I liked up with the lovely Mich over at Mummy from the heart.

It's been a bit of a hectic week again, not as bad as last week though, thank goodness. Here are my rasons to be cheerful this week: 

1) January is almost over. I seriously dislike this month. It's always depressing after Christmas, no one has much money and everything is a little blah! Not to mention it is the coldest month and everyone here has been so poorly. It seems that Jauary has really dragged. Last day of January today, thank goodness. 

2) I'm feeling a little better. I mean, I still have a cold and a cough but not half as bad as I was a few days ago! Perhaps I'll be better by the weekend? I hope so! At least the sore throat has gone now. Of course I have the usual headache but I can deal with that! I'm just glad I am feeling a little better. The kids are also better, just my eldest has a bit of a cough. 

3) It's sunny today! Ok, so it's still cold, not as cold as it has been though! It's so nice to see the sunshine, it defiantly makes me happy! Also, the daffodils on the kitchen window ledge (that my daughter, who is in reception planted at school and gave them to me as a gift!) I love daffodils, so pretty! And a reminder that spring is not far away, yay! 

I'm still ill, ugh. I have a rotten cold but at least the sore throat has gone! Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow! I woke up last night at 2am with a terrible headache, seriously it wasn't good. I don't know whether it's because I'm ill or because the pressure around my brain is building up again (I suffer with idiopathic intercranial hypertension) and that I need another lumbar puncture but gosh, the pain was really bad! It's not really a pain I can describe. Thankfully the headache has stayed away all day *touch wood* & I am praying it'll stay that way. I suffer daily in one way or another (whether it be pain in my head, tingling or numbness, bad vision) and I constantly have a dull ache behind my eyes. My vision hasn't really improved but it hasn't got worse either (although I do have bad moments where it goes a bit blurry/I see white or black dots) *again, knock on wood* I'm lucky to have such great support, especially my best friend. She helps me a lot. And my fella when he is here. (Long distance relationships suck) And of course my family when I need them. And my GP is brilliant doctor and very understanding, which really helps.
Maybe one day I'll be able to go back to work!

 I am really hoping I feel better this week as I need to give my daughters bedroom a second coat of paint and get that finished. It;s SO frustrating, there's so much I want and need to go but I just haven't got the energy. If I don't update my blog, it's because I feel blah! I'm trying so hard to update to update on a regular basis. I really enjoy blogging. I wish this cold/flu thing would just go away. It's making me miserable.

I'm really sticking to my goals for this year... Re decorating and organising my home. I've thrown away and donated quite a bit of stuff so far this year. Baby toys, toys the kids don't want any more, same with clothes. Just need to sort my bedroom out. I'm really quite pleased with myself! It doesn't cost anything to organise and de-clutter! And even to give a room a lick of paint is under £15!
I've started saving up for the paint and wall paper for my front room. It won't cost a lot because I'm only wall papering the chimney breast wall so I'll only need two rolls, well probably only one but I'd like one as a spare and the paint isn't expensive, I really like the 'colours by B&Q' brand. I've seen the curtains I like and they aren't that expensive either. Wish I had a sewing machine, I could make my own!! One day I WILL own a sewing machine. I already have the gloss for the skirting boards/door frames (thanks to my granddad who had a tin he didn't need!) and I have plenty of white paint that my granddad also gave me! Gotta love my granddad, hehe.

]I have a post still in draft about the kids progress but I shall post that in the week or the weekend maybe.

Well I'll end this here as I really need to go to bed as it's past midnight! Eek! I had a nap today because I felt so rough. I'm starting to feel tired now though.

Sarah xXx

YAY I was tagged by AliceInWonderland. 

My first time doing Saturday caption post. I hope it's ok to join in!
This photo was taken in the summer 2012, Jubilee week!
(one of my favourite photos of all kiddies together - doesn't happen very often lol!)

1) Tomorrow is Friday! I can't wait for this week to be over! (I'll write about it in another post later or tomorrow)

2) The snow is nearly gone! Woohoo. Alhough it was very fun playing in the snow and it really did look very pretty, I am glad it's gone (and I hope it stays away now lol). It was chaos doing the school runs, walking in the snow/ice/sludge is not fun. I lost count of how many times I almost fell over, eek!

3) I am grateful for the NHS. Last night I took Charlie to the out of hours surgery because a rash developed on the inside of his leg and inner thigh. He's ok. It's viral related (??) the doctor said and prescribed him some cream. It's not contagious & he is fine in himself! Although he did have a slight cold early last week but is better now! Didn't get home until gone midnight so he's tired today and spending the day at home. Also with the amount of medication I take due to IIH, it would cost an absolute fortune. If it wasn't for the NHS, I wouldn't be able to afford it all. So yes, very grateful for the NHS.

I have a tag post to publish but it isn't finished yet. Look out for that over the weekend ;) I currently have a really bad cold and sore throat so please bare with me for the lack updating my blog. 

Sarah xXx

Yesterday it was snowing all day. Only lightly though. In all honesty I didn't expect to have so much! I suppose we had about 5-6cm maybe a little more. I wrapped the kids up warm ans we went and had some fun in the snow!

The kiddies didn't have school today because of the snow, which meant more playing in the snow! The kids have had a fun. I had fun, too. It was great fun having snowball fights and trying to build a snowman which was an epic fail, lol! Although, now I want the snow to go, I hate it when it turns all slushy and icy, it's no fun now lol!

This week is going to be another busy week! I need to go grocery shopping tomorrow. Wednesday I need to pop into the range (and hope that canvas is still on sale for the boys room! I knew I should of brought it last week.) Thursday I need to give E's room a second coat of paint and undercoat the windowsill, skirting boards and door ready to be glossed! And then Friday I am going to blitz my house. It gonna need it by then! I need to try and find a cheap book case or something for my room. I don't buy paper books anymore as I have an E-reader but I need somewhere to put the books I DO own. I've filled one bookcase already. I would donate or sell them but I love my books, I can't bare to part with them. Is it just me that finds it hard to part with books? I mean, I find it hard to part with anything but even more so. My books. I love them.
 Speaking of books. I've read four already this year. The #50books2013 should be achievable if I carry on like this! I find I'm a fast reader when I read a book I like, I can't put it down! I love reading in the evenings when the kids are in bed.. I switch off the T.V and away I go! Thing is, I end up staying too late reading, lol.

I've entered so many competitions lately, I hope I win something lol.

Right, I need to wash the dishes (Oh what I would give for a dishwasher LOL)
Sarah xXx

Is It Just Me? By Miranda Hart 
I am HUGE Miranda fan, I absolutely love her! She is so funny. Love her T.V series and any other program she is involved in, especially Call The Midwife where Miranda plays Chummy

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read it within a day!  In her book 'Is it just me' she asks her readers if they've done embarrassing things like she has. She speaks of her 18 year old self & gives her readers some insight to some of the embarrassing things she has done. She asks 'Is it just me....' Oh, this book is just hilarious. Such fun. Miranda gives her reader chums an insight to some of the cringe worthy things she has done. I don't think she could given us 'reader chums' any more detail into some of the embarrassing things she has done in her life so far.  The way she writes and tells her stories is just so funny. It all comes to together really well!

I laughed out loud so much whilst reading 'Is It Just Me' This book will most certainly keep you in good spirits. If you are a Miranda fan (actually, even if you're not) I recommend you read this book.

I haven't gone into too much detail (although I totally could, I could also quote some of the book, but I won't because I don't want to spoil it for other people that haven't read this book, yet.)

*******************************************************************************


First, I must say that I don't mean to compare it to 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' but it is *so* much like that book. Just better written.
This book is well written, it is very erotic. It does have a wonderful story.
Eva moves to Manhattan as she has a new job there. She moved with his best friend Cary. She soon bumps into Gideon, a very handsome, wealthy man who owns the 'crossfire' industry, where Eva works. They have an instant attraction and he wastes no time telling her what he wants. Right from the start there is an intense sexual attraction between Eva and Gideon. Eva has more of a backbone than Ana in the fifty shades book.

Gideon is over protective  strong yet vulnerable and Eva is too. Eva and Gideon both have traumatic pasts. They share an incredible bond but every time something goes "wrong" or she doesn't like/agree with in there relationship, Eva runs away from Gideon which makes matters worse and tears them further apart. As the book goes on I really got the impression that they were trying to heal one another. Eva's love for Gideon is clearly very strong. I guess we'll see in the next book how it all works out...

It's quite emotional in places and a very addictive read. I read this book within a few days.


Sarah xXx

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In the midst of life by Jennifer worth. 

The same author of 'Call The Midwife' 
This book was a true eye opener. This book looks at the way dying is treated and medical treatment. I wasn't sure if this book was for me but I really enjoy Jennifer worths other books. Yes it is a bit of a morbid subject and I did find it hard to read because of the subject but also it is very interesting. I will admit I did cry a few times whilst reading this book. My, how times have changed, medicine has come SO far as has science and technology. It's a collection of short stories/recollections in Jennifers experience of being a nurse from the 1950's onward. There is a lot of case studies and factual information. I learned a lot reading this book! It is very well written in my opinion.

Sarah xXx

First, I must say that I don't mean to compare it to 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' but it is *so* much like that book. Just better written.
This book is well written, it is very erotic. It does have a wonderful story.
Eva moves to Manhattan as she has a new job there. She moved with his best friend Cary. She soon bumps into Gideon, a very handsome, wealthy man who owns the 'crossfire' industry, where Eva works. They have an instant attraction and he wastes no time telling her what he wants. Right from the start there is an intense sexual attraction between Eva and Gideon. Eva has more of a backbone than Ana in the fifty shades book.

Gideon is over protective  strong yet vulnerable and Eva is too. Eva and Gideon both have traumatic pasts. They share an incredible bond but every time something goes "wrong" or she doesn't like/agree with in there relationship, Eva runs away from Gideon which makes matters worse and tears them further apart. As the book goes on I really got the impression that they were trying to heal one another. Eva's love for Gideon is clearly very strong. I guess we'll see in the next book how it all works out...

It's quite emotional in places and a very addictive read. I read this book within a few days.


Sarah xXx

Gosh, it has been one busy weekend!
Friday we painted & glossed the boys room. Put there bunk beds up in there room - that was awkward because there really wasn't much room to move around to actually put them up, we managed though.
We put Ellies new mid sleeper bed up today, put all her things in her new room, that took me HOURS. I finally got my room half organised. I sorted the kids books out, some of the toys & organised both rooms! I still have LOADS to do but honestly, I haven't stopped all day, I am knackered. While I did all of that my fella cooked a lovely roast dinner & tidied downstairs (he also helped put the bed up!)

Things to to do (goals) this week:

• Take the extra tub of paint back to B&Q - exchange it for pink paint for Ellies room. 
• Undercoat and gloss the skirting boards window sill and door in Ellies room 
• Measure both rooms - carpets! (Should'a done this first but haven't got the funds gonna see if we can find off cuts/end of the roll cheap, as both rooms are quite small)
• Put Ellies new curtain pole up 
• Put the boys curtain pole up & light shade. 
• Sort out my bedroom - get that organised! 
• Buy a bulb for Ellies lamp! Been meaning to do this for ages, I keep forgetting. Costs under £1! MUST REMEMBER! 
• Finish the bathroom. (Probably do that towards the end of the week)

Lets hope I can achieve all of that this week! Honestly, the painting will take about two hours, the glossing we're going to do tomorrow before my fella goes home (totally sucks that he's got to go home.) Also going to exchange the paint tomorrow, too and put the curtain poles up.
Tuesday I need to go grocery shopping (and buy that bulb for Ellies lamp!) & organise my bedroom a little better. Wednesday I'll paint Ellies bedroom. I am really going to be busy this week!
When the bedrooms are finished I will share pics with you all =) I am really chuffed with what we have achieved this weekend. Feeling quite proud of myself, actually, lol!
Right gonna go get a nice hot bubble bath and read my book. I'll try not to fall asleep, lol.
TTFN.
Sarah xXx

What has made me happy this week? Hmmm.

1) The kids went back to school Tuesday! While I love them being home, not having to rush around and fit everything in while they're at school.. not to mention the schools runs was lovely but gosh, I was pleased when they DID get go back and for the holidays to be over. It's nice to be able to get back into routine and get organised again! Although I miss them a lot when they are at school, it's taking some getting use to being back in routine again.
2) I brought the paint for the boys bedroom! YES!! Gonna start that tomorrow. It's a nice sky blue colour. Can not wait to get it painted and organised for them. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for an off cut carpet for there room as they only have a small room.
3) I finally found my e-reader, it's been missing for a while and I had missed it SO much. I downloaded a few books, plus I already have ones on there that I haven't read yet. Hopefully next week I'll get back into reading again, yay! I am taking part in the 50 books challenge (my aim is to read 50 books this year!).. Here is my booklist (to read) so far: bookklist.
4) I have given my blog a new look! Do you like it? I really love it! Julie made my header etc. It looks all fresh and new! A good way to start the new year, hehe.

Overall, a really good week. :-) I hope you all had a good week too!

Sarah xXx

This week is going to be a busy week! The children go back to school tomorrow which means I can finally get this house is order and organise! Seriously the kids rooms are jam packed with toys and clothes they got for Christmas. I need to throw out/donate the toys they no longer play with (as now they have new toys) and go through there clothes and get rid of the ones which are too small. It doesn't seem like 5 minutes ago since I did this (back in September). H has grown at least two inches, C hasn't really grown that much but my little girl, well she has really shot up! Thankfully she got quite a few clothing items for Christmas which fit perfectly and a couple of bits to grow into which means some of her 'old' clothes (I say "old", some of the T.shirts she has only worn once!!) can be donated to charity as most of them are in really good condition.

I also want to peel the wallpaper off in the front room because well, I hate it and it's seen better days thanks to the cat using it as a scratching post! (She doesn't actually use the scratch post though, grr) I've picked the wallpaper I want to put up, I received an A4 sample and fell in love with it so hopefully next week I'll be able to purchase two rolls of that (while it's on sale, too!) and then I can paint the rest of the walls to match, then I'll just need flooring... wooden flooring which I will have to save up for but hopefully by the time spring comes I'll have enough money to do the flooring, too! I am SO determined to get this house in shape this year. I am so sick of living somewhere that doesn't feel like home. *sigh* I've lived here just over a year, (actually 13 months to be precise) it still doesn't feel like "MY" home. So my mission this year is to make it home. Home is what you make it, right?

Well the kiddies are arguing over whos getting in the bath first.. Usually what happens is they all argue over who is going first, by the time I've ran the bath none of them want to get in, so I'll persuade one of them to get in the bath because it's good fun and everyone needs to be clean... then they won't want to get out LOL! Kids, eh?!
Right must dash..

Sarah xXx

Is It Just Me? By Miranda Hart 
I am HUGE Miranda fan, I absolutely love her! She is so funny. Love her T.V series and any other program she is involved in, especially Call The Midwife where Miranda plays Chummy

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read it within a day!  In her book 'Is it just me' she asks her readers if they've done embarrassing things like she has. She speaks of her 18 year old self & gives her readers some insight to some of the embarrassing things she has done. She asks 'Is it just me....' Oh, this book is just hilarious. Such fun. Miranda gives her reader chums an insight to some of the cringe worthy things she has done. I don't think she could given us 'reader chums' any more detail into some of the embarrassing things she has done in her life so far.  The way she writes and tells her stories is just so funny. It all comes to together really well!

I laughed out loud so much whilst reading 'Is It Just Me' This book will most certainly keep you in good spirits. If you are a Miranda fan (actually, even if you're not) I recommend you read this book.

I haven't gone into too much detail (although I totally could, I could also quote some of the book, but I won't because I don't want to spoil it for other people that haven't read this book, yet.)

You can contact me by emailing me at: Sarahsparklez@hotmail.com
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Wow, I just gave my blog a makeover, thanks to my friend Mama Owl for the banner etc and I finally have my own button. I can not thank Julie enough!! I still need to add a view things, links & sort the background out. One of my goals this year is to blog more, I also would love to do more reviews, I really enjoy writing reviews.

While we're on the subject of goals, with it being a new year here are my goals for this year:

• Blog more. I love blogging, sometimes though, I get lazy and think that I have nothing to really "say", although there is always something I could blog about! 
• I really want to redecorate the front room and sort the kids rooms out. I need to this in order to help me with my next goal (more on this in a moment). I know that money is always tight but I have so many cheaper ideas (thanks pinterest!) that it really IS doable. 
• To be more organised - Yes. I am very unorganised  If I can get this house re decorated and some more storage space (mainly the kids rooms), then I know I *can* and *will* be more organised! 
• To budget better. I did this for most of the year last year (up until around September, when I started the Christmas shopping) I did really well with budgeting, I really want to get back into the swing of things. 
• To lose a little weight/tone up + Eat more healthy I was doing well with this too. I lost around 8lbs before Christmas... then the holiday season kicked in and I put the weight back on. Not saying I'm fat because I'm not... I am quite a small person, probably around 9ish stone but I look 4 months pregnant. (Too many chocolates and yummy deserts over the festive season) So perhaps just lose a few lbs and tone up! Cutting out the fizzy drinks again would really help! I'd feel much more confident in myself and i'd fit perfectly back into size 8 again! Which is about right for my frame and height. I'm going to get back into making all my own meals again. I slacked a little on this last year, I did have rather a lot going on though. Got a recipe you'd like to share with me? Let me know. =] 
• Read more! I love to read, I really want to participate in the 50 books challenge. (book suggestions are welcome!) I will be writing a post on this and linking up sometime next week, I need to decide which books I'd like to read :) 
• Be more positive. I am WAY more positive than I was this time last year! Sometimes my anxiety gets the better of me, I need to beat that! 
• MOTIVATION - Stay motivated! 
• Take more photos (Because I got a new Nikon camera for Christmas, omdz! I love it!)

So those are my goals for this year. I know they might seem a bit high and a bit much but I know I can achieve them all if I put my mind to it! It's just a case of staying motivated to be honest. I can do it though! Also hoping to see some improvement with my brain condition (Idiopathic intracranial hypertension). Although my headaches haven't been as bad the past month or so, sometimes I do end up having to lay down. Also have bad days with my eyes, where the light hurts my eyes or my vision goes a little blurred/out of focus. I'm going to keep a proper log of that this year, too.
I have a few ideas on day trips for the kids, low cost, too. I really need to start planning those. I live right by the seaside, 2 mins on a bus... We need to go to the beach more this summer. And swimming, family tickets are cheap on certain days! I also live right by the park where they have AstroTurf and basketball courts, the kids love those! And a nature trail track.. I really slacked last year but this year is going to be different.

What are your goals for 2013?
I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Sarah xXx

First of all, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and new year! We had a fab Christmas and new year and I plan on doing my Christmas post this coming weekend. I've been away for a week so I haven't been able to update. But I promise there are a few posts coming soon! So for now here are my reasons to be cheerful.

1) I took the Christmas tree and a cards etc down today, I am a little sad the holidays are over but at the same time.. I'll be really relieved for things to go back to normal and see what this year is going to bring. :)
2) I have a lovely time up north visiting my fella and his family, the kids had a wonderful time, none of us wanted to come home, blah! It was really lovely though.
3) We had an AMAZING Christmas. Spending time with the kids and my fella and having nothing to rush around for, just relax... was lovely! Minus a few minor hiccups, Christmas went really well! I got a lovely new digital camera. Yay! The kids all got what they really wanted but more importaintly we all got to spend t ime together as a family, play games, watch random T.V and eat lovely food. I think if I see another piece of chocolate I'll puke LOL, I really over did it on the chocolate LOL. Oh well... It was Christmas :x


Happy New Year!
Sarah xXx