I was introduced to this amazing site by my friend and I think it’s too good not to share! I’ve told so many others about it already, I really felt it deserved a blog post!
My kids sitting quietly – read on to find out how and why!
If your kiddies (or you) are into drawing, then this is the site for you. Run by Rob – a dad of four, he takes you through step by simple step to create amazing works of art. The kids (and you) will never feel intimidated by his amazing artistic talent as he always has one of his children doing the drawing at the same time. Read More »
So very excitingly the other day the Joe Browns Spring catalogue appeared on my door mat! This is always a pleasant sight as you know that I have a love for all things Joe Browns. So obviously I thought the best thing to do would be to share a wish list with my lovely readers of all my favourite items… ok that would be the whole catalogue …so I’ve whittled it down to a more restrained list! Also doing this makes me feel cheerful – Joe Browns clothes never fail to put a smile on my face. Let’s hope my family see this (and are feeling generous… ;-P)
Enjoy!!!
Loving all the detailing on this gorgeous jacket – this would totally dress up a lovely pair of skinny jeans and a plain top. Great for mild spring days, that are a bit nippy first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Can imagine wearing this for a shopping trip or at lunch with the girls, but would be equally at home for an evening at the pub! (not that I get to do that often – instead this would be showcased on the school run!) Read More »
Firstly, I obviously have to mention world book day – my two went as Harry Potter and Hermione Granger! They looked so cute! I made an effort and put 10 plaits in the Pink Ones hair so that when we took them out she had the bushy hair Hermione is known for. They were so excited, they have been counting down the days until they could wear their costumes to school!
World’s Cutest Harry Potter She Really is the Brightest Witch of her Age!So after drop off, I met my friend Rachael back at my house as I was going swimming! As you may have read in one of my previous posts, it’s a new years resolution of mine to learn to swim – well since then I’ve managed only one session with Rachael and then it all went a bit manic with assignments, half term and poorly kids! So it’s been about a month (maybe more) and I have to admit I was more nervous this time than on the first.
So nervous I couldn’t stop shaking when taking a pre-swim selfie!!!The part of the pool we used last time had a fitness session going on. Then we were told there was going to be a school class so we’d have to move down. For a few moments I thought it meant our whole session was going to be in the section of the pool where I couldn’t touch the bottom and my anxiety went into overdrive – I admit I even cried, but fortunately we had a good section of the pool and I was able to touch the bottom – so took a deep breath and we got working.
Rachael really helped me with my breaststroke technique, working on my leg kick, making sure I completed the cycle and squeezed my legs to get the full propulsion through the water, even doing some work with a float. The trying to get the process right…
Pull, Breath, Kick, Glide
Definitely easier said than done – but I will be chanting this mantra until my body does it automatically! The majority of this was completed with head out of the water, as I’d misplaced my goggles, so I was wearing my hubby’s and the left eye kept filling with water! Most annoying! I have subsequently located my ones!
I did monkey down to the deep end, but no matter how logical I was and how much I spoke it through with Rachael – I could not let go of the edge and glide or swim. I got so nervous at one point I actually got cramp in my foot!!!
This pathological fear of the deep end and going through the water under my own steam without panicking is exhausting. So I didn’t manage it this time, which is disappointing, but my swimming is getting stronger (and Rachael assures me I can swim), so, and I said it out loud to Rachael that on our next session I would start in the deep end! I may regret saying this next week, but this problem is literally an argument with my own head! I will conquer it and I just appreciate Rachael being so calm and patient with me!
Once home, I did my usual studies – both Technologies in Practice and some Maths.
Then I was off to my Boxercise class! The session was amazing, but seriously tough! We were doing Boxercise to the Beat (named after my previous blog post!). For our warm up we were bouncing to the beat in southpaw and then two jabs, two hooks – repeated a few times, then some squats, punches to the floor, then back to bouncing, two jabs, two hooks, two uppers and two lower uppers. Then we bounced into the orthodox position and did the same.
Next, pads and gloves on, in southpaw we had to bounce in time with our partner and the beat, jabbing for five, high leg lifts for five, until Michelle called out and then we had to do 10 jabs and 10 high leg lifts, finally 15 of each. In between swapping to orthodox, we had to do some squats and punches to the floor ,then repeating the whole interval. Then we had to swap pads/gloves. The constant moving was intense, it was brutal.
We then had some floor work, 15 curl ups and 15 leg reaches, some of us were then skipping, while others were doing one leg stands from the benches, this was repeated three times. The we had to do 15 push ups and now those of us that been skipping had to do try and do the one leg stands – they were really hard (and I was starting to feel the swimming from the morning) – one of the ladies worked out it was easier to do if you crossed your leg over the top of the one you were standing up on. Again repeated three times. Finally, again repeated three times, we did a 30 second plank followed by 30 seconds of high leg running.
So glad for the cool down that’s for sure! If you want to come along to a session – find all the details at Michelle’s Facebook page for Foxlee Fitness. I think I may be feeling all this exercise over the next few days! Hopefully it’s doing me go!!! haha!!!
So how do you deal with anxiety or facing a fear? I’d love to know! 🙂 xxx
So on this day six years ago, at 6:52am our Pink One came into the world, weighing 7lb 3oz and changed our lives forever!
I cannot believe she is six years old already – seriously where has the time gone?
So this year, I’ve written a poem for my beautiful, intelligent and incredible daughter…
Now You Are Six
The morning you came you changed our lives forever.
Before you arrived life was good but now with you in the world it just got better
Our family of two become a wonderful three with this beautiful baby girl, half daddy, half me
Big blue eyes and a complete cutie pie, you are the apple of mine and daddy’s eye
We would watch you for hours, we were completely besotted. Each little facial expression and the way your arms swatted.
But how time flew and before we knew you were walking and talking how ‘independent’ you’d grown.
You made us laugh with your cheeky ways, the little pickle who brightens our days.
I’m not saying it’s all been easy, as we know it has not, but I wouldn’t change a thing, not a single part
There are times that we clash and mummy gets mad, but remember my child you are not bad
Everything we do and say is because we love you so much, your zest for life our hearts has touched
We gave you a brother, it’s so lovely, how you play so well with each other
You’re a wonderful big sister (most of the time) and to see you laugh together brings a tear of joy to my eye
Watching you grow is an honour and blessing, what you’ll be when you’re older has everyone guessing
We’re so lucky to have you, you’re a joy to behold and now my amazing daughter you are six years old!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY my darling Pink One!!! Love you loads!!!
Jog on Mum 