List of 11 for 2011

Yes it's that time of year again where I get all sentimental and mushy and pour my hearts desires out to you all. It is the time of year where I reflect on the past and open myself to new opportunities. Where I write new lists of tasks to complete throughout the year.

But in all honesty right now all I want to do is focus on friends and family, so I will bore entertain you with the rest of that early in the New Year. Along with reviews and interviews and the general day-to-day drivel that is my life.

Now back to these lists that I write. Generally they aren't your bog standard resolutions such as, eat healthy, quit smoking once and for all, or do 100 situps everyday. Oh no. These lists are more thoughtful than that my friends. These lists mean something more than making a slurred promise to your friends and family on December 30th. Although a couple of those will have to be on my list for the sake of my own and my families health and well being.

But I want to ask you for your input too, as I already feel you have been such a big part of my life in 2010 I want that to continue into 2011 and beyond.

So here's my plan. I want to make a list of 11 things to do in 2011.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

What do you think would warrant being on that list? I have thought of a few things like: reading at least 11 books, dropping the 11lb of baby weight I didn't lose in 2010, and quitting smoking once and for all.

But I would like to hear from you. What can I help to do to make this world a better place? What is a special promise for you and yours to keep? Leave your comments and ideas below and I will try to credit you by putting them on the list.
Do you like to make New Years Resolutions? What is on your personal list for 2011?

I hope you all have some fabulous celebrations, I can't wait to hear/read all about them.

Happy New Year

Take Care and here's to a prosperous and healthy 2011 #raising-glass-in-celebration
Kate
xx

Please don't hate me...

I have the Christmas come down!

After such a fabulous, yet tiring, long weekend with all the visiting of family and friends and eating copious amounts of food it has finally got to me. I have a little cold and teamed with tiredness and an over active toddler I can honestly say I've felt better.

It's as though I haven't been able to control my temper the yesterday and this morning. Though this morning I am keeping myself in check a bit better (I hope). It's ridiculous. Yesterday I couldn't even go to the toilet by myself without Youngling clambering up the stairs, barging in halfway through relieving myself and pulling all the toilet paper off the roll and shoving it between my legs.

Needless to say this grew very old very quickly. To make matters worse I felt as though I had a water/bladder infection yesterday for as soon as I sat down I had to get up and go back to the loo again.

Because Doo is working nights at the moment I have to try extra hard and keep Youngling quiet or at least as quiet as I can do. Of course all of his new Christmas presents are as loud as a war zone.

But this doesn't excuse my bad behaviour of shouting at Youngling. I feel so guilty and I don't want him to hate me. I don't want Doo to hate me for shouting at his son but yesterday I almost felt as if I couldn't control it. By it I mean the anger/frustration.

I could understand if the telling off were informative and educational, like using the naughty step. But I really was snapping at the littlest of things. It is up to me as a mother and essentially a role model to guide and teach our son. I had even started talking much more clearly and literally to help him start forming his vocabulary. That was until yesterday when the please and thank you's were swapped for some less than desirable words in the form of curse words. Terrible I know. Am hanging my head in shame as I write.

Of course yesterday was just a bad day and as I said today Youngling and I are doing much better (so far! He keeps making me an egg, mushroom, green pepper and pineapple stew with a spoon and two knives - on his new toy kitchen set).  I can't help but wonder why I seem to struggle some days when other mothers have two, three or even four children and they cope tremendously. I even cancelled going to see my in-laws as I felt so rotten (physically and emotionally). The whole ordeal felt very draining. I kept saying to Doo 'I just need a break'. Literally three to four hours away from Youngling to compose myself. I would love to be able to have the time and freedom to escape to library and write or read. Or even better to somewhere like my Great Aunt and Uncles large bungalow in the heart of the countryside near Cambridge. But when I hear it back it sounds so selfish and awful.

Youngling in his Christmas dressing gown.

So how, as parents, guardians or the like, are we to keep calm and composed when we ourselves may be under the weather, exhausted and drained? How do we switch of the thoughts of what we need to do in the new year (not the party! Actually looking into nurseries, jobs, cars, sorting more toys for charity, whether to continue with tots group or not, how to find money to pay for course etc etc) and focus on having fun with Youngling without letting the TV babysit? Generally how can we (ok I mean I) be better parents?

Apart from writing a couple of blog posts and replies today I am trying to make up for being horrible yesterday and spend more time playing with Youngling today. As I said he is exploring his culinary skills and making me a variety of foods from his new kitchen. My friend is popping round with her two girls this afternoon depending on what time Doo wakes up.

Youngling and his kitchen.

One thing that Youngling has been doing recently (in between the terrible two tantrums and screaming) is humming the same little tune over and over. It's adorable. I wonder how he came up with it? Perhaps he heard it and is copying it? He is always going round tickling everyone trying to imitate saying "tickle tickle tickle" as his dad and I do to him.

I feel a bit better for letting all that out but would love to hear any ideas on how to not to be such a monster.

Take care
Kate
xx

The best Christmas EVER!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

I hope you all enjoyed your days? I am just flexing my fingers whilst I wait for my mum to take Youngling and I to London to see some relatives and eat, drink, and generally be merry.

Yesterday, Christmas Day, was by far one of the best Christmas' I've ever had.

Doo got up for work at the usual time around 5am and Youngling didn't stir until 7ish. I went into the nursery and changed him then brought him back into bed with me for a Christmas morning cuddle.

Whilst watching TV snuggled under the duvet I heard a jingling from one of Younglings bell rattles. I put it down to being on the TV then I heard it getting louder and louder. I thought I was imagining things. Then I realised someone was coming up our stairs shaking the bells.

SANTA!

Santa was really here. It had to be him. So I rushed Youngling out of bed to the top of the stairs and to my utter surprise and happiness Doo was standing there dressed up as Santa with his presents in a sack over his shoulder.

Well I couldn't contain my delight and the tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks as Youngling jumped for joy to see his daddy on Christmas morning. Things couldn't get any better.

But they did.

We made our way downstairs for mummy to have a Bucks Fizz breakfast and to open some presents. Well the mess we made was a joke. There was paper flying everywhere and chocolate being opened left, right and centre. Youngling began to look rather overwhelmed by the amount of toys, paper and food, so we took him upstairs for a bath. One of his favourite past times. Then we returned to open some more presents.

I got some lovely items from everyone and am truly grateful for them all. Doo was pleasantly surprised by all of his presents too and they made him smile. Youngling was utterly spoilt and we thank everyone and god for blessing us with the care and love everyone has bestowed upon him.

Mid morning we made our way to my brothers house and over indulged in the most delicious Christmas dinner I've ever had. Seriously I ate so many olives for starters. I piled my plate high with swede and mash potato, brussels and bacon, pigs in blankets. Y-U-M-M-Y

Youngling fell asleep at the table after only a few mouthfuls of food. Too much chocolate first thing in the morning methinks.

Desert was fabulous with a choice of three or four puddings to suit all pallets. Doo loved it. He sat there having one of each and drinking  a beer whilst my mum, sister-in-law and I sipped champagne. Lush. We then retired our full bodies to the living room to open some more presents and boy has everyone gone mad this year. We said all along not to go too mad and if they must get a present just get something for Youngling and not to worry about Doo or I. But we were spoilt too.

When we got home later in the evening we put Youngling to bed who fell asleep before his head hit the pillow. Then Doo surprised me with some more champagne and some nibbles to cosy up on the sofa to end a perfect Christmas. But it didn't end there. Doo took me upstairs to show me some private presents he had bought, I mean Santa had bought, and our night continued into the early hours of this morning.

Perfect bliss.

It was by far one of the most relaxing, enjoyable, festively spirited Christmas' ever. I mean it. I am so thankful and lucky to have such a wonderful and thoughtful fiance who quite literally takes my breath away. And to have a family who kept the secret from me for the last few weeks of his planning this little surprise for us.
I hope you had as magical a time as we did? After all we are all magical and special in our own little way.

Well Doo is back at work today so I had better get Youngling and I ready to go to London to see my family.
Happy Boxing Day everyone and I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas 2010.

Lots of love
Kate
xx

Snow, silliness and a Christmas message for all

Hello everyone I hope you are all wrapped up warm with the fire crackling away and drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows as you read this? No? Me neither. But it's a nice fantasy nonetheless.

I have been smiling so much this past week as here in Hertfordshire we finally saw some snow. It came a little earlier than planned and I wasn't quite prepared with Ski trousers and a sledge for Youngling. But never fear we have had fun using our creativeness indoors. And the odd snowball fight outside.

I do feel bad at how I wished everyone would stop moaning about the amount of snow and our countries inept ability to cope with it. I know it can be frustrating for those stuck in the highlands and dangerous for those on the roads but it really isn't the end of the world. At least it isn't for us. And it looks so pretty.

View from our back doorstep.

Santa's footprints? 

Even PolPol the pussycat has found the fun in chasing the falling snow from the trees. We do laugh when she runs back into the house with wet paws and skids across the living room floor.

Another year is almost over and I have already begun thinking about New Year's resolutions and lists to complete. Have you thought of yours?

One of my main aims for 2011 is to sort out my career. I need to break into the media industry someway, somehow. Whether it be by interning at a publishing house for a few years first then following my longing to be a journalist and write feature articles (human interest mainly) in magazines and newspapers.  As long as my mind is stimulated and the pay is good (enough to cover £56 per day child care, travel and to cover the weekly shop) then I wont be complaining. I don't ask for much huh?

I know I have to start taking my writing more seriously. I need to pay more attention, as it has been brought to my attention - again. I have had all my spelling and grammatical mistakes throughout my blog pointed out to me. Whilst I fully appreciate everyones help and understanding that I am always looking to improve myself and my blog, I felt a little stung that yet again I'm not improving. I don't know why I'm not improving. I blame it on baby brain. Seriously. You try two years at home not expanding your mind or knowledge. The only thing being tested is your patience. So what is my excuse?

I know I'm not perfect and that I asked for the help but I feel like a failure. I feel like if I can't be good at this, writing, my passion, then what on earth do I have?

I am stronger than that and I know that I WILL go far with my career. I have already started to be asked to write reviews for different companies. Although Doo complained that I haven't been paid for many posts yet I know it is a step up on the ladder to success. So I must keep going. 2011 will be my year folks. It has to be.

So with that fiery spirit in mind I hope you have had a fabulous Christmas if I don't speak to you before and make sure you drive safely, keep warm and have a jolly good knees up for New Year. I hope to see you back on here soon after with as much fiery in your belly as I have for a very Happy New Year.

Let's make 2011 the year of all years :-)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Lots of Love
Kate
xx

Mirrorin Rocket Mirror

One of Younglings Christmas presents came early courtesy of Mirrorin - a website full of fun and safe childrens mirrors.

I was as excited as Youngling to receive the Rocket Mirror, that came securely packed in a large box. The mirror itself was in a clear bag with a sheet of instructions and some double-sided sticky tape.

After I had arranged the rocket and stars into a mini display I set about applying the tape. Although the mirrors were light I did add some extra tape of my own for extra security, as the wall I had intended to affix the mirror had slight aertex on it.

Before I could stick it to the wall I had a bit of a struggle removing the protective coating on the front of the mirrors. But that could be because I am a little cack-handed with things like sellotape but it may have been useful to have a handy tab to help people like me.

Here are a few pictures from start to finish, which only took 15min half of which were spent getting my fingers stuck together with tape.

Straight from the packet

Halfway there

Completed. (Notice we've stocked up on nappies incase of more snow!)

Youngling thoroughly likes the mirror and spent the whole time we changed him staring at his reflection. Yes you might say that he takes after his mummy in the vanity trait.

You can find out more and peruse the variety of mirrors available to buy at: mirrorin.co.uk and follow them on Twitter at: @kidsmirrors and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidsmirrors

What have you got your Youngling’s for Christmas this year?

Take care
Kate
xx

*This post was sponsored*

Frankie The Fiesta

Well winter is most definitely here although I can’t quite get used to the drastic changes the weather is throwing our way. One minute it’s raining, the next is sunny, then snowing.

Today was a beautifully picturesque morning with a blanket of frost covering every surface. It was cold and crisp and slippery in places.

Today I wished more than ever that I had my old Car, Frankie The Fiesta, up and running.
It’s been just over a year now that I have left my old friend Frankie to sit on my parents drive. It was a hard break up and I miss him terribly. You see Doo doesn’t drive and Frankie was one my greatest achievements even though he wasn’t as flashy as a sports car or the like. I knew I could trust him to get me from a to b in warmth and comfort.

But alas it was not meant to be.

When Youngling came along all of our income went straight to him, naturally, so poor old Frankie didn’t get a look in. My parents even paid for my last M.O.T and some small repair work he needed.
I wish I had paid more attention to compare car insurance before making the heartbreaking decision to leave him alone. His tears have rusted in the rain. His bumpers have been beaten by the weather.

Perhaps things may have been different between the two of us had I found a more affordable way to manage him.

He was my first, but not the last car I’ll ever share my time with. But the future of Frankie is uncertain. I hope to be reunited with him again one day or at least find him a loving home. I will remember him fondly.

Do you remember your first? Was it a tale of love-at-first-sight or that of woe?

Apparently this winter weather is here to stay. So when you’re out and about please take care and mind your step.

Always remember to drive carefully.

Until next time.
Kate Collings
xx

*This post was sponsored*

Intruder alert

As I have mentioned once or twice before I would really like a puppy. Like is too tame a word I would love a puppy and yes I know that puppy's are not just for Christmas. There is no chance that Doo would let us have a puppy anyway - he has a little, how should I say it, phobia of canines.

Well last night we could definitely have made use of having a dog around the house. You see we had a little intruder disturbing our evenings shocking PolPol into acting like a substitute guard dog to fend off the criminal.

Let me set the mood.

Doo and I had eaten a lovely meal by candle light with one of his favourite comedy dvd's in the back ground. And as I had promised Doo I got a little dressed up for the evening. Youngling was even co-operating and went to bed without a fuss. we could hear him snoring though the stairs divide the two rooms.

Without going into too much detail, I wouldn't want to put you off your dinner, Doo and I snuggled up under the duvet. We were suddenly disturbed by some crashes and banging and a scurrying from downstairs. PolPol came flying up the stairs and hovered at the top growling at something below.

Well I can tell you for nothing that I most certainly was not going to get out of bed and face whatever or whoever it was that distressed PolPol so much. For one I'm chicken and two I don't think stockings and fighting crime go hand in hand.

So off Doo went, my hero in blue, to fight for his house and family.

The bangs got louder and PolPols cries sent shivers down my spine.

Then all of a sudden a door slammed shut.

All went Quiet.

Then Doo crept upstairs holding our little princess pussy cat PolPol close to his chest and talking to her in soothing tones.

It turns out that a big black cat from down the road decided he liked the look of our home and tried to be a part of it by breaking and entering through PolPol's cat flap. This is the very same black cat which on occasion has tried to violate our princess PolPol.

She has clearly been disturbed as she mumbles in her sleep now and is always on her guard. apart from when Doo is on nights and she snuggles under the duvet to keep me warm.

I'm not a volatile person towards animals or anything but this particular cat drives me mad. I mean I wouldn't put it in a dustbin or anything (you must have seen the news) but this cat really gets my back up. Ive even had to chase it down the road to stop it fighting outside my house and potentially waking my son up. I only shouted at them but what would you do?

Take care and watch out for any strange intruders human or other.
Kate
xx

"...I will only live until..."

These were the words coming out of Doo’s mouth only weeks into our relationship, almost four years ago. And at the time I knew he was joking, yet I still couldn’t help but feel a part of me was scared and a little upset, though I was smiling along with him in jest.

Doo, like me, has had a long history of injuries and illnesses. I mean the two of us put together could have given one private doctor an early retirement if it weren’t for the good old NHS. Probably the best thing to come out of England – but that’s for another post entirely.

The list of ailments really is quite comical.

But lately Doo has been losing a little bit of weight, which has caused us both to worry, especially since I appear to have the opposite problem, gaining a little bit too much weight, and Doo can lift heavier weights now than he ever has!

Almost a year ago Doo was advised to take emergency leave for he was suffering from a case of Nervous Exhaustion. But he hasn’t.

Around the same time of year he was also advised to take time away to have a much-needed operation on his shoulder, which had been dislocating for two years without treatment. Yet he didn’t.

He can’t take time off work to ‘get-fixed’ because the sick pay wouldn’t cover the costs of day-to-day living!

I think that joking about how poorly he feels or that his arm feels like it’s about to fall off through the pain, is his way of coping and hiding his worries. But I do find it un-nerving to hear him talk about Life Insurance at the age of tender twenty-nine.

Since becoming a parent myself I feel as though I have had the blinkers removed and seen the importance of protecting those around me and myself. So on the one hand I can empathise with his concern for looking after us should something happen.

We are getting to the age where we are seeing more and more family members and friends passing on, more so for our parents and their parents generation. And although it is a sad and somewhat morbid fact to think about we do need to be prepared for it.

But should we concentrate more on what happens after we are gone, or should we concentrate more on what happens whilst we are still here?

Take care
Kate
xx

*This post was sponsored*

Terrible two's come early?

 As you may have heard Youngling hasn't been sleeping too well. Not that I've been banging on about it or anything ;-) Nothing has seemed to work over the past few months but Doo and I are started to deal with it better in ourselves. This has been such a positive turn around for both of us, even if Youngling is determined to kill us off early by sleep deprivation.

I have found more support with other parents through the blogosphere and twitter, whether it be in late night chats, or when I've needed some reassurance that we aren't the only ones going throughout this nightmarish stage of parenthood.

I have found a good friend called Tasha who tweets frequently with updates of her daughters progress.

I always thought I could always count on Youngling being brighter and sprightly during the day, especially when seeing friends etc. But lately he has started acting up. In public no less. How dare he. I have even had the feeling of failure and disappointment creep in from time to time.

That was until a health visitor confirmed that the terrible two's isn't a myth. It has been medically proven that when children near the age of two, or just over, their body's and minds start to change in way that causes them to have tantrums.

Now I always thought that this was just a load of hooey and that it was down to bad parenting when i saw a child destroy a shop display and throw themselves in a heap on the floor.

That was until we had Youngling.

He has always been a bit of a messy eater but lately he has hardly touched his three meals a day. At the moment he has a tendency to flail his arms so much at mealtimes that the food goes absolutely everywhere.

Even today at Wiggle Tots (my group for the under 5's) he threw a few tantrums and almost hurt another child.

That, to me, is unacceptable behaviour yet I'm struggling to find a way to get through to him without screaming back at him in frustration. Super Nanny would have a fit if she hear me scream this morning. I was so disappointed. Only this time I was disappointed in myself.

Are boys harder than girls with the terrible twos? Does it get any easier or does it just get worse?

Fingers crossed he is on his best behaviour for next weeks visit from Santa at our Christmas Party.

Keep them crossed.
Kate
xx

A Magical Experience at Santa’s Magical Kingdom

I have to admit I have completely succumbed to that ‘Christmassy Feeling’, especially after our Sunday outing to Santa's Magical Kingdom, Kent, UK.

My excitement began during the 1 hour and 45min journey from our home in Hertfordshire to Hop Farm in Paddock Wood, Kent.


Grandpa (Bampa), Youngling, and me

When we arrived Younglings face lit up immediately after seeing an 8ft tall Santa statue guiding us in to see the first of many elves. Youngling was given his golden ticket that he could get stamped along the way. The first elf gave Youngling a beautiful bauble which we helped him tie to one of the many Christmas trees leading to the waiting station before embarking on our magical tour.

The grownups were each given a voucher to indulge in a little mulled wine and a mince pie. We decided to save ours until after the tour as our own little treat. I think it would have been a nice idea if they had made a warm blackcurrant drink and Christmas tree biscuit for the children, unfortunately they didn’t so it’s a good job Youngling likes mince pies, though I wont be sharing my mulled wine with anyone!

We were soon being led by our friendly elves to the main entrance through a shower of snow, which was magical in itself. Youngling couldn’t quite make out what it was but looked up in awe and amazement as it fell on his head.

Nanna Barbar and Youngling with an Elf

Our first stop was the 4D Cinema which played a sweet little film and encouraged everyone to sing along with Christmas cheer. Even my mum at 64 years old laughed out loud and belted out the songs at the top of her lungs.

With the use of magic passwords we were allowed to enter the Forest of Lights where Youngling really came into his element. He is, like his mummy, easily distracted by pretty colours and shiny things and this forest looked fabulous with hidden animals hiding in the snow covered ground. He thoroughly enjoyed pushing the interactive buttons and watching the displays come to life.

This is Youngling (and some bears in the background)

In true pantomime style we had to shout out the magic password to gain entrance to Reindeer Land where we actually saw live Reindeer. They were beautiful and so serene, munching on their hay. Before we walked into the next station I had to fight with Youngling to stop him eating some of the chalk on the gigantic, floor-to-ceiling, chalkboard.

But he soon settled as we started to write our letters to Santa in the Post Office room. As a stationary addict I found this room utterly wonderful and thought the post box over the fireplace was beautifully made. Youngling even watched two letters he posted fly up the chimney and wanted to do more.

There was so much to see and we were only half way round by this point.

Youngling and his fence

So it was off to the North Pole, which was enclosed by a cute white picket fence that Youngling held onto to stare at the enchanting display. It felt slightly rushed getting to this point, like I couldn’t take in all the beauty we had seen thus far.

Though I must admit I welcomed sitting down in the Craft Workshop. I was dubious to see how Youngling would get on sitting still for a time, as he is only 20 months old. To my surprise he absolutely loved it. It was a nice feature and though I think the older children may benefit more from making the cards and crafts Youngling and I certainly enjoyed decorating his cardboard tree. His grandpa got a bit glitter-happy too which made us all laugh and smile.

Bampa, Youngling and a messy me

Had Youngling been that little bit older I think he would have enjoyed the story time with Mother Christmas more than he did. Although when the magic elf came to see us and show us some tricks everyone, including the grown ups, jeered and cheered him along.

I could feel the excitement in the air as we were nearing the end of our tour. Youngling barged his way to the front of the group to knock on the door for us to be let into The Magical Kingdom which everyone thought was adorable.

It was in here that I felt the true magic was.

The singing and dancing displays were excellently laid out and Youngling and I both found the giant Yeti both charming and hilarious.

It was nice to see the elves distracting the children on the interactive snowflake square whilst other families began to line up to see the main man himself.

I was a bit embarrassed when Youngling started to scream in the line but I don’t think he really understood the process after all he had already been on an overwhelming and amazing journey. I quietened him with a biscuit and a drink and then we were next.

I think I was more excited than my parents and Youngling put together. I had never been to anything like this even as a child.

We were ushered down a darkened corridor by yet another elf and asked to wait behind a curtain. We were then led into a warming room where we saw Santa sitting proudly in all his Christmassy-ness. Youngling was a little nervous at first but he soon relaxed especially when he received a lovely present magically through the fireplace. It was all so enchanting. I was beaming from ear to ear.



Youngling's 1st official sighting of Santa

But this wasn’t our last stop. Oh no.

After having our picture taken with Santa we went outside and saw a variety of rides and animals. There was even a carousel. We didn’t stay too long outside as the temperature had really dropped by then. So we went and spent a good 45 minuets in the indoor play area, which was where we had our mulled wine and mince pies. We all enjoyed a turn sliding down the slide with Youngling laughing so much he could hardly breathe.

Nanna Barbar and I collapsed in a heap with Youngling laughing at us!

Then we walked back through the snow covered trees, through the gift shop and went to the warmth of the café. All four of us had a drink and something to eat for under £15. Bargain. My tea and scone were delicious and nicely presented. I wish we could have stayed all day at Santa's Magical Kingdom. In fact we almost had. By the time we left, at 3:45pm, we had been at Hop Farm for almost 4 and a half hours.

So thank you to all at Santa's Magical Kingdom for making this experience possible. We had a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable time. We have the pictures as a keepsake for that.

Is it a bit early to say “Happy Christmas” to everyone?

Take care
Kate
xx

* This post was sponsored *