I worked as an au pair in Germany for an English family during a year out, which turned out to be the beginning of life as a childcarer in one form or another. I had changed a nappy before, but it was still a steep learning curve. To be honest I had no idea it would be so hard to live with people you weren't related to. It had never occurred to me that other people would have a different way of doing everything, from cooking to ironing shirts. In … [Read more...]
Silent Sundae
Torn art seascape
How we made a collaborative family Torn art seascape picture. I am so very glad that I bought a new tablecloth when I went to John Lewis last week. It looks fabulous and has really brought some colour to the Breakfast Room. It also meant that I had an old oilcloth table-covering to have on hand for a) curry night (have you seen how take-out curry stains things???) and b) craft. This afternoon, the Kidlings and I got busy in the … [Read more...]
I’m a Stylish Blogger, which I assume to mean I have a Stylish Blog, not that I am a Stylish Person Who Blogs.
Because if there's one word that will never appear on my tombstone, it's Stylish....unless you are a big fan of the haven't-had-a-shower-because-the-kids-were-kicking-off, threw-clothes-on-to-do-the-schoolrun-and-never-got-round-to-changing-them, snot-on-my-shoulders and I'm-not-sure-what-that-mark-on-my-trousers-is look. Gok Wan would have a field day. Trinny and Susannah would have a field day. My mother would have a field day (although I am … [Read more...]
The Gallery: Mother Nature
The Threeva has been learning about growing plants. She enjoys being outside and looking at the leaves on the trees and digging in the garden. She and her Daddy will go out in all weathers to potter and play. Last year they grew strawberries and if she went missing, I often found her at the bottom of the garden snaffling a few ripe berries. Given that I struggle to keep houseplants alive, my green-fingered mother took her in hand and, before … [Read more...]
Seven ways you can use your baby weight to lose your baby weight
It's a common desire, albeit after you've given birth and spent a few months adjusting to what it means to be responsible for a small crying baby 24 hours a day, to want to do something about your appearance. There are some lucky people who seem to effortlessly be back in their pre-pregnancy Jeans six weeks after having a baby, but for most of us, it's hard work shedding the few extra pounds. It is, however, effort that pays off, whether you are … [Read more...]
Toddlerisms
Chatting with Tweeva whilst they played the ELC Pop It In The Post Game.....DH: Darling, what do you call the man who delivers the post?Tweeva: Post Man.DH: And what do you call the man who delivers the milk?Tweeva: It's the Milk Man. DH: And what do you call the man who takes the rubbish?Tweeve: Daddy!Children: aren't they brilliant? … [Read more...]
