Man Flu

Well we took the little man to the Dr's yesterday but he said he just has a common cold. Hmmm, I'm not so sure I agree with him, given the barking cough that he has. He also prescribed the wrong dosage of paracetamol to a 9 week old baby which was pointed out by the pharmacist! I don't think we'll use that emergency doctors again in a hurry. He is still a bit grumpy today but the paracetamol is helping a little. Just keeping an eye on him for now and see if he needs a trip to the Dr's again. Fingers crossed he starts feeling better soon.

Everyone else, apart from myself and the g/f, seems to be getting much better. My day consisted of browsing blogs for hours on end, drinking lemsips and generally feeling sorry for myself.

On the upside, we did order a lovely Chinese which made us feel that little bit better. How can you not feel better with Ho Yu Gai Po and Duck Chow Mein? Nom nom..

I think we will have to venture out tomorrow. Cold or no cold. I'm going slightly insane by being stuck in the house and twiddling my fingers. Although discovering new blogs has been fabby. There are so many wonderful and talented people out there. They really are inspiring. The ladies over at eighteen25 have some fantastic ideas. I wish I had found this blog sooner so I could have used some of their ideas over the Christmas period. I could spend hours here, soaking up all the creativity.

Bee in our Bonnet
made this guest post. How brilliant are these?

We are staying home with the family to see in the New Year, so I'm thinking of things I can do with the children to make it special for them. This is just the type of inspiration needed.

Back to reality

Sorry for the repost, I tried to login on my Iphone and it deleted the post. What's all that about? Anyway.... Well it has been lovely over the Christmas period. No Assignments to worry about, I've passed by first OSCE and also my first presentation, so life is good.

Considering there are 7 of us, it was pretty quiet over Christmas. We opened presents, had a lovely Christmas dinner and played games with the children in the evening, whilst eating nibbles and junk food.

Santa Baby!

Getting ready to make mommy a face mask.

The Nibbles

I didn't win one cracker! I had to steal a hat!

Even the cat Joined in.

I've had so many prezzies this year but my favorites by far are my Nikon camera from my girlfriend and my Alice in Wonderland themed bracelet from my sister.

I've always loved Alice in Wonderland since I was a little girl. I was so overwhelmed when I opened this present. It is just perfect for me. Just look at all the little charms. *Squeals!*

Unfortunately now, the whole house have come down with colds so we are going through tissues like there is no tomorrow. I'm off to get dosed up on lemsips and take the little one to the Dr's as he is a poorly little thing.

Student Midwife...

Wow, the last few weeks have been immense. I started my first placement in the community two weeks ago and I have learnt so much already. Doing a 37.5 hour working week, plus studying on top of that, is hard going but very rewarding. I'm going to be so upset when I come to the end of my first placement in 2 weeks as I have loved every minute of it. My mentor has been brilliant and very encouraging, I hope I get to work with her again in the future.

There really are highs and lows and these last two weeks have been such a learning curve. I definitely know I have chosen the right career and can't wait to experience more over the next 3 years.

Introducing our grandson...

Introducing the new addition to the family... My partners son and his girlfriend have just become the proud parents of this little one. He is absolutely gorgeous and we can't stop snuggling him. 

He is the spitting image of his Daddy when he was a baby. Can't wait to get them home tomorrow then all the fun will start. My children haven't met him yet as the hospital have a no children under 12 policy, so they are eagerly awaiting his return home.

University ..Children..... Life..... ZZzz

I have now started university and the last two weeks have been a complete whirlwind. My partner gave up her job when I started university, so she could look after the house, children and attend college part time. It is so strange that the roles in the household have completely turned. It is nice to know that while I am away at university and studying my socks off, I haven't got to worry about childminders or when I will get round to doing the laundry. I really am lucky to have her.

It was also lumps Birthday this week, so I had to make time to make her cake. I was so tired but managed to throw one together.  Lump was happy though so that's all that matters.

Twilight Saga Cake

It is our eldest son's Birthday next week and my partners at the begining of October so I still can't get away from these cakes! I'm hoping I will have settled down into a better routine by then.



Competition winner

I've had many hobbies over the past few years. Card making, cake decorating and entering competitions, to name a few, but with every hobby I've had, I get bored and move onto something else and then go back and forth between past hobbies. I recently started entering the odd competition here and there whilst dreaming of winning holidays, the latest gadgets and other lovely goodies. Facebook competitions were new to me though and I was a little wary of entering. However, I am so glad I did.

Van Dal run a monthly competition where you can win some fabulous shoes or boots. For the latest competition, you were required to review your favourite pair of shoes or boots to be in with a chance to win them. I chose VIKNA as they were just my style and the heels were the perfect height that I could wear them all day at university, without aching feet.  

On Thursday September 1st, the draw was done and to my complete surprise, I was the lucky winner! My winning entry was:

"As I'm starting University, to be a Student Midwife, these are the ideal, sophisticated footwear for Autumn and Winter."

They emailed me straight away for my details and my boots were on the way to me. I received them just 48 hours later on Saturday morning!



They really are so comfortable. I can see these being matched with various pairs of funky tights, as above, over the coming, colder seasons.  

Dark nights are drawing in

I mainly dislike autumn and winter. It gets colder, darker and drearier by the day. While it's nice to think of all the autumn colours and cosy nights in front of the fire, I have always been the type of person who can't be happy for these sorts of moments. I might be cosy but I can't help think of those less fortunate than us that are homeless and pets that are constantly outdoors, getting battered by the harsh weather. It's thoughts like these that keep me awake at night. I also have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which I wish I could wave a magic wand to ease my symptoms but since buying a light box last year, I think I can cope much better with the up and coming winter.

On a lighter note (my shallow side) there are some things I do like about these seasons. I get to un-pack all my winter clothing and footwear, meaning, long sleeved tops, chunky cardigans/jumpers, knee high boots and best of all, funky coloured tights!  Whoop!

I have added to my collection of leg wear today with some leopard print and ochre coloured tights. 



Next £7



Next £5

I wanted these tights earlier in the year but by the time I got round to buying them, it was far too late in the season. I have some outfits in mind, so I have put a couple of ideas together using polyvore.

I love putting sets together on Polyvore but it makes me want to shop more! I just can't affort to at the moment :o(

Proud Mummy moment..

My 9 year old daughter has finally got over her fear of riding without stabilisers and learnt to ride her bike today. We were all so shocked as she just got on her bike and off she went. No falling, no scraped knees. It was lovely to see her looking so free!

I took the picture with my I phone so the quality isn't great. I really need to start taking my camera out more often to capture moments like these. Her brother was so proud and impressed with her, he made me melt when he was praising her for learning so quickly! I'm hoping the weather will be nice tomorrow so we can go out again and built her confidence.  

Busy, excited and tired...

I've been busy busy busy for the last few weeks.  Keeping the children entertained, going on days out and enrolling at Uni. I've also met a few more of my fellow cohort members and it's lovely to put a face to the name of some of the people I have spoken to online, through the uni blog.

My partner and I took our two youngest children to Alton towers. The weather was lovely and we had an overall, great day. As Alton Towers is only an hour away, I've been quite a few times but forgot what some of the rides were like. My children aren't really into fast rides with big dips, and I couldn't remember Thirteen being too bad, so thought my children would be fine going on the ride with me.... how Wrong I was. The poor things were petrified. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. Through the whole ride, I was telling them it was nearly over, that they were ok etc... I felt awful, but it was funny too. (I'm an evil mummy!) They were fine when thy got off. They said they enjoyed it but wouldn't go on again... oops!

My poor kiddies! hehe. (Some random man was sitting next to my son)

My son is hiding behind me... he wasn't best pleased with this ride either!

Here we were all competing to get the highest score. Mommy won..... woohoo!

The only ride where putting their hands up didn't seem like a life or death decision.

I love this one :o)

The lump (my daughter) was screaming on this one :o)  

So as you can see, there was fun had by all. The photos are not the best quality but if you click them you can see more detail.

University bore...

I know I'm constantly going on about university but I'm just so excited! Becoming a midwife is what I have always dreamed of, since I was 5 years old. It started with a friend of my mothers who was pregnant and I was fascinated by her growing tummy and stories of her pregnancy. After the lady gave birth, everyone cooed over the baby while she talked about her labour and birth. Obviously this new gurgling baby was so cute and adorable but I was more interested in what mum was talking about, even though I didn't understand even half of it at 5 years old.

Anyhow... there are now 5 weeks left till I start so I've been getting a few bits and bobs together. Books, folders, pens, pens, pens...  (I love stationary shopping!!) My favourites so far is my bag, fob watch and shoes for placements.



Monsoon - Heritage Antler Week

I fell in love with this bag as soon as I saw it. It is so roomy inside and will be perfect for carrying my uniform, shoes, folders, books etc



Clarks - Unloops

While not the most aesthetically pleasing, these babies are soooo comfortable! I will take comfort over style any day. After a 12 hour shift, I'm sure my tootsies will appreciate it!





Ebay



I loved this when I bought it, I still do, but I have since found out that I might not be able to use it, as our trust prefers us to use the fobs with a silicone cover. I'm hoping it's wrong!

I'm just waiting to hear when I will receive my uniforms now, so I can strut my stuff round my living room, pretending to be all important looking.



The last of the cakes... woop!

Well the last of the cakes have been made and I'm completely done in. These will definitely be the last that I do to order. I have stressed so much over the past few weeks and prayed that I will get them all out on time. All three. Yes, to you ardent cake makers and professionals, I salute you! As much as I love baking and decorating, it is not what I would want to do for a living. I'll stick to midwifery.

So, on to the pics

Ben10

Ben and Holly

Peppa Pig & Family



I am now looking forward to spending some quality time with my partner and children during the summer holidays. Nothing extravagant, as I need to keep an eye on the pennies for uni, but some nice days out to take advantage of the free time before my life is taken over for the next three years.

More Cake Making

It was my nephew's Birthday today and his mum and dad asked me to make this Xbox controller cake for him. I'm not best pleased with it to be honest. It looks a bit too tall and not wide enough but dad was pleased with it, so what's done is done.



I've been making cakes for the last few months to save some pennies for University, however, I've probably only just about broke even once all the materials, ingredients, gas and electirc have been added up. That's not counting the hours I spend baking and decorating them. I have 3 more cakes to do next week and maybe one or two in August, then I think that will be my lot. I won't be able to make them once I start University as they are so time consuming. It was fun while it lasted and I'll hopefully still be able to make my own childrens cakes.

It has taught me a few things though. Cake making is expensive and people want something for nothing. They expect a cake that has the quality of a "cake shop" but think because it's from a friend, they will be charged the same price as  a cake from a supermarket.  While I do enjoy making cakes, they take hours to make and while I love my friends and family, I am hard pressed making a cake that will not cover my expenses, never mind standing 6+ hours and stressing that I will do the cake justice. 

Oops, more moaning from me but I feel better now that's off my chest!

Manchester United

I've not long delivered the cake I was making yesterday and I'm glad to be giving my poor tootsies a rest. I would not advise wearing 4 inch wedges while decorating a cake!  

I was given the design for the cake on Saturday, so the time scale was so tight. I bought the Manchester United icing sheet from a lovely lady at kathryns-cakes, who got me out of a pickle by posting these out at such short notice. Thank you so much! I've never used printed sheets before but they were so easy to use. I will definately be using Kathryns-cakes again if I need more sheets in the future.

Egg theif!

A few weeks back, my darling cat, Huggit, decided to steal a birds egg and run through our lounge, clutching it between her teeth. My 9yo daughter claimed the egg and decided she  would keep it warm in the airing cupboard. I explained that it wouldn't survive as the airing cupboard might be too warm, or not warm enough, for our little eggy friend. This didn't deter her at all.

7 days later, I was putting away the laundry and went to put towels in the airing cupboard. I was laughing away to myself thinking how funny it would be if our little eggy friend did hatch. I had the shock of my life when I picked the up the egg. I could feel the tiny birdy pecking away inside and had already managed to crack the outer shell.

Having already Googled baby birds, I knew that this birdy wouldn't have a chance if we tried to care for it ourselves, as they need feeding every 10-15 minutes. So I phoned around looking for somewhere that had experience in these situations. Eventually we found The British Wildlife Rescue Centre who said I could bring the egg there.

My daughter was so eggcited excited when I picked her up from school and she couldn't stop repeating how brilliant she was. I was very proud of her for giving this baby bird a chance. We then  drove 25 miles to the rescue centre who were shocked, as we all were, that the bird had survived so long but told me to phone back in 2 days and they would let us know what sort of bird it was.  

Just before we left for the Rescue Centre at 5pm 

Unfortunately, this is where the lovely part of story ends. We phoned back 2 days later and were told that our baby Pigeon had hatched at 12:30am but unfortunately didn't make it through the night. I was so sad to tell my daughter but I made sure that she knew how proud of her I was and that she had done such a lovely thing for the baby pigeon. We still can't believe that it survived 7 days in the airing cupboard. I just hope our cat stays away from bird nests in the future!

Not going as expected...

 Well after setting up this (very basic) blog, I've deserted the poor thing! I don't know if it's because I have nothing to say, am too lazy to take pictures or my life is so mundane that it isn't worth putting into words. Hmmmm, note to self, Get Motivated!

Anyway, this is similar to what I wore today. I'm also sitting here wearing a fetching green apron, waiting for my latest cake to bake, which will be a Manchester United theme. Not in the mood for baking today but as they want it for tomorrow, I better get cracking! ( cake, eggs, CRACKING?...... I'll get my coat) 

Pottering

I've recently secured a place at Uni for a degree in midwifery. I'm so excited to start! It's been a long slog with lots of hard work but it's been worth every tear, tantrum and late night that I endured at college. I don't start until September but I'll soon be volunteering in the local hospital's maternity unit. I'm just waiting for my occupational health to be cleared and I'm all set to go.

Until then, you'll find me pottering around the house, doing mundane chores and preparing for university life, with excessive reading of anatomy and physiology, midwifery dictionaries and journals.


Photo of the day.




Due to being the queen of losing things, I have misplaced the wire to my camera. Hopfully I should find it today, tomorrow, never? Until then, I shall have to make do with I phone pics.

I'm a moaner...

I always do it. I see some fabby shoes online, buy them and they don't fit. I'm sure I can't be the only one that has this problem but I never learn. I just continue to buy shoes which end up at the bottom of my wardrobe until I take them to a charity shop or return them to the store.

I ordered these shoes which arrived this morning. I was so excited to try them on but they are huge. Unfortunately, this time, this is the only size they have at the moment, so I will just have to return them and leave without the fabby shoes.



Peacocks £20



On a happier note, the two dresses I ordered are perfect! Now I just need to pick something else from the shop so I don't lose my 3 for 2 offer!

Plucking up the courage

I'm new to blogging but I've been a lurker for a while now. I thought it was about time I joined in on all this fun and put my opinons, likes and dislikes out there, for my own entertainment. If others fancy a look around, feel free but I can't promise you will be entertained...