Changing Your Avatar - a guest post by Sonia Constant

I would like to introduce you all to a very good friend of mine who has been very supportive and encouraging to me as of late. Not only is she a great twitter buddy, but she is also my techy guru. You can read more about Sonia on her blog: www.mummyconstant.com or drop her a tweet: @mummyconstant I hope you all enjoy Sonia's advice and don't be shy in saying so - that way we may be able to get her back again to give us some more ;-) Be sure to swing by Sonia's blog and let her know how you came across it. Take care and speak soon, Kate xx

Changing your avatar in Blogger (using your Google account)

My first guest post and I have been asked to write a step by step to change an avatar photo in Blogger, so that when you post comments on a Blogger blog it has a recent photo of your choice.

Firstly log on to Blogger, using your Google account and you will be taken to your Blogger dashboard:

You will notice there is a section under your name that says “View Profile”, “Edit Profile”, “Edit Photo” and “Edit Notifications”. To change your avatar on the Blogger account, click on the “Edit Photo”.

You will be taken to a section called “Profile Photo”:

If you click on “Remove image”, it hides the current image and it displays the options: Choose a file from your computer or from the web.

Choosing a file from your computer is pretty self explanatory, simply click “choose file” and locate to the folder and photo on your computer that you wish to use.

Choosing a file from the web, can be an image you have already uploaded to the internet somewhere, you can get the location of a file on the net by “right clicking” the photo/image and then choosing “Copy Image URL” (if using Chrome); “Copy Image Location” (if using Firefox) and “Properties and then copy the Address URL section” (if using Internet Explorer).

Once you have chosen your selected photo, scroll down the page and choose “Save Profile”.

You will then be told “Your settings have been saved” (View updated profile).

You can click on “View updated profile” or the “Blogger Dashboard” to either view your profile or to go to the Dashboard and you will see the thumbnail image of your new avatar.

Your new photo will show up as the avatar on blog comments now also… why not write a comment on this post to have a quick test! Sonia x

Wordless Wednesday

My Morning

- 7:00 Alarm sounds.

- 7:01 Snooze said alarm.

- 7:28 Put on socks, slippers and dressing gown. Head to the toilet. Shh PolPol the pussy cat and then venture down stairs. Put heating up to 24. Pause. Then turn it up to 25. Open curtains head for kitchen.

- 7:32 Switch kettle on, prepare coffee cup, check Twitter and reply to @Scottish_Mum Startled by Youngling followed by a cuddle. Pour coffee.

- 7:53 snuggle with Youngling on the sofa along with my coffee and Larley Cat.

- 7:56 Think of shopping must add coffee.

- 8:00 Doorbell rings, open it. Friends boys bundle in for another day of babysitting.

- 8:03 Flick kettle on for second cup of coffee.

- 8:08 Tweet @cafebebe whilst simultaneously making toast and hot chocolate for the boys.

- 8:13 Put Ice Age 3 on and shovel toast and Marmite in before Youngling or Larley have chance to get at it.

- 8:17 Catch Younglings streaming cold. Head for anti bac and calpol.

- 8:19 Throw remaining toast away after said cold incident.

- 8:21 Ask 5 year old to teach Youngling how to use the DS.

- 8:22 Secretly pray that Youngling doesn't want a DS of his own as I have no idea how to work it.

- 8:30 Measure Youngling and the boys (39 1/2 inches - 101 cm).

- 8:33 Measure me.

- 8:36 Google conversions for measurements. Mortified ~ think of having third cup of coffee.

- 8:44 Brave the cold of going upstairs and get dressed.

- 9:19 Venture back downstairs into the lions den.

- 10:20 One hour wasted on Ebay updating wardrobe for a pound per item or there abouts.

- 10:38 Read blogs and comment when and where needed.

- 10:41 Sssh boys in order to concentrate on reading blogs.

- 11:44 Encourage boys to get coats on.

- 11:52 March the boys out to the car for a trip to feed the ducks and get away from the blummin telly.

- 12:07 (approximately) Get lost on way to feed ducks that I have fed for almost 28 years.

- 12:34 Two youngest boys fall asleep.

- 12:38 Finally find said ducks.

- 12:42 Get chased by said ducks on frozen pond.

- 12:46 Ask 10 year old to save me from said duck chasing me by frozen pond whilst two youngest boys sleep in warm car.

- 12:50 Head for home.

Scarlett Bailey's - The Night Before Christmas - Book Review #1

The Night Before Christmas - by Scarlett Bailey

Ebury Press - ISBN: 978-0-091943-38-7

In this her debut novel Scarlett Bailey captures the hearts of her characters, of which there are many. The story is set around the protagonist, Lydia, and her close girl friends, their husbands, partners and children.

Bailey's descriptive writing captures the imagination of the reader making the remote setting and festiveness jump out from the page. The pace of the story starts off slowly although immersing the reader promptly into the intricate story line. With an easy to follow, and sometimes predictable structure, Bailey gives us a beautiful, sit back - put your feet, chick lit read which warms the soul.

My biggest criticism, which is no fault of Bailey's, is the unacceptable editorial oversights. Some parts are laden with grammatical errors and early on in the book a character is mentioned who hasn't physically been introduced yet. I feel for Scarlett as these mistakes were out of her control and I hate to admit they did put me off slightly. All the typos have now been corrected for all future reprints so do not let it put you off.

Having said that. I paused for reflection, realised that I make mistakes and these mistakes are my own, so I continued a very pleasant read.

I look forward to reading her next novel which is to be called 'Married By Christmas' and should be published within a year.

If you cannot wait till then you can buy The Night Before Christmas from here.

Take care

Kate

xx

Frugal Friday #4

Welcome back to Frugal Friday. I have been asking lots of friends for budgeting ideas lately to continue to share with you how to save money, and in some cases even make a little too.

This week I only really have one bit of advice. As I am coming up to the time when I can renew my mobile phone contract (or upgrade for a simplistic term) I am starting to question what I really want out of my mobile phone. I have recently been swayed by the ipad2 and am considering changing from my Blackberry contract to an iphone. Why? Better deals? No of course not, its just simply a sexier little bit of kit.

This is wrong of me and of course I will be looking at all options like inclusive minuets and unlimited txt messages and internet usage etc. If you can find a cheaper deal for your phone (including landlines ladies and gentlemen) then you could save yourself a fortune. When was the last time you had your bill broken down? What did you spend the most on? Have you hassled I mean spoken to your provider to see what they can offer you? If not do it. Don't be afraid of being pushy. As I said to a good friend of mine recently, if you do not ask you do not get.

So thus far we've learnt:

- Planning meals in advance ~ courtesy of Kate

- Selling on Ebay/Amazon ~ courtesy of The Highly Unlikely Housewife

- Save a Penny ~ courtesy of Coffee Curls

- Buying Second Hand ~ courtesy of Emma

- Cutting own hair ~ courtesy of moi

- Cash For Gold ~ courtesy of moi

- Cheaper Mobile Providers ~ courtesy of moi

If you would like to guest blog a Frugal Friday post then please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via my contact page.

Take care

Kate

xx

Happiness Project - What makes me happy?

Kate (great name by the way) from KateTakes5 posed the interesting question which we ask ourselves and others almost every day. What makes us happy? Answering honestly that she didn't really know Kate then asked her children what made them happy.

I asked Youngling what made him happy and he showed me the crisp he was eating (perhaps 2 is too young to pose this question). I tried prompting him to say anything else he liked and in return he said "Bath, nanna, doggy, car, chocolate, and milk". This would be a very short blog hop if I left it there, so I thought I would share with you some of the things that make me smile.

So what makes me happy?

Well new shoes that actually fit and make my feet feel and look sexy, a darn good meal with extra brownie points if its healthy, a good day out or weekend away particularly if visiting family and or going to the theatre.

Having a tidy house, having sorted through my junk and either recycling it or selling it on. I like saving for something special and then cherishing it when I have it in my hands.

I like looking out to sea and across the rolling hills of our Hertfordshire countryside or going on holiday and clearing my thoughts, even if it is an over night stay at a friends house.

Seeing my cats smile when we snuggle and I talk to them like they are my children makes me happy.

Sharing adventures with those closest to me whether that be going swimming in a lagoon on the first day of October, or sharing a take away with friends I haven't seen in a year but it feels like yesterday.

I feel elated when I complete a project that I am passionate about and has taken me a few days to work on whether that be writing, finishing a book, or decorating etc. I feel even happier when I receive positive feedback for that project and then look forward to the next. I like seeing the end project and everytime I look at it I can say 'I did that - all by myself'.

Above all else Youngling makes me happy. Seeing his little face light up when he sees something new for the first time and how I get excited to try and keep that first time feeling when he does something again. Watching him dance of his own accord and realise that he has my passion for the arts without my imposing it (too much) onto him at a young age. Seeing his genuine concern for a friend or stranger who is hurt or upset, his recognition for emotions at a tender age is remarkable and makes me incredibly proud which makes me happy.

Even when he is being a little tinker he makes me smile and hide my giggles at his outrageous tantrum. When he upsets me by being naughty and I feel there is no hope in my parenting he comes and says clearer than ever "sorry mummy, I love you" and he makes my heart beat so fast with joy.

Sometimes it's all about the little things in life.

What makes you happy? Join in the Blog Hop and share the happiness.

Take care

Kate

xx

Sunshine Award - *Beams With Glee*

I am literally brimming with excitement and glee for I have received a February Sunshine Award from fellow Mummy blogger, Chloe from A 20 Something Mum

Doesn't it look pretty? So chuffed.

Chloe nominated me by saying: Kate at twocatsyounglingandme her brilliant blog is frank and honest and her blogging experience means I really respect what she has to say-brilliant to read.

So thats a little bit about who nominated me. So before I go on with my nominations I thought I'd share a little bit about more about me...

Favourite colour - Purple/Teal (on walls), Purple/Red (dresses). Jewellery I prefer White Gold but Yellow Gold (is it called Yellow Gold or just Gold-Gold?) suits my skin tone better. Especially when I've caught the sun - vein I know!

Favourite animal - Cat's (duh!), horses and mammals (whales and the like). I used to want to be a Marine Biologist - no joke! I did work experience at fifteen at the local Marine Biology Offices next to my dad's office. It wasn't over looking the sea - oh no - instead it over looked a used car lot as it was smack bang in the middle of the industrial estate. Wasn't quite how I imagined the job to be!

Favourite non-alcoholic drink - Diet Coke and Orange Juice (not together - eew), Vodka Lime and Lemonade or Vino Tinto /Roja (that's Red wine to me and you lol) . Yes I prefer Spanish - who doesn't (lush).

Facebook or Twitter - Twitter. I have definitely been having a sordid love affair with Twitter lately. I find it so much quicker and more interesting than Facebook which to me seems like a platform for boasting and spying. Please don't let me down Twitter old pal.

Favourite number - I love this question. You know I actually love the number five. But only in Italian. Strange, I know, I just love the way it sounds - Cinque (pronounced chin-qu-ay) Love it.

Favourite day of the week - Sunday. Not only is it Holy Day but I generally get to see all of my immediate family. Starting with mum and dad (at Church) then my brother and sister-in-law for coffee and cake and possibly a Thai banquet for dinner. Not an orthodox Sunday dinner I grant you but its become our special tradition which I treasure greatly.

My passion - Apart from the things you know about (like reading, writing, dancing, drama and all things creative) I love socialising, swimming - I had the England coach once (literally was one time lol), I love the seaside and countryside - not so great with sea creatures or wild life bugs mind you. Bit of a girl when it comes to those I'm afraid.

Getting or giving presents - Hmm toughie. If the person gets it right then I love receiving gifts - who doesn't. I like personalised items like a writing set that matches my décor or a surprise pair of shoes which would match several outfits. Likewise I like giving gifts with sentimental feelings too. Sometimes I cave and just anything but then feel bad especially when the receiver isn't overly appreciative.

Favourite pattern - Erm say what now? I don't think I have one. I like block colours, nothing fussy. I think I'm rather chic. I can never pull off the boho look (on myself or my home etc). If there is a pattern in my house I like it to be symmetrical. Even if that's the swirls on my sofa lol.

Favourite flower - I actually love Lilly's. I know, I know, they're meant to symbolise death etc. But what better way to acknowledge the loss of a loved one than with something so beautiful that is living and growing right before your eyes! I think I like Orchids too. Remind me what they look like...

So there you go. I hope you have learnt a little more about me. I would now like to pass this award on to some very lovely fellow mummy bloggers. It was a tough call who to pass on to as I am now a regular reader of many blogs but the ones that stand out the most are (in no particular order):

Karin from Cafe Bebe (@cafebebe). Karin writes beautifully from the heart and has reminded me of the natural beauties in this sometimes darkened world. This new friend of mine has supported me greatly on Twitter when I have been struggling with Youngling and I have tried to reach out to her in likeness. Karin definitely deserves The Sunshine Award for she often brightens up my day.

Alex from Running Away I'll Help You Pack (@AlexisAKAMOM). Alex has been a delight to know. Though we do not live in the same country oceans couldn't differentiate our humour and personality match. I have learnt so much about parenting, especially cooking, from Alexis' blog. Without knowing it she has inspired me to try new things with my Youngling after introducing me (and the blogosphere) to her beautiful family.

So there you have it. Some bloggy love from me to you. I hope Karin and Alex spread the Sunshine and also nominate another two people. I have sooo many friends (especially bloggy mums) I would like to nominate but there would be too many to list. I think we all deserve The Sunshine Award for we all do the best job in the world - we are mothers first and foremost.

Take Care

Kate

xx