On Monday, the kids went back to school. After the six weeks holiday they were more than ready to go back to school (although the teenager wasn't impressed, haha) and to be honest, the school routine was very welcome, I have missed our school routine.

Charlie started in year 7 which means he is now officially at high school! That's SO crazy! He looks so smart and grown up in his new uniform - They all do!
He was really excited... Until the bus was half an hour late on the first day. Still though, he took it all in his stride and happily went off to school with Harry. I may have waited at the bus stop with them both and I'm glad I did because that bus was so late! Hasn't been late since though, thankfully.



Harry was quite pleased to be in year 8 although wasn't feeling in the back to school mood, he soon got use to it though and is super happy with new time table! I'll update on the kids first week back at school, next week!


Ellie started in year 4. She has Harry and Charlie's old teacher!! He's a really good teacher. Doesn't seem possible that my youngest is now in year 4 and will be turning nine next week!



The kids have all settle in really well and they're all loving school! I am so proud of them, Charlie has really taken to high school very well indeed! I'm proud of Harry helping his little brother and showing him around and telling him where he needs to go and what to expect etc. And I am also really pleased and proud with Ellie. Not having her big brothers at primary school with her (They've always been at school - since she started!) must feel a bit strange but she has adapted really well. They all have adapted really well! I'm so proud of them.

How have your little ones settled back in at school?
Do you remember your first day of school/high school?

My 'Weekly bits and bobs' is a round up of the best and worst things that have happened lately. However, during the six weeks holidays my blog took a bit of a back seat. With the kids being off school and other happenings going on, I didn't have a chance to blog much and if I'm honest, I just lost interest in it. I'm back now though and so is my 'Weekly bits and bobs' posts! So here are our best and worst bits that have happened lately.



Negatives: 

• The summer holidays are over. However, it's bittersweet because I'm happy to have our school routine back! I thrive on our routine and so do the kids, so it's not all bad! I really do miss the kids when they're at school. 
• Life has been SO stressful, I've had so many appointments and what not lately. It hasn't been at all easy. We have more appointments this month - kids dentists and so on. I'll be glad when the appointments are all done with. Not being able to drive sucks, it means I have to rely on other people or public transport. 
• Another positive and negative in one. I had my eye appt with the consultant yesterday. There is a little fluid behind my eyes but the positive is, it hasn't got any worse! Whilst there's improvement, I am so thankful my condition hasn't got worse.
• My house needs seriously blitzing. Again. I don't mind cleaning to be fair, I just find it hard to get motivated. 
• The boys don't like this new school bus they're having to catch every day. Maybe they just need time to adjust. I am going to see if I can switch them to the bus Harry caught last year if they still don't like it come the end of the week. (Seems like such a petty thing doesn't it? It's a big deal to them, which makes it a big deal to me! I want them to be confident and happy)

Positives:

• We went on a really lovely picnic last week. It was a beautiful day and we found the perfect spot at the top of a hill in the middle of a meadow. 

• The kids went back to school (as I mentioned above) I am truly so proud of them! Charlie started high school! I can't believe it. Harry's now in year 8, Charlie in year 7 and Ellie in year 4. I'm loving being back into our school routine. Not keen on the early mornings but I'll get use to those in no time. 
• Speaking of early mornings. I am really enjoying the cool, chilly mornings. It's nice! I'm not a fan of the heat. It's been hot here today around 25*c by 2pm! Still though, it does cool down in the evenings and like I said the mornings are chilly. I love it. 
• I've read a fair bit this year! I think I've read 39 or 40 books in total. I should easily reach my 50 goal. Yay! 
• I've bought all of Ellie's birthday things ready for her birthday next week! It's hard to get my head around the fact my youngest baby is going to be NINE years old! Oh my goodness. 
• I am loving my organiser from paperchase. It helps me stay organised. I am going to start bullet journalling this week. I picked up a bargain in ASDA - soft cover, plain paper notebook/journal. All there stationary is reduced at the moment. May have also picked up a packet of papermatte pens from pound land. I'm such a stationary nerd, I love it, hehe. 

Things to look forward to: 

• Ellie's 9th Birthday next week! I think we might go to the cinema or something the weekend after her Birthday, which will be lovely.
• I really am looking forward to going 'Book Shopping' in the charity shops this week, yay! Haven't done that for what feels like ages. I love looking for books in the charity shop and nine times out of ten, I'll always find one from my TBR list, hehe. 
• I'm looking forward to settling into routine 100%!  
• Bullet Journaling - I am really looking forward to starting this! It'll help me stay motivated. I'll be doing daily plans and weight loss trackers, habit trackers and lists! I am addicted to making lists, hehe. 

What are your best and worst bits lately? Or what are you mostly looking forward to?

I hope you all have a lovely week.

Sarah xXx

This week, like many, my children went back to school! After six weeks off for Summer, they were more than ready for school. I however, was not, haha. It's nice to get back into the school routine but my goodness I miss the kids!

A photo posted by Sara ♡ (@sassyserrz) on Sep 7, 2015 at 12:15am PDT

Harry, my eldest started high school this week. Which is really, really hard to believe. I honestly... I can't even explain how emotional I was when he walked out of the house on the first day of high school! Of course, I enjoy watching him become a teenager and learning lots of new things, independence being the main but I'm sad at the same time. My baby boy is growing up, he'll be a teenager soon enough and then a young man. It's bittersweet watching him grow up.


He really is enjoying high school a lot. Harry was naturally a little bit nervous on thenight before but fine the next morning! He loves all of his teachers, he's in most classes with his best friend and he has already made a few new friends! He's ever so tired by the time bedtime rolls around, I expect it will take some getting use to.. As will the homework!
I am so proud of him!

Charlie started his last year of primary school. Erm, WHAT?! How is he in his last year of primary school? It feels like only yesterday that he started school. That's crazy. Charlie wasn't overly excited about going back to school, the reason being was because Harry wasn't there. He has always had Harry close by! Back in April when they started there new primary school, year 5 and 6 were in the same class. As you can imagine without Harry being there Charlie felt kind of lost. Needn't worry though - he soon settled in and goes off to school quite happy now. He adapted really well!
Super proud of him, too!
Ellie started in year three and let me tell you! SHE WAS SO EXCITED! She has the same teacher as last year, which has helped because she really doesn't like it when she has a new teacher. She met up with her friends in playground and left me sitting on the bench alone! Bless her. I'm glad she's settled down well. I was a bit worried we'd have tears as she is so close to me and six weeks is a long time to not be at school (well, a long time when you're only 7!) Can't believe she's going to be turning eight years old next week! Madness.
I'm so proud of her!

How have your children settled into school? Are they enjoying it so far? :)

Sarah xXx

We were sent some school sportswear to review from AKOA sportswear. 
AKOA is sportswear brand created by trutex. AKOA has a really good range and selection of high quality sportswear which are created for schools and sports clubs. You can create your own kit to your liking and has a number of designs which can be matched to your school or team colours! You also have the option of adding your own sports club or school badge or log to the sportswear.


We choose the navy and cyclone blue colours (without a badge or logo) as those are Harry's school colours and will come in lovely as a second set of P.E kit. Not only can he wear this for school, he can also wear it out of school, to play his favourite sports in - mainly football because he loves football, like most (almost) teenage boys. 
(We already have ones with Logos on that I bought months ago, ready for him to start high school this September) 

We were sent a sports polo shirt, a sector hoody, some shorts and a pair of pro sports socks. Harry was super excited to try these on and see how they looked. Being a huge sports fan, he could not wait! 

The shorts are light weight and navy blue with a lighter blue side panel on them! Harry told me they are comfortable to wear and likes the fact that they have pullycord to make the waste tighter or loosen if needed. The size is perfect, they are a little big, but we like it when there's some growing space (especially the rate Harry grows - like a weed!). There is a little AKOA logo on the the leg of the shorts. Which Harry thinks looks rather smart! 

Logos on the Shorts and Polo Shirt.

 The sector standard fit polo shirt also matches the shorts as it is the same colours and is also light weight. It has three buttons near the neck/colour. The shirt is made from moisture control fabric, which makes is super comfortable to wear and Harry told me it keeps him nice and cool, too! Which is of course always a good thing when playing sports. The shorts and polo shirt are both machine washable at 40 degrees (C) and can have a cool iron if needed. Again, there is an AKOA logo on the arm.

The sector hoody also has the contrast side paneling, the main colour being navy blue with a lighter blue panel on the sides. This is perfect for Harry, for P.E! It is the same colours as his P.E kit and I know he will get a lot of use out of this! Again, it's comfortable to wear and has a good size hood that has a drawstring which will keep him in warm in the colder months. I am really impressed with quality of this hooded sports top. The size is perfect, with a little bit of growing room. Bonus!



The pro socks are thick sports socks and again are a really good fit and good quality. "THey really put the final touch on this sports kit" Harry said.


 I also found the website fast & easy to use. There is a very helpful size guide which is easy to understand and use. 

Overall I find these products really high quality and good value for money. They wash really well and don't take long to dry (It's recommended not to put in the drier) on the clothes airer. Harry is really pleased with them and they are very comfortable to wear!

Sarah xXx



I was sent these products for the purpose of this review. I was not paid for this post & all opinions are my own, honest, personal opinion.

Trutex asked me if I would like to review three of there school uniform products, I of course said we'd love to try there school uniform. Honestly, you can never really have enough and the kids seem to go through school uniform like it's going out of fashion! Whether it be holes in school trousers from playing sports during break/lunch time or them growing out of it rather fast, you really can not have enough. 

Doesn't Ellie look smart?!

Trutex have a very wide range of school uniform including school trousers for boys and girls, school shirts, polo shirts, trousers, school skirts and so much more! To find your nearest stockist of Trutex school uniform check out the store locator on the Trutex website. 


I chose the the 'Junior Girls School Trousers' in Harrow grey for Ellie. The back of the wasteband is elestaicated making them very comfortable for Ellie to wear and also allows a little room! There is also a pocket under the front of the waste band, which Ellie thinks is great. 
I ordered the trousers in aged 7-8 years, as Ellie is seven years old but is quite tall for her age! The trousers fit her lovely, they are a little long but I like that because it allows growing room. The trousers themselves are great quality, too. Ellie really likes them and finds them very comfortable to wear. 
The trousers have been washed several times and seem to wash really well. I am very impressed with the quality of these trousers.  
The trousers are available in black, navy and harrow grey. They also come in most sizes, suitable for most ages.




The next school uniform product we tried was the 'Polo Shirt' in the colour white. Now, Ellie seems to need new polo shirts every month. They either end up stained or worn out or she grows out of them really fast! Again, I ordered the polo shirt in aged 7-8 years and it fits perfectly. It's also been washed several times and again, washes very well indeed. It's also stayed white instead of fading, which I find happens to many polo shirts, that is not the case with the Trutex one though. I'd also like to add that this polo shirt has stayed in shape, too.
These shirts come in many colours and sizes.  


Last but not least, I was also sent a 'Cotton Blend Cardigan' for Ellie to try. We chose the cardigan in Royal blue, (as that is Ellie's school colour) aged 7-8 years. Ellie was most excited to try this because she loves cardigans but isn't to keen on sweaters. The cardigan is lovely and soft as it's blended with nylon and acrylic making it good quality. Ellie really likes it, it also keeps her nice and warm. It has five buttons down the front and looks very smart indeed. The cardigan has been washed in the washing machine a fair few times and it is still like brand new and has stayed in shape. 
The cardigan comes in seven colours and most sizes, too.

Overall, we really like Trutex school uniform. Ellie has been wearing her new uniform for a few weeks now, it's stayed in great shape, to be honest, it still looks new! It's very good quality in my opinion, I would totally recommend Trutex school uniform, especially as it's affordable. Do have a browse around the website and check out the other school wear items, too! 

Sarah xXx

I was sent this product for the purpose of this review. I was not paid to write this post. All opinions are my own, honest, personal opinions. 

So the little's went back to school just over a week ago and I am really pleased to say that they have settled in very well! 

It took Ellie a few days to properly settle back into school. She started in year two and found it hard to focus and concentrate the first few days. She's ever so dreamy and goes off into her own little world. She was also not listening to the teacher/getting her work done but she seems to have settled in now and has been concentrating and listening! She has the same teacher as last year, which is good and she also has the same class mates. I'm glad they didn't split the classes up this time. That really unsettled Ellie last year. She seems to really like her new class room! I am so glad she's settled back into routine and getting on better at school. She is only (almost) seven, so I think she's doing rather well!

Ellie also been doing her homework and reading, which pleases me. It actually seems like she gets excited about her homework, aww. That's a lovely achievement, to have her excited about homework, bless.
Ellie is going to do a couple of after school clubs this term. She got invited to do 'Maths' club and she wants to do arts & crafts. She's on the waiting list for cooking, there was limited spaces and unfortunately, Ellie didn't get in this term. Still though, she pleased be doing arts and crafts, as well as maths! Bless her.


The boys have both settled into there new classes and really like there new teachers! There classes were all split up but they seem to still have lots of friends/have made new ones, which is a good thing. I've met Harrys teacher already and she seems really nice! I'm yet to meet Charlie's teacher, perhaps tomorrow after school, if she has time :)
Both boys are doing football and other sports clubs after school! Charlie would also like to do music but I think he may have to go on a waiting list. We'll see It's good because the school will provide the instruments.


I've filled out Harry's application form for high school (I still cannot believe it's his last year of Primary school! It feels like he only just started! Time goes too fast). I also can't believe Charlie is in year five, Whoa, they're all growing up fast.

We seem to be settling back into the school routine really well! Thank goodness for routine, I love it. I'll be honest though, I am not a fan of early morning -neither is Harry- but it's nice to be back into routine! I really do miss the kids when they're at school though, the house isn't quite the same without them.

I am SO proud of them all. I know it's not easy going back to school after six, long, fun, exciting weeks off school. Especially for Ellie but she's settling in really well now. I'm incredibly proud of them all :) 

How are your little ones settling back into nursery/school routine? Let me know in the comments.

Sarah xXx

P.S Please follow me on instagram for more pics! 

mad mid week blog hop 
Loud N Proud 

So, it's that time of year again where the kids go back to school. It's really bittersweet because I of course miss my little darlings but it's nice to get back into a routine and it's also nice that I can get things done around the house without being interrupted but gosh, I do not like the quiet when they're at school. I mean, it's nice for a little while but I just.. I don't like the house when it's quiet, it feels empty and lonely, do you know what I mean?
Anyway, they were excited to go back to school. Although Harry was rather grumpy this morning and was like "It's too early, why can't school start at 10:30?!" Haha. He takes after me - not a morning person.

They had a fantastic first day back and Charlie has already made a new friend. There's a new kid started in his class and he's excited to have a new friend! Ellie enjoyed seeing all her friends and telling everyone how she had a "fantastical" summer, bless. Harry's also glad to be back, even if the mornings are way too early.

Ellie, Charlie & Harry looking smart in there uniforms.

Did your little ones have a good first day back? Let me know in the comments :)

Sarah xXx

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I don't know what's wrong with me lately. I haven't been sleeping very well at night, I keep waking up even though I am SO tired. I feel 'groggy' all day and just blah! Like, I am so, so tired. I actually tried to have a nap today but I STILL couldn't sleep, I kept waking up. I gave up trying to sleep and now I feel really kind of fatigue and just not really with it.. Drained perhaps is the word?! Do you know what I mean? It's hard to explain. I know that I'm OVER tired but gosh, what I wouldn't give for a good nights (solid) sleep!! I think once the kids are back to school and we are back into our routine, my sleeping will improve. Insomnia is not fun.

Speaking of going back to school... I have finally got the kids uniforms, I just need to get Ellie's shoes (I so hope Clarks have her size in stock) and she could do with some more blouses and another pinafore. She's gone off wearing trousers for some bizarre reasons. The school is open the day before the kids go back, so I'll be able to purchase uniform - school jumpers etc, that I can't buy in the store (they have school logs on). I am really looking forward to getting back into routine but I know how much I'm going to miss the kids and I really, really will miss them. We have a had a fantastic summer.
We had a fantastic day our crabbing last week. And we went to the air show the week before (I still need to write about the air show). The kids have really enjoyed there time off from school. I still can't believe that it's Harry's last year at primary school! Eek!! Charlie will be in year five and Ellie in year two. They are growing up SO fast.

Sarah xXx

Here are my reasons to be cheerful this week..



1) The weather has been really lovely here. Blue skies and sunshine! It has been a bit chilly and certainly had it's dull moments but to be honest, I'm just pleased to see the sun, even if it isn't for very long.

2) The kids have settled back into school really well. All three of them have gone up a reading shelf, yay! So proud of them all.

3) I am really lucky to have a very good best friend who lives just over the road from me. I really needed her last week when we had the kitten put to sleep, she was right there with me. I feel blessed to have such a great friend.

What are your reasons to be cheerful this week? Why not link up with Lakes single mum & share your reasons to be cheerful this week.


Sarah xXx

My reasons to be cheerful this week -

1) I am so glad the kids are back at school. I really do miss them but it's nice to be back in a routine. They were happy to go back to school and see there friends! It's also nice to be able to do the housework without any interruptions.

2) Sunshine!! Yes, the sun has been shining today and it was also quite mild and sunny on Monday (which was the last day of the school holidays for the kids), we managed to go for a walk! It was great to get out! I am really hoping we don't get any snow.... It's pretty mild so I hope that continues.  *crosses fingers*

3) I've been sorting out the boys bedroom and clothes. It feels good to have a sort out and get organisd! Well, it was organised until tornado Charlie came whirling thru it, lol! I shall have a quick tidy up this afternoon, the kids can help me.

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

Sarah xXx

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...

I took over 3000 photos this summer! Obviously I can't share them all, but I thought I would share some of our best moments from Summer 2013.

The summer started off with Charlie's Birthday at the start of July. We went to the school fete and lots of nice walks. We also visited my grandparents which was great fun as where they live they have a communal swimming pool which family members are allowed to go in for free.