Last Friday the little's broke up from school for half term. It's lovely to have them home and spend time together, doing family things. So yesterday we decided to venture out to the park and ended up going on a very long walk! (Four miles to be exact!) It wasn't very sunny or bright but the weather was so mild, a bit chilly but not cold like it has been!


They all enjoyed a game of football, even Ellie joined in! After ten minutes of running around, they got hot and off came the coats and hoodies. They all had rosy cheeks and were having the time of there lives running around in the fresh air!


We ended up at the park where the kids enjoyed playing on the play park equipment. Ellie has finally learned how to swing herself on the big swings, as you can imagine, she is very proud of this achievement! Bless her.



They all had a wonderful time! We walked the extra long way around, like 4 miles the long way around, haha. The kids really enjoyed it. We spotted birds nests, birds, squirrels and even an old water pump/lamp post, we're not really sure what it was but it was very old!



They got rather muddy playing football and running around but it's nothing that hasn't come out in the wash, hehe. It was a fab day! We all had a lovely time and now we are ever so excited for spring.


How have you been enjoying the half term so far? We hope you all have a fab one and enjoy the weather! :)

Sarah xXx

If you would like to see more photos, you can follow me on instagram.

Linked up with: 
Living Arrows. 
Point + Shoot 

For the last two years, I have taken part in the fifty books challenge, where I aim to read fifty books a year. I have not yet achieved this though.One of my goals for this year is to read more! I think I read around 30 books last year. (Note to self - must update googreads)

The year before last, Mama Owl hosted a blog hop for #50books13. Last year I was asked if I would like to host #50books2014 and I of course said I would love to! I am also hosting again this year (and will do a much better job than I did last year, I might add!).

And you can join in too! 

At the end of each month, I will write about the books I have read that month and I will also write a 'round up' post and include links to your blogs, with your book reviews. You can Tweet me the URL to your book reviews or Email me your monthly book review posts.
Please tweet/email me before the 28th of each month.

I will also include a blophop in each 'round up' post, which you can add your book reviews and #50books2015 related posts.
You can also join in on Twitter and Instagram using the #50books2015 hashtag.

I made a brand new badge for #50books2015. You can also add the below badge to your blog.



Please add your blog (or book list -books to read in 2015- blog post) to the linky below if you are going to join in with #50books2015, that way, I'll know who is taking part and I can follow you all so I never miss a post! You can all follow each other, too and make some new friends if you'd like :). It's also a really good way to find new books to read! Or you can leave me a comment to let me know you'll be joining in with #50books2015.

I look forward to reading all your book reviews and book posts for the #50books2015 book challenge!

Sarah xXx

P.S You can also follow me on goodreads

This weeks 'The Prompt' is - TV: could you live without it?
Yes. I think I probably could. To be honest, I go through phases with T.V. I do like to watch Eastenders and Corronation street. The rest of my shows I watch online, netflix or youtube. However, I do think I could live without watching T.V. Although, I would probably miss watching all the old episodes of home and away on youtube.  You know, the really early episodes with Bobby, Sophie, Pippa etc in?!


I would probably get more blogging done and more reading, too! Maybe I should challenge myself to give up watching T.V for a couple of weeks and see how much I achieve!!

The kids don't really watch THAT much T.V any more. They use to when they were smaller but now they'd rather be doing other things, like playing football, making loom bands and being creative! Which I am rather pleased about.

1. What’s your favourite post you have posted this past fortnight?
a windy trip to the seaside is my favourite post this fortnight.We've also been and fed the ducks, been to the park. Got chased by swans & had a picnic along the river bank! It's been a lovely half term.

2. Share with us a post you have loved reading from someone else this past fortnight.
It has to be Mama owls post 'What Am I doing' I can totally relate!

3. What TV shows are you enjoying at the moment?
The Walking Dead. Omg, I LOVE this T.V show so much... I seriously can't get enough of it! If a zombie apocalypse breaks out, I'm totally certain I could survive, haha.
I keep meaning to catch up with The Vampire Diaries, I am so behind on that show.
My favourite show though, has to be 'Call The Midwife' I wish I lived in the 1950's! I love the clothes, the way the community helps each other. It's so brilliantly acted and the props are awesome.

4. What are you most looking forward to about spring (or the next upcoming season)?
I can't wait for spring! Seriously can not wait! To be able to take the kids to the park and for walks along the beach. TO NOT GET SOAKING WET when picking the kids up from school! (Why does it always start pouring down just as I step out of the door to collect the kids. Every.Single.Time)
I also would like to plant some flowers and seeds in pots again, like I did last year. And to not have to put my heating on.. And hang the washing on the line. Ahh, I can not wait for spring!

5. What is your favourite type of blog post to read?
 Honestly? I'll give anything a read! I do like reading every day life posts though & I don't mind a good debate.. I enjoy reading reviews, too!  

 This post is linked up with Life in a break down. / I love my round up!

It's very rare that I actually buy anything for myself but this was just to good of a bargain to miss out on. Usually I'm buying things for the kids, paying bills and buying the groceries and essentials.  I always feel so guilty about spending money on myself.
The other day I went for a look around the shops, I spotted these boots in store 21, which isn't somewhere that I usually buy things from! They were suppose to be £20 but in the sale they were down to £7! Bargain! And I actually don't feel guilty about spending money on myself because they were only £7. I needed new boots, badly. These boots come just above the ankle and are so comfy, even though have a little heel. I'm glad I went for a look around the shops!

This week's #TheGallery theme in 'New' and it just so happens that this week I need to start using my new owl notepad that the kids brought me for Christmas, yay! I love new notepads... or any stationary to be honest. It's full of new blank pages, lots of pages to write down my blogging ideas and things that I need to remember. I carry this in my bag with me, that way when I remember something or have a blogging idea, I can quickly write it down so I don't forget.

I'm joining in with but why mummy who is hosting this lovely linky. I think it's a lovely linky to join in with, sharing the little things.

Read
I have read two books so far this year and I am over half way through my third book! I've read 'Between Shades Of Grey' by Ruta Sepetys. It's a very good book, sad but good.It's one of those books that I think everyone should read.
I've also read the first book from 'The Stark' series & I'm half way through the second.

Watched
I've caught up with all the soaps now, finally!! I was little behind. Loving Danny Dyer in Eastenders, he suits the role, well.
I need to catch up on The Vampire Diaries. I've only watched one episode this season. Not good. Idk, now that Elena is a vampire... It's just not the same. Please tell me she doesn't stay a vampire?! lol.
I might watch a couple of episodes of 'Call The Midwife' later, I got series 1, 2 and the Christmas special on DVD for Christmas. I LOVE Call The Midwife and can not wait for the next series - sometime this year. .And I spy that Lacey Turner is an episode, I saw her in the trailor, looks good Yay!
The books are good too ;) 



Wore

Well, for Christmas I also got a jewel candle. See, a few months ago I had the chance to review a Jewel candle and I loved it so much, that I asked for one for Christmas.I got the cupcake one this time. It smells amazing and I got a very pretty ring and have been wearing it a lot recently.



Heard
Three very happy children! They've been really good thru the holidays, excited and happy! I love hearing them laugh and giggle. Aww. I sure will miss them when they go back to school, that's for sure.
I've also heard the rain a lot lately. It's been windy and raining constantly. Yuck. All these floods I keep reading and seeing everywhere look ever so scary. I can't imagine what it must be like to live in a flood area. Eek! Water is one of my phobia's. Although, I do love the sound of the rain when I'm laying in bed at night all nice and snug. It's relaxing.. or something lol.

Made
Honestly? I really haven't been that creative lately. I did make a yummy curry though, does that count?! I'll get creative this week with the kids. I really want to get back into arts & crafts with the littles. Such fun.

And lastly...
I'll be glad when the kids go back to school and we're into our normal routine again. Don't get me wrong, I will miss the kids of course, but we need some routine and normality (and a break, lol!). I also need to sort this house out and find places for all the Christmas presents we all go for Christmas...

Happy new year everyone!!! I hope you all had a fab Christmas and new year and managed to relax over the holidays.
It's week one of Reasons To Be Cheerful! Yay! Here are are my reasons to be cheerful this week.

1) We had an amazing Christmas! I was blessed with lots of lovely presents, you can read more about our Christmas here. The kids had a fab Christmas too, with lots of presents and they have some gift vochures to spend. We spent lots of family time together, awesome! :)

2) I have set myself a few goals for 2014. Something to aim for! I am determined to lose weight and get fit, seriously it HAS to happen! I'll feel much more confident and happier in myself.

3) I can't wait to get back into routine. The kids go back to school next week. I'll miss them when they go back to school but it will be jolly good to be back into some kind of routine. I've got lots of arts and crafts and other activities planned for after school. I really want to get back into doing more arts and crafts etc. I feel that the second half 2013, we just didn't do enough family activities together. I'm also looking for some new childrens books that I can read to the kids, any recommendations?

4) I have also decided to take part in the 365 project (a photo a day for a whole year!) =) 

So those are my reasons to be cheerful this week. Why not share you reasons to be cheerful this week which is being hosted by Lakes Single Mum.

Sarah xXx

My reasons to be cheerful this week...

1) Bargains. I do love a good bargain! I got the boys and Ellie a Christmas pressies each from ARGOS as they were half price! Yay! I have only just started Xmas shopping and it's going very slowly *sigh* But it's a start.. I have also picked up a few bargains on Christmas decorations. I hope to get a tree next week.

2) I'm happy that the kids are better. Last week they were all sick with tummy bugs but they are finally better. Woohoo. *Touch wood* that's over with now..

3) I've started working out and I feel SO much better for doing so. I hope I can loose a few lbs before Christmas. Wish me luck guys. :D

What are your reasons to be cheerful this week? Why not join in the linky below, hosted by Lakes Single Mum.

Sarah xXx

This weeks #TheGallery theme is 'Faces' so I decided to share lots of pics I've taken over the past few months of our faces, lol! I wish my eldest (H) would let me take more photos of him. As he's got older he's become camera shy. I usually have to bribe him to let me take a photograph of him, lol. I know it won't be long before the other two little ones won't let me take there photo's either, which is why I take so many photo's now. And I am glad I do. 

I'm sitting here watching titanic and I am SO incredibly bored. Don't get me wrong, it's a good film but after watching it 6000 times (probably not far off to be honest), it does get a bit boring *yawns* So I thought I would join in with But why mummy's linky. I'm new to this so do bare with me...
(My kitten is chasing my fingers as I type, daft kitty.)

Some thing I read.

Some thing I wore..

Phew! It's almost the end of the week, thank goodness. I am really looking forward to a nice chilled weekend, no major plans, just gonna chill and hopefully do some 'Autumn Art' with Ellie this weekend, yay! Love this time of year.
Anyhow, here are my reasons to be cheerful this week.

1) My cats are finally starting to get a long better. I mean, the adult cat (Lotti) still hisses and growls at our new kitten (Lenni) but they DO play or rather... chase each other, but only on Lotti's terms.Which si better than her constant growling and hissing. Lenni is SO mischievous.

2) Charlie's reading has come a long really, really well! He is still a little behind but not by much. I am really pleased with his reading! I am certain it has something to do with him reading a lot more on his tablet (just a cheapy tablet but it does the job!). Ellie has also made progress with sounding out words and spelling which I'm impressed with. Harry has been helping Charlie with his homework which is really lovely to see.

3) I love this time of year! I know it's chilly and the weather can be a little unpredictable but I don't care. I love seeing the leaves change colour and the smells of Autumn. I've even made an Autumn bucket list.

Tomorrow is Friday! Yipppeee. Love Friday's. Although I have no plans, I just like Friday's. End of the week which means everyone can chillax and have a break from school (and school runs!) Lovely :)
I hope you all have a great weekend.
What are your reasons to be cheerful this week?

Sarah xXx

Thank goodness it's almost the end of the week. This week has been a little chaotic (story of my life, lol!) The kiddos went back to school yesterday & I must say as much as I miss them, it's nice to begin getting back into a routine. Or the what I call 'School routine'.

Phew! Over half way thru the summer holidays. How's everyone enjoying the summer hols' so far? We've not really done that much to be honest, the weather has been a little up and down. It's been looking like it wants to rain all day but now it's really sunny! Anyhoo, here are my reasons to be cheerful this week..

1) I got my new table & chairs and coffee table! Finally! Yay! My front room is almost complete! Just the rug to get once the kids are back in school. Yay! It's so nice to sit up at the table and eat as a family. I've really missed that!
2) We're going away for a few days to visit family up north. My friend is going to look after my house for me which is really nice of her. I am looking forward to seeing everyone up north and catching up. It'll also do us all good to get away! The kiddies are very excited, hehe.
3) I am hoping to get the kids school shoes tomorrow! That'll be a huge weight off my mind. Both Ellie and Harry have very wide feet (like me) and there toes are quite long, it's usually a mission to find a pair of shoes that fit perfectly. Hopefully we won't have a huge kurffule tomorrow. I'm relying on Clarkes (I hope they still have a sale on.) Plus, all three kiddies are half sizes. I can't believe Ellie is already an 11.5 shoe (Harry's a 3.5, just half a size smaller than me) and Charlie is a 13.5. Gosh, there feet grow so fast, lol.

And of course, tomorrow is Friday! Woo.

What are your reasons to be cheerful t his week? Why not link up with Mich over at mummyfromtheheart and join in :)

Sarah xXx

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