Well, It's been quite some time since I have settled down to write a blog post. Things have been hectic and I have to admit that I have been feeling quite withdrawn of late. I have been working 7 days a week trying my hardest to be able to pay the bills. We seem to be just managing but I don't half feel guilty about missing out on time with the kids. I did manage to spend a couple of weeks with them recently as the mother in law was in Australia, and it was lovely. I could definately cope with being a stay at home mum- toddler groups, coffee and cake, and managing to keep on top of the housework for a change.
I am hoping our situation will improve at the end of this year as some of our debt will be paid off, and it should mean that I have to work less. I look back on my life and with hindsight I definately regret getting in so much debt. It really is a curse but with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, we should come through it. Our plan is to be debt free within the next five years (not including the mortgage) so I really hope we can stick to that!
Our plans this summer are going to be simple, a few camping trips and spending quality time together in the great outdoors. Roll on the sunshine!
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Smart ideas for Christmas from Morphy Richards
What do you think of when you think of Morphy Richards? Personally I think of the mother in law. The Jammy wench has all the Morphy Richards quality gadgets that I desire. Her Kitchen is full of stylish Morphy Richards items that make her less than busy life even easier. Every year I make an effort to gush over all her Morphy Richards kitchen Gadgets, while she tells me how amazing they are. I do this, not because I want to make her feel any better about her amazing gadgets, but because I am dropping serious hints for Christmas.
Every year I live in hope that on Christmas day, my hints have been noticed and I will be opening my present on Christmas Day from the mother in law, to reveal a much wanted Morphy Richards kitchen item. I imagine my delight, my heart felt gratitude and my excitement and what I will receive. Would it be a Nesta Filter Coffee Maker or a 3-in-1-Twisting-Mixer or a Intellisteam-Steamer!
The day came, and I made my way over to the mother in laws. I have to say that when she handed me my Christmas present, it didn't look very promising. Mainly because it was very small. I started too clutch at straws as I thought that maybe Morphy Richards had come up with some new fangled Kitchen invention that happened to be very small- maybe a mini blender, or cork screw. I ripped open the paper, took a deep breath, and revealed a ...........box of cheap purfume. Mother in law, I hate you.......
Now, if I had known that Morphy Richards had a brilliant new Facebook App which allows you to create your Morphy Richards Christmas list to send to Freinds and Family, then perhaps I wouldn't have been disappointed yet again!
If I had used the app, It probaly would have been as long as my arm (and the James family are known for having long arms!) but these would have been my top 3 items- Not that my mother in law would have been that generous.
This super Stylish Coffee Maker is sure to be the envy of everyone. It has brushed stainless steel and delivers great tasting espresso and filter coffee. The maker has an Expresso Function that is both Compatible with ground coffee and Pods. I love Coffee and I love the sound of this Coffee Maker.
I am afraid that as of late, I have been known to induldge in the odd slab of chocolate cake. Ok, I'm lying.... I am a full blown chocoholic. The cushion has definately got to go, so perhaps this bit of Gadgetry will help me on my way. I have been known to burn most of what we eat, but this grill has an in built function which allows you cook your food to the perfect temperature and to your own individual tastes. Pretty Cool
3, A Soup Maker
Aswell as being a full blown Chocoholic, my one saving grace is that I do like a nice big bowl of soup. You can makeplenty of delicioous healthy soups and this would be the perfect Kitchen Tool to do it. Simply select the setting you want for Chunky or smooth soup. Yum Yum
Any of these items would make great christmas gifts for those you love, and if anyone I know and love is reading this.....TAKE THE HINT!
These really are smart ideas for Christmas from Morphy Richards
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Daxon’s VIP Fashion Bloggers
Calling all Fashionista's!
You may not have heard of Daxon but it is part of the Redcats group which is the third largest home shopping network in the world. They specialise in top quality clothing at very reasonable prices. Daxon are also currently holding a 70% off sale so now is the perfect time to check them out.
Check out some of the lovely items I found on their website, for my perfect winter outfit
A Ladies Cowl-Neck Dress for £10.00
Daxon are giving bloggers who love fashion a fantastic opportunity! Click on the following link for details http://blog.daxon.co.uk/daxons-vip-fashion-bloggers/
You may not have heard of Daxon but it is part of the Redcats group which is the third largest home shopping network in the world. They specialise in top quality clothing at very reasonable prices. Daxon are also currently holding a 70% off sale so now is the perfect time to check them out.
Check out some of the lovely items I found on their website, for my perfect winter outfit
A Ladies Cowl-Neck Dress for £10.00
Ladies Black & White Floral Print Leggings for £12.00
Pediconfort® boots for £95
Daxon are giving bloggers who love fashion a fantastic opportunity! Click on the following link for details http://blog.daxon.co.uk/daxons-vip-fashion-bloggers/
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Get Fit and Feel Epic plans
I am ashamed to say that my good intentions about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle have gone by the wayside of late. I had successfully shed some weight but stress and looking after 2 toddlers whilst working full time have led me to take solace in food again. My ideal weight is around 9 stone (I'm 5'4) but when I stepped on the dread scales today I was not surprised when I weighed in at just over 10 stone. I am still just within the healthy BMI range of 25 but only just. The truth is I don't feel comfortable with my current size, and I definitely don't feel fit and energized.
My Goals for 2013 are primarily to lose the cushion, cut down on unhealthy sweet treats and to start exercising again. These are my goals but I need a plan of action.
Earlier in the year I started using the Slim Pod Which I found really effective. I simply had to listen to a CD before bed each night, and I found my deep rooted eating habits changing. I was starting to pick healthier options and reducing my portion sizes without much effort. I am not going to lie and say I needed no willpower but it definitely helped. It is just a shame that stress in my personal life led to me stopping listening to my CD so the effect wore off.
My plan is to start listening to the CD which is named Drop 2 dress sizes or more and get my healthy eating back on track.
My second plan is to get walking more. I love hill walking but the demands of working full time and looking after 2 toddlers has meant that I just don't currently have the time. I am determined to make the time next year so that I get fit and active again.
Maybe it would be an idea for me to enter the Get Fit Feel Epic competition from Moneysupermarket.com. Simply tell the tool found here how much you drink, smoke and eat in a week, then tell it how much you would like to cut down to. Then hit the button, and you can find out exactly how much money you could save in a year. Sounds good to me as I could do with saving money and getting healthy- it would help my stress levels to.
Go and check out the http://www.moneysupermarket.com/life-insurance/get-fit-feel-epic/ app now to get your new year on track!
As a bonus, the lovely Jo from 2 Stars and a Swirl blog is running her own competition to win a Fitbit Zip and Fitbit Wi-Fi Scales. Check the following link to enter! http://2starsandaswirl.co.uk/2012/12/19/get-fit-feel-epic-and-win-a-fitbit-zip-and-fitbit-wi-fi-scales/
Good Luck!
My Goals for 2013 are primarily to lose the cushion, cut down on unhealthy sweet treats and to start exercising again. These are my goals but I need a plan of action.
Earlier in the year I started using the Slim Pod Which I found really effective. I simply had to listen to a CD before bed each night, and I found my deep rooted eating habits changing. I was starting to pick healthier options and reducing my portion sizes without much effort. I am not going to lie and say I needed no willpower but it definitely helped. It is just a shame that stress in my personal life led to me stopping listening to my CD so the effect wore off.
My plan is to start listening to the CD which is named Drop 2 dress sizes or more and get my healthy eating back on track.
My second plan is to get walking more. I love hill walking but the demands of working full time and looking after 2 toddlers has meant that I just don't currently have the time. I am determined to make the time next year so that I get fit and active again.
Maybe it would be an idea for me to enter the Get Fit Feel Epic competition from Moneysupermarket.com. Simply tell the tool found here how much you drink, smoke and eat in a week, then tell it how much you would like to cut down to. Then hit the button, and you can find out exactly how much money you could save in a year. Sounds good to me as I could do with saving money and getting healthy- it would help my stress levels to.
Go and check out the http://www.moneysupermarket.com/life-insurance/get-fit-feel-epic/ app now to get your new year on track!
As a bonus, the lovely Jo from 2 Stars and a Swirl blog is running her own competition to win a Fitbit Zip and Fitbit Wi-Fi Scales. Check the following link to enter! http://2starsandaswirl.co.uk/2012/12/19/get-fit-feel-epic-and-win-a-fitbit-zip-and-fitbit-wi-fi-scales/
Good Luck!
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Review: Remote Control Candles
'Remote Control Candles' I hear you say? How the hell does that work!' Well it works very well actually.
I was sent a box of 3 Remote Control Candles that are currently available from Paramount Zone for the bargain price of £12.99 (or 2 packs for £21) and are made by Think Gizmos. I personally love candles. The ambience and subtle light they produce is always lovely on a dark evening. Unfortunately with 2 toddlers around creating mayhem (who appear to be on a mission to destroy the house and themselves), I haven't really been able to take the risk of lighting any candles, as chances are that before I have chance to turn around, they would have knocked them over and we would have to run for our lives out of the inferno.
That's why I found these candles a great idea and I jumped at the chance to give them a whirl. They are operated with battery powered LEDS and are totally safe. You may think that this would mean that you would have a static light akin to a lamp but that is not the case. You can actually set them to flicker which is 100% authentic looking. You really can't tell the difference apart from the fact that there is no smoke. You can even use these outside, which can come in really handy as you don't need to worry about the wind or great british weather. We love camping in the James household, so I can imagine we will be taking these with us on every camping trip!
There is also a 4 and 8 hour timer which is operated with the remote control. The remote control was really easy to use (even for a technophobe like myself). I managed to get the candle light to flicker easily and you can even control the level of brightness. You can't do any of these things with a normal candle can you!
I have to admit that I also like a scented candle but unfortunately that is one thing you have to compromise on. The candles are made out of real wax, but are not scented. There were also no batteries included which was slightly annoying as it meant I had to have a good rummage to find some batteries that worked! These however are minor quibbles.
I was amazed when I looked at the information on the box that each candle glows for 50'000 hours and there are over 200 hours of light before you need to change the battery. That means that these candles are a really good investment, as if you consider how long a normal candle lasts, these far outlast them. Being a bit of a closet environmentalist as well, these are also more environmentally friendly as carbon emissions are minimal.
This handy you tube video demonstrates how the candles work, much better than I could
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGLinaHw8do&feature=plcp
Overall the candles got a big thumbs up from the James household! It looks as if we are not the only ones to give the candles the big thumbs up as the candles have been rated as out of 5 based on 4 user ratings review(s) on the website. One person said they have since bought 3 more set as gifts as they were so impressed. I have to agree that these candles make a fantastic gift that is also very affordable.
Paramount Zone also do a fantastic range of gifts for all ages including http://www.paramountzone.com/christmas-gifts-her.php. There really are some great gift ideas at very reasonable prices which really suits a penny pinching household like myself! There is even free delivery when you spend over £14 which makes it even more good value.
I was sent a box of 3 Remote Control Candles that are currently available from Paramount Zone for the bargain price of £12.99 (or 2 packs for £21) and are made by Think Gizmos. I personally love candles. The ambience and subtle light they produce is always lovely on a dark evening. Unfortunately with 2 toddlers around creating mayhem (who appear to be on a mission to destroy the house and themselves), I haven't really been able to take the risk of lighting any candles, as chances are that before I have chance to turn around, they would have knocked them over and we would have to run for our lives out of the inferno.
That's why I found these candles a great idea and I jumped at the chance to give them a whirl. They are operated with battery powered LEDS and are totally safe. You may think that this would mean that you would have a static light akin to a lamp but that is not the case. You can actually set them to flicker which is 100% authentic looking. You really can't tell the difference apart from the fact that there is no smoke. You can even use these outside, which can come in really handy as you don't need to worry about the wind or great british weather. We love camping in the James household, so I can imagine we will be taking these with us on every camping trip!
There is also a 4 and 8 hour timer which is operated with the remote control. The remote control was really easy to use (even for a technophobe like myself). I managed to get the candle light to flicker easily and you can even control the level of brightness. You can't do any of these things with a normal candle can you!
I have to admit that I also like a scented candle but unfortunately that is one thing you have to compromise on. The candles are made out of real wax, but are not scented. There were also no batteries included which was slightly annoying as it meant I had to have a good rummage to find some batteries that worked! These however are minor quibbles.
I was amazed when I looked at the information on the box that each candle glows for 50'000 hours and there are over 200 hours of light before you need to change the battery. That means that these candles are a really good investment, as if you consider how long a normal candle lasts, these far outlast them. Being a bit of a closet environmentalist as well, these are also more environmentally friendly as carbon emissions are minimal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGLinaHw8do&feature=plcp
Overall the candles got a big thumbs up from the James household! It looks as if we are not the only ones to give the candles the big thumbs up as the candles have been rated as out of 5 based on 4 user ratings review(s) on the website. One person said they have since bought 3 more set as gifts as they were so impressed. I have to agree that these candles make a fantastic gift that is also very affordable.
Paramount Zone also do a fantastic range of gifts for all ages including http://www.paramountzone.com/christmas-gifts-her.php. There really are some great gift ideas at very reasonable prices which really suits a penny pinching household like myself! There is even free delivery when you spend over £14 which makes it even more good value.
Sunday, 4 November 2012
Saturday, 3 November 2012
Giveaway # 4 Limited Edition Friends prize pack
This is the one where you can win a great prize to celebrate the release of Friends: The Complete Series Blu-ray Box Set'. I am a bit odd in that I only got into friends after it finished being made, but I have to admit that I'm totally hooked. I can watch episodes over and over and still burst out laughing.
I think that I am most like Phoebe, a bit weird and bit wacky at times. I took the 'Which Friend Are You Most Like quiz' and I came out as half Ross and Half Phoebe. I can't say I have ever mugged anyone though!
Warner Bros. Pictures is proud to announce the release of Friends: The Complete Series Blu-Ray Box Set November 12th 2012; along with the 30 Days of Friends: Trivia Challenge Blog App and Video Player!
Right, time to get down to the Giveaway. Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form for the chance to win a Limited Edition Friends Prize Pack which consists of two oversized cappuccino mugs and a picture frame just like the one on Monica’s door.
Please do complete the entries fully as I check every entry. Any entries that do not comply with what is requested will be deleted. Open to UK residents over 18 only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions
I think that I am most like Phoebe, a bit weird and bit wacky at times. I took the 'Which Friend Are You Most Like quiz' and I came out as half Ross and Half Phoebe. I can't say I have ever mugged anyone though!
Warner Bros. Pictures is proud to announce the release of Friends: The Complete Series Blu-Ray Box Set November 12th 2012; along with the 30 Days of Friends: Trivia Challenge Blog App and Video Player!
Right, time to get down to the Giveaway. Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form for the chance to win a Limited Edition Friends Prize Pack which consists of two oversized cappuccino mugs and a picture frame just like the one on Monica’s door.
Please do complete the entries fully as I check every entry. Any entries that do not comply with what is requested will be deleted. Open to UK residents over 18 only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions
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