This mothers day Scott was unfortunately working half the day. Whilst it allowed me to spend some quality time with Max it also meant that we didn't have time together as a family. That's why as soon as he got home from work we headed over to the beach. Some time in the slight sunshine and cool breeze was the perfect end to a day!
Banana & Choc Chip Muffins
Saturday, 29 March 2014
We love sweet treats, we also love using up anything we have in the cupboard. We normally eat bananas quicker than monkeys can but when we have a few that aren't looking as fresh as they should we always whip up a batch of these yummy muffins.
- Banana & Choc Chip Muffins
- 75grams Butter
- 250grams self raising flour
- 115grams caster sugar
- teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large bananas
- 2 eggs
- bag of chocolate chips
Method
preheat oven to 190
add all the ingredients (except the bananas and chocolate chips)
give it a good mix until everything is smooth
chop up the bananas and blend into the mixture
if you want lumpy bits then leave them if not then stir until smooth
finally add the chocolate chips
cook in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is starting to brown and firm.
then leave them to cool for 5 minutes (if they last that long!)
Fri-Dad
Friday, 28 March 2014
Hi FriDadders.
Couldn't be happier than to indulge in a few moments of Fri Dad today. One thing I'm glad about is that I don't have to deal with one more nursery rhyme while I work. They're ringing in my ear.
I've been pushed towards sleepless nights where I can't escape them. I know Max is 3, but it's all part of his learning.
So as a chance to express my distaste for them. Let me tell you why I think nursery rhymes are messed up:
1) The Grand Old Duke of York.
What the hell is this guy doing? Get this clueless prick a sat nav. A man who is in complete disarray and 10,000 military trained troops all mislead. I'm not sure about you, but this is the worst crowd to piss off, what with guns and swords and stuff. Think it through Yorkie!
2) Sing a song of sixpence
Live birds cooked in a pie? Are you high?
That was considered a recipe fit for a king. What does it taste like? Treason and sure execution me'thinks.
Also, what thicko of a chef bakes live birds in a pie or is so oblivious that he couldn't hear the birds signing even before putting them in the ruddy pie.
3) Incy Wincy Spider
Now technically, this story does not anger me. It's a metaphor for persistence and overcoming your greatest set back.
What does rile me is the idle twit who sat and watched this all go on. For goodness sake help the poor spider.
4) Wee Willy Winky
Despite having perhaps the funniest nursery rhyme title, it really does express a serious lack of discipline in that poor boy.
And finally...
5) Peter Piper
As well as inheriting health issues for sitting and eat a ton pickles, poor Peter died alone as his stinky breath earned him no swag points to make those gals thirsty.
Well now I got that off my chest, I feel a little better. Feel free to participate in your own original spins on nursery rhymes. Until next week have a funky Mother's Day.
Couldn't be happier than to indulge in a few moments of Fri Dad today. One thing I'm glad about is that I don't have to deal with one more nursery rhyme while I work. They're ringing in my ear.
I've been pushed towards sleepless nights where I can't escape them. I know Max is 3, but it's all part of his learning.
So as a chance to express my distaste for them. Let me tell you why I think nursery rhymes are messed up:
1) The Grand Old Duke of York.
What the hell is this guy doing? Get this clueless prick a sat nav. A man who is in complete disarray and 10,000 military trained troops all mislead. I'm not sure about you, but this is the worst crowd to piss off, what with guns and swords and stuff. Think it through Yorkie!
2) Sing a song of sixpence
Live birds cooked in a pie? Are you high?
That was considered a recipe fit for a king. What does it taste like? Treason and sure execution me'thinks.
Also, what thicko of a chef bakes live birds in a pie or is so oblivious that he couldn't hear the birds signing even before putting them in the ruddy pie.
3) Incy Wincy Spider
Now technically, this story does not anger me. It's a metaphor for persistence and overcoming your greatest set back.
What does rile me is the idle twit who sat and watched this all go on. For goodness sake help the poor spider.
4) Wee Willy Winky
Despite having perhaps the funniest nursery rhyme title, it really does express a serious lack of discipline in that poor boy.
And finally...
5) Peter Piper
As well as inheriting health issues for sitting and eat a ton pickles, poor Peter died alone as his stinky breath earned him no swag points to make those gals thirsty.
Well now I got that off my chest, I feel a little better. Feel free to participate in your own original spins on nursery rhymes. Until next week have a funky Mother's Day.
Scooting Good Time
Thursday, 27 March 2014
I think every parent looks at their child zooming away on a scooter and secretly want's a go. Don't tell me you haven't wished you had a scooter to chase after them instead of running like a maniac because I have!
That's where this little beauty comes in. The Cox Swain Scooter is a more grown up version of the ones our kiddies are pushing around the park. With massive sturdy wheels, a great break and a big grip pad this is big enough to accommodate even the size 13's that our men's shoes are!
So far I have test driven it on the pavement after popping the car in for an MOT (it failed but I got home in half the speed). In the skate park whilst Max was on his scooter (see the photo of Scott below) and even to the shops to grab a few things (we realised that maybe a rucksack would be helpful!).
There's a great carry strap that means you don't have to worry about lugging it about and even a kick stand so you don't have to try and balance it when you go into the shop to go get some sweets (for your child obviously)!
Have any of you thought about or invested in a scooter? Do you find it as fun as us?
My Favourite Apps
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Apart from Instagram, Blogger and Twitter I have a handful of apps I never remove from my phone. Some are handy and some are great for killing time.
- My Fitness Pal - Loads of people use this fab fitness tracker. It's great for me to work out what I'm eating and how it balances against my exercise. I use it with my Polar watch to track how I'm doing with my weight loss.
- Toca Lab - This great kid's app is perfect for Max and me to play with. Each little cute character takes the form of a different element. Play with each element and you work out what it connects with and how it can create something different.
- Wunderlist - I write lists for everything. Pbloggers, blogging, tidying, shopping. It all has a list and it all get's ticked off. This allows me to track everything I need to do and sort out my time better.
- BuzzFeed - The ultimate app for rubbish quizzes and hilarious articles. I normally browse in the morning over breakfast to start my day off. It's so much better seeing a cute cat than the grim weather.
- Puzzler World - I'm a sucker for a crossword so when I got the opportunity to try all the puzzles on the app I swiftly went through the majority of them! Each puzzle has a time limit. Once you complete it you get the chance to play a bonus round and when that is done you get to win some coins to help you with hints. So not only do you get one amazing game, you also get another to go with it. The bonus and extra games only cost a minimum of £1.99. So much cheaper than buying some puzzle books! It's great for killing 5 minutes every now and again when you need to de-stress.
- Afterlight - This is my go to editing app. It allows me to tweak the colours, brightness and make my photo seem that little bit better for IG!
What are your favourite apps?
Max's Room
So I got to the stage last week where I was fed up of the site of 99% of the things we owned. I get phases like this and end up doing a massive purge, selling loads of Ebay and then vowing never to end up with that much junk again. Until next time..
Luckily Scott's parents offered to take Max for the day so instead of doing what a normal parent would do (bath, craft, bed, tv catch up). I spent 6 hours cleaning like mad. Filling 3 boxes of stuff to sell, 4 bin bags and 2 recycling bags later I was done.
Now I love Max's room. I don't think he will ever get a room with this much space again. So he makes the most of it and we spread his toys out, have space to read and space to play. This needed a bit of reorganising as it had grown a bit tired. So here are some touches to his room. I'll probably do a proper room tour later when we've picked up a few things but for now I'm happy with the progress!
(sorry for the shoddy panorama)
His reading corner is my favourite. 3 massive boxes of books for him to choose, a comfy chair and soft toys to cuddle. Who wouldn't love this to be honest!
Mother's Day Wishlist
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
With Mothers Day looming a woman can dream of things like lavish gifts, breakfast in bed and maybe just the chance to go to the toilet in peace. This year me, my mum, my grandma, my aunt and my cousin are all headed out to lunch together. A mothers day for mothers (and my cousin) to celebrate together. It's strange to think there are so many mums in my family haha.
That doesn't mean I haven't thought about things I would like (well dream about) for mothers day from my little darling!
Capturing Memories
Sometimes you forget that one of the best ways to capture a memory is through photos. The whirlwind of spending precious time can almost make you forget that your little one might want to know what they looked like and how they acted at a certain age. I know it's not the case for some of us. Since before my degree my camera is always glued to me in some way or another.
Thats why Venture have created the Little Face Of Venture competition so that you can capture those cheeky grins in a moment forever and also be in with the chance of winning your little cutie a modelling contract and a whole host of treats.
We've always been asked if Max wants to do modelling and he's featured in many a short film, musical performance, voice over and photo shoot before but I never wanted to push him into something he didn't like. Now he's getting older he's seriously getting the stage bug! So a competition like this is a great platform to start with as it isn't serious, you get a whole host of photos and you could end up with a fab prize.
Even better £1 of every shoot will be donated to Wellchild. A charity that helps sick children in their times of need.
What are you waiting for?
I Want To Dance
Monday, 24 March 2014
Max is pretty active. He also loves attention, music and anything that revolves around the entertainment industry. Don't let that 3 year old facade fool you. He's already convinced us he is going to be a rock star, perform in musicals and be an actor in the movies (Jared Leto eat your heart out!).
Having done musical theatre for a good chunk of my life and Scott studied theatre at college it makes sense for our little drama king to want a piece of the action. Ever since he took to the stage at 8 months and helped my best friends take a bow he's had the stage bug.
So I thought one thing we could do to harness all the energy was to enrol him in dance class. Pavilion Dance is a group that hosts dance classes, performances and anything creative for all ages and abilities. So when I saw that they had a class called Mini Movies, on a morning we were free and for under £4 a week (pay as you go too!) I knew that we had to go!
Each week his confidence has grown and his co-ordination has got better. I don't know if it's the fact he's besotted with his teacher Ruby who is so enigmatic and engages the children's imagination perfectly. Or if it's the fact he gets to dance and stomp and shout in a room where he's praised for it (because it isn't 3am!).
Each week we go and get breakfast are taking daddy to work, head over to the gorgeous dance centre and dance away. The great thing about it is that the parents are told they have to join in. Working together means that me and Max get that great bonding time and we also get to learn something awesome to show daddy when we pick him up after!
So here's to Max. Ever the extrovert. Ever the attention seeker and one day hopefully gracing a stage soon (probably sooner rather than later if some of my friends have anything to do with it!)
My Craft Storage Ideas
Sunday, 23 March 2014
So as a few of you know I love to craft as a hobby. That's not to say I'm the best at the task or I actually finish projects I start. But since moving back into my mum's I've found my motivation has sunk. Mainly because all my fabrics and tools are hidden away in boxes under a table. So the genius that is me thought that I could buy a nice storage unit to hold it all and then I will be able to start crafting properly again!
The Ikea Option:
Well the Ikea option appears to be the most sensible. By buying the Expedit unit and filling it with drawers and cupboards I could use one side for all the raw materials and the other side for ongoing projects. I could also make or buy drawer dividers to partition them out. Having my sewing box and machine on top would then inspire me to actually get off my bum and do something!
Total: £80ish depending on the colour combinations.
The Argos Option:
A plastic drawer unit on wheels would work well for keeping things organised. Whilst it isn't as pretty it is fairly practical and would still allow me to hold my sewing machine on top. The only thing that worries me is plastic units like this are notorious for not actually holding as much as what they should as they start to buckle under the weight.
Total: £27.99
The Next Option:
Alternatively I could just go all out and get a desk unit like this one from Next. Having the storage space on the side will allow me to fit perspex boxes with all my crafts in there and have the desk area free for my sewing machine to fit. Of course I don't have the space for that at the moment but something like this would be practical and wouldn't mean that I would have to move my sewing machine elsewhere to start crafting.
Total: £175
So there you have it. Some craft storage solutions that I really want (please birthday fairy!)
Fri-Dad
Friday, 21 March 2014
Would you believe it folks, it's Friday. Here I am, on time, back on FriDad after such a weird fortnight.
For those concerned I had eye trouble, I've received treatment for it. I'm not 100% yet, but this is a work in progress.
This week is a real chance for you as a parent to reflect on your job and realise just how good you are if times do get a little tough.
As parents we can worn out, run down and snowed under with life juggling. It can leave you feeling empty, apathetic and sometimes irrelevant. I remember thinking about what on earth I can talk to people about as my life consists of work, Max, a bit of writing if I'm not too tired and...well that's it.
I used to think of what Max would think of me, so I asked him something I've never asked him. "What does daddy do that makes you happy?".
Do you wanna' know what he said?
"When you smile".
For all the crap and fatigue I go through to make him happy to keep him occupied, he's truly content with my efforts and just loves me being happy with him.
That's why I wanted to share just a short list of a few things we sometimes say which sell ourselves short.
1. I'm not the best parent ever.
Why are you trying to sell yourself to someone you wouldn't dare breast feed? Modesty is a fair analysis, but to your child who you strain for, you're up there with Bob the Builder, Peppa Pig and The Fonz.
Be proud of yourself, don't brag just remain confident in yourself.
2. I don't know if I can offer what my child really needs.
I recently watched a couple of interviews with sports personalities and stand up comics. The one thing that stood out about every one was that they came from poor backgrounds and in some cases, broken families.
One comic expressed this about parenthood (though not a parent):
"Children need a certain amount of attention and affection...fuck, you know toys, this and that. The bottom line is a kid will grow up usually to be a better kid when they get the attention and affection and all positive stuff" - Rich Vos
His history does herald a certain dark facade. There's no reason to believe that if you still pour in that effort and love you've held for them since the moment they were placed in your arms.
No situation is ideal, you make it ideal for them.
3. I wish I could be better...
Believe me, this is something I ponder about a lot.
You sit there and feel like opportunity is slipping away from you, money isn't there and there is little to do locally.
I purposely ended this one on an ellipsis, because we can always grow as people. However, we pick and choose what we want to be better.
What we have fundamentally is a solid foundation. Things are working at a steady rate, the ability to improve lies in your intentions to make that change.
Whether it's that job you wanna get, a chance to move closer to family (or away) to even little things like planning days out or fun activities that benefit you and your children.
With a set plan, a goal and a solid foundation to run everything on, there's no reason you can't take that opportunity or go that extra mile.
Parents, all of you (including you, hiding at the back). You're incredible, not perfect, perfections fictitious, but you are incredible. If you don't believe me, ask those curious young hearts you care endlessly about.
That's my FriDad. After work, I have Saturday free so I'm getting my party pants on (I'll probably do more writing and research on my big project).
Any time you feel a little lost or lonely, don't be afraid to reach out. Blogging is a community for a reason.
Have a great weekend.
Thinking Slimmer
Thursday, 20 March 2014
I've always had an unhealthy relationship with food and weight. Whether that be eating too much throughout pregnancy and failing to lose it after or trying every fad diet going. Nothing seems to help me shift the pounds.
I've recently started watching what I eat and trying to be more active. Simple but I never thought it would work. I've managed to lose just over a stone so far and I need a bit more encouragement to keep me going.
This is where Slimpod from Thinking Slimmer comes into play.
They have a simple to use podcast that you listen to each night as you fall asleep. The theory is that listening to something whilst you are sleeping means your subconscious is being told all about the things that you should be doing differently. All those nasty habits of picking at the biscuits will eventually be replaced with things to help you and spur you on to lose weight.
I wear weight really badly. It sticks on my face and tummy whilst my arms and legs are still fairly slim in proportion. I'm fed up of being the fat mum at play group and being scared I will make a fool out of myself at the park so I want to change. Not just for me but for Max. I want him to be proud of his mum and I want Scott to think he's got a smoking hot wife to be.
My main gripe is that I work in the evenings. Too early to eat dinner and finishing too late to eat after too. It means that I pick at things that aren't good for me. I pick up comfort food in the supermarkets. I spend loads of time sitting down blogging rather than getting up of my feet. I choose food when I could easily pick up some knitting or cross stitch.
They have set me up with the 12 week Helping Hands programme. A mentor will be on hand with helping me reach my goals and I have the slim pod to listen to each night.
So wish me luck!
Two little monkeys
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
I remember putting Max into nursery for the first time and being so scared that I was leaving my 9 month old in a strange place with strange people. Unsurprisingly Max got on with it, made some wonderful friends and has grown up so much.
Max made one friend in particular though. A boy with enough energy to keep up with him, a mind of a trickster to team up with Max when they had a cunning plan and the most infectious laugh that would keep them going all day.
Max and Kayden are thick as thieves, they act like a pair of class clowns. The fact that they aren't in the same preschool any more doesn't bother them as when they get together it's as though that time hasn't even passed at all. Like everything falls back into place. His parents are great friends to us and getting together is like one big party (not forgetting Kayden's most adorable little brother ever!).
This week was Kayden's third birthday so we all headed to Marwell Zoo to try and see some animals amongst the hectic screams of laughter.
See I told you thick as thieves. Max wanted to get Kayden the same jumper as him for his birthday. So they can look the same and because sharks are awesome (his words not mine!).
2 for 1 - Guest Post from Lucy Hay
Monday, 17 March 2014
Lucy is one of those people that you meet through a friend of a friend, but one that is so wonderful that you end up stealing her for yourself as a friend too! A bit of an inspiration to me and Scott (as you will find out in this post) she's a pretty big name in the right circles with her site Bang2write and has written a few things too! This woman just doesn't stop. Anyway I'll let you get on and read her wonderful post.
When I was a
recent graduate, I worked in a supermarket. I enjoyed observing the different
types of people parade up and down the aisles. The well to do pensioner with
designer gloves; the slightly ragged bachelor, his clothes on inside-out; the
middle-aged empty nester, wandering about lost and purposeless; the harried,
married professional couples, with not enough time for anything. And let’s not
forget the young, single teenage Mum.
Eyes upon her,
she and a child (or two) creep along the shelves, peering at sell by dates, looking
desperately for those 2 for 1 deals to make her meager money go further. She
pretends not to notice the indignant snorts at her very existence, or her
children’s. She tries not to take it personally: these people don’t really know
her, what she’s capable of, or what sacrifices she’s made.
But it’s hard. I know, because I was her, too.
You see, it
doesn’t matter when you’re a young mum: in work or not; partner or not; a good
parent, bad – whatever. People don’t see you, they see an “idea of you”: the
media and politicans have seen to that. Commentators on the right AND left
insist teenage pregnancy is “preventable” and all must be done to “eradicate”
it, suggesting its very existence is due to a moral deficit in society. The usual exclamation, “Babies
having babies!” is seen as unseemly or a tragedy, with little or no middle
ground.
This is why I
wrote my YA novel, THE
DECISION: LIZZIE’S STORY – because we don’t hear REAL young mothers’ voices.
Instead, we’re erased, reduced and invalidated. We’re the cautionary tale, who
“could have been …” before we “screwed it all up”.
Yet I too, was
a teen Mum. Fifteen years on, I have a BA (Hons), PGCE and TEFL certificates to
my name, working with adults, teenagers and children. I run my own business; I’ve
written and published several books, worked on movies and set up conferences. I
even got married and had two more children. None of it was easy, but all of it
was worth it: that first baby was not a barrier to my success. Why should he
be?
And I am not unusual.
During my
studies and working life, I have met not just one or two teen Mums like me, but
STACKS. We’re usually reticent to share our stories, because we’re expected to
play down our achievements, or face being “exceptionalised”. Sometimes we’re
even expected to be apologetic for having a child at the “wrong” time, or
having to claim help like benefits. Instead of supporting and empowering these
young women and their children, society shames them. People stare in
supermarkets, or older parents at the school gates speculate in lowered voices
about whether we’re parents too, or older siblings of the child holding our
hands.
A common thing
I get “asked” is, “Yeah, but you wouldn’t
want your kids to be teen parents, would you?”
My answer: I
will be happy for my children to make the life choices they make. If one of
them becomes a teen parent, I won’t shame her, I will support her. She can do
whatever she wants to and so will my grandchild. My position has never wavered:
a baby is not a barrier.
Teenage mothers
don’t need to be a cautionary tale. If society helps them to help themselves,
then they ACHIEVE – and their children can too, the ultimate “2 for 1” deal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIO:
Lucy V Hay is a novelist, script editor and blogger who helps writers via her
Bang2write consultancy. She’s one of the founding organisers of London Screenwriters’
Festival and associate producer of the Brit Thrillers DEVIATION (2012) and
ASSASSIN (2014), both starring Danny Dyer. To keep up with LIZZIE’S DIARY, “Like” The Decision Book
Series and view all Lucy’s books here.
SunDad
Sunday, 16 March 2014
A belated hello for the Friday Crew, we have our second SunDad, the first was unintentional, however; this is a shoe in for my absence as expressed on my twitter account.
Today I’m going to explain how it sucks being away from things. Sure, I’ve missed a few FriDad’s in the past (by readers standards, it’s far too many). But don’t think I don’t know if I’ve missed it.
I feel pretty bad every time I have and think of what I miss when I do write them. I think of the times Laura has come to me with numbers and comments that have been left. I truly do appreciate the love that I receive writing these posts, even just the views.
I can honestly say, there’s no greater feeling than returning to a writing gig, even when your eyesight gets hindered to a severe level where opticians try to rush you into the hospital expressing you have a high chance to damaging your corneas…but, that’s all swings and roundabouts really.
The matters of these do come to make me appreciate everything I do have when I’ve been away. Counting Crows did once sing “You don’t know what you got, ‘til it’s gone” with Vanessa Carlton who sung “A Thousand Miles” (If I’m honest Vanessa, we’ve heard this song about walking that far before. Ever heard of The Proclaimers? 500 miles plus 500 more does equal 1,000.)
Those words couldn’t be more true when I took a trip to Peterborough recently. I spend a lot of 1 2 1 time with Max. I do sometimes get a sense of longing for a break. I always believe that sometimes Max gets a bit sick of me, always asking for Mummy instead.
When on this trip I had to wait three hours on my own until my trip home. I can honestly tell you those three hours were the most miserable reflective moments I’ve had. I’d made a phone call to Laura whilst at a shopping centre. She expressed how much Max was missing me, suddenly all I started to see around me were parents. I got off the phone and watched a dad who hadn’t seen his daughter for weeks and talked about their next few days together.
It had really hit me that all I wanted to do, was get home.
I arrived home at nine at night, I said my hello’s to Laura, but Max was sleeping. I had missed my window to see him. I gave him my usual kiss and head pat before slipping into bed.
Fortunately, this story ends on a high. Around 6 or 7, I don’t care which it was too early for me Max walked into the room. I heard his pitter patter followed by a creek of the loose floorboards. I then was greeted with the next five seconds of sound I’ve heard in a long while:
*BIG GASP* It’s you daddy, you’re home!
He then sprinted over to the bed and leaped onto the bed giving me the biggest longest hug and kiss I can remember.
With that he nestled into the bed for a big snuggle. I know it’s all sorts of soppy, but it was just the ticket after spending too long from home.
So there you have it. The grass always seems greener on the other side, but really with kids, I’ve found that there’s nothing better than the greeting you get when they’re that young. Cherish it, remember how little you cared as a teenager when you’re folks left on mates holidays.
That’s it for SunDad. Hope I don’t distract you from PBloggers tonight. I’ll be catching up on a mission to write a script by the end of the month. It’s a bit secret, but it’s really exciting.
Have yourself a great weeke…oh pants! That’s not going to work…hmm…bloody hell, get thinkin’ Scotty…right…okay I think I’ve got it…
Have a great start to the new week…that’s good. Right, time for that beer you don’t need to drink, but you’ll drink it anyway, because you’re a writer and writers drink…lots.
Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
Thursday, 13 March 2014
As many of you know I work for Waterstones. An amazing place to work because of the fantastic things I get to read and take home. Every year we host a children's book prize to celebrate the amazing work authors and illustrators do across children's literature. This is not necessarily the biggest selling. By all means there are some big his but also books that you wouldn't expect to read that may take you by surprise! This year has to be by far my favourite selection of titles.
First up is picture books. The theme of animals brings together the fact that they animals are always universally better to read than gender specific titles. I mean don't get me wrong pirates and princesses are great. We just love animals.
We have loved everything from Open Very Carefully, where you have to make sure that the crocodile does't bite you in the book. To Penguin In Peril, where the penguin realises that three sneaky cats aren't the nicest people to hang out with.
Time For Bed Fred reads like an old classic that you would have read as a child. Bringing back floods of memories, whilst Harold Finds A Voice is completely the opposite where you learn about different sounds and your little one is roaring with laughter throughout as you try and imitate them too!
Finally is The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water. A tale for the children to realise that not everyone likes the same thing, but that doesn't make you different. And Weasels, a tale about dastardly weasels who live a James Bond-esque life with enough pop culture references for you parents to understand!
Next up is children's. This is the 5-12 category and features everything from fantasy to mystery and of course a bit of fun and laugh. Something for everyone here so young minds can be transported to another world (or two).
First up is my favourite, Rooftoppers. This is the tale of a young girl that is orphaned who decides to hunt down her mother the only way she knows how, via the rooftops of Paris. The Last Wild is all about a young boy who doesn't know how special he is. With a room full of talking pigeons you know something good is going to happen right?
The School For Good And Evil tells the story you read in fairy tales. Two schools, one good and the other evil and what the children learn. Though maybe the school you are placed in isn't the one you wanted to be part of in the first place! Keeping on the school theme is Shiverton Hall. A school full of bad happenings and unfortunate incidents. But our main character Arthur doesn't really have time to worry about that.
The last two are Darcy Burdock, the perfect companion for young girls. This is the start of a series about Darcy and her slightly mad family. Who can't relate to that!? And finally The Skull In The Woods, a book about mystery, curses and animals turning bad.
- There seems to be a big animal theme running through this years books!
Finally we get onto the teen selection. my favourite of them all as it's all I seem to read. But as you can see there is a distinct lack of titles you would have thought would hit the short list. No John Green, Veronica Roth or Rainbow Rowell. It's not that we didn't love them, It's just they've been acknowledged as amazing authors so we thought other people could have a chance at winning (we all know John would clean the board!)
First up is Geek Girl. A tale of a young, self confessed nerd who gets plucked from obscurity at the Clothes Show Live and ends up at a high end model. Gives hope for all of us! Contrasting that though is Butter. A tale of a young boy, weighing in at over 400lbs who thinks the only way out is to kill himself the only way he knows how. By eating himself to death. Definitely my favourite book of the selection as it touches on bullying, weight issues and self esteem.
The Bone Dragon is a tale about strength from the perspective of a 14 year old girl. A perfect blend of a psychological thriller and fantasy tale this is a great story about a girl seeking revenge the only way she knows how. If You Find Me is all about Carey. A girl with a huge secret. Her mum is a drug addict and her and her sister all live in the woods together. That is until her mum goes missing.
The fabulous Dawn O'Porter brings us Paper Aeroplanes. A tale set in the mid 90's about coming of age in a small town where there's not a lot to do. And finally is Out Of The Easy. A challenging topic about a girl who is a brothel prostitutes daughter who just want's to go to university.
So there you have it. The amazing titles that are up for the award. Each category will have one winner and then there will be an overall winner picked. No doubt I will convince myself to host a giveaway for that title as I already have a few gut instincts about what it might be!
Are there any that interest you? Or any that you have read and enjoyed?
Today's the perfect day.
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
To get a haircut!
I've always been reluctant to get Max's locks chopped. Having them long meant that I was holing onto a part him. He looked so cute a little with long hair. But then he told me that he wanted. No needed to look like Tom from McFly.
So off to the hair dressers we went. He was such a big boy and chatted with the hairdresser, singing to her and playing with her dog.
And then after a lot of hair came off. This happened.
A 50th Birthday Gift.
Monday, 10 March 2014
So this weekend was mine and Scott's anniversary. A bit of a non existent day because it was also my mum's 50th birthday (yeah we timed that getting together well).
I decided I wanted to put together a gift bag of goodies for my mum. Everything from pampering to spoiling. I wanted to cover all the bases. So we got her:
- Pringles and Galaxy (her favourite!)
- Slipper socks
- Miniatures cream set
- Pocket mirror
- The Cuckoo's Calling book
- Pandora charm (we all got her a charm for a bracelet that my grandma got her!)
- Beautiful canvas of Max.
Canvas Design sent me a beautiful canvas of Max to review and I knew that I had to save it for my mums birthday. I've always been dubious of ordering canvases online. Mainly because I've had a few turn up a bit ropey or with dodgy colours. So when Loren asked if I wanted to review one I jumped at the chance. Having heard so many good things about Canvas Designs I knew I wanted to see for myself.
I chose a photo of Max that was used for a review of some clothes. It's pretty hard to get a great photo of Max as he always pulls funny faces. At least in this one he looked smart and didn't have food all over his face.
The Canvas Design site allows you choose a pre selected size or work with them to create one of your own size. At affordable prices too, they tick all the boxes.
I'm always wary that photos can be stretched out of shape on canvas but we had a neat white trim on the borders so that the whole image was accommodated on the front. The guys at Canvas Design can also help with some simple editing if that isn't your strongest point. And of course they won't print it until you are completely satisfied.
Canvas Design sent my canvas wrapped in thick bubble wrap and cardboard to support it. The fact that 48 hour delivery comes as standard means that it is great for a last minute gift! You also get a wall hanging kit included so that you don't have to go out of your way to buy things as an extra.
I've never seen such a wonderful, vibrant canvas as this and I know that my mum will love it once it's hanging on her wall. Thank you Canvas Design for a perfect gift for a memorable birthday!
Fri- Dad
Friday, 7 March 2014
Hello again Fri Dadders. I want to start by apologising for my absence last week. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes of this blog, a lot which has distracted us, required our attention and left us with food for thought. Because of this, I took it upon myself to let Fri Dad go by.
This week we are focused, refreshed and Fri-dazzmical (that is the actual spelling of that fictional word. Anyone who objects is a SMELLY SPANNER).
Since the anniversary of the day I asked Laura if she wanted to know what I looked like naked forever happens this weekend, I wanted to talk about the subject of giving.
Now, we parents give endlessly, it’s why we are tired, drained, exhausted, ratty and forever craving treats.
Looking back on the four years Laura and I will have spent together, the one thing I wish I would give more in our relationship is thanks.
That’s not to say I’m an ungrateful son of a bitch who has a writing degree that writes informally and includes colloquialisms in my text (yeah, grammar nazi’s I’m self-aware of my work. I’m basing my language on narrative voice. Let’s see you use ebonics and defend the criticism, smart arses!). I am truly thankful for the time we’ve shared together.
For the past four years, Laura has endlessly given me her time, thought, love, other half of her bed, half a dessert…sometimes, humour, personality and humility. Also, she’s stuck with me through every up and down and dinners that create gases which only god can forgive me…barely. Everything that she has done culminates to something that I’ve always desired in a partner, someone who loves me for who and what I am alone.
So, I’d love to give you another humorous anecdote of Max being crazy (not that you didn’t already know that), or another list of funny reasons my parenting can be great/ bad or something to uplift you. However, I wouldn’t truly even be in this position, writing this blog, watching my over my beautiful son, staring at that engagement ring I give to her if I didn’t truly mean how thankful I am to have Laura as my fiancée.
Thank you Laura, with every ounce of affection I have to give. You helped get us out of so many sticky situations (keep your damn dirty thoughts to yourself here) and into so many beautiful one (WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!).
Take this weekend to recognise someone you know who you feel really deserves a thank you call or a gift. You won’t believe how much that will mean to the other person until you do so.
Anyway, that’s all from me, I’m off to watch some more uplifting YouTube videos and sit next to a bowl of onions for an excuse. Have a great weekend and thank you all very much for reading, we both truly appreciate it.
Yes my son wears a tutu
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
And no I don't have a problem with that.
I was going to write a huge essay about how messed up gender stereotypes for kids are. But I feel it keeps on being repeated over again and society has hit a brick wall. I still don't understand how a 3 year old gets judgment for wearing something commonly associated with the opposite gender. Max wears pink, tutus, dresses, leggings for a variety of different reasons from play time to the fact thats what he feels comfortable in them. Am I to stop him from expressing himself or enjoying what he is doing? And are those snide comments supposed to stop me from letting him run around with a tutu on like he did yesterday? Of course not. Because at the end of the day he is 3, he is not hurting anyone and most importantly he is having fun.
One day we will look back on gender stereotypes and laugh. What century that is I have no idea but at the moment I still feel like we have people that are far from accepting.
Let kids be kids.
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