Welcome to the July #50books2013 round up. I'm hosting this months round up as Julie over at Mamaowl has been on holiday and celebrating her daughters birthday 

I thought I would share my ideas on how to entertain children this summer. We all know how bored the kids get during the summer holidays. It's all very well going on holidays and days out but that gets very expensive! So I thought I would share with you some of my ideas to keep children entertained this summer. We try to make the most of being outside in the sunshine. If it rains, there's plenty of indoor activities to keep the children entertained.

1) Bubbles! ALL age kids love bubbles, even *I* love bubbles and I'm (suppose to be) an adult (such a big kid!) Add food colouring to the bubble mixture - make 'rainbow' bubbles. My kids love having a 'who can make the biggest bubble contest'
2) Go on a bug hunt. Give your kids an old ice cream or margarine container (of course make sure it's been washed out properly), add in some grass, leaves, sticks etc, add a few air holes to the lid and sides of the container and send them off into the garden for a bug hunt! We find all kinds of bugs.. lady birds, spiders (Eek!), caterpillars.. It's great fun! We also find slow worms in our back garden. 
3) Let them play in water. Now, my kids (especially my daughter who is five years old) LOVES to play in a bowl or a bucket of water. She'll wash all her plastic animals and make up games, she uses the container of water as a swimming pool and makes a boat. It's great! What kid wouldn't love this? You get really creative and add some pebbles and sad, perhaps make a 'beach'. We add a little food colouring or bubbles in the water to make it more fun. (Obviously never leave small children unattended especially with water!) 
4) Visit the park - always great fun! You could even go on a bug hunt while  you're at the park. You could take a picnic or a snack. Sometimes, on the way & way home to/from the park (we walk btw) we play 'The first one to spot a...' and then I give three things they have to find 'A post box' 'A blue car' and 'Something yellow' for example. (This is also good for keeping kids entertained when going on a long car ride) 
5) Go for a walk somewhere you have never been before. Recently we got out and explored out area a little. We found a lovely meadow with a wooden bridge and a huge weeping willow tree. It's seriously a really beautiful place. I can't believe I'd never came across it before. It's like, 10 mins walk away from our house!! Amazing. 
6) Let the kids take photos - Now, I don't know about anyone else's kids but my kids LOVE taking photos. Some of the photos the kids take actually come out quite good! They take such random photos... usually of there hand or of each other pulling funny faces. Some of there pictures I have printed out and kept. They do make nice keep sakes! 
7) Arts & crafts. I'm sure most of us parents have poster paints, paper and what not, in the back of the cupboard somewhere. Dig 'em out and get creative! Add in some glitter and glue and make something sparkly to hang near the window so the sun catches it and makes it sparkle really stand out! Or make a card for someone, easy! You could even get the kids making picture frames for some of the photos they took themselves! The kids will love it. We save art & craft days for when it's raining. You could try.
8) Movie Time! When was the last time you had a family movie? day/night? Grab some popcorn, a juicy drink (why not add a straw to the kids drinks, be a bit like in the cinema, hehe), stick in the DVD put the cushions on the floor and chill. The kids will love it. What are your kids favourite movies at the moment? 
9) Make a cubby house - stick a sheet over the table outside add a chair or two round the edge, peg the sheet on. Ta Daaa, you have a 'cubby house' We usually put in some cushions and an old rug, make it nice and cosy! The kids love it. I use to love doing this when I was a kid. Looks like my Daughter likes it just as much:

So the first week of the summer holidays is almost over (although, my 3 littles didn't break up until this past Tuesday). We really haven't done THAT much yet because I've not felt too great and it has been just TOO hot. We have been enjoying plenty of walks and visits to the park after school though last week. Next week we do have plans. But anyway. Here's what we've been enjoying outside lately. I thought I'd just write one big post about everything we've been up to and make a collage with the pictures. Much simpler and easier for =)

We have been on a lovely nature walk where I discovered some awesome kind of moth/butterfly. No idea what it's called but i's ever so pretty. 




Ellie found some rather large daisies which she loved! We found random nature ponds, spotted seaguls and other birds and of course enjoyed the lovely walk thru the long grass. We've actually been a couple of times to this place, it's beautiful! 

I also took Ellie to my grandparents who live in a country park (like a big cabin), family can use the swimming pool there, Ellie enjoyed that! And we went to the pirate ship park, just me and Ellie while the boys were fishing with there dad (the boys see there dad every weekend, he lives right by a lake so they get to go fishing, which they love!)
And I had to share the picture of Charlie on his birthday opening his tablet! He was SO happy! He loves that thing so much. He reads e-books on it, plays maths games and learns spellings. Not only is he learning but he's ENJOYING learning. He likes to sit in his tent with it and take photos of random things like slow worms and cats lol.

We've been to the park a couple of times, too. There's a new "train" at the park which the kids really love. They love the yellow tunnel they can climb thru! We also see lots of there friends at the park and the boys can't resist a good old game of footy! 
We found a lovely meadow with a big weeping willow tree, Charlie thought it make a cool den and Harry just liked the shade it gave us, lol. 

How have you been enjoying the weather and the lovely outdoors recently? Why not link up with country kids by clicking the button below :-) 




Sarah xXx 




(all pictures on this blogpage belong to me! Some are phone pics and some digital camera pics)

I know, I know, I am late posting this week but yesterday I had a really crappy day. I was diagnosed with an acid reflux. That's a post for another day though, honestly I don't want to go into right now. Plus Reasons to be cheerful is a cheerful post! So let's see what are my reasons to be cheerful this week...

1) Schools out for summer -- Yup, the kids broke up from school for six whole weeks. It's lovely having them home. Although so far we've not done much because I've not felt 100% but they have had fun riding there bikes outside and playing footy with there friends. 
2) I am feeling a little better today, thankfully. I am going to catch up on housework and washing. Ahh, the joys. Hopefully I'll be able to have a relaxing weekend. 
3) We are getting another kitten! Yay! He's from a rescue centre but he is only 3-4 weeks old and is being hand fed. The mummy cat was feral, she either abandoned her litter or she passed away. We've already named him Lenni. Hopefully once his big enough, he'll keep all the other tom cats away -- they drive me crazy trying to attack my female cat and spraying all up my dustbins outside. Don't get me wrong I LOVE cats but I don't love the smell they leave behind... Especially in this heat, lol. Hopefully everything with Lenni works out *crosses fingers* 

And another reason to be happy is of course because today is Friday! Woohoo. 
I've linked this post up with the lovely Mich over at Mummy from the heart, you can join in the blog hop below and share your reasons to be cheerful if you'd like :) 

Sarah xXx 

If you like my blog, please like my blog page on facebook -- Ups and Downs, Smiles and Frowns. Thank you xoxo

Childhood memories.. we all have them. Some good, some sad, some happy, some bad. 
I didn't have the best childhood but I'd prefer not to go into that, as most of you know I tend not to write too many personal posts in my public blog. However, I do want to share some my good memories from my childhood. I also linked this post up over at MummyVsDaddy. 

When I was a kid we didn't have the internet, iPads, mobiles phones, computers, MP3 players/iPods and whatever else kids own these days. I was more than happy with my gel pens and beads! We had pens, pencils, crayons, paper, STAMPS, snail mail and basic things. We made our own entertainment. We played outside, we went on bike rides with our friends, we played in the park, we'd play hide and seek or manhunt, we'd play football and invent other games. If we wanted to see our friends we would knock on the door or use the house phone to call them (if you were lucky enough to have a house phone! I was allowed five minutes per day, lol). A house phone with a chord where everyone could hear your conversation. Or we would simply write a letter if they lived far away. Oh how times have since changed. Don't get me wrong I DO love technology but is it just me that misses the days of receiving letters in the mail? No one writes letters anymore, everyone uses e-mail, texts and instant messaging. Which is a lot faster... but still, I do miss a good old fashioned, hand written letter.

I grew up living in the middle of nowhere - quite literally. The nearest shop was a mile away and so was the park. There wern't that many kids around, either. 
I spent most of my days in my tree house which was built in our weeping willow tree. My tree house was two stories high, a ground floor and then an upstairs. It was pretty cool. I really wish I had picture I could share but unfortunately, I don't have one. 
I use to play with my dolls up in that tree house and then later as I grew up, I'd take my portable radio and listen to music or CDs (yup, a real CD lol) or write letters to my friends and penpals up in my tree house.  My tree house was my "get away" place. Being the eldest of six kids (yup I have 5 siblings) the only place I could "escape" was my tree house. Gosh, I miss that tree house. 

I remember making "cubby houses" - Putting a sheet over two chairs/table or whatever we could find and making our own "hide outs" that was great fun! I do this with my kids sometimes and they love it! 
I have many other happy childhood memories but honestly, I could be here all day writing about them. 

I remember the first time I was a Bridesmaid which you can read about here.

Those were the best days of my life. 

Why not share your childhood memories and link up with my friend Sarah over at MummyVsDaddy. I would love to read your memories :) 

Sarah xXx

Amanda from Radical Reward Charts sent Harry (aged 9), Charlie (aged 8) & Ellie (aged 5) each a reward chart to review. 

 The radical reward charts are not like any other reward charts. There are six designs to choose from just £14 each including delivery. They are reusable so you can use them over and over again. These charts are unique. They are fantastic, bright and really grab the kids attention. They are lovely and natural to look at. I love that the kids see them selves actually moving up the chart with there own personlised character counter (In our case a photograph of themselves). However, you can choose the carrot counter instead, if you prefer. The charts come with some basic instructions. 

The charts have a twenty steps goal. For my daughter who is five years old, I found that just using ten step method is more appropriate for her age. So once she gets her goal (step 10), she gets her reward, which I find gives her more incentive. 

To get the kids really into this reward chart system, I rewarded (for good behaviour!) them quite quickly the first time, so they got the idea of being rewarded which would keep them motivated and give them more incentive. Rewarding them for good behaviour and small, simple things like - remembering to close the door behind them, sharing and little things like that really helps to keep them motivated, too.
 The reward doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive, just letting them choose a DVD, or a small treat is just as effective as something more expensive. (My kids chose popcorn to watch with the movie they picked). I also like the idea of pinning money/gift card to the top of the charts. Or perhaps a small bag of sweets. 

I really do love these charts, they keep the kids motivated so well. They really do work wonders. I personally prefer these charts to other charts we have used in the past. It's been well over a week and half since we started using them and the kids are really into them. 

I chose for our charts to be sent in an envelope (free postage) which means the charts were folded which didn't have any effect on how the charts are used. However, you can have  your charts sent in a tube for an extra £4. 

Please pop over to Radical Reward Charts for more info. You can also follow Radical Reward Charts on Twitter. Radical reward charts also has a lovely blog, I highly recommend checking out Radical Reward Charts for the perfect charts for your kiddies.

Thank you Amanda for sending us these lovely charts.

Sarah xXx   



I received the reward charts for the purpose of the review. I didn't receive any payment except to keep the charts. 

Two weeks after saying farewell to her first foster child, Casey is asked to look after Sophia, a troubled 12-year-old with a sad past. Sophia’s actions are disturbing and provocative and, before long, Casey and her family find themselves in a dark and dangerous situation.


Two years ago Sophia’s mother had a terrible accident. Sophia has been in care ever since.


Right away, Casey feels something isn’t right. Sophia’s a well-developed girl, who looks more like 18 than 12. She only seems to have eyes and ears for men, and treats all women with contempt and disgust. And she has everyone around her jumping through hoops.


Over time, as more details begin to emerge about Sophia’s past, it becomes clear that her behaviour is a front for an early life filled with pain and suffering. But although Casey feels she is gradually breaking through to Sophia and getting her to open up about things she has never spoken about before, her violence is threatening the safety of the whole family, forcing Casey to question whether she can really handle this lost and damaged girl.Both shocking and inspiring, this true story will shed new light on the extreme and sometimes dangerous nature of foster care" - From GoodReads.com

I've borrowed a friends computer quickly to write this post.

Argh! The internet on my laptop doesn't work, which is odd because when I connect my phone or tablet to the router it works just fine! I'm going to get someone to format my laptop and start again...I hope that works. So if I'm MIA for a while you know why!

Anyway, today is the last day of term! Yay! Six whole weeks of not having to worry about school runs, lunches and school uniforms. Well, except buying new uniforms of course. The weather isn't too great this week but hopefully next week we can get out and do something. The beach perhaps? We shall see. I'm so looking forward to spending more time with the kiddos and not having to rush about. Will be lovely. Lets hope they don't get bored for at least half the holidays, lol.
Yay for summer!!

Hopefully I'll be able to write a proper post soon, when my laptop is fixed.
Are you all enjoying the summer so far?

Sarah xXx

Gosh hasn't it been warm?! We are level 2 heatwave where I live! It truly has been so hot. I open my back door first thing in the morning and the heat just hits... It's lovely but not so great at night time when I'm trying to sleep, lol. Anyhow, here are my reasons to be cheerful this week: 

1) End of the school year -- It's almost the end of term, my kiddies break up Tuesday, woohoo. I am SO looking forward to the summer holidays, days out with the kids, beach, picnics, parks and lazy days here we come!! Harry had his end of term tea party *mad hatter* theme. He had a wonderful time! Charlies end of school party is tomorrow, he's got cakes and fizzy pop to take into school & it's Ellies school disco. Yay! 
2) This weekend we're hopefully going over to my grandparents. They live in a country park in like a chalet/cabin. There's not many people that live there! Mainly old people. There's a swimming pool and a lovely play area for kiddies, it'll be lovely! Can't wait to get in the swimming pool. I haven't seen my grandparents for a while so it'll be great to see and spend time with them. :-) 
3) I have a few T.V shows to catch up with tonight, I haven't watched T.V for a week or so, I am looking forward to watching those in bed with the fan on, lol. I know, such a simple thing to be happy about but relaxing time is rare... so it'll be nice! 

Tomorrow is Friday! Woohoo. 
Please pop over to Mich's blog over at Mummyfromtheheart and share your reasons to be cheerful :-) 

Sarah xXx 

(While writing this I saw the Vauxhall advert and it says "reasons to be cheerful 1,2,3, in like a rap song, has anyone seen it? Ooo I found it on youtube, I love the bit at the beginning that says "reasons to be cheerful..." : 


Not that I can drive or anything, it just reminded me of the lovely "Reasons to be cheerful" linky :o) Hehe.

I'm new to this blog hop so please bare with me. 
The theme this week is Into the Archives. So I decide I'd share an old photo of me, when I was a child. Just eight years old. It's one of the best days I remember from my childhood. I was a bridesmaid at my uncle and aunties wedding, along with my little sister and my aunties niece and my cousin was page boy! It was such a great day! I loved having my hair done and dressing up in my pretty dress and carrying pretty flowers. 
I remember the reception afterwards was in a big hall and my auntie presented me with a beautiful bridesmaid china doll as a gift to say thank you for being her bridesmaid. Awww. 
I linked this post up on Thestickyfingers linky :-) 

I apologise for lack of updating my blog this week. The end of the school year is coming up and things are MANIC. Well and truly busy! School discos, parties, appointments with teachers, baking cakes for school competitions (Alice in wonderland themed! I am NOT a baker, I suck at baking cakes lol. Different coloured cupcakes with flowers and maybe 'Alice in wonderland' or 'Mad Hatter' wrote on with icing pens, is ok though, yes?? Seriously I am lacking time, lol!), the usual chores, grocery shopping, laundry (Is it just me that seems to be constantly washing, hanging and folding clothes?!) the list is endless and I can't even think straight. I am SO tired. 

Roll on the end of half term. 

On a better note, the kids are so, so looking forward to there discos and end of term parties. Not to mention games day. They can't decide which board games they want to take in! They're also allowed to take in there favourite DVD. Ellie is so looking forward to her school disco. She gets to join the year ones in there disco session! So grown up. Both boys are pleased with the teachers that'll be teaching them in September. Yet to find out who'll be teaching Ellie though. 

there school reports are wonderful! I am SO proud of them all. They all have excellent reports (and attendance). I'm really excited for them. The last week at school is always fun and I know they're gonna have blast.

I can not believe how fast this last year has gone. This time last year Ellie was getting ready to go up to primary school and Charlie getting ready to join the junior school, Harry was looking forward to being in year four. It's mad that I'm going to be a mum of a year 1, year 4 and year 5 children. HOW did that even happen?! Lol. Time flies when your having fun... or rather just being a mum. 

Roll on the end of term. I am looking forward to chillaxing days with the kiddos in the sunshine :D 

Sarah xXx

1) Spot a lizard in the wild that's native to Britain!
2) Go to Liverpool
3) Picnics!
4) Swim in the sea
5) Take the kids crabbing
6) Lots of walks!
7) Lose 10lbs.
8) Go swimming with the kids!
9) Paddling pool!
10) Watch the sunrise and sunset in the same day
11) Take lots of photos!
12) Start Christmas shopping...Eek.
13) Finish decorating the bathroom!
14) Feed the ducks.
15) Make sun catchers and wind chimes.

So there's my bucket list for this summer. Hopefully I won't fail this time like last year, lol.

Sarah xXx

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a huge reptile lover. Especially lizards! It's a shame we don't have many native reptiles in our country. Do you know, I use to have pet Iguana? (He was four, almost five foot long! But that's a post for another day!) Anyhow.. onto todays post..

Our garden is full of slow worms (Anguis fragilis). One might ask what a slow worm is. Slow worms look like snakes but they are actually a legless lizard! You can identify a slow worm by looking at the eyelids. Slow worms (and lizards) have eyelids but snakes do not. Slow worms feel very smooth, the scales don't over lap!

We are forever spotting them in the garden (along with frogs, too!) and forever rescuing them from cats. Cats find slow worms fascinating because "wiggle" and they try to play with them with there paws. However, when a slow worm feels threatened by a predator it will automize aka drop it's tail/tail falls off. I have come across many that have 'dropped' there tail and I have also come across many that have had puncture wounds from the cats. I'm just going to state the obvious here but slow worms can't defend themselves against cats!! They always recover though, I've never found a dead or really badly injured slow worm! They seem to be quite 'hardy' creatures. 

Welcome to the mummy madness is hosting this lovely blop hop about what the kids have been up to. I really love this idea for a linky and thought I would join in. If you'd like to join in pop over to welcome to the mummy madness blog and join in :-)
So lets see...
We'll start with Charlie. Last Sunday was Charlies 8th Birthday (I still can't over the fact that Charlie is now eight years old). He had a fab day. Filled with fun and presents! He came home from his dads in the afternoon and had a lovely roast dinner (his fave) followed by opening presents. His favourite present was his tablet. Second favourite was his pop up army tent. You can see the picture to the left, his face was a picture when he opened his tablet, he wasn't expecting it at all! LOL.
He enjoyed a lovely big chocolate cake with his borther sister and friends. Followed by Jelly and Ice cream. Sugar rush much?! But that's ok, it's what birthdays for, right?!
 Ellie has been busy with the end of term activities. Last week she had her first school trip to the beach. She had a wonderful time and was full of excitment telling me all about it, hehe. She's excited to be going up to year one in September. I think she has her induction to year one tomorrow or next Friday, I can't quite remember which. With so much going on it's hard to remember! We went for a lovely walk last weekend and found some wild daisies. Big daisies. Ellie loves flowers. Hehe. Ellie's picture should be to the right of this paragraph.
Harry's really been enjoying the sunshine. He's been playing lots of football with his friends and we've been to the park a few times. Harry is a very sporty, outdoorsy kid. He loves being outside. He's very excited about the end of term and being able to spend more time at home with me and more time playing football! Hehe. I can't get over how tall he is getting! Honestly, he'll be over taking me before I know it.  He doesn't like me taking his photo (to the left of this paragraph). So please forgive the poor quality, I had to zoom right in, lol.

Sarah xXx