Zoe at Eco Thrifty Living http://ecothriftyliving.blogspot.com has asked for quick homemade, family friendly meal ideas. Here are a couple of our family favourites:
Homemade pizza. (Serves 4. Recipe from Netmums.)
225 g self raising flour
50 g butter or marg
1 egg
milk
Rub the flour and butter together until they resemble breadcrumbs. Mix in the egg and then add enough milk to make a soft dough and knead lightly.
Spread with tomato puree or tomato ketchup and sprinkle with grated cheese and then top with whatever you want. Our favourites are ham, pineapple, mushrooms.
Place on a greased baking tray. Bake in a preheated 200 C/gas 6 oven for 15 to 20 mins.
Chicken Biryani. (Serves 4. Recipe from BBC Good Food.)
300g basmati rice
25g butter
1 large onion , finely sliced
1 bay leaf
3 cardamom pods
small cinnamon stick
1 tsp turmeric
4 skinless chicken breasts , cut into large chunks
4 tbsp curry paste (we used Patak's balti paste))
85g raisins
850ml chicken stock
chopped coriander and toasted flaked almonds to serve.
Soak the rice in warm water, then wash in cold until the water runs clear.
Heat butter in a saucepan and cook the onions with the bay leaf and other whole spices for 10 mins. Sprinkle in the turmeric, then add chicken and curry paste and cook until aromatic.
Stir the rice into the pan with the raisins, then pour over the stock. Place a tight-fitting lid on the pan and bring to a hard boil, then lower the heat to a minimum and cook the rice for another 5 mins.
Turn off the heat and leave for 10 mins. Stir well, mixing through half the coriander. To serve, scatter over the rest of the coriander and the almonds.
Homemade chicken dippers. (Serves 2)
250g chicken strips.
50g Dried breadcrumbs.
1 tbsp Plain flour.
1 egg beaten.
Pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika.
Pre heat oven to gas mark 6-200c/180c for fan oven. Grease a baking tray.
Coat the chicken strips in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
Bake for about 10 minutes.
Chilli. (Serves 4. Recipe from BBC Good Food)
THIS TAKES LONGER THAN 30 MINS BUT INCLUDED AS CAN BE MADE IN ADVANCE AND FROZEN
1 tbsp oil
1 large onion
1 red pepper
2 garlic cloves , peeled
1 heaped tsp hot chilli powder (or 1 level tbsp if you only have mild)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
500g lean minced beef
1 beef stock cube
400g can chopped tomatoes
½ tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp tomato purée
410g can red kidney beans
Prepare your vegetables. Chop 1 large onion into small dice, about 5mm square. The easiest way to do this is to cut the onion in half from root to tip, peel it and slice each half into thick matchsticks lengthways, not quite cutting all the way to the root end so they are still held together. Slice across the matchsticks into neat dice. Cut 1 red pepper in half lengthways, remove stalk and wash the seeds away, then chop. Peel and finely chop 2 garlic cloves.
Start cooking. Put your pan on the hob over a medium heat. Add the oil and leave it for 1-2 minutes until hot (a little longer for an electric hob). Add the onions and cook, stirring fairly frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft, squidgy and slightly translucent. Tip in the garlic, red pepper, 1 heaped tsp hot chilli powder or 1 level tbsp mild chilli powder, 1 tsp paprika and 1 tsp ground cumin. Give it a good stir, then leave it to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Brown the 500g lean minced beef. Turn the heat up a bit, add the meat to the pan and break it up with your spoon or spatula. The mix should sizzle a bit when you add the mince. Keep stirring and prodding for at least 5 minutes, until all the mince is in uniform, mince-sized lumps and there are no more pink bits. Make sure you keep the heat hot enough for the meat to fry and become brown, rather than just stew.
Making the sauce. Crumble 1 beef stock cube into 300ml hot water. Pour this into the pan with the mince mixture. Open 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g can) and add these as well. Tip in ½ tsp dried marjoram and 1 tsp sugar, if using (see tip at the bottom), and add a good shake of salt and pepper. Squirt in about 2 tbsp tomato purée and stir the sauce well.
Simmer it gently. Bring the whole thing to the boil, give it a good stir and put a lid on the pan. Turn down the heat until it is gently bubbling and leave it for 20 minutes. You should check on the pan occasionally to stir it and make sure the sauce doesn't catch on the bottom of the pan or isn't drying out. If it is, add a couple of tablespoons of water and make sure that the heat really is low enough. After simmering gently, the saucy mince mixture should look thick, moist and juicy.
Drain and rinse 1 can of red kidney beans (410g can) in a sieve and stir them into the chilli pot. Bring to the boil again, and gently bubble without the lid for another 10 minutes, adding a little more water if it looks too dry. Taste a bit of the chilli and season. It will probably take a lot more seasoning than you think. Now replace the lid, turn off the heat and leave your chilli to stand for 10 minutes before serving, and relax. Leaving your chilli to stand is really important as it allows the flavours to mingle and the meat
Serve with rice or tacos and soured cream. Maybe a bit of grated cheese too and salad.
Just a few of mine. Am hoping others will join in so I too can get out of a recipe rut and shake up dinner times! I have at least one fussy eater so am always on the look out for new ideas!
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Friday, 24 February 2012
PND and me.
Last year, on about my third post, I brought up the 'D' word - In that post I discussed how PND, actually let's be brave and fully name it rather than abbreviate, Postnatal Depression, apparently affects something like 1 in 3 mothers so why is it still viewed with shame and guilt? I read on the website for the Association of Post-Natal Illness (http://apni.org) that PND is often referred to as the 'silent epidemic' and that doesn't surprise me as let's face it who wants to actually admit that they are unhappy on a daily basis or unable to cope with their children when no-one else seems to feel the same and people who are lucky enough to have never suffered can't see what you have to be miserable about!
However, Post-Natal depression can affect any mother (even those that seem to think they are immune to it- yes, I have really heard someone say this!) and is something that we have no control over, much like a physical illness. If more people understood this then perhaps people would not be afraid to discuss it and many mothers would realise that they are not alone in their feelings and could offer a great deal of support to one another. I have found that every single time I have opened up about this one person I know has confided that they too are feeling the same. This is something that actually makes me feel really positive and just highlights the need for it to be addressed. I then read yesterday about the Mental Health Carnival, being hosted this month by Mrsshortiesmind - http://mrsshortiesmind.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/mental-health-carnival-posts-needed/ and really wanted to be involved.
I need to address PND in my blog as it is a large part of my life, and yes, sadly I am amongst those who find it difficult to discuss with those closest to me. Many of my friends are aware of it but perhaps not the full extent to which it affects me - This is my PND journey...
Anyone who has had a baby will know how crap you feel after giving birth. It kicks in around a day or two after and is known as the baby blues - you know that time when you cry hysterically because you can't reach your dinner in the hospital (or was that just me?!) and can't stop! However when it's your first baby you honestly have no idea how long you should feel like this for before it becomes something more than baby blues. By the time my daughter was 6 months old it became apparent that I was not coping. (By the way at this point I'm not just referring to not being able to reach my dinner!)
PND is difficult to explain. For me I suppose it's an overwhelming feeling of being unable to cope, even the tiniest of tasks bringing on panic. In addition to that there is the feeling of being completely unmotivated, lacking the energy to even contemplate doing things. Anyway, with my daughter I put it down to breastfeeding at first, a task I had immense difficulty with. She fed very well, I however hated it. It drained and exhausted me and confined me to the house, too embarrassed to feed in public. When I tried to discuss stopping with the Health Visitor it wasn't met well. By the time she was four months though I had stopped completely, yet I felt no better, worse if I am honest. It was at this point I took what is the bravest step any woman suffering PND, or any person suffering depression for that matter, can take - I went to the GP and admitted how I was feeling. This resulted in my taking medication.
I only took tablets for around 8 months though and even now wonder if I fully recovered from PND between stopping them and resuming them three months after the birth of my sons. In fact, I am more or less convinced that it didn't. My sons will be two this year and I am still faithfully taking the tablets. Medication isn't for everyone but with PND I strongly believe they are your best chance of resuming some sort of normality quicker. In fact, I was informed by my GP that it will not go away on its own and you need the medication to restore the chemical imbalance causing the depression. True? I've no idea but I do know on the two or three occasions I have tried to reduce and eventually stop the tablets, I have started to have more episodes of panic.
I am really hoping that I will one day say farewell to the tablets. I posted yesterday about the exercise I have been doing and how helpful that it. I also really hope to eventually put PND behind me for good. I sincerely hope this is possible but until then I will keep talking about it if that's OK, as, apart from keeping me sane, it will help others realise they are not alone.
However, Post-Natal depression can affect any mother (even those that seem to think they are immune to it- yes, I have really heard someone say this!) and is something that we have no control over, much like a physical illness. If more people understood this then perhaps people would not be afraid to discuss it and many mothers would realise that they are not alone in their feelings and could offer a great deal of support to one another. I have found that every single time I have opened up about this one person I know has confided that they too are feeling the same. This is something that actually makes me feel really positive and just highlights the need for it to be addressed. I then read yesterday about the Mental Health Carnival, being hosted this month by Mrsshortiesmind - http://mrsshortiesmind.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/mental-health-carnival-posts-needed/ and really wanted to be involved.
I need to address PND in my blog as it is a large part of my life, and yes, sadly I am amongst those who find it difficult to discuss with those closest to me. Many of my friends are aware of it but perhaps not the full extent to which it affects me - This is my PND journey...
Anyone who has had a baby will know how crap you feel after giving birth. It kicks in around a day or two after and is known as the baby blues - you know that time when you cry hysterically because you can't reach your dinner in the hospital (or was that just me?!) and can't stop! However when it's your first baby you honestly have no idea how long you should feel like this for before it becomes something more than baby blues. By the time my daughter was 6 months old it became apparent that I was not coping. (By the way at this point I'm not just referring to not being able to reach my dinner!)
PND is difficult to explain. For me I suppose it's an overwhelming feeling of being unable to cope, even the tiniest of tasks bringing on panic. In addition to that there is the feeling of being completely unmotivated, lacking the energy to even contemplate doing things. Anyway, with my daughter I put it down to breastfeeding at first, a task I had immense difficulty with. She fed very well, I however hated it. It drained and exhausted me and confined me to the house, too embarrassed to feed in public. When I tried to discuss stopping with the Health Visitor it wasn't met well. By the time she was four months though I had stopped completely, yet I felt no better, worse if I am honest. It was at this point I took what is the bravest step any woman suffering PND, or any person suffering depression for that matter, can take - I went to the GP and admitted how I was feeling. This resulted in my taking medication.
I only took tablets for around 8 months though and even now wonder if I fully recovered from PND between stopping them and resuming them three months after the birth of my sons. In fact, I am more or less convinced that it didn't. My sons will be two this year and I am still faithfully taking the tablets. Medication isn't for everyone but with PND I strongly believe they are your best chance of resuming some sort of normality quicker. In fact, I was informed by my GP that it will not go away on its own and you need the medication to restore the chemical imbalance causing the depression. True? I've no idea but I do know on the two or three occasions I have tried to reduce and eventually stop the tablets, I have started to have more episodes of panic.
I am really hoping that I will one day say farewell to the tablets. I posted yesterday about the exercise I have been doing and how helpful that it. I also really hope to eventually put PND behind me for good. I sincerely hope this is possible but until then I will keep talking about it if that's OK, as, apart from keeping me sane, it will help others realise they are not alone.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
#R2BC week 8
I've had a bit of a moan (or been honest depending on how you view it!) this week (see my previous post) so I did have the initial panic that I couldn't think of any reasons to be cheerful. However....
1) I have managed to get out of bed at 6am all this week to exercise (including Sunday (although not at 6am I must add!)). I'm only doing 20 minutes but it's really setting me up for the day and improving my mood. This is positive because I am hoping when the better weather comes I can start to think again about stopping my medication for PND, hopefully using exercise and other methods to help.
2) On Saturday I am going to London to meet my Mum, Dad, and sister. It's a surprise for my Mum who doesn't even know they are going to London. (It's ok, I'm fairly certain she won't read this!) The plan is to meet them on Westminster Bridge. I can't wait to see her face!
3) I have just watched this week's One Born Every Minute which showed a woman having a baby girl after having previously had a stillbirth. I cannot imagine going through a whole pregnancy having been through that. I cannot even start to comprehend how that woman must have felt. I lost two babies, one at 6 weeks pregnant and one at 9 weeks. Clearly in both cases it was early days but I still struggled a lot with my most recent pregnancy, worrying constantly. Of course it didn't help that I was having twins so higher risk! Anyway, the programme made me cheerful as, apart from seeing the sheer relief on the woman's face and how happy she was, I am very lucky to have my children. There are so many not as fortunate.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
What is life like after having children?
Yesterday I read a discussion on Facebook via Bounty (www.bounty.com) The question asked was 'what one word describes life after having a baby?' The word that immediately popped into my head? Well, it had four letters, began with S and ended with T! Clearly this wasn't a view shared by other mummies, all of which chose words like 'amazing', 'magical', 'perfect', 'complete', and other such gushy sentiments! Now I admit this isn't my feeling all the time, but it did get me thinking about how much life changes when you have kids.
This morning I opened the cupboard to get the bread out and it fell onto the kids bowls of cereal, knocking them over, spilling milk and rice crispies all over the floor. In the midst of cleaning this up, to a background noise of my boys whinging and my daughter coming in to inform me that it was rather a mess (thanks love!), oh, and potentially accidentally teaching the children some inapproppriate words, I had a brief moment to reflect on what had happened to my life and who I had become? What happened to the person I was prior to having kids? The one who could make her own breakfast without spending half an hour sorting out demanding children who are oblivious to the fact that mummy is yet to eat. Because that is what happens. The minute you pop out your first cherub you stop being Karen (or whatever your name is) and are instantly just mummy AKA a woman who merely exists to carry out the demands of others - not dissimilar to a servant! I do know this is a risk you take when choosing to have children and fear I will be criticised for even daring to suggest my little darlings aren't adorable at all times, filling me with feelings of joy and utter contentment.
And then there is guilt. Take what happened a little later this morning - Whilst at my regular baby and toddler group, a place where I now have to watch my boys like a hawk after their newly developed fondness of biting, I was once again embarrassed and left deflated after one did indeed take a chunk out of another child. Despite my best efforts to supervise them, the little man waited until my back was turned and I was putting his brother's coat on. So I came away feeling disheartened yet again and thinking who are these people who find that motherhood leaves them fulfilled and their lives enriched? Am I the abnormal one?
OK, I admit I was a bit harsh with the S word (although it honestly was my first thought!). My children are without a doubt amazing and of course they have enhanced my life in many ways, but if I were to choose a word, or words, to describe life after having a baby I probably wouldn't choose any of those that conjur up images of perfect commercial style families. I think the words I would choose would be overwhelming...or stressful!
So what words would you choose? And please tell me I am not alone!!
This morning I opened the cupboard to get the bread out and it fell onto the kids bowls of cereal, knocking them over, spilling milk and rice crispies all over the floor. In the midst of cleaning this up, to a background noise of my boys whinging and my daughter coming in to inform me that it was rather a mess (thanks love!), oh, and potentially accidentally teaching the children some inapproppriate words, I had a brief moment to reflect on what had happened to my life and who I had become? What happened to the person I was prior to having kids? The one who could make her own breakfast without spending half an hour sorting out demanding children who are oblivious to the fact that mummy is yet to eat. Because that is what happens. The minute you pop out your first cherub you stop being Karen (or whatever your name is) and are instantly just mummy AKA a woman who merely exists to carry out the demands of others - not dissimilar to a servant! I do know this is a risk you take when choosing to have children and fear I will be criticised for even daring to suggest my little darlings aren't adorable at all times, filling me with feelings of joy and utter contentment.
And then there is guilt. Take what happened a little later this morning - Whilst at my regular baby and toddler group, a place where I now have to watch my boys like a hawk after their newly developed fondness of biting, I was once again embarrassed and left deflated after one did indeed take a chunk out of another child. Despite my best efforts to supervise them, the little man waited until my back was turned and I was putting his brother's coat on. So I came away feeling disheartened yet again and thinking who are these people who find that motherhood leaves them fulfilled and their lives enriched? Am I the abnormal one?
OK, I admit I was a bit harsh with the S word (although it honestly was my first thought!). My children are without a doubt amazing and of course they have enhanced my life in many ways, but if I were to choose a word, or words, to describe life after having a baby I probably wouldn't choose any of those that conjur up images of perfect commercial style families. I think the words I would choose would be overwhelming...or stressful!
So what words would you choose? And please tell me I am not alone!!
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Mrs Domesticated.. That's me!
I'm feeling rather domesticated. Yesterday was an inset day (after a week off for half term, I ask you!) In addition to my usual motherly duties (enhanced greatly by having daughter at home too!)I managed to bake two cakes (to place in my freezer ready for my Yummy Mummy coffee morning www.yummymummy.org.uk ). I also did homemade pizza and wedges for tea plus made pancakes (yes, a day early!).
This morning I have made cheese biscuits too for the kids lunches.
I'm not typing this to brag, although I admit to feeling a bit smug! No, I just love how doing these sort of things makes me feel. Proper homely and plus I love the smell of baking. When I was little my mum used to bake stuff so much so we never had shop bought cakes and to this day I'm still not keen on them.
Bright sunny spring like days and the smell of baking. Good moods all round :-)
This morning I have made cheese biscuits too for the kids lunches.
I'm not typing this to brag, although I admit to feeling a bit smug! No, I just love how doing these sort of things makes me feel. Proper homely and plus I love the smell of baking. When I was little my mum used to bake stuff so much so we never had shop bought cakes and to this day I'm still not keen on them.
Bright sunny spring like days and the smell of baking. Good moods all round :-)
Monday, 20 February 2012
Listography- top 5 things that make me happy.
The theme is happiness this week which is apt as I have been having a rather cheerful day today!
So here are my five:
1) My children. They drive me mad. I moan about them a LOT. Their behaviour often makes me question myself daily and doubt my abilities as a mother. However, they are AMAZING and constantly make me smile with the things they say or do. I admit the smile normally comes at the end of the day just after I have checked on them before I go to bed- you know, when all is peaceful! This is when I usually recall something sweet or funny they have done during the day and tell my husband.
2) My husband. He has put up with me for 13 years during which time I've had ups and downs and at times been a right misery but he has always been there to cheer me up and offer words of comfort and support. Something he says will usually make me laugh. I am also happy when I am spending time with him. Mostly that's with the kids too, but occasionally (like the weekend just gone) it's just the two of us enjoying being us and not just mummy and daddy.
3) Coffee mornings with my Mum friends. I have a great group of mummy friends. I love mornings when I get to pop round someone's house after the school run, or have a mum or two round mine for a chat and a cuppa. It's always really refreshing to discover that you aren't the only one who completely lost it and yelled at your little one on the way to school over something petty, or who had a complete meltdown over the weekend, convinced you were a failure! Real mummy friends are fantastic for advice and support. Guaranteed to make me feel :-D Occassionally we get to have a night out too and swap coffee for wine which is even better!
4) Sunshine! It goes without saying for most people that the sunnier the day the brighter the mood. I'm not a big fan of very hot weather but I love bright sunshine and blue sky! Proper spring days are probably my favourite.
5) Home. OK, technically home is in Crawley and has been for 11 years. It is my home and my whole life is pretty much here now. However, for some reason though I still refer to Mum and Dad's (in the New Forest) as 'home', perhaps because it was my childhood home. Usually it makes me feel happy to go and visit as often it has been several weeks since I saw Mum, Dad, and my sister. If I'm honest I am usually peed off quite quickly, especially since having three children and us all being crammed into the house, stuff everywhere! There is a familiar feeling about being down there though. Bit strange as I know no-one else really there now apart from neighbours but it's nice and the family are fantastic with the children. The New Forest is also a lovely area and just driving through it reminds me of going for walks when I was younger. I also got married down there and always remember the drive through the forest from the church to the hotel :-)
Why not pop across to http://katetakes5.blogspot.com/2012/02/listography-top-5-things-that-make-me.html and read some other happy things from others? Go, on, it'll make you smile!
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Reasons to be cheerful.
2) I spent a whole day with my daughter Tuesday. We went and saw the new Muppets film and had lunch then we came back and made cupcakes whilst being generally silly!
3) I know I had this one last week but the kids are going to my parents tomorrow and I get to have a lie in Friday! Woooooohooooo! Who wants to bet I'll be awake at 7am?!
Listography- top 5 mugs
All about the mugs this week over at Kate's (http://katetakesfive.blogspot.com).
This made me chuckle, partly because my mum always harps on about my mugs. Either because she is obsessed with bleaching them when she comes to stay or wants to throw one away because it's chipped. At this point I get all possessive and sentimental. This weeks listography has proved I'm not alone!
1) Sadly this one is no longer with us so I cannot show a photo but it was my Little Miss Naughty mug. Lasted many many years before I picked it up one day and the handle just fell off. This had a chip in it but was my 'first cup of tea' mug. It was traditional that I would have this one and my husband would have his South Park 'ow my ass' one. Bizarrely this one met the same fate just a few weeks before Little Miss Naughty.
2) So the morning cuppa mugs needed replacing and along came my brand spanking new 'I'm a Yummy Mummy' mug. This was a present from my kids to replace the one I had web my daughter was born that is now also in mug heaven. My husband uses his Dishy Daddy mug. Sad? Probably. Do we care? No.
3) The evening cuppa. No idea when I got this mug (probably when I was a student?! Or did it come with an Easter egg? Who knows?!) but it's traditionally the one I use in the evening.
5) The 'relatives for tea' mugs. AKA the nice floral ones least likely to offend. Actually these came from husband's Grandad after his Nan passed away unexpectedly so I refuse to throw them out.
This made me chuckle, partly because my mum always harps on about my mugs. Either because she is obsessed with bleaching them when she comes to stay or wants to throw one away because it's chipped. At this point I get all possessive and sentimental. This weeks listography has proved I'm not alone!
1) Sadly this one is no longer with us so I cannot show a photo but it was my Little Miss Naughty mug. Lasted many many years before I picked it up one day and the handle just fell off. This had a chip in it but was my 'first cup of tea' mug. It was traditional that I would have this one and my husband would have his South Park 'ow my ass' one. Bizarrely this one met the same fate just a few weeks before Little Miss Naughty.
2) So the morning cuppa mugs needed replacing and along came my brand spanking new 'I'm a Yummy Mummy' mug. This was a present from my kids to replace the one I had web my daughter was born that is now also in mug heaven. My husband uses his Dishy Daddy mug. Sad? Probably. Do we care? No.
3) The evening cuppa. No idea when I got this mug (probably when I was a student?! Or did it come with an Easter egg? Who knows?!) but it's traditionally the one I use in the evening.
4) The posh mug. I think we bought these ourselves and they are the ones we use when we want to be fancy. In other words at Christmas or if we are entertaining. It's also affectionately known as the Tia Maria coffee mug!
5) The 'relatives for tea' mugs. AKA the nice floral ones least likely to offend. Actually these came from husband's Grandad after his Nan passed away unexpectedly so I refuse to throw them out.
So that's my mug collection! Interesting, no?!
#dosomethingyummy week 3
This week I have decided to choose the creative post option - 'Tell us how you are surviving the half term holidays!' and, as suggested by Nickie (http://iamtypecast.com) I decided to ask my daughter (4 years old, 5 in just 23 sleeps don't you know!) a series of questions (see further down (Although I have cheated slightly and not done a vlog as well, I was simply confused by the techie speak!!)).
First things first, how am I surviving half term? By consuming a LOT of wine. No, not really. Well, not much. Actually I'm managing pretty OK this half term. Partly because Tuesday I spent a day with just my daughter and on Thursday (or today as it will be when this is posted) all three are off to my parents for three nights. Lucky? Yes I am!!
Anyhow back to those aforementioned questions: (Her answers in CAPS, my comments after).
1. What is something mum always says to you?
BE KIND. True. I believe I also say be quiet a LOT too!
2. What makes mum happy?
WHEN I SAY NICE THINGS.
3. What makes mum sad?
WHEN MY BROTHERS BITE YOU. To be fair I am more concerned when they bite random children!
4. How does your mum make you laugh?
WHEN YOU SAY FUNNY THINGS!
5. What was your mum like as a child?
A BABY! Well, yes I suppose that is true!
6. How old is your mum?
22. I wish. Try adding on 10!!
7. How tall is your mum?
DADDY IS TALLER AND YOU ARE LITTLE BIT SMALL! I'm 5ft 4. However she is only 4 so probably a bit much for her to understand that!
8. What is her favourite thing to do?
SIT STILL AND DRINK TEA. Chance would be a fine thing!
9. What does your mum do when you're not around?
DO WORK. Not entirely sure what work that is but at least she didn't say nothing!
10. If your mum becomes famous, what will it be for?
BEING IN A PROGRAMME.
11. What is your mum really good at?
WASHING! It was always my ambition to excel in this area?!
12. What is your mum not very good at?
MAKING DRESSES? I've never tried but imagine I'd be pretty rubbish at it!!
13. What does your mum do for her job?
WASHING UP! Well, yes but just many tasks throughout the day!
14. What is your mum's favourite food?
MARSHMALLOWS? eh? News to me! AND CHEESE SCONES. Although I am sure that one was only mentioned because I literally just made some!
15. What makes you proud of your mum?
WHEN YOU MAKE PRETTY FOOD FOR US.
16. If your mum were a cartoon character, which one would she be?
BARBIE. Can see the resemblance!
17. What do you and your mum do together?
PLAY GAMES AND DRAWING.
18. How are you and your mum the same?
WHEN I GET OLDER I WIL BE THE SAME!
19. How are you and your mum different?
WELL YOU ARE 22 AND I'M ONLY 4! Fair point well made!
20. How do you know your mum loves you?
SO MUCH. Think she misheard and thought I asked how much. She then said CUDDLES AND KISSES.
As in previous weeks this is part of the link up for #dosomethingyummy for yummy mummy week in March. See http://www.yummymummy.org.uk/ for more info on getting involved.
First things first, how am I surviving half term? By consuming a LOT of wine. No, not really. Well, not much. Actually I'm managing pretty OK this half term. Partly because Tuesday I spent a day with just my daughter and on Thursday (or today as it will be when this is posted) all three are off to my parents for three nights. Lucky? Yes I am!!
Anyhow back to those aforementioned questions: (Her answers in CAPS, my comments after).
1. What is something mum always says to you?
BE KIND. True. I believe I also say be quiet a LOT too!
2. What makes mum happy?
WHEN I SAY NICE THINGS.
3. What makes mum sad?
WHEN MY BROTHERS BITE YOU. To be fair I am more concerned when they bite random children!
4. How does your mum make you laugh?
WHEN YOU SAY FUNNY THINGS!
5. What was your mum like as a child?
A BABY! Well, yes I suppose that is true!
6. How old is your mum?
22. I wish. Try adding on 10!!
7. How tall is your mum?
DADDY IS TALLER AND YOU ARE LITTLE BIT SMALL! I'm 5ft 4. However she is only 4 so probably a bit much for her to understand that!
8. What is her favourite thing to do?
SIT STILL AND DRINK TEA. Chance would be a fine thing!
9. What does your mum do when you're not around?
DO WORK. Not entirely sure what work that is but at least she didn't say nothing!
10. If your mum becomes famous, what will it be for?
BEING IN A PROGRAMME.
11. What is your mum really good at?
WASHING! It was always my ambition to excel in this area?!
12. What is your mum not very good at?
MAKING DRESSES? I've never tried but imagine I'd be pretty rubbish at it!!
13. What does your mum do for her job?
WASHING UP! Well, yes but just many tasks throughout the day!
14. What is your mum's favourite food?
MARSHMALLOWS? eh? News to me! AND CHEESE SCONES. Although I am sure that one was only mentioned because I literally just made some!
15. What makes you proud of your mum?
WHEN YOU MAKE PRETTY FOOD FOR US.
16. If your mum were a cartoon character, which one would she be?
BARBIE. Can see the resemblance!
17. What do you and your mum do together?
PLAY GAMES AND DRAWING.
18. How are you and your mum the same?
WHEN I GET OLDER I WIL BE THE SAME!
19. How are you and your mum different?
WELL YOU ARE 22 AND I'M ONLY 4! Fair point well made!
20. How do you know your mum loves you?
SO MUCH. Think she misheard and thought I asked how much. She then said CUDDLES AND KISSES.
As in previous weeks this is part of the link up for #dosomethingyummy for yummy mummy week in March. See http://www.yummymummy.org.uk/ for more info on getting involved.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Groovy Mums & Cafe Bebe's Real Mummy Tummies
I've just started following @groovymums on twitter and thought I'd take Kate up on a challenge this week as I often feel I could do with giving myself a bit of love every now and then. If you haven't got the foggiest clue what the bleep I'm harping on about you can find out more here http://kateonthinice.wordpress.com/how-to-be-a-groovy-mum/
Right, deep breaths, on your marks.. Challenge number one.
'Body – do you love or loathe your body? Celebrate the fact you are a mum by posting here http://cafebebe.co.uk/2012/02/real-mummy-tummies/'
Initial response to this one is a definite loathe. I can't blame this on giving birth as I have always hated my body- and at times it has been as strong as 'hate'.
I can't recall when it started but I seem to think it was around the age of 13. I guess that would make sense as that's when all the hormones kicked in as my body started changing and all of a sudden I became aware of my body and developed a dislike of lunchtimes at school. That's not to say I didn't eat I just remember feeling uncomfortable and not liking eating in front of people.
As I entered my teens I started to feel big and became convinced I was 'fatter' than all my friends. In reality I was never overweight I just happened to have some very 'slight' friends. This continued into my late teens when I went to university and in my first year (after an initial slight weight gain following a student diet (i.e alcohol and junk food!)) I am embarrassed to admit I stopped eating lunch..then breakfast..and eventually was only eating minimal amounts once a day for dinner. I was also getting up early to do 500 stomach crunches. Thankfully, my rapid weight loss became noticeable at the time I went home for the summer holidays and my parents were clearly concerned. A stern talking to from my mum was enough to snap me out of it. I remained a 12-14, going down to a 10 at one point but still stayed convinced that I was fat, constantly comparing myself to others, hating photos of myself, and crying and panicking prior to an evening out. I sobbed for ages prior to going outside in a bikini on a holiday to Lanzarote with friends- photos I now look back on and am amazed at how slim I look!
When I became pregnant with my daughter I was adamant I would no longer fret about my weight (which as already established was not a problem - I was within a healthy BMI for my height). Sadly this was not to be as inevitably I gained weight whilst pregnant (about 3.5 - 4 stone) and although all but a stone and a half or so fell off initially I struggled with the new 'mummy tummy'. I was also hit hard with PND so that did nothing for my confidence and just emphasised any self esteem (or lack of) issues I had. Oh did I forget to mention that not only have I always been obsessed with my size, I have also hated my appearance in every other way. In other words I think I'm ugly. With shit hair. (don't ask!)
My weight varied a bit in the 2 and a half years or so between having my daughter and becoming pregnant with my boys. I'd lose a little, gain a little, finally gaining a bit more than I'd like after a couple of unsuccessful pregnancies. I went on a diet, lost a stone and a half then got pregnant..with twins!! Despite my mahooosive size whilst carrying Cucumber and Salad. (NOT their real names before anyone calls Social Services- this is what my daughter named them when in my tummy!) I actually didn't gain too much in the way of weight that wasn't babies, placentas, or waters. Truth of the matter was I couldn't bloody eat much as there simply wasn't room, and what I did eat gave me horrendous indigestion. So the baby bump went down much quicker, helped by the twice daily walk to and from playschool, and I was soon back to around a few pounds more than the same weight as I was before that pregnancy. Not bad really, although apparently a few pounds over my ideal BMI. Well, that was the case last time I checked. I've tried to give up on the scales and their evil numbers! Trouble is I still hate my body.
I'd say I've come a long way and I try very hard not to make a big deal of it. Firstly because I have a daughter who I want to grow up loving herself and not feeling like she has to conform to an 'ideal' image. I saw a programme some time ago that asked children as young as 6 what they felt about their bodies and it really upset me. Secondly because my husband has always loved me as I am and still does. He loves my tummy because it was the first home to our children.
I really want to be able to love myself. Life is really too short to feel negative about the body I have. I should be spending precious time with my kids, not fretting because I didn't get up early to do exercise because I was too tired from getting up in the night. Or feeling guilty because I choose a glass of wine and chocolate in front of the tv with my husband over going to Zumba because I'm exhausted from looking after the kids all day! I mean it's not like I sit on my backside all day. Anyway, perhaps showing my tummy to the world is the first step in this?! So, without further ado here are my pictures -
With clothes (and jeans holding it all in!)
And now without... wrinkly!!
**CRINGE**
So that's it. I shall now be hiding for evermore!!!
Right, deep breaths, on your marks.. Challenge number one.
'Body – do you love or loathe your body? Celebrate the fact you are a mum by posting here http://cafebebe.co.uk/2012/02/real-mummy-tummies/'
Initial response to this one is a definite loathe. I can't blame this on giving birth as I have always hated my body- and at times it has been as strong as 'hate'.
I can't recall when it started but I seem to think it was around the age of 13. I guess that would make sense as that's when all the hormones kicked in as my body started changing and all of a sudden I became aware of my body and developed a dislike of lunchtimes at school. That's not to say I didn't eat I just remember feeling uncomfortable and not liking eating in front of people.
As I entered my teens I started to feel big and became convinced I was 'fatter' than all my friends. In reality I was never overweight I just happened to have some very 'slight' friends. This continued into my late teens when I went to university and in my first year (after an initial slight weight gain following a student diet (i.e alcohol and junk food!)) I am embarrassed to admit I stopped eating lunch..then breakfast..and eventually was only eating minimal amounts once a day for dinner. I was also getting up early to do 500 stomach crunches. Thankfully, my rapid weight loss became noticeable at the time I went home for the summer holidays and my parents were clearly concerned. A stern talking to from my mum was enough to snap me out of it. I remained a 12-14, going down to a 10 at one point but still stayed convinced that I was fat, constantly comparing myself to others, hating photos of myself, and crying and panicking prior to an evening out. I sobbed for ages prior to going outside in a bikini on a holiday to Lanzarote with friends- photos I now look back on and am amazed at how slim I look!
When I became pregnant with my daughter I was adamant I would no longer fret about my weight (which as already established was not a problem - I was within a healthy BMI for my height). Sadly this was not to be as inevitably I gained weight whilst pregnant (about 3.5 - 4 stone) and although all but a stone and a half or so fell off initially I struggled with the new 'mummy tummy'. I was also hit hard with PND so that did nothing for my confidence and just emphasised any self esteem (or lack of) issues I had. Oh did I forget to mention that not only have I always been obsessed with my size, I have also hated my appearance in every other way. In other words I think I'm ugly. With shit hair. (don't ask!)
My weight varied a bit in the 2 and a half years or so between having my daughter and becoming pregnant with my boys. I'd lose a little, gain a little, finally gaining a bit more than I'd like after a couple of unsuccessful pregnancies. I went on a diet, lost a stone and a half then got pregnant..with twins!! Despite my mahooosive size whilst carrying Cucumber and Salad. (NOT their real names before anyone calls Social Services- this is what my daughter named them when in my tummy!) I actually didn't gain too much in the way of weight that wasn't babies, placentas, or waters. Truth of the matter was I couldn't bloody eat much as there simply wasn't room, and what I did eat gave me horrendous indigestion. So the baby bump went down much quicker, helped by the twice daily walk to and from playschool, and I was soon back to around a few pounds more than the same weight as I was before that pregnancy. Not bad really, although apparently a few pounds over my ideal BMI. Well, that was the case last time I checked. I've tried to give up on the scales and their evil numbers! Trouble is I still hate my body.
I'd say I've come a long way and I try very hard not to make a big deal of it. Firstly because I have a daughter who I want to grow up loving herself and not feeling like she has to conform to an 'ideal' image. I saw a programme some time ago that asked children as young as 6 what they felt about their bodies and it really upset me. Secondly because my husband has always loved me as I am and still does. He loves my tummy because it was the first home to our children.
I really want to be able to love myself. Life is really too short to feel negative about the body I have. I should be spending precious time with my kids, not fretting because I didn't get up early to do exercise because I was too tired from getting up in the night. Or feeling guilty because I choose a glass of wine and chocolate in front of the tv with my husband over going to Zumba because I'm exhausted from looking after the kids all day! I mean it's not like I sit on my backside all day. Anyway, perhaps showing my tummy to the world is the first step in this?! So, without further ado here are my pictures -
So that's it. I shall now be hiding for evermore!!!
Monday, 13 February 2012
Happy Valentines Day
Valentine's day tomorrow then. The one day of the year I am meant to show my husband how much I love him by spending lots of money and going out with millions of other couples. As I'm sure you can tell I'm not a fan. I can probably count on one hand the amount of cards I've received in my 32 years, and I have never once gone out on Valentine's day.
To be honest Valentine's day has never meant much to me. As a teenager I would occassionally pluck up the courage to send a card to whoever happened to be my crush at the time, but never once received one. Well, unless you count the one a friend made for me when I was about 16 because she 'knew I wouldn't get any'. Charming.
My first boyfriend coincided with Valentine's day. Pretty good considering we were only together a few months. I believe he bought me flowers. They of course then died..around the same time as he dumped me.
I met my husband in March so when Valentine's day came round we agreed that we would swap cards but save our pennies (what with us both being students!) for a month later when we had been together a year as this was a more important anniversary for us. This became the tradition for a few years until we got married then we abandoned this in favour of the wedding anniversary. Although since having the children that has been reduced to just a card!
Nowadays we don't even do cards on Valentine's day. Not since one year I presented husband with one and he told me he would give me mine later. He'd forgotten thinking we didn't do it! We then decided actually, why did we do it?! Now it's all about the kids. Last year we had great big painted hearts from our daughter (done at playschool). This year she came out of school with this card for us (pictured). We have also spent today making cards for Daddy and making and icing heart shaped biscuits. I'll be spending Valentine's day with my daughter in a rare day just the two of us. So I suppose, in a way I am spending the day with someone I love. Very very much!
OK I confess, I have also bought a large box of chocolates and a bottle of wine this week, and we are intending to go out for a meal Friday. However this is due to being child free and not for Valentine's!! Now that will be really romantic! And not because we are being told to be!
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Reasons to be cheerful - week 6
Well it's been an interesting and if I am honest slightly boring week for me. Due to the snow and ice I was stuck in Monday and Tuesday, unable to push the double buggy through it all. Thankfully it has improved enough that I have managed the school run yesterday and today, although it's still very much an ice rink, particularly round the school! I've also got yet another cold (darn kids and their germs!) and one of my sons has bitten two children this week :-/ However, back to the task in hand...
These are my reasons to be cheerful this week (despite my misery!)
1) It's half term in 1.5 days. Usually holidays fill me with dread as it's a case of finding ways to entertain all the children. However this time I'm actually looking forward to it as I have a day planned with just my daughter and my parents are kindly having all three kids for three, yes THREE!, nights!! Hooray!! So looking forward to some time with just the hubby!! All illnesses and nasty germs please take note- you are not welcome next week!! Last time the kids went to stay with the in laws everyone was poorly and we ended up with them all home within a few hours!
2) As well as these lovely things planned for next week I actually have a particularly busy few months planned. I've got weddings, my daughter's birthday, my sister's 30th birthday, a trip to see Grease, a holiday, and plenty more. It's a lovely feeling to have so much to look forward to!
3) My twin sons (who I put into beds a few weeks ago and have played up at bedtime since) actually went straight to sleep last night!! OK so it may be a one off but there could possibly be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!!!
#dosomethingyummy Week 2 - What my family means to me.
Once again I have opted for the personal prompt- what kind of family did I grow up in? And why is family important to me?
Well I grew up in what I always knew to be a fairly typical family. I say this because at the time most of my friends and almost everyone I knew had a similar family set up, that being mum and dad (married and still together), and one sibling, a sister in my case (younger). We lived in an average sized 3 bedroom house pretty much the same as the houses of my friends. In fact my parents still live in the same house! My dad was a policeman and as a result worked a lot. When I was young and he was in uniform he worked shifts, but I never remember feeling that it was unusual or missing out at all, I guess it was normal to me. Later on he seemed to work more during the day than at night but it wasn't 9-5 and he was still out a lot. My mum didn't work full time until I was about 12 when she got a job at my secondary school (cue major embarrassment!). My sister, who is just under 3 years younger than me, and I had a typical sibling relationship in that we would play well one minute and fight the next. I'd say we were not very close but get on a lot better these days.
As a family we went on holiday once a year, for a week, always in the UK, usually Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, or the Isle of Wight. I think once we went to Wales and maybe another time to Kent. Often it would be over my birthday which is at the end of July. Days out at weekends would be walks in the New Forest or along a beach. Nothing fancy. I don't think I appreciated it all at the time but I think I had a good upbringing where I learnt not to take things for granted and I was in no way spoilt. I think I was always aware of my parents' love for me and I could approach them with pretty much anything. Two things I hope my children feel about me.
Why is family important to me? Well, because I need them and they need me. Well certainly my children do! I moved away from my parents when I was 21 (or 18 if you count going to university!) It's something I've got used to and I can go anything from 2 weeks to 5 or 6 weeks without seeing them with almost daily texts and phonecalls a couple of times a week inbetween. Usually they drive me mad when I do see them but I find myself missing them, Mum particularly, especially since I've had my sons. I'd love to just be able to pop over for a coffee after the school run, or have mum nip round with some dinner or something. In reality it will never happen as my life is now here in Crawley and it has been for 11 years. The plus side of having parents that live further away is that I can send the kids to stay with them or that when Mum comes to visit she sometimes stays for the weekend and is a massive help with the kids.
Family life is well, my whole life really as I am a stay at home mum so pretty much all I do revolves around them. It's important to me though as it was my choice to have children. OK so I got one more than I bargained for but I wouldn't change them!!
I'm writing this as part of the #dosomethingyummy campaign for Yummy Mummy week. Find out more at www.yummymummy.org.uk
Monday, 6 February 2012
Listography- top five phrases that drive me crazy
I think Kate has her work cut out this week as she asks us to list our top five annoying phrases. I'm not sure if she'll regret it when she reads all the entries (and there are already a LOT)!!
Initially I thought I was fairly easy going and couldn't really think of any. Then I started reeeaaalllyyy thinking..and that's when my list got pretty long. So only five? Hmmm, here goes...
1) 'Double trouble' or 'you've got your hands full'. Standard phrases to quote to a twin mummy. Neither are helpful, In fact both equally annoying.
2) 'Don't take this the wrong way/personally'. Clearly I will and you know I will otherwise you wouldn't phrase it like that.
3) Any poncy phrases such as 'touch base', 'take it offline', 'pro tem'. Usually said by managing director types or those that usually think they are more posh than they are. Just say what you mean. In proper English like the rest of us commoners!
4) 'Don't you know?' Usually as in 'don't you know what a blah blah is?/who blah blah is/what blah blah does?' No. That's why I asked. I do however know that I now feel like a bloody moron. Thanks.
5) I have to put this one in here as my eldest son (well, by five minutes!) has learnt to say this and I am hearing it A LOT!! It's one most parents become familiar with at some point. Yes, that's right, it's the beloved 'why?' usually in my house it's followed by 'because I said so!!!!'
So there we have it. My top five phrases / things people say that wind me up something rotten. I'm sure there are more. I'll probably wake up in a cold sweat having dreamt of more irritating ones but it'll be too late so these will have to do for now!!
Pop over to http://katetakes5.blogspot.com to check out what phrases really grate on others!
Friday, 3 February 2012
Reasons to be cheerful - week 5
OK so not only am I only joining this at week 5, I am also submitting it a day late. Oops. However, when I saw this blog link up over on Mummy from the heart's page (http://mdplife.blogspot.com/) I thought it would be a good, positive, and happy one to join in with.
So here are my reasons to be cheerful this week:
1) I have had a rather positive week. This could be for a number of reasons. One of which might have been that I was busy every day and of course being busy takes your mind off things. Alternatively it may be because I've got up early a few times this week to exercise which has set me up nicely for the day and meant I was (to quote my husband) in a better mood first thing!! Whatever it was I like it and I hope it continues!
2) My husband is off tomorrow and whilst we'll hardly be getting a lie in with three kids under five, it's still rather nice knowing I'll have a bit of 'back up' with the kids!!
3) One of my little boys has just learnt the word 'why?' Clearly this will become highly irritating but at the moment it's funny and it makes me go all 'proud mummy' when I see them learning new words.
A bit short and sweet but it's my first time, so view it as a 'warm up' and I promise to do better next week! ;-)
Thursday, 2 February 2012
#dosomethingyummy What my children mean to me.
I've chosen the personal post prompt-Why did you have children? How have they changed your life?
To be honest, and perhaps a little bit rebellious, I do sometimes wonder why I had children. Please don't get me wrong, I love them with all my heart but they are damn hard work and often leave me frazzled at the end of the day wondering where I went wrong and why they aren't beautifully behaved like everyone else's. Then of course I come back to reality and realise they are just like any other child and who are these perfect children (and parents) I am comparing them to!
I think I always thought I'd have children. I don't mean I dreamt about being a mummy from a young age, I don't really recall giving it a thought if I'm honest, I just know it was something I always assumed I'd do. I met my husband in 1999 when I was 19 and studying for a BA In Drama and English Literature. We knew before I left university that I'd move to Crawley as he was setting up his own business. I moved in 2001 and by the end of that year we were engaged. Wedding was in 2003 but as I was only 23 and we were living in a one bedroom house we didn't seriously start planning children until 2006 when we'd been in our three bedroom house for a bit. And when I say planning, I always fancied two children. I think because I have one sister so it just seemed 'normal' I suppose. My husband used to say he wanted four- I think I may have told him a firm no!! I suppose you could say we compromised with three!!
It didn't take long thankfully to conceive our daughter and when she was around 18 months we started thinking about number two. Unfortunately things didn't go as smoothly second time around, and my twin boys were actually my fourth pregnancy.
So that's why I had children (I think?) so how have they changed my life? Well, clearly they've turned it upside down!! Having one child is a shock to the system but before you know it you can't imagine life without them, or remember what your floor looked like pre toy invasion or recall a time when clothes weren't streaked with snot! I was unfortunate to get PND after my daughter was born and it reared it's ugly head again a few months after having my sons. To be honest I doubt it ever went away. I still take medication and currently wonder when I will feel 'happy' all the time....Having twins was a surprise and has meant I've gone from working part time to being a somewhat reluctant stay at home mum. Although I've now been doing this for the best part of two years it's still a bit alien to me to not mix with adults and talk about things that don't revolve around nappies, feeding, sleep patterns etc etc!
BUT...what do they mean to me? Words cannot describe the love I have for my children. They are all fantastic little people with their own personalities and I am completely besotted with them. So this is my first answer to the blog question from Nickie at I Am Typecast http://www.iamtypecast.com/2012/01/dosomethingyummy-writing-prompts-week-1.html
Also don't forget to #dosomethingyummy and visit www.yummymummy.org.uk
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