You must have some songs that remind you of the past, songs that make you smile, songs that you have danced too, wedding songs, first kiss songs etc.
I have them too but there is also tastes. Last night, before going to bed (to warm me up) I had a drink that took me back to the 1993/4.
Imagine the scene, it was BK (before kids) and BH (before husband) and I'm still at school. I'm doing my A Levels at school, uniform all present and correct - well at least it was when I used to leave the house, by the time I got on the school bus, the tie would be the thin side on (!) and my skirt would have shortened by at least 2" (no not that Wonder web stuff but that skill known as hitching it up!).
So, I would get to school, go to registration and then go to either the 6th form common room or to the haven- the Biology prep room.
Yes, I studied a Biology A level (back in the days when I thought I'd be a dentist when I grew up!!) and as there were only four of us studying it we got to use the small prep room as an extra studying area. We had plenty of space to revise and do our homework and there we would drink it. The drink which would warm us up and which we would drink gallons of it.
The taste the other night made me smile, made me think of our mugs, of our time in the Biology prep room.
And the drink, well it wasn't tea or coffee but the fantastic taste of Horlicks, the taste that is now meant to help you sleep* used to keep us going through our study hours.
Is there a taste that takes you back? Having started this post, I seem to have remembered a few more, so soon I may bore you with them!!
BNM
Please note, this is not a sponsored post - I just love the stuff
* - it may have made me sleep as I seemed to have failed my Biology A Level!!
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Today!
Today was going to be a marvellous day, when families and friends meet, a get together of huge refluxing proportions. We catch up and meet as girlfriends on a semi regular basis but with our children or partners less so. Last time we met up, there was snow. This time there is snow and ice but we won't be there. We will be stuck here at home, not because of the weather (though our road doesn't get gritted) but because of the damned car. It is still not fixed, even though it has had its spark plugs, fuel filter and fuel pump changed! It now cuts out when going up a hill (not a good thing here in Mid Wales!!) so our trip to see the Wi family and see Wa has had to be postponed. And before you say what about the bus,I did look into it but it seems that at one there and one back we would have had cold lunch!!
So girls, while your eating your lunch think of the pudding you could have had but be thankful for the trifle you've had. Today is a day that will be done and we will meet again for madness and laughs, anecdotes and embarrassing moments will be recollected or made.
Whatever the new year may bring us we will always have each other, through bad times and good I will be here for you.
BNM
PS can you post me some trifle?
So girls, while your eating your lunch think of the pudding you could have had but be thankful for the trifle you've had. Today is a day that will be done and we will meet again for madness and laughs, anecdotes and embarrassing moments will be recollected or made.
Whatever the new year may bring us we will always have each other, through bad times and good I will be here for you.
BNM
PS can you post me some trifle?
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Fungis...or Fungus or Funguys!!
Seeing as there's nothing on the telly (apart from CSI which am Sky+ to watch when Neb is here) and seeing as she asked soo nicely here are the two originals from the earlier post. I still can't make up my mind if I prefer these or the black and white ones.
Black and White
I'm not a very good picture taker, I never have been - from my early camera days when after getting my first camera on holiday, I took a picture of a cathedral - only to cut off the spire. I then moved on to an advantix (because I was one of the useless ones who couldn't put a film in to save her life) where instead of cutting bits of buildings off I would cut heads off!!
So when I managed to save up some birthday money this year, I decided that actually I would like a digital camera, no need to put film in, screen so I could see what I'd taken and oh so much easier. I tweeted at the time and I think I need to thank @cosmicgirlie and someone else for their help!! (I can't remember who it was so if I'm completely wrong not my fault!!)
After getting fantastic advice, I bought this camera on sale at Argos!
And so I can now take semi decent pictures, well I think so anyway. And it seems that nature is the way to go- no more people or buildings (though I do take some good ones of the girls when they decide to smile!!).
Here is a selection of some fungi taken locally and then made black and white by Picasa 3
This post is for the Sticky Fingers gallery, whose theme this week is Black and White
So when I managed to save up some birthday money this year, I decided that actually I would like a digital camera, no need to put film in, screen so I could see what I'd taken and oh so much easier. I tweeted at the time and I think I need to thank @cosmicgirlie and someone else for their help!! (I can't remember who it was so if I'm completely wrong not my fault!!)
After getting fantastic advice, I bought this camera on sale at Argos!
Here is a selection of some fungi taken locally and then made black and white by Picasa 3
This post is for the Sticky Fingers gallery, whose theme this week is Black and White
Click, click, type, type
Do you know how hard it is to get on the computer in our house.
This is why most of my blog posts get done early in the morning or when the kids are in bed or the husband is out.
For its not only me who 'needs it!!
Bel from the time I get into the car after work will go on and on and on about CP - Club Penguin to you and me. She absolutely loves it and would spend as much time as possible on it if we let her. But we don't. And normally she only gets to go on on Saturday and Sunday and maybe in the week if she has been exceptionally well behaved.
Even Car gets in on the action and will demand PP (Peppa Pig). Again if she has behaved or Bel is watching her own telly I will give in (I'm not a pushover honest) and sit her in the dining room - anything for peace and quiet sometimes.
Obviously I use it to write posts and reviews, but also to do some internet shopping and to have some fun on that lilttle social network known as bookface! And then if had meeting in work, I will also come home to write any minutes I may have left over as sometimes I don't get to finish them or get a bit sidetracked!! Then there is of course the way I use it as an extension to my iPod, be it either by using iTunes or by listening to music on spotify.
Then, there is Neb, I assume we should let him go on it (it is his laptop after all!). He will use it for a variety of things - from keeping track of his pool team games on an excel sheet as well as also surfing the net for games!
So you would think it would be easier to get another computer in our house - something we may even do after Christmas. And what better computer to get than an all-in-one computer. A laptop is great but it heats up after a bit and then I end up with burnt legs and what about the normal desktop computers - well the only worry with them is (especially) in my house is space. So an all-in-one it is!
These computers provide a family with several benefits for their home computing needs. These days, the All-in-One desktop provides just as much power and functionality as a regular desktop computer or laptop, but has the added benefit of space-saving design, clean aesthetics, and optional multi-touch display technology. And in a house where space is a premium this is a great idea.
These desktops, such as the Dell Inspiron One All-in-One desktops, have an array of features including:
- For home entertainment: high-definition widescreen display, internet connectivity capability (Wi-Fi), DVD drive, and the ability to connect to TV tuners, cable and satellite boxes and gaming consoles through an HDMI port.
- Space-saving design means that the computer can easily fit in a corner of the kitchen, on a desk in the home office or a student’s bedroom, or be front-and-centre in the family room.
- Multi-touch display technology, which allows more creative functionality and applications such as paint, draw and sticky notes.
- Dell pairs its multi-touch display with a user interface called Stage, which enables people to quickly access their favourite content including music, photos and videos, and provide a more intuitive experience
They look really neat don't they:
So, if anyone is feeling kind and generous out there I would love to have one, I'm sure you would to. Further information can be found here and there's also a video on YouTube
Sponsored Post
Friday, 19 November 2010
Should I be a Pushy Parent?
I don't push my kids to do anything. They can do what they want to do (within reason)
I will never be a pushy parent who makes sure that little Tarquin is the one singing a solo in the Christmas panto as he is given lessons by the schoolteachers and is good at everything*.
I'm probably what you'd call a relaxed Mummy but it hasn't failed me yet. Bel had parents evening on Wednesday night and her lovely teacher just gushed with pride at how well she was doing. Her reading skills have been likened to someone nearly twice her age and the teacher is at last realising that she can read harder things ( I mean she's going through a book every other night!). She's even written a poem (I'll share soon) which made my heart beat with pride.
So, when Neb rang just now and said that he'd dropped Car at nursery and everyone (staff too) except her were dressed in pyjamas for Children in Need should I have pushed more. I did tell her that she could wear her pyjamas but after a tantrum (at 8am) I decided it was best for her to go in 'normal' clothes.
Tell me, did I do the right thing, she refused I gave in and didn't push.
What would you have done?
BNM
* no idea who this is made it up!
PS Neb did say that Car wasn't bothered about not being the same as everyone else I just feel a bit crap!
I will never be a pushy parent who makes sure that little Tarquin is the one singing a solo in the Christmas panto as he is given lessons by the schoolteachers and is good at everything*.
I'm probably what you'd call a relaxed Mummy but it hasn't failed me yet. Bel had parents evening on Wednesday night and her lovely teacher just gushed with pride at how well she was doing. Her reading skills have been likened to someone nearly twice her age and the teacher is at last realising that she can read harder things ( I mean she's going through a book every other night!). She's even written a poem (I'll share soon) which made my heart beat with pride.
So, when Neb rang just now and said that he'd dropped Car at nursery and everyone (staff too) except her were dressed in pyjamas for Children in Need should I have pushed more. I did tell her that she could wear her pyjamas but after a tantrum (at 8am) I decided it was best for her to go in 'normal' clothes.
Tell me, did I do the right thing, she refused I gave in and didn't push.
What would you have done?
BNM
* no idea who this is made it up!
PS Neb did say that Car wasn't bothered about not being the same as everyone else I just feel a bit crap!
Doctor Who - a Ds game review
Are you big Doctor Who fans?
I know we all are, even Car is starting to like it. But the program has finished for the moment so how do we get our fix of Doctor Who.
Well, we here in the BNM household have been lucky enough to review the new DS game -Doctor Who: Evacuation Earth
I say we, Bel really as it is her DS but no worries me and Neb have had a go too.
And what does Bel think, apart form the gushing of "Thank you, thank you" I got when I first presented it to her, all has gone quiet. Which is I think a good thing - don't you?
This is your chance to be the Doctor and guide him and Amy Pond on a thrilling new adventure. Arriving on Earth only hours before a Solar Storm is due to wipe out all life on the planet, the Doctor and his companion discover the last group of humans preparing to evacuate. No sooner have they arrived then the TARDIS disappears and they embark on a mission to recover it, encountering Silurians and Daleks along the way.
So what is the game like, well after we managed to get her to show us - all I can say is FAB, for her anyway. I think given the time I may be able to finish it quite quickly but as its been aimed at 7-12 year olds, the pitch is just right. The game uses the voices of the actors from the show - Matt Smith and Karen Gillian (Dr Who and Amy).
As can be seen from the screenshots the game is very exciting:
So if you fancy it as a Christmas present idea, I and Bel would heartily recommend it as a fun game which will test your child's logic skills. It may even give you some peace and quiet during the hecticness of Christmas!!
The game is available to buy at most shops retailing at £34.99 but if you search you can find at prices as low as £25.91
BNM
I know we all are, even Car is starting to like it. But the program has finished for the moment so how do we get our fix of Doctor Who.
Well, we here in the BNM household have been lucky enough to review the new DS game -Doctor Who: Evacuation Earth
I say we, Bel really as it is her DS but no worries me and Neb have had a go too.
And what does Bel think, apart form the gushing of "Thank you, thank you" I got when I first presented it to her, all has gone quiet. Which is I think a good thing - don't you?
This is your chance to be the Doctor and guide him and Amy Pond on a thrilling new adventure. Arriving on Earth only hours before a Solar Storm is due to wipe out all life on the planet, the Doctor and his companion discover the last group of humans preparing to evacuate. No sooner have they arrived then the TARDIS disappears and they embark on a mission to recover it, encountering Silurians and Daleks along the way.
So what is the game like, well after we managed to get her to show us - all I can say is FAB, for her anyway. I think given the time I may be able to finish it quite quickly but as its been aimed at 7-12 year olds, the pitch is just right. The game uses the voices of the actors from the show - Matt Smith and Karen Gillian (Dr Who and Amy).
As can be seen from the screenshots the game is very exciting:
So if you fancy it as a Christmas present idea, I and Bel would heartily recommend it as a fun game which will test your child's logic skills. It may even give you some peace and quiet during the hecticness of Christmas!!
The game is available to buy at most shops retailing at £34.99 but if you search you can find at prices as low as £25.91
BNM
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Itch, Itch, Scratch, Scratch
Can you tell what it is yet (said in my best Rolf Harris voice)!!
No, shall I give you a clue - what about if you went here. Well go on then, then come back.
So do you know what I'm on about now - yes that's right the bugs had been here but now ever since getting the new Vosene Kids shampoo and spray detangler we are preventing the little bug(gers) from returning.
With an everyday shampoo and conditioner which you can use every time you wash their hair, the lemon eucalyptus and tea tree oil is fantastic and the smell on that and the detangler spray doesn't smell like the old stuff I remember my mother putting on my hair. The two ingredients fight the nits by preventing acute infestation, stopping the lice 'sniff' out a host.
So if you have the nitty problem, worry no more as Vosie is here to help.
I know the problem is rife with both my daughters - be it in school or at nursery but having the Nitwatch info site is a real blessing, not only is there a handy video there which can give you the facts about nits and also show you how to prevent them but there is a cool kids section to keep the kids happy!
I was lucky enough to be sent a Vosene pack which comes in a handy lunchbox (its now our first aid box) but also some crayons and a colouring in sheet.
I personally think that the Nit nurses which used to come into schools when I was little should be brought back as I know that some parents may not have the right knowledge in checking their child's hair. It can be quite embarrassing though when as a parent you find that you have also got nits and scratch head to find live one in fingernail. EEUGH!!
Have you got an interesting nit story, go on share it below, you could win yourself a prize.
BNM
No, shall I give you a clue - what about if you went here. Well go on then, then come back.
So do you know what I'm on about now - yes that's right the bugs had been here but now ever since getting the new Vosene Kids shampoo and spray detangler we are preventing the little bug(gers) from returning.
With an everyday shampoo and conditioner which you can use every time you wash their hair, the lemon eucalyptus and tea tree oil is fantastic and the smell on that and the detangler spray doesn't smell like the old stuff I remember my mother putting on my hair. The two ingredients fight the nits by preventing acute infestation, stopping the lice 'sniff' out a host.
So if you have the nitty problem, worry no more as Vosie is here to help.
I was lucky enough to be sent a Vosene pack which comes in a handy lunchbox (its now our first aid box) but also some crayons and a colouring in sheet.
I personally think that the Nit nurses which used to come into schools when I was little should be brought back as I know that some parents may not have the right knowledge in checking their child's hair. It can be quite embarrassing though when as a parent you find that you have also got nits and scratch head to find live one in fingernail. EEUGH!!
Have you got an interesting nit story, go on share it below, you could win yourself a prize.
BNM
The blogging closet
Now if you've been here a while you know that I blog anonymously. I'm here at the moment in the cosy space I'd like to call the blogging closet. Its warm and protective but maybe it should be a little like this:
So why do you wonder am I in it. Well I can count on one hand the number of people that know I blog and none of them are family.
You see I started to blog when things were a bit tense with me and Neb and after reading a few blogs, thought I can do that and its been very cathartic for me, letting me air the feelings in my head, in short it has stopped me screaming at him and prevented a marriage breakdown!
And what has it bought me, this blogging life has bought me a great deal of fun, it has brought me new friends, new chances that I never knew was out there.
It has led me to review many things (or win competitions if you ask Neb!) and to be a part of the new blossoming blogging community, be it mummy or otherwise!
So would I step out of it, after a conversation on Bloggers Ed forum it has made me realise that blogging anonymously has its advantages and its disadvantages.
I may not be able to join anyone at events and get drunk and put lights down my top, or dance in lifts ( you know who you are!) but I have made some good friends, both here and on the other side of the atlantic!
One day I may meet you all, when I'm old and grey but currently I have more of an advantage on doing this my way, anonymously , letting my feelings and my ramblings out, documenting the funny moments in my life, sharing my madcap life with you!
Did you know that there are a few of us who are in this closet, here are some who are happy to share their experiences for you:
Firstly let me introduce Emma over at Mummy Musings, she was more than happy to share her answers with us all!
1) Why did you decide to start blogging?
I joined Twitter when I was pregnant and kept seeing links to blog posts, then all the hype of cybermummy and the Mads and I wanted to be part of it. I wanted to have a blog to keep a record of C growing up but I also wanted to be part of the whole blogging community. I finally got round to starting my blog in April this year after umming and ahhing about it for a couple of months.
2) What made you decide to blog anonymously?
I post photos on my blog so I'm not anonymous in that sense but nobody in real life knows about my blog. I didn't tell my husband as I didn't really think he'd 'get it'. He doesn't understand Twitter (why would people want to chat with complete strangers?) and now its been 7 months since I started I feel like I can't tell him anymore as he'd want to know why I didn't confess sooner!
3) Do you feel like telling real life people about the blog?
I almost tell my husband at least once a week and yes, I'd like him to know, if only so I could maybe attend some meet-up or events. If a friend or family member ever questioned me about whether I have or would have a blog I'd probably say yes but be quite nonchalant about it. I think it would probably change how I wrote my blog if I knew people I knew were reading it.
4) In your opinion, will you ever step out of the closet?
I hope so, to my husband at least! I'm not bothered about anyone else really but I'd like to tell him one day.
Emma's story is so familiar because there are days when I've nearly told Neb, and with Bel's reading getting better I have to angle the laptop away from her!
Next we have bumbling, who is possibly only here because she's too embarrased to step out there. She blogs over at BumblingAlong
1) Why did you decide to start blogging?
I read blogs for years - *years* - before I started blogging. Moo was coming up on a year old. I was just back at work. I wanted to connect with mummy people still.
2) What made you decide to blog anonymously?
2) What made you decide to blog anonymously?
I'm a lawyer. I specialise in data protection law - what most people would think of as privacy law... But you know, that wasn't the real reason. I wanted to see what I wanted to write, before I decided whether other people I knew in real life could read it. Would it be too personal? I'm a very private person, who doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve. I'm the strong one. The blog allowed me the opportunity to let the other side of me out. If it wanted out.
3) Do you feel like telling real life people about the blog?
Yes! And I have. Some. My sisters know. One of my sisters lives in the US, and is an "internet" kind of person - she gets it (lives in Silicon Valley). I thought she'd appreciate it, and understand why I was doing it. And then it felt rude not to tell the other.
And I told my sister in law, as she was the grateful recipient of a buggy I was given to review for Maclaren when her little boy arrived 10 weeks early.
Other people know I sometimes review things online, and that I'm on twitter. But I don't give away URLs or twitter ID's...
And I have met lots of bloggy people in real life, some of whom have been a great support and really great friends. The online world know the real me, but the real world doesn't know the online me... And I spoke at Cybermummy last year, in a professional context. I'd like to do more of that kind of thing, and that would be easier if I told people I blogged.
4) In your opinion, will you ever step out of the closet?
Yes. And soon. I've started making more oblique references to what I do online, rather than just avoiding the question. And if someone asks me outright I will definitely tell them. It's hard not to. I'm excited about my online life. It's real life too. And it begins to get difficult to answer questions like "where did you meet x or y" when the answer is on twitter...
But to be honest, I didn't really end up writing as personally as I thought I might. I wrote one or two very personal posts, and a poem, which I have since deleted. I just wasn't comfortable with them associated even with my online persona. I am part of the blognonymous team, and I'm proud to say I've used their service when I've needed to get really personal. I'm still much more open online than I am offline, but maybe that should teach me how I should be offline, rather than the other way around...
So not so much in the blogging closet there then, well not to fellow bloggers anyway just hiding away from reality!
And then we have a blogger who steps in and out of the closet often, she's letting a draft in! Muddling Along
1) Why did you decide to start blogging?
I had read about blogging and Mummy blogging through Alpha Mummy (on The Times website) which had planted a seed of possibility and I’d set up a blog on the off chance. I then read an article suggesting all women who have home births are selfish, badly dressed hippies and was seized with the need to explain that despite having had (and then planning a second) homebirth I was more likely to wear Jimmy Choos and that actually homebirth can be a positive choice and not some kind of weird, put your baby at risk I want to birth to whale music approach. It sort of snowballed from there, helping me through a difficult pregnancy that meant four months on bed rest. The rest is history!
Here’s that first big blog http://www.muddlingalongmummy.com/2009/04/home-births-rock-but-more-important-is.html
2) What made you decide to blog anonymously?
When I set up the blog I didn’t actively decide to be anon, at least not to the extent of hiding my identity or making up a whole new anon persona. What I did was make a choice that I wouldn’t mention the location where we live, anyone’s name except my own and I wouldn’t show pictures which could identify anyone except me. I did this because of internet paranoia – I didn’t want too much information out there about my family or private life that was easily identifiable.
I also made the blog very separate from my professional life – I didn’t want work to be able to find it (I must be the only blogger that is happy that googling my name doesn’t bring up the blog for about 4 search pages) or there to be any way to link between the ‘professional’ me and the blogging me. This is really key for me – I am not sure that people who I come across in my professional life would understand the blogging or would regard it in a good light.
I had read about blogging and Mummy blogging through Alpha Mummy (on The Times website) which had planted a seed of possibility and I’d set up a blog on the off chance. I then read an article suggesting all women who have home births are selfish, badly dressed hippies and was seized with the need to explain that despite having had (and then planning a second) homebirth I was more likely to wear Jimmy Choos and that actually homebirth can be a positive choice and not some kind of weird, put your baby at risk I want to birth to whale music approach. It sort of snowballed from there, helping me through a difficult pregnancy that meant four months on bed rest. The rest is history!
Here’s that first big blog http://www.muddlingalongmummy.com/2009/04/home-births-rock-but-more-important-is.html
2) What made you decide to blog anonymously?
When I set up the blog I didn’t actively decide to be anon, at least not to the extent of hiding my identity or making up a whole new anon persona. What I did was make a choice that I wouldn’t mention the location where we live, anyone’s name except my own and I wouldn’t show pictures which could identify anyone except me. I did this because of internet paranoia – I didn’t want too much information out there about my family or private life that was easily identifiable.
I also made the blog very separate from my professional life – I didn’t want work to be able to find it (I must be the only blogger that is happy that googling my name doesn’t bring up the blog for about 4 search pages) or there to be any way to link between the ‘professional’ me and the blogging me. This is really key for me – I am not sure that people who I come across in my professional life would understand the blogging or would regard it in a good light.
I've tried Googling my real name and thankfully my blog doesn't come up at all.
Does anyone in my work even know what blogging is ? probably not!
3) Do you feel like telling real life people about the blog?
I didn’t tell anyone in real life about the blog for a long time. I think it was about a year (when I was up for a MAD) when I mentioned it in passing to my best friend. I do now mention it to some real life people but it’s a little hard to do having not told people you’ve been doing something for this long.
4) As you are half in and half out of the closet- will you explain why you have stepped out from under the clothes?
I made a conscious decision to go to blogger events – I reckoned that there was little chance that it would collide with my professional life and I’ve always asked that people don’t publish identifiable pictures of the girls.
What has happened is that people from my real life have discovered the blog.
One of my university friends had had my blog page recommended to her by Facebook (NOTE: if you are going to be really anon set up a separate Facebook persona, yes Facebook says you can’t have multiple accounts but it stops Facebook undermining your attempts to stay stealthy) and had then read it – in fact she read over a hundred posts over the course of a couple of evenings and then emailed me to say ‘um I seem to have found your blog!’. Once I got over the shock I realised it wasn’t the end of the world.
When I had a recent crisis and mentioned it on the blog I discovered that in fact many people in real life had found and were reading the blog – getting there by a variety of routes from other blogs or seeing pictures of me at the MADs on Facebook and having a nosy about what awards dinner it could be - but definitely there and reading. It’s sort of made it easier that they’ve found it.
Do I now tell people in real life? I do have some of my blog cards in my purse and yes, there are now some people I mention it to – people who I think might be interested.
Would I want to be in the national press? It would be very difficult, I’m not sure how it’d play with work or my family finding out and I sort of prefer to hide in the shadows. I like being in the shadows – bloggers know my name and I don’t hide that it’s me but I definitely have a separation around the blogging me to keep it out of parts of my life.
I didn’t tell anyone in real life about the blog for a long time. I think it was about a year (when I was up for a MAD) when I mentioned it in passing to my best friend. I do now mention it to some real life people but it’s a little hard to do having not told people you’ve been doing something for this long.
4) As you are half in and half out of the closet- will you explain why you have stepped out from under the clothes?
I made a conscious decision to go to blogger events – I reckoned that there was little chance that it would collide with my professional life and I’ve always asked that people don’t publish identifiable pictures of the girls.
What has happened is that people from my real life have discovered the blog.
One of my university friends had had my blog page recommended to her by Facebook (NOTE: if you are going to be really anon set up a separate Facebook persona, yes Facebook says you can’t have multiple accounts but it stops Facebook undermining your attempts to stay stealthy) and had then read it – in fact she read over a hundred posts over the course of a couple of evenings and then emailed me to say ‘um I seem to have found your blog!’. Once I got over the shock I realised it wasn’t the end of the world.
When I had a recent crisis and mentioned it on the blog I discovered that in fact many people in real life had found and were reading the blog – getting there by a variety of routes from other blogs or seeing pictures of me at the MADs on Facebook and having a nosy about what awards dinner it could be - but definitely there and reading. It’s sort of made it easier that they’ve found it.
Do I now tell people in real life? I do have some of my blog cards in my purse and yes, there are now some people I mention it to – people who I think might be interested.
Would I want to be in the national press? It would be very difficult, I’m not sure how it’d play with work or my family finding out and I sort of prefer to hide in the shadows. I like being in the shadows – bloggers know my name and I don’t hide that it’s me but I definitely have a separation around the blogging me to keep it out of parts of my life.
So out of the closet, but blogging in the shadows, staying close to the closet if needed... you are always welcome to come back in.
And me, has getting other people's opinions changed me, will I step out into the light.
No I think I will stay here for a bit longer, one day I may be brave and let Neb know, but there may need to be some deleting first!!
Bye for now.
BNM
PS If you want to know more about how this blog got its name then why not visit The Dotterel over at Bringing Up Charlie this weekend, he may have more information for you.
Monday, 15 November 2010
If things come in threes....
...we're probably buggered!!
Things have been a bit manic here. The in laws arrived on Friday so for most of last week we (and even him) have been tidying. All of the rooms in the house are tidy, Car is in her room and sleeping fine and our room - well that looks like a bomb has gone off in it. Well the mess had to go somewhere! The attic is full of sorted bags of clothes and our room - well that's full of piles of clothes that we seemed to find on every surface!!
Anyway, the inlays came up because it was Neb's birthday on Friday so we took the kids out of school and nursery for the day and had a fun day. Well it was fun, up until the point when we were leaving the house to go out for lunch and the car wouldn't start. It wouldn't even turn over!! AAGH. Anyway after Ben's dad relayed us all to the restaurant we had a lovely meal. We even saw a baby seal stranded on the beach due to the stormy weather the night before.
On Saturday we had a lazy day, mainly due to the fact that Neb had been out on Friday night drinking whilst I was in drinking. His was not the only bad head but I didn't lie in, I got up with the kids. AW. We then had a pleasant walk to the supermarket after trying the car again to no success. We then had one of those easy suppers of cold meats and cheese and pickles and salad. Bel decided that at this point that she loved pickled onions so our supply decreased.
Yesterday we got woken up by Car coming in saying she'd been sick. She got in our bed whilst I checked her room. I walked back in to our room to state that her bed was clean just as she puked allover our bed. I went to take the duvet cover off and as I did so she puked again. Neb was not happy! I took her downstairs to where she puked on and off all day- bringing up even water. The house felt so quiet at one point with her asleep next to me on the sofa, Bel on Club Penguin and Neb by the car changing the spark plugs. We thought he'd fixed it when the car fired properly so off he went to check it.
Of course it didn't work and on his way back on taking her for a spin she died again. Luckily he managed to get hold of our mechanic who towed her to the garage. We have all our fingers and toes crossed that its a fuel filter problem and not the ECO/ECU - I don't know some computer thingy inside it that could cost over £300!!
Anyway, I'm now back but awaiting for the third thing to happen. I hope its something minor!!
BNM
Things have been a bit manic here. The in laws arrived on Friday so for most of last week we (and even him) have been tidying. All of the rooms in the house are tidy, Car is in her room and sleeping fine and our room - well that looks like a bomb has gone off in it. Well the mess had to go somewhere! The attic is full of sorted bags of clothes and our room - well that's full of piles of clothes that we seemed to find on every surface!!
Anyway, the inlays came up because it was Neb's birthday on Friday so we took the kids out of school and nursery for the day and had a fun day. Well it was fun, up until the point when we were leaving the house to go out for lunch and the car wouldn't start. It wouldn't even turn over!! AAGH. Anyway after Ben's dad relayed us all to the restaurant we had a lovely meal. We even saw a baby seal stranded on the beach due to the stormy weather the night before.
On Saturday we had a lazy day, mainly due to the fact that Neb had been out on Friday night drinking whilst I was in drinking. His was not the only bad head but I didn't lie in, I got up with the kids. AW. We then had a pleasant walk to the supermarket after trying the car again to no success. We then had one of those easy suppers of cold meats and cheese and pickles and salad. Bel decided that at this point that she loved pickled onions so our supply decreased.
Yesterday we got woken up by Car coming in saying she'd been sick. She got in our bed whilst I checked her room. I walked back in to our room to state that her bed was clean just as she puked allover our bed. I went to take the duvet cover off and as I did so she puked again. Neb was not happy! I took her downstairs to where she puked on and off all day- bringing up even water. The house felt so quiet at one point with her asleep next to me on the sofa, Bel on Club Penguin and Neb by the car changing the spark plugs. We thought he'd fixed it when the car fired properly so off he went to check it.
Of course it didn't work and on his way back on taking her for a spin she died again. Luckily he managed to get hold of our mechanic who towed her to the garage. We have all our fingers and toes crossed that its a fuel filter problem and not the ECO/ECU - I don't know some computer thingy inside it that could cost over £300!!
Anyway, I'm now back but awaiting for the third thing to happen. I hope its something minor!!
BNM
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Why I am special!
I'm going to let you into a little secret - I am a special person.
It's not because I have a lovely husband (at the moment) and 2 gorgeous kids.
It's also not because I have fantastic friends who are there for me whenver and however often we talk.
It's also not because I have fantastic blog readers who listen to all my wafflings
Oh no, I'm special because whilst doing a crossword puzzle last night this happened. I got stuck so asked for OH's help.
ME -"To add salt to or summer"
OH - "Season"
ME - "Are you sure, I've never heard of summering your food"
At this point OH collapses in a puddle of laughter, tears falling out of his eyes, trying hard to breathe!
It took me 2-3 minutes to realise what I'd said was oh so wrong, and then I joined him in the laughter.
See I told you, I'm special I am or was it just a very blonde moment!!!
Hope your laughing at me too!!
BNM
It's not because I have a lovely husband (at the moment) and 2 gorgeous kids.
It's also not because I have fantastic friends who are there for me whenver and however often we talk.
It's also not because I have fantastic blog readers who listen to all my wafflings
Oh no, I'm special because whilst doing a crossword puzzle last night this happened. I got stuck so asked for OH's help.
ME -"To add salt to or summer"
OH - "Season"
ME - "Are you sure, I've never heard of summering your food"
At this point OH collapses in a puddle of laughter, tears falling out of his eyes, trying hard to breathe!
It took me 2-3 minutes to realise what I'd said was oh so wrong, and then I joined him in the laughter.
See I told you, I'm special I am or was it just a very blonde moment!!!
Hope your laughing at me too!!
BNM
Paper everywhere
Do you have lots of paper in your house. I know I certainly do!
But you know it’s not all rubbish, there are some important documents there too - especially now as Christmas (yes I'm going on about it again!) is drawing ever closer, we all need to ensure that we have insured our house for all year but at Christmas we may possibly be inviting thieves into our house with the tree and all its wrapped presents on show. Did you know that the risk of burglary increases not only near Christmas but way after the presents have been opened reaching a peak at New Year.
So in among those papers we have are our insurance documents. Have you got yours? I know we have but if you don't there are many sites out there that can help you to compare home insurance prices. Home insurance protects your property and its content from any losses. I know I wouldn't like to explain to the children that Santa's presents had been stolen and that I wasn't able to get them back. Would you?
Image: Filomena Scalise / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
BNM
This is a sponsored post
But you know it’s not all rubbish, there are some important documents there too - especially now as Christmas (yes I'm going on about it again!) is drawing ever closer, we all need to ensure that we have insured our house for all year but at Christmas we may possibly be inviting thieves into our house with the tree and all its wrapped presents on show. Did you know that the risk of burglary increases not only near Christmas but way after the presents have been opened reaching a peak at New Year.
So in among those papers we have are our insurance documents. Have you got yours? I know we have but if you don't there are many sites out there that can help you to compare home insurance prices. Home insurance protects your property and its content from any losses. I know I wouldn't like to explain to the children that Santa's presents had been stolen and that I wasn't able to get them back. Would you?
Go on, go check out your home insurance policy and make sure your house is safe. And remember if you’re paying too much for your home insurance go check out the website - you could save yourself some money for next year!
BNM
This is a sponsored post
Sunday, 7 November 2010
A new era
Being the ever so untidy mother (not for me the spick and span house!) who's house is well lived in (yes, you can read that as mess everywhere) I can let you all know that now a new era has sprung up on our little home.
Car has been until now still sleeping in her cot, then co-sleeping in our bed in our room. At nearly 3 this had to come to a stop, soon before either my back gave way or my need of sleep did.
Anyway, as we live in a 3 bedroom house - you'd wonder why she has indeed been still with us. Well its probably because a) we are untidy (as aforementioned) b) are 3rd bedroom was dumping ground for all kind of rubbish and c) because to be honest coming home from working and then spending eons tidying is not something I wish to do.
But, dear friends (as I hope you all are now) it is done, over the last month we have been sorting through bags and bags of clothes, many bagged up and shoved in the attic for future car boot selling, others mercifully thrown out (clothes I can add that I've had since my uni years which I've no hope of getting back into!), sorted videos, cassettes and binned many a bag of rubbish, including old tvs and Christmas trees.
She is in, she is asleep in her bed (Bel's old bed which also resided in said dumping ground) and she is happy. I'm still awaiting what will happen at 3/4 in the morning when she calls for her glass of milk, but we will get through it and soon I will get my peaceful bedroom back.
BNM
Car has been until now still sleeping in her cot, then co-sleeping in our bed in our room. At nearly 3 this had to come to a stop, soon before either my back gave way or my need of sleep did.
Anyway, as we live in a 3 bedroom house - you'd wonder why she has indeed been still with us. Well its probably because a) we are untidy (as aforementioned) b) are 3rd bedroom was dumping ground for all kind of rubbish and c) because to be honest coming home from working and then spending eons tidying is not something I wish to do.
But, dear friends (as I hope you all are now) it is done, over the last month we have been sorting through bags and bags of clothes, many bagged up and shoved in the attic for future car boot selling, others mercifully thrown out (clothes I can add that I've had since my uni years which I've no hope of getting back into!), sorted videos, cassettes and binned many a bag of rubbish, including old tvs and Christmas trees.
She is in, she is asleep in her bed (Bel's old bed which also resided in said dumping ground) and she is happy. I'm still awaiting what will happen at 3/4 in the morning when she calls for her glass of milk, but we will get through it and soon I will get my peaceful bedroom back.
BNM
Miffy - a review
Did you know that Miffy has been around since 1955 - she is way older than me!!
But even better Miffy is now available as a game on the Wii.
Yes for a 1000 Wii points you can download miffy's world to your Wii. So is it worth it?
The game is aged at children 2-7 but in our house I think it is better suited for Car than Bel, though as Car's experience of the Wii is to make Mario go round and round in circles whilst driving , it did take her a while to get used to the controllers. Bel found it rather easy and her attention wained after the first game. At a 1000 Wii points its rather overpriced but I think Car will enjoy playing it until she becomes used to the Wii and outgrows the game.
The game has been in my opinion desgined for preschool children and its many interactive puzzles and quests would keep Car happy but not for long.
This is a reveiw and is my honest opinion about the game and is not in any way related to the game producers opinion
BNM
But even better Miffy is now available as a game on the Wii.
Yes for a 1000 Wii points you can download miffy's world to your Wii. So is it worth it?
The game is aged at children 2-7 but in our house I think it is better suited for Car than Bel, though as Car's experience of the Wii is to make Mario go round and round in circles whilst driving , it did take her a while to get used to the controllers. Bel found it rather easy and her attention wained after the first game. At a 1000 Wii points its rather overpriced but I think Car will enjoy playing it until she becomes used to the Wii and outgrows the game.
The game has been in my opinion desgined for preschool children and its many interactive puzzles and quests would keep Car happy but not for long.
This is a reveiw and is my honest opinion about the game and is not in any way related to the game producers opinion
BNM
Friday, 5 November 2010
Dear So and So
Yes, two posts one day- you are lucky but this wasn't needed until I came home from work and thankfully Kat @ 3 bedroom bungalow to let in crazytown has resurrected this so here are mine.
Dear Car,
Why is it that when I finish work do you decide that in the car on the way home to turn into child from hell. I have been in work all week, I do not need this crap! Especially when Neb then turns to me and says "She's been fine all day"
Yours frustratingly and going to scream
BNM
Dear God or whoever controls the weather,
We all know that Neb was looking forward to his firework action tonight so why have you decided to let the heavens open and rain now. No rain all day, now buckets of the stuff.
Please could you stop it. I would like the fireworks to be done so that normality can prevail (!)
A very wet BNM
Dear Neb,
Yes we now your Mum and Dad are coming and we now the house needs tidying but you have been home all week, why do it now (this minute!).
I will help but please relaxation first.
A very tired BNM
Dear Bel,
Please be a good girl for me, everyone else is making me go GRRRR.
Your ever loving mum
BNM
That's all folks!!
BNM
Dear Car,
Why is it that when I finish work do you decide that in the car on the way home to turn into child from hell. I have been in work all week, I do not need this crap! Especially when Neb then turns to me and says "She's been fine all day"
Yours frustratingly and going to scream
BNM
Dear God or whoever controls the weather,
We all know that Neb was looking forward to his firework action tonight so why have you decided to let the heavens open and rain now. No rain all day, now buckets of the stuff.
Please could you stop it. I would like the fireworks to be done so that normality can prevail (!)
A very wet BNM
Dear Neb,
Yes we now your Mum and Dad are coming and we now the house needs tidying but you have been home all week, why do it now (this minute!).
I will help but please relaxation first.
A very tired BNM
Dear Bel,
Please be a good girl for me, everyone else is making me go GRRRR.
Your ever loving mum
BNM
That's all folks!!
BNM
Why Men and Fire = Good thing
After my other post, about men = fire= grunt= caveman I was reminded that there is one good thing about men and fire.
For Car there is this man - the only man on telly that she adores:
but for everyone else, especially you, here are the other kinda firemen who can only be a good thing:
Enjoy ladies and be safe knowing that we are all in safe hands when a fireman is around.
BNM
For Car there is this man - the only man on telly that she adores:
but for everyone else, especially you, here are the other kinda firemen who can only be a good thing:
Enjoy ladies and be safe knowing that we are all in safe hands when a fireman is around.
BNM
Hear me grunt
No, not me, Neb , shall I tell you why
I think that's basically the reason - he is a caveman. And why, well because of Bonfire night and there's something about men and fireworks or even fire full stop that makes him hark back to the caveman days.
He has this week spent hours looking for fireworks, then opened over the box ( he only got a small one and was very upset!), and then poured over its contents. He has since then made a list of the order they will be in (god, how anal) and got annoyed with me when I said I wasn't staying outside in the cold and rain to watch too many. He has since then got upset with the heavy band of rain that is going to fall (and currently falling) here tomorrow.
But then I realised, its not just fireworks he does this with, there's the summer barbecue which even though we normally only get a disposal one he will not let me near. He always mumbles something about me burning the food - but seeing as I've never had the chance to actually do it, how would he know?
And then I started to ponder this subject more (well it was either that or watch Humf!) and realised its definitely a man - fire thing. We used to live in a house that had an open fire and what did he used to do, get all grunty "man" about it and have it roaring daily - even in summer. He would even sit there and take pictures of it!!
Now I was worried that it was only my man whose like this, but no, after some market research (ahem) I found out that I'm not alone with this issue.
There are men who go so far as over buying sparklers for their own wedding - 12 people - 400 sparklers!,
then there are the bonfire parties, where some men have had the fire brigade out twice, melted plastic drainpipe, had firework chase someone round garden while the women have kept everyone safe.
So, its definitely not just my man who does this, as was said, it is a man thing.
What do you think, does the man in your life have the same issue? Or to my men readers, will you own up to this fire loving phenomena??
Happy Bonfire Night
Please keep safe
BNM
I think that's basically the reason - he is a caveman. And why, well because of Bonfire night and there's something about men and fireworks or even fire full stop that makes him hark back to the caveman days.
He has this week spent hours looking for fireworks, then opened over the box ( he only got a small one and was very upset!), and then poured over its contents. He has since then made a list of the order they will be in (god, how anal) and got annoyed with me when I said I wasn't staying outside in the cold and rain to watch too many. He has since then got upset with the heavy band of rain that is going to fall (and currently falling) here tomorrow.
But then I realised, its not just fireworks he does this with, there's the summer barbecue which even though we normally only get a disposal one he will not let me near. He always mumbles something about me burning the food - but seeing as I've never had the chance to actually do it, how would he know?
And then I started to ponder this subject more (well it was either that or watch Humf!) and realised its definitely a man - fire thing. We used to live in a house that had an open fire and what did he used to do, get all grunty "man" about it and have it roaring daily - even in summer. He would even sit there and take pictures of it!!
Now I was worried that it was only my man whose like this, but no, after some market research (ahem) I found out that I'm not alone with this issue.
There are men who go so far as over buying sparklers for their own wedding - 12 people - 400 sparklers!,
then there are the bonfire parties, where some men have had the fire brigade out twice, melted plastic drainpipe, had firework chase someone round garden while the women have kept everyone safe.
So, its definitely not just my man who does this, as was said, it is a man thing.
What do you think, does the man in your life have the same issue? Or to my men readers, will you own up to this fire loving phenomena??
Happy Bonfire Night
Please keep safe
BNM
Thursday, 4 November 2010
WIN A YEAR’S SALARY – PAYPAL sponsored post
Who wants to be a millionaire? I do (♫, ♫)
Did you know that there is a competition running on PayPal that could make some of your dreams come true.
Yes, PayPal have launched a brilliant prize draw that gives everyone who enters the chance to win a year’s salary of £40,000.
So what could you do with £40000? What would I do? Well I could be really good and say I’d pay off all my debts and then put the rest in the bank. But really, honestly, I think I’d probably go on one very big spending spree. I’d love to take the girls on holiday, on a plane to either Jamaica (Neb was born there) or to America (to see some of Neb’s family, take them to Disneyland, go to Rodeo Drive (me now not them!). And for the left over money, I’d take us all off shopping for a new wardrobe, then take them for a weekend away to London, see a show and then give them to my in-laws while me and Neb went for a meal out – somewhere posh!
It sounds like a dream, a wish that would never come true, and as my mum used to say “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride”. But this dream could come true for you, or me or anyone. All you have to do is buy something with PayPal and you’re entered into the weekly prize draw. Every time you buy something, you get entered – it’s as easy as that. I know that I’m going to be entering what with Christmas approaching, so make sure you do. Terms and conditions for the prize draw can be found here.
So what could you buy to help you win, I know I didn’t think that many stores took PayPal but there are thousands of retailers who do.
Do you know Woolworths is back online – I think I would definitely have to buy a Vtech Kidizoom Video camera for Bel (if money were no object). Woolworths is not the only toy store that takes PayPal, as Toys R Us also takes it. So what would Car like from there, well anything Peppa Pig will do her nicely. For Neb (again if money were no object), I think I’d buy him a bike from Halfords. And me, what would I want to get for myself for a chance to win the £40,000 through the prize draw – well I think I’d like a green laptop please from Dell. And you, dear readers, I think I’d buy you a Napster membership so you can listen to funky tunes while I ramble on!!
Find out more
Enter now for your chance to win
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Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Fiddlesticks or should that be fuck!
Earlier this year, I took part in a guest post swap and this is the post I posted. Due to reasons that I will not go into here -the blog that this was posted on had to close down but as I feel like shouting fuck it when I saw what had happened - this is for her.
When my eldest daughter (6- Bel) got to the repeating everything you say phase – at around 2, Neb and I had to remember not to swear in front of her as she would look at us then repeat the said word over and over again. Since then we’ve obviously mellowed and swear words are coming back into our vocabulary. Now we get glared at and she says “That was a naughty word” and we apologise.
But of course Car (2) has turned into a parrot and will repeat everything everyone says. It’s like having a mini echo following you around.
We’re sitting in the car on journey home from work and Bel will start saying something random and 5 seconds later Car says the same thing! AAGH!!
So, when the need to say Fuck or Bugger comes along we have to think of other words to say, no longer can we spell it out as Bel will admonish us.
“Oh my gosh” sounds like I’m Penelope Pitstop from Wacky Races – and I don’t think I’d get away with her accent. (or her blondness either!)
Or maybe I should turn the house into a no swearing zone :
But really, I can’t see that fucking happening can you?
Note - Since first writing this post, Car has developed the tendency to swear at inappropriate moments - eg when putting shoes on and can't do it fuck it ! So, the swearing coming out of my mouth has lessened!
BNM
Monday, 1 November 2010
Is it made out of cardboard?
Car (like Bel before her) has discovered that stars are pretty. Now every night before bed she likes to see them.
Last night, she went out to see them with Neb and was full of questions. Now at the moment you can see Venus from our house (well we think it is - if anyone has any other ideas please let me know!!). So Neb started to explain to her about Venus. Here is their conversation:
Neb: Look Car, there's Venus its a planet
Car: WAW Daddy, a planet
Neb: Yes
Car: Is it made of cardboard?
Neb:No not cardboard
Car: Oh, you sure Daddy
Neb: Yes, cardboard is made out of wood and Venus is made out of rocks and stones.
Car: Oh. Why Venus not made out of cardboard then?
Last night, she went out to see them with Neb and was full of questions. Now at the moment you can see Venus from our house (well we think it is - if anyone has any other ideas please let me know!!). So Neb started to explain to her about Venus. Here is their conversation:
Neb: Look Car, there's Venus its a planet
Car: WAW Daddy, a planet
Neb: Yes
Car: Is it made of cardboard?
Neb:No not cardboard
Car: Oh, you sure Daddy
Neb: Yes, cardboard is made out of wood and Venus is made out of rocks and stones.
Car: Oh. Why Venus not made out of cardboard then?
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