Written by Kerry.

How to make a String Decoration

My children love making these. It can be very messy depending on their age but that’s part of the fun plus the finished result is a decoration for their bedrooms.

We used coloured string but you can also use plain string and leave white for a shabby chic look, or add some paint to your glue for colour.

What you will need:

·         String 

·         Bowl

·         PVA Glue  

·         Round balloons  

·         Scissors

·         Newspaper or something to protect your work surface

·         Paint – if required

1.      Cover your work surface with newspaper

2.      Blow the balloon up to your required size. We use between 5cm and 20cm. Remember the bigger the balloon the more string you will need!

3.      Pour the PVA glue into a bowl. If using plain string add paint if required and mix.  

4.      Cut the string into 50cm lengths. This prevents knots and is easier to handle

5.      Place a length of string into the bowl and coat with the glue. To prevent the string slipping around the balloon, remove the excess glue (glue & paint) with your fingers.

6.      Wrap the string around the balloon. Overlap the string to create a lattice effect. Keep going until you have the desired effect you wish. Remember not to leave big spaces.

7.      Hang the balloon to dry. Leave for at least 24 hours. Check that all the string is completely dry and feels hard. Pop the balloon and remove it carefully from your decoration.

      

     

If you pop the balloon too soon the string will collapse with the balloon. This happened to us! We use coloured string instead plain string and adding paint as my 4 year old gets a little carried away with paint! To re-use the string I simply soaked the string in warm water to remove the glue and separated the lengths again.

Remember if your string decoration gets wet it will also collapse.

You can add glitter to the glue or use some decorative ribbon to make these hanging ornaments or Christmas tree decorations. If you leave a small space when you are latticing your balloon you can fill with small chocolate eggs for Easter. The ideas are endless!

Enjoy crafting!     

Written by Victoria.

The Tooth Fairy comes to visit

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd share with you all a poem I wrote when we had a run on wobbly milk teeth in our madhouse!

I HAVE A WOBBLY TOOTH
AND I CAN MOVE IT WITH MY TONGUE
MUM SAYS THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE VERY YOUNG

SHE SAYS MY TOOTH WILL FALL OUT
AND A FAIRY WILL GIVE ME SOME MONEY
SHE'LL TAKE MY TOOTH WHILE I'M FAST ASLEEP
WELL, I THOUGH THAT WAS VERY FUNNY!

NOW I KNOW I SHOULD BELIEVE MY MUM
COS MUMS ARE SUPER CLEVER!
AND I DON'T THINK SHE'S EVER FIBBED TO ME
NO HONESTLY, NOT EVER!

I'VE BEEN THINKING LONG AND HARD
AND THIS TIME I DON'T THINK MUM IS RIGHT
COS I SAW SOMETHING REALLY ODD
WHEN I COULDN'T SLEEP LAST NIGHT

I'LL TELL YOU THE END OF MY STORY
IF I MAY BE SO BOLD
YOU SEE, GRANDAD IS STAYING WITH US
AND I KNOW HE'S VERY OLD

WHEN I CREPT INTO HIS BEDROOM
YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT I SAW...
YES REALLY... ALL OF GRANDAD'S TEETH
WERE IN A GLASS RIGHT THERE BY THE DOOR...!

Written by Bev.

Imagination Vs Technology

It seems that everywhere we look these days, we are surrounded by technology.
None more so than our children.

What with Apple i-gadgets, Microsoft X-Boxes, and Sony PlayStation's being commonplace in almost every home, it is no wonder that our children are somewhat lacking in imagination. A generation of "imagineers" in Japan and America have already done the work for them.

I try to provide an informative and creative environment for my children to grow up in. They're certainly not devoid of technology, in fact we are all very much on the i-gadget bandwagon, with an iPad, iPod's, a PlayStation, and a laptop floating around the house. But I'm very lucky because while all of my children are good at using all of these products, they don't rely on them (yet!).
Generally they don't need the TV, or the numerous variations of technology that they have access to, to keep them amused or happy. They enjoy going to the park, and having picnics, riding their bikes, jumping on a trampoline, climbing the trees in the local woods, and skating.

I love that the kids are so low maintenance when it comes to days out. It seems an increasingly rare thing to have children who take great pleasure in the little things, like having a ladybird crawl across the palm of their hand or reading a good book at the library instead of being plugged in to the latest video game or sat sprawled out on the sofa in front of the TV.

It was lovely today to see them reject the insistent bleeping of incoming messages. Since my eldest daughters have discovered 'FaceTime' with their friends, there has been a constant stream of calls. Today however, these calls have been ignored by my children. Not because I have asked them to do so, but because they were happily playing board games together and did not want to be disturbed! Bill Gates and Steve Jobbs haven't taken them just yet!

My husband suggests this may be because our eldest children are girls, and computer games in particular are more likely to be adopted to addictive levels by boys, and that when our three year old son gets older, he will be kidnapped for days at a time by Football Manager and Call of Duty.
My husband has said that this is how much of his childhood was spent, but growing up in my house we didn't have access to computers until we were much older, so it feels alien to me to get sucked into a game or device to the point that you ignore everyone and everything around you.
I think subconsciously I work hard to keep the children's interest in things that are based "in the real world" as a result.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to remain 'screen free' because so much of everyday life is based around online information, virtual "communities", and social media. I'm not naive and I know that as they get older they will spend more and more time with technology because that's the world we all live, work and learn in these days. But I'm also hoping that if I can set the tone for them in their formative years and show them a world that doesn't exist through a screen, they'll look to return to that world themselves when they're old enough to make their own choices, and eventually, with their own children.

Are you for or against a technological family lifestyle?

I'd love to hear how you spent time with your family over Easter, especially as the summer holidays are fast approaching!

What will you be doing with your children?

Written by Kerry.

Choices...

We've been on a bit of a rainy Easter holiday the past week, down on the South coast. Not to let the weather dampen our spirits, it was decided that each of us would have a day in which we could choose what we'd prefer to do. This meant no grumbling or whining on the days when it was time to walk up a really steep hill (which magically had an ancient maze cut into the ground at the top!) or visit a small town museum (who could have predicted it would have a Lego Roman trail around the exhibits?). 

There were a few times when the promise of a cream tea (or that chilled bottle of wine waiting for us adults in the caravan fridge) saved the day. It also meant no turning back for the adults in the group - if a child wanted us to go on a ride at a well known theme park that spun us around backwards, upside down and round and round at what seemed like 500 miles an hour, that's what we did...

It's not a bad thing for children to have to use their inner resources when the cry of "I'm bored" came up - one such time was during a trip to a Cathedral during the last few days of the holiday. The kids sat in the middle of the pews (so I could keep one eye on them as I wandered around the edges) and by the time I returned, they were both immersed in a very intricate game of I-Spy - with many unusual objects to choose from within a few metres!

Children love to feel they have an equal say in the family - and for little moments like a day out on holiday, it can make them feel empowered and special. For now, though, it's back to the old routine of school and homework - and the only choice they will get tonight is whether to brush their teeth before or after washing their faces!

Written by Andrea

Who ya gonna call...? YouTube?!

The majority of people I know, use YouTube as a source of entertainment. 

Funny videos of people falling over or animals peeing over spectators are common, as are music videos, interviews and  movie trailers from all of our favourite artists, and upcoming newbies on the scene.

I, however, mostly use YouTube to watch blogs, and how-to videos.

This really came into it's own last week, when my car broke down, on the school run!

Having 5 children with me at the time, and being due to start my new job that very night, I was somewhat stressed about the whole situation, when one of my Mummy Friends suggested that we could jump start my car. This seemed simple enough, however, having never, ever previously jump started a car, we were at a bit of a loss as what to do!

We found the jump leads, but then came the questions about which coloured end of them to put on what side of my cars dead battery.. YouTube to the rescue! 

Out came my trusty i-Phone, and up popped my YouTube app! After a quick search of how to 'jump start a car', my friend and I quickly found out that the red cable should be placed on the positive side of the battery and the black on the negative. Connecting the cables to my battery was easy, with both + and - signs labeled  however, my friends car had no such indicators *sigh*

I kept watching my selected video, and as luck would have it, the positive side of the battery

"Should always have something red attached to it" 

Sure enough, my friends car had a small red rubber tie around one of the cables coming from her battery, so we went for it, connecting both cars to each other.

Collectively, we had 11 children with us that day, and two complete novices managed to keep track of all of them while learning something new and jump starting a car, all without the help of an AA man! 

My friend had laughed at me before, when I had told her how much I had learnt from watching YouTube. She text me this morning to tell me that she and her husband had just finished laying their new laminate flooring all with the help of YouTube videos! 

So next time you are watching a 20 stone man dance the Harlem Shake in his underpants, or a girl crazily smearing peanut butter over her face, or even a new born panda sneezing and scaring the living daylights out of  Mumma Panda, just remember, YouTube is as informative as it is bizarre!

Written by Kerry.

Living with Psoriasis

Image taken from Wikipedia

I have been living with psoriasis for over 10 years now.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that affects the skin. 

It is typically a lifelong condition. There is currently no cure.

As many other
sufferers know it’s awful. It looks bad, itches and is very painful at times.
Especially now I have psoriatic arthritis.
I first got psoriasis shortly before
I fell pregnant with my first child. During my second pregnancy just over a year
later it spread all over my body. One day I remember counting 108 patches and
none were smaller than a fifty pence piece.

When my children were young my knees were constantly open wounds. The skin
rips and tears and before you know it, a simple game of crawling with your
child results in lots of blood, pain and then the prevention of infection.

Thankfully my husband couldn’t care less about my skin. But I remember
thinking on my wedding day..

"This isn’t right. This isn’t what I had planned to
look

like on my wedding day".

    

I tried every potion, lotion and medicine known. None worked.
In my third
pregnancy it all cleared up. It was wonderful. I had clear skin, not even a scar
in sight. I could play with my children and not feel pain or bleed.But soon
after he was born it all came back.

I have tried every moisturiser, and steroid cream, I've even wrapped myself in cling
film with creams on! I've tried coal tar, acupuncture, Chinese tea, diets void of sugar and
dairy, herbs, vitamins, Chinese creams, porridge, phototherapy and even taken
cyclosporine, which is an immune lowering medicine that people usually take when
having a new organ implanted.

My latest trial is going to be using borax. I’m going to drink a pinch of it
in 1 litre of water, bath in it and make a paste to cover my skin. This should
help with both my skin and the arthritis pain.
I’ll let you know how it’s going
and if I get any results. Wish me luck!

I'm embarrassed by this condition, and my children suffer the embarrassment from other
children teasing them about their mum’s skin. One boy asked my daughter why her
mum had tattooed herself red. She was very embarrassed. From that day on she asked
if I could cover myself up.
On a day out at the beach last summer, my husband convinced me to take my
cardigan off as it was very hot. I heard people comment as I walked past them,
and I'd see their faces too.
One woman said rather loudly, as I walked past her, how
disgusting my skin was and how I should cover it up! I understand how children
can be when they see something different. But adults…

Psoriasis needs awareness and people need to change the way they teach their
children how to deal with certain situations. In some cases the adults need teaching
themselves!
It’s ok to ask. That would be acceptable. How are children to learn
the appropriate way to behave if their own parents can’t?
My children know if
someone looks different that it’s not ok to stare and mock. They also know its
ok to look different.

My children have an increased chance of developing psoriasis now. The stats suggest that there is a 50% chance they will get it because of me. I’m determined to find a way to
clear my skin for their possible future too.

I would love to hear from any other sufferers.

Let me know what’s helped you, and
what hasn't.

Written by Victoria.

It Starts with a Step

 

Now the weather is brightening up a little after the snow we've had these past few months, it's natural to want to get outside into the fresh air, and feel more energised to work off those warming puddings we have been eating all winter. One of the ways I get more active this time of year is by setting a goal to achieve in the next few months. Last year my daughter who is nine joined me too... in a very good cause, training for Race For Life http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org.

Every year, women of all shapes and all sizes either walk, jog or run 5km or 10km to raise Cancer Research funds in a supportive and very fun atmosphere. The warm ups that start an hour before are incredibly good mood boosters too with hundreds of women wiggling and stretching and laughing in a mad crowd of pink. Then, we're off around the track at our own pace, some dressed as fairies with glitter wings, some dressed as fuschia dinosaurs, but most of us dressed in pink tshirts with a heartfelt statement on their backs proclaiming who they are running for. It can be very moving as you're jogging along, swigging your water, feeling you're so tired that you really can't go on to the next bend, to read about someone's grandparent or parent who has passed away, and then that spurs you on for the next kilometre - along with all the dads and sons all cheering on the sidelines! The atmosphere is amazing as you reach the final last few metres and run through the finishing line.

My daughter pleaded with me to let her enter Race for Life with me last year and I wasn't certain that she was going to cope with the length - but I need not have worried, she was the one zooming on ahead and I was the one left standing in the dust! This year I am going to start training so much earlier as I need to match my nine year old, pace for pace! It's a great bonding event for daughters and mothers, and one that we can both feel immensely proud of doing for a wonderful cause. For husbands and sons, there is a separate event called Relay for Life which men can enter, so dads don't feel left out. (Sons can also enter the Race for Life if you phone your entry in).

I recommend that you take a look at the website http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org and see if there is an event near you this spring or summer - be brave and take the plunge to try something different with your family and raise money for a very worthwhile charity.

 

Written by Andrea

Karma Family Life, now on Twitter!

That's right!

You can now follow all of us here at Karma Family Life on Twitter by either searching for
@karmafamilylife or by clicking here!

Please do stop by and say 'Hello' we would love to hear from you!

Kerry, Betty, Andrea, Victoria, and Bev x

Delicious Diary Dates!

I love the randomness of picking up new vegetables to try at the supermarket, if they're on a special offer, and when I get the shopping home, trying to incorporate them into something that's going to lead to an empty plate and not a full dog!

 However, my children, who are seven and nine, are typically average kids at trying new things when it comes to eating their dinner. This is why we are trying a new activity at meal times - whenever there is a country's national day marked on the calendar, we are trying that cuisine... Best of all Jasmine and Sam help me with researching what we should cook, then help with preparing and cooking it if it's on a weekend.

So far we have tried Chinese (Chinese New Year) - sweet and sour veggies with brown rice, American (President's Day) - we made meat and also lentil burgers with potato wedges - and Wales (St David's Day) - leek and potato soup with freshly baked bread rolls.

Coming up, we have St Patrick's Day which is of course Irish food and then Anzac Day which is Australian and New Zealand recipes - sometimes the imagination has to stretch a little with what can be cooked on a rainy day far from the warmth of Sydney!

The kids have really taken to the idea and look up the countries on the globe we have in the lounge - it can also lead into many other activities such as themed reading, finding out about the day to day life of children in those countries, or activities online such as www.activityvillage.co.uk/educational.

If the recipe that day is not a hit, there will soon be another special day on the calendar - it can be developed even further into celebrating Royal Day (Queen Elizabeth's birthday) with Queen of Puddings or International Women's Day (baking gingerbread women!).

The only limit is your imagination!

Written by Andrea.

Getting Crafty

If you are like me,  and love doing crafts, and you also love your children,  but the idea of mixing the two gives you palpitations with the  thought of  mess and the clean up job afterwards, I'm afraid you're going to have to suck it up and get on with it, like me, as it can be really good fun for all involved.

Crafting with children doesn't have to involve the dreaded paint..
The thing to think about is, is it just for fun? i.e. messy play or would you rather make something to keep?

There are so many choices,  but I'm going to give you a simple idea. Making a bag.

Sounds tricky right?, but it's easy!


My daughter outgrew her favourite denim skirt.
Trust me she wore it until it was so short it was verging on looking like a belt! -Now I sound like my mum!

Anyway, following yet another conversation on why it was inappropriate for her to wear it anymore, we decided to turn it into a bag!


This made her happy but sceptical, as she is the better sewer out of the two of us and she couldn't work out how we would do this. Hard to believe an 8 year old is better than her mum but I owe it all to my own mum for teaching her. (Thanks Mum, I will always have someone to sew on my buttons!)

Here's how we did it:

First, turn the skirt inside out.

Put some pins in along the bottom to keep it secure.

Sew across the bottom of the skirt. (We used 3 different colours to make it a bit funky).

Turn the skirt back and pop something in it to make sure your stitching holds!

We then used a bright pink material belt from a pair of jeans that she had outgrown to make the handle.

A few pieces of ribbon or twine plated together would be great too.

We sewed one end of the belt to the inside of the side of the waist of the skirt. Then the other end to the other side.

The good news is all the sewing is inside so it won't show on the finished bag.

As our skirt had some details with zips and coloured stitching on it, there wasn't much need for anything else. But I did personalise it further by stitching the first letter of my daughters name on the front then added a flower sequin
.

You could add buttons or tassels to make it perfect for you.

Don't forget you can do this with almost anything! Why not make a back pack for a little boy by using some old shorts, and adding some badges to funk it up?

My daughter loved the end result, and so far, her new bag has lasted a year, but the most important thing is that we spent time together, having fun!


Written by Victoria

Misplaced Priorities

Following a radio news report I heard today on Radio’s The Jeremy Vine Show, I feel rather saddened and despairing of our global society.

I just heard that the violin, played by the Band Master of the String Quartet that played on the deck of the stricken HMS Titanic, has just been sold for millions of pounds in an auction held 100 years after the sinking of the magnificent ship.

The unfortunate Band Master apparently strapped his beloved violin to his body, shortly before he drowned, so that they would not be parted in death. Then, 10 days after the sinking of the Titanic, the Musicians’ body was recovered, along with his precious violin. The strings of the violin were broken; it was also severely water-damaged and has remained completely unplayable ever since.

Now, I appreciate that if someone is extremely wealthy, they, of course, have the perogative to spend their money in whichever way they choose. I suppose I can also understand the satisfaction that one might derive from owning one of the most valuable and significant artefacts of such an important historic event.

However, as this particular news item has aired on such a philanthropic day as today, Red Nose Day 2013, a day on which we all strive to think of and help those less fortunate than ourselves, I , for one, would have felt very uncomfortable, had I been the buyer of this albeit historically significant violin.

Maybe it’s just me, but if I had a vast amount of disposable income to spend, I would rather spend it on trying to prevent Africa’s children from pointlessly dying of Malaria, as opposed to buying a broken musical instrument whose owner perished a century ago.

Don’t get me wrong. The untimely demise of the Titanic, on its maiden voyage, was a terrible tragedy and is close to my heart. I would never seek to undermine or belittle the importance of remembering the maritime tragedy that so cruelly took the lives of so many unfortunate souls.

However, the extortionate amount of money spent for the purpose of owning historic memorabilia would be better spent helping the living today.

But, hey, don’t quote me: this is just my arguably unrealistic view of what should be happening in an ideal world in which we all share our love and good fortune in order to save the children who are the future of this beautiful planet of ours.


Written by Bev

Being Accountable

Some people amaze me.

They seem to go through life with blinkers on. Completely blanking out what they don't want to see.

Don't get me wrong, this could be a highly sought after skill, should they not apply it to every aspect of their lives. I wonder how many of these people suffer from a mental illness, for example? Certainly none of the ones I know..

The main worry I have about these people, is their complete lack of responsibility where their families are concerned. Where a child was more of a fashion accessory, or a money ticket, then a person they would have to take care of for the next 18 years.

You can recognise these people by the sheer amount of pathetic excuses they come out with as to why their child is a bully, or rude, or has absolutely no respect for anyone or anything. And it doesn't matter if they are a single or dual parent family. They just do not understand that they, as the 'responsible' adult are at fault if their child is a tearaway.

Being a childminder, I have head it all. In fact, this excuse has been used so many times, it just isn't worth listening to anymore:

"He's only acting out because I have to work.

 He just doesn't get any time with me at the moment"

Yet, asked what they do all weekend with their child to make up for the fact that they haven't seen him all week long, and the unbelievable response is commonly:

"Well, the weekends are my 'me time'. I went out with friends on Friday night, was hung over all of Saturday and picked up my little man from his grandparents on Sunday evening"

Yup. You state the obvious, that little Tom, or Katie don't see you all week long and you can only guess that this is the reason for their poor behaviour, yet, instead of spending your weekends together, reconnecting, you push them away further, but it will all be fine in the summer when you jet off to Ibiza for 10 days with your friends, because then you will get to spend some 'real quality time' together..

Parents. You are the adults. If you choose not to put your child before your own needs, don't go making up excuses about their poor behaviour. Like with everything else in life, if you only put in 50% of the effort, expect to only get 50% of the result.

This is also an issue for stay at home parents too. Those whom would rather sit watching Jeremy Kyle and catch up on their soaps or even the ones who spend all of their days cleaning their house instead of sitting down and playing or talking to their children. Too many people have completely lost the balance of work/life/giving/taking/educating.

Teach your children respect, good manners, and independence. No one is perfect. I'm certainly not. But I don't make excuses for it. If I've messed up, I'll admit it and find a solution to turn the situation around and make things better, not just for me, but for everyone involved.

It's not hard to do this. All it really takes is admittance, commitment to rectify, and determination to not let it slip, at least too often.

Don't be perfect. Be accountable.
Find a balance that works for you and your family.
Be a good parent and learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes them, show your children that things go wrong, but you will always seek to make things right again.
Tell your child that you will find more time for them, and follow through.
Don't be the person that the other mothers talk about at the school gates, because their child is constantly craving attention for all the wrong reasons.

Listen to your children. They will tell you if and when you are failing them.
You made this tiny little person. Take pride in that. You did a wonderful, amazing thing!
Don't mess it up by being ignorant. You can do this. You can make the difference in your life, and I guarantee that you are everything in theirs.


Written by Betty Blue.