Tiger Tales

The Tiger and The Bear

2012-02-26T04:32:00.003-08:00

I posted earlier this week that Angelo and I have begun a six weeks course entitled Start Learning Together. I'll admit I've not completed all my home-work, YET, but I have applied one thing I learnt this week. Angelo loves books but he can't sit still for long. So, this week I made him a story sack to go with his new book Fudgy Goes to the Zoo.

While I hunted to animals Angelo looked at the book

You can purchase various books and story sacks together online but it's a bit expensive. Personally I think if you make your own with things you have at home, your child will identify with the items in the sack immediately. I have loads of stuffed animals given to me by hubby (then BF) and friends which Angelo plays with from time to time. I made my sack up using a large shopping bag (not very masculine I know), stuffed toys, along with the book. Cost that day: NOTHING.

Animals I found for our story sack

Angelo thoroughly enjoyed that story telling session, as I pulled out an animal to fit the story and made the accompanying sound he was thrilled! His attention was held for a longer span of time and he enjoyed cuddling each toys while waiting for the next one to come. At the time I didn't have all the animals mentioned in the book but I'm now on the hunt for the missing ones and more. Our story times are even more fun now!

Please note, this is not a sponsored post nor was I requested to write this post. I'm only sharing how I engage my son with reading, any story book can be used with the same effect. Fudgy Bear happens to be our most recent purchase, so I used that copy.

Project 52- 9/52

2012-02-25T14:16:00.001-08:00

We attended The Baby Show 2012, at London Excel yesterday and popped by to see Fudgy Bear. Angelo loves giving cuddles, so he was more than happy to see Fudgy.

R2BC week 8

2012-02-23T13:57:00.001-08:00

This is week has been very tiring. Angelo has resumed waking more that once in the night. I'm so shattered! But at the same time I've been busy writing blog posts and keeping in touch and up to date with blogs that I follow AND there is Pinterest of course! That said, I'm cheerful this week because:

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to review a new and upcoming product, Sweet Corn Bites. You can read more about the product and see my recipe for corn soup here http://tigertales-msxpat.blogspot.com/2012/02/sweet-corn-bites-product-review.html
I now have a facebook page for Tiger Tales and the followers are steadily growing. The link is https://www.facebook.com/T1gerTa1es
Today I treated myself to a small pressie, not for the flat, but for MYSELF. I bought an iridescent shall bracelet. Accessories is my weakness.
I've been searching for a way to enhance my blog and I think I found it! In March I'll be creating a new page on my blog entitled Callaloo Cooking. Via on Callaloo Cooking I'll share one recipe monthly that I've cooked for Angelo that has been inspired by meals I had as child growing up in Trinidad. In my first post I'll share more on the concept of 'Callaloo', but in essence it's not only a dish but a description of the people and the culture Trinidad. You put a bit of this and add a bit of that and you get something FABULOUS! Stay tuned and on that note, I'll leave you with a tune of the same name.

Sweet Corn Bites: A Product Review

2012-02-22T15:20:00.001-08:00

Via the BritMums Working with Brands Group I found out that there was a review opportunity with Sweet Corn Bites. I contacted the named person expressing my interest along with basic info about my blog and I was told that a sample of the product would be posted to me for trial. Yesterday I received the package of SweetCorn Bites.

I received 4 packs of Sweet Corn Bites, more than I’d expected but I was pleased as it would allow my family and I to try the product in different ways. Yesterday, for Angelo I prepared his treat as stipulated on the packet; steamed in the bag for 5 mins in the microwave. I added a knob of butter after it was cooked. As I’d expected, he thoroughly enjoyed it as the pieces are small in enough to fit into his hands allowing him to feed himself. The next thing is the taste. He’s not given sweets too often so the natural sweet crispness of the corn was pleasurable for him.

The second method I used to prepare the corn was a revised my Grandmother used to make it. It’s very calorific! However, I reduced the quantities she’d usually use, my attempt at being a tad healthy. The corn was boiled for 20 mins with the following seasoning:

4 cups water

1/2 coconut milk

2 springs spring onion

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 black pepper

2 strips cured bacon (as an alternative to salt curried beef)

6 pieces sweet corn bites (from a pack of 9 pieces)

As I worked in the kitchen dicing the ingredients, Angelo never far from my side decided he’d stir a pot too! I’m not sure what he wanted to cook based on his self-selected utensils (never mind the worn out pot) Anyways! I’ll confess because the Sweet Corn Bites are so fresh and soft cooking for that length of time reduced didn’t do it justice. It was tasty but the natural flavour of the Sweet Corn Bites didn’t pop and explode in your mouth as it did when steamed.

For my final ‘culinary experiment’ used the Sweet Corn Bites to make corn soup. Corn soup is very popular in Trinidad, and as Carnival only ended yesterday I thought I’d pay homage to the season. I tweaked a recipe from the Naparima Girls High School Cookbook, which is a culinary bible for Trini expats. I used was the following:

Kernels from 12 corn pieces

1 cup spilt peas

1 carrot

1 cup chicken stock

3 sprigs spring onion

1/2 sweet pepper

2 tsp butter

1 tsp garlic

2 cups milk

1 cup coconut milk

The spilt pea was soaked over-night, then boiled today with the Sweet Corn Bites kernels for 10 minutes with the garlic then pureed. The spring onions, carrots and sweet pepper were sautéed for 10 ten minutes with butter then added to pureed kernels along with the diary and coconut milk. The soup was then cooked for a future 10 minutes. It was YUMMY if I do say so myself. The sweetness and freshness of the corn really enhanced the flavour of the soup. It's like tasting the golden sunshine.

I thoroughly enjoyed using Sweet Corn Bites! I’d say it's must buy because its so worth it. It’s great as quick, easy and healthy snack that kids will enjoy. It would also be wonderful as the main ingredients to a dish, the entire family will enjoy. Sweet Corn Bites is 100% natural and fresh. Four bites will count towards your 5 per day. It’s grown on a working farm in Sussex in a sustainable way. Sweet Corn Bites is now available at Ocado and selected stores at Tesco, Waitrose and Co-op.

This is not a sponsored review.

Start Learning Together- Part 1

2012-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

Some weeks ago, in an attempt to make my time at home with Angelo ‘productive’ I signed us up for a six course Start Learning Together, at my local children’s centre. I have to say until finding Manor Park Children’s Centre I was doubtful whether or not I would take my health visitor’s advice and visit one. We had done so prior to my return to work but I could not find one that fit, until Manor Park! I love everything about, location, staff, facilities and activities. Naturally, when I received the email about the course I jumped at the chance to learn with my son.

Today was day one of the Start Learning Together course. It’s being facilitated by a SCOLA (Sutton College of Learning for Adults) tutor. The kids stayed at the children’s centre crèche and we, the parents walked around the corner to Manor Park Primary School for the start of the programme. I must admit I was surprised by the amount of paper at the start (i.e. enrolment form, individual learning plan plus hand-outs). I realised this was a ‘proper’ course and I was even happier I was in attendance. THEN the literacy and numeracy check was handed out. WELL! Let me tell you I suddenly realised how much I depend on spell check in MSWord! And I was GRATEFUL that I’d asked my mom to post me a primary school exercise book from Trinidad for Angelo as it has Metric Tables, Cubic Measure, Long and Linear measurements and so on. Looks like I’ll have to make use of the copy for myself. I had to stretch my brain to remember how to work out perimeter and now many centimetres in a millimetre. SHAME! SHAME!

Amongst other things this first session touched on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which is from 0 – 5 years old. EFYS has six stages:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSE)
Communication Language and Literacy (CLL)
Problems Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy (PSRN)
Knowledge and Understanding of the Work (inclusive of geography, culture and heritage)
Physical Development (PD)
Creative Development (CD)

After the theory we returned to our kids for a nursery rhyme session. My son, ever the trail blazer clocked that there were objects in the box next to the facilitator. Turns out they were musical instruments. Once he’d opened the box and the other kids saw… well let’s just say we had musical accompaniment for our singing session. Despite the home work, I’m looking forward to next week.

Do you know if your local children’s centre runs programmes for parents? Have you ever attended any? If so, how did you and your child benefit?

Project 52- 8/52

2012-02-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

Its not often that I make breakfast for anymore. Today, I awoke tired but could not return to sleep. So! I opted to make my family blueberry pancakes in advance of Shrove Tuesday (last day to feast before Lent season). And as we've all got sore throats I put lashings of lemon and honey, before serving.

Kids and cars: how to make the journey enjoyable

2012-02-17T13:44:00.004-08:00

Its the end of half-term week however, if your are planning to take a last minute road trip this weekend (or for the Easter Hols) with your kids the guest post below by Sainsbury's Finance will interest you:

Most of us spend endless hours planning and preparing for our annual vacation. We pore over catalogues and maps to select a suitable location. We check out the full range of available accommodation, weighing up the merits of each and how it will suit our family situation. Mostly we think, will this work for the kids? Parents know that if the kids are happy, all will be well.

By contrast, how much do we think about the car journey itself? Many of us just bundle the family into the car and set off. Little wonder that by the time we arrive at our destination everyone is fed up.

This year, why not do it differently? Pack for the journey itself with every bit as much foresight as you pack for the holiday.

Here are some tips on how to go about preparing for the family car journey.

What will they wear?

You wouldn’t to set off for two weeks in Cornwall without considering what the kids will wear, would you? Or fail to take into account the variations in weather while you are there? Think about each part of your car journey in the same way.

· In the car: It’s a rare day when the whole family can agree on what the temperature inside the car should be. Bringing plenty of layers for everyone should help get around this.

· At the service station: Who knows what that dash to the loos will involve? You may set off on a lovely summer’s morning, but by the time you need a break a raging gale could be blowing, so have coats with hoods handy just in case. And in case you do get wet, make sure you’ve packed a change of clothes.

What will they carry?

Every child likes to have their own stuff, in the car as well as at home or on holiday, so give each child a backpack containing their own clothes, snacks and entertainment. And get them involved in the choices. You might have the last say, but they’ll be happier if they’ve joined in.

What will they do?

Think about what will keep them occupied along the way.

· In the car: You’ve probably packed some games for them to play during the holiday, but do also think about what they will do in the car. Give toddlers a metal tray with magnets, and think puzzle games and travel-sized board games for the older kids. Then there are books, audiobooks (see your local library for ideas), CDs and DVDs to keep them busy.

· At rest-stops: The ‘rest’ part is mainly for you. The kids will benefit from being active, so pack a Frisbee or ball and use it.

What will they eat?

Variety is the spice of life, and remember, you are on holiday!

· If you need to save time or money, pack a picnic that can be eaten on the move if necessary.

· In addition to the healthy snacks in their backpacks, such as vegetable sticks and cartons of fruit juice, squirrel away some real treats in your bag. Dole these out at key moments when distraction is needed. They’ll find it more difficult to kick off with their mouths full.

Most people would agree that the main point of a family holiday is to have fun, so why not make the journey a part of that? Pack for pleasure and relaxation.

Knowing you have adequate car insurance cover will also help to keep the stress at bay. And don’t forget the dog!

R2BC week 7

2012-02-16T14:42:00.003-08:00

Where did the week go! Ah! I remember... it went by as I was unpacking boxes. We are settling into our home nicely and enjoying the space.

A few things have happened to make me cheerful this week:

1. Angelo is sleeping at roughly at five hour intervals, so, I'm getting a about an hour or two extra sleep.

2. Angelo is now running. He's had a few spills along the way but he's a solid boy he gets up and goes again. I love his 'get-up-and-go' spirit. His straight legged run is so cute.

3. Yesterday hubby, Angelo and I attended our first blogger event yesterday. It was a teddy bear picnic with Fudgy Bear. We had lots of fun. (You can read my account to the event here http://tigertales-msxpat.blogspot.com/2012/02/picnic-wirh-fudgy-bear.html)

4. Thank heavens for wonderful friends! We've had outstanding assistance with getting our home setup.

A Picnic With Fudgy Bear

2012-02-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the BritMums Working with Brands Group, Angelo and I had the pleasure of attending a teddy bear picnic with Fudgy Bear today! I’m always on the look-out for fun and educational activities to attend with him and this was just the ticket. ‘Fudgy is the new bear on the block’. He’s cuddly, soft and lovable and also stars in his own series of picture books which are colourful and interactive. The books are authored by Sarah Marley. The event was held at Foyles Bookshop, Westfield, and it was an opportunity to meet Fudgy and Sarah.

As I’m new in the blogging community, it’s pleasure to attend an event where I’m made to feel welcome. Upon entry I meet Katie McClean (@ktktmc) and Liz Weston (@Cambridgemummy), their warm welcome really set me at ease. Angelo had a wonderful time. He was like a little puppy in the park running about trying to make friends with the other kids present, playing the Fudgy Bear balloons and charming some of the other moms. Sarah read from two of her Fudgy Bear books. Fudgy Goes to the Zoo was a big hit with the kids. They enjoyed demonstrating their knowledge of animal sounds and counting. Meanwhile I was doing my best to distract Angelo from running over to life size Fudgy. Thankfully, hubby was on hand today to assist me, he’s so sweet.

After story-time with Sarah Marley, we all settled down a picnic. After the picnic, I had pleasure of meeting Sarah. As a mom to a young son she shared with me a few tips on how to engage Angelo with reading. Sarah also introduced me to Dr. Amanda Gummer, Child psychologist and a big fan of Fudgy Bear. Sarah gave me suggestions on how to make reading fun for a child as young as Angelo. All in all a wonderful time was had by all.

I bought Angelo of copy of Fudgy Goes to the Seaside, which Sarah graciously signed for us. The books retail price starts at £5.99 and Fudgy is £15.99, both are available at www.fudgybear.com I can hardly wait for the summer to take Angelo to the beach; it will really bring to story alive for him!

Please note, this is not a sponsored post.

R2BC week 6

2012-02-11T15:24:00.001-08:00

Sorry for my late start this week. I've been packing and unpacking and moving flat in between snow falls. We are now in our new home some things have turned out to be not as we expected but there was no way of knowing before moving in (e.g. music levels from neighbours for example) that said, the pros still out weigh the cons. We are happy with our new home.

I'm cheerful because:

1. Angelo finally has his own room. Its already set up for him but needs a few additional touches to achieve the look I'm going for.

2. I had a very productive visit with my health visitor this week. I was open and honest about how I've been feeling, some tears where shed but once you get the 'label' of your illness its easier to start treatment. She's advised that we take a four-prong approach to getting me back to me amongst them, attending a postnatal depression support group.

3. Next week I'll be attending teddy bear picnic with Angelo. Its a blogger event and I'm VERY excited! It'll be our first event together. Fingers crossed it'll be one of many in the future.

Why are you cheerful this week?

Project 52- 7/52

2012-02-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

View from my veranda. I keep calling it a patio and hubby is constantly correcting me. Whatever it is, its accessible via our bedroom which is a nice feature for us. In the days and weeks to come we'll fix it to our liking.

Today's song pick for Angelo

2012-02-10T06:47:00.002-08:00

Do you find that as your child grows older you are constantly hiding things from them? Do you find that you sometimes tip toe out of a room just to have five minutes to yourself all the while dreading the pitter patter of those tiny feet? Day by day I'm learning how clever and swift my son is. I beginning to feel as though I'm constantly tip toeing to get from one room to the next without him noticing for fear he'll see where I'm storing things he should not see (cleaning products, cutlery, wall paint etc)

We've just moved house and so its a danger zone boxes, nails, sharp instruments all and sundry. Even my new cute door stop is now a toy drags that he drags the flat by the bow! Added to this, he's going through a clingy phase which started a couple weeks ago. So I sometimes walk around with a toddler attached to my leg like an alien life-form. Let's say its a 'challenge' getting a few private moments to myself, as we are together all day. Our current state of affairs reminded me of the song Tip Through the Tulips. I hope you enjoy the little ditty.

Wash Day

2012-02-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

Periodically certain members of my extended family ask when I’m going to cut Angelo’s hair. To date my answer has not changed but it doesn’t stop them from asking, again. On the other side of the ocean I’ve got my mom and sisters telling me not to cut it until he speaks. I don’t know how the superstition developed but in Trinidad its believed a boy’s hair should not be cut until he speaks, preferably a full sentence.

Meanwhile, Angelo's hair is growing like wild fire! He gets his curls from me (possible the only physical trait he has from me) but his locks are silky smooth. As for length, his his is already down his back but you couldn't tell that from his 'fro. Now that he's a bit older, I've been experimenting with different types of baby shampoos, to date the ones that have given good results are Toffee Apple 2 in 1 Shampoo by Naked Bodycare and Green People Organic Chamomile Babywash and Shampoo.

Sundays is our wash day, Angelo’s and mine. He’s in the morning and I’m in the evening. For Angelo, every other week I saturate his hair in homemade coconut oil I brought back from Trinidad, for about 10 mins before washing to prevent stripping too much of his hairs’ natural oils. I then wet lather and massage his head and hair, rinse and towel dry. Due to the length and silkiness of his hair it takes a while to dry so I towel dry best as I can then I curl his hair. On the occasion when I don’t pre-poo (*pre-pooing is simply a pre-shampoo treatment), I put the coconut oil (a non-fragrant one my mate Chelsea gave me) or sweet almond oil before styling into curls. The curling of his hair is another contentious issue in The Tumolo household. As a compromise he does not go out in public with his curls. Once his hair is dry I unpick his curls.

During the week brush his hair to detangle and leave it to fall where it may. I’ve tried braiding but it’s too silky. Once his hand goes to his hair, out comes the plait. At bath time, I’ll pull it into a pony. I wouldn’t dare let him go out with it like that either, another compromise. So he’d better start saying more than ‘Dada’, ‘No’ and ‘Hello’, soon as I aim to give him his first cut in the Spring!

Project 52- 6/52

2012-02-05T01:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend is meant to be the start of me and my family's flat move. As the saying goes man plans and God unplans. Unfortunately for us Ole Jack Frost has decided to may us a visit.

R2BC week 5

2012-02-02T12:31:00.001-08:00

Now really, where did the week go?! I've had several nights of crap sleep as we are having more hours co-sleeping per night. Its not fun waking with an achy neck and back. Added to that I've had a few nights of the blues. I'm due to meet with my health visitor next week. I'm a bit nervous so wish me luck that its a productive session. Yet still, I my cheerful because:

1. The estate agent has confirmed that all the old stuff left by the previous tenants of your new home has been moved AND the flat has been cleaned.

2. We collect the keys and sign our new tenancy agreement tomorrow. Now onto a new chapter in our family life.

3. I enjoyed the early mornings and late afternoon cuddles that Angelo and I have been having while watching Cbeebies (well I watch and he relaxes). He's not much into tele but I can tell he's developing an appreciation for Baby Jake. I think he likes the idea of baby having his own adventures. This afternoon we watched it together snacking on popcorn. I enjoy the moments when he's calm and relaxed.

4. I found the cute door stop today in one of the shops on my local high street. Its almost makes up for the disappointment of losing out on a sign with a similar message I fell in luv with at my local TK Maxx last week.

What's made you cheerful this week? If you think you haven't had anything to be cheerful about read a few blog posts from below and stop by visit Michelle at Mummy From the Heart.

Have a great weekend!

Bathroom fit for a kid

2012-01-31T14:34:00.000-08:00

I’ve been busy searching for bits and pieces to make the new flat feel like our home. I’m not getting carried away buying loads of stuff. I feel you need to live in a space for a bit to know how it’ll work best for you. However, I’ve been purchasing a few accents that will be a maker of how I want our home to be. It never crossed my mind to make our bathroom child-friendly.

Until now, the main room of focus has been Angelo’s bedroom, but thanks to The Real Supermum I’ve included the bathroom into the equation. I want our bathroom to be child-friendly. To me a child-friendly bathroom would be another space where your child will be happy to be. Angelo is not much into toys in or out of the bathroom. He does notice his surroundings and shows his appreciation for what he likes. I’ve decided to add bits to our bathroom that should catch his eyes.

Funnily enough, while thinking about what I wanted in our bathroom I bought a lime green bathmat and hand towel. Later that day while trawling through Pinterest and Apartment Therapy I came across a feature on SAHM I AM. She’d done a post on the redecoration of her kid’s bathroom back in 2010. It looked fab! I knew straight away, how I wanted to proceed with our bathroom set-up. Today I bought a few pieces to set the theme in my head, not much but it'll do for now.

Bath curtain, bath sign and light pull

Once we’re settled in I’ll post with a ‘big reveal’.

Charity Shop Crawl

2012-01-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my Pinterest addiction my head is buzzing with ideas for our new home, most of which we can't afford... sigh... Fortunately I have creative friends (Chelsea Art Designs and Man In a Bottle) so in a bid make Angelo's room cheery liveable space, they'll each give me a piece for his room. That said, there are things I'd like for his room but money is a limited. Thank heavens for the charity shops!

Today was a lovely day for a walkabout. I popped into a few of my local charity shops. See the treasure I've found!

Measuring Chart with alphabet

Abacus, book ends & bowling game

Angelo is still too young for Dominoes, but when I saw the game I thought of my mom. She loves a good game of Dominoes in the evening. In honour of my mom, I've got her grandson a game so when he does meet her they can have a game together.

Domino game

R2BC week 4

2012-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Since becoming a SAHM, I've found that I'm getting busier and busier. However, I'm enjoying finding new ways to entertain Angelo. Recently I was saying I could be a children's entertainer by the time he grows. As a mother you gain so many life different life skills its unreal!

My reasons to be cheerful this week are:

1. I’ve discovered and now use Pinterest for home and play ideas

2. Thanks to MumpreneurUK I’ve increased my twitter following by 35 new member and I’ve discovered some really cool blogs

3. Looking forward to making new flat a home

4. I pleased that I've been able to maintain taking a few short minutes to myself during the day.

5. Pleased that I’m finding ways to manage my attitude (frustration) enjoy my son even his challenging moods

6. Happy there are really positive supportive bloggers other there who make up the online sisterhood.

7. I’ve found local childrens’ centre that I can call ‘home’ for Angelo and I

8. I’m happy that I’m having more 'better' days.

Project 52- 5/52

2012-01-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to teach Angelo colours one at a time during messy play. Earlier this week we had a blue session which ended with blueberries as a treat!

I'm pretty much making it up as I go along. Once we relocate, we'll have a bit more space for a nice little set-up. He play and explore!

Strength and Sisterhood

2012-01-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

Image from BritMums

On 16th Jan BritMums posted their weekly personal/blogging prompts. I've only just caught on to this, I hope it's ok to join in at this late stage. 'Sisterhood…how can we celebrate sisterhood in the blogging community'. Below, I'll share my experience of blogging to date and the how the online sisterhood came through for me.

As I've said in one of my earliest posts, I've always been encouraged by a few friends to start a blog but I never thought I had anything to share. Fourteen months ago motherhood changed my life to something unimaginable some good some not so good. And being an expat with no blood ties in the United Kingdom, I needed to VENT! One day a couple of dear mates of mine came to visit Angelo and I. They had never met before but they really clicked. The next thing I knew Chelsea Art Designs took the time and showed 7DreamWriter how to create a blog step by step in my living room! I was thrilled they connected on that level and I was inspired. The next day Tiger Tales was born!

The last few months have been amazing. I've seen mommy bloggers post technical tips for others to follow. Too many to call to mind. However recently when I needed to create a watermark for my photos, I sent an email to Candice of Where Nothing Good Comes Easy, and she sent me an in depth step by step email on how it could be done. I really appreciated that. I felt really supported.

Closer to home, Chelsea and I have decided to eek out some time out of our kids play-date time to tutor each other weekly on any new tech tips we've learnt to improve our blogs. Its amazing what you can achieve in 15 mins. I'm now hooked on Pinterest, posting in colour font AND she's got members now following by email! Our next session may happen via Skype but hey! we're committed to becoming better bloggers.

What's been your experience as a mommy blogger? How as the online sisterhood improved you as a blogger and as an individual? Do share you story with us.

Messiest Kid Competition

2012-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

Here's my pic of Angelo beginning messy trying to feed himself Petit Filous. It's his favourite yoghurt.

Here is my entry to the Appliances Online messiest kid competition at Mother’s Always Right.

Enter The Dragon…

2012-01-23T07:31:00.000-08:00

topmarks.co.uk via Pinterest

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year! If you didn’t, it’s Chinese New Year today. I celebrated with my in-laws on Saturday. We had some really nice grub. As usual Angelo was at the centre of the festivities. He had a great time. However this post is in honour of the child I hope to have by the end of the year.

After several trips to soft play areas and children’s centres recently, hubby and I have come to accept that Angelo needs a sibling. I’m not getting any younger, so sooner rather than later makes the most sense. Ever the project planner, I thought better 2012 Year of the Dragon than 2013 Year of the Snake to have baby #2. It is said that characteristics of a Dragon are:

Innovative
Enterprising
Flexible
Self-assured
Brave
Passionate
Conceited
Tactless
Scrutinizing
Unanticipated
Quick-tempered

Glancing at various sites online last night, I came across an article on CBC News that stated "… they combined totems of many powerful animals into one that flies like the fiery bird, the phoenix. It's quite a mixed basket. It incorporates the most powerful things of all kinds of creatures into one. That's why people love it, because if you're a dragon, you're everything." As I’m hoping for a girl this year would be great. I want her to be confident and strong. She’d have to be to keep up with her brother.

Apparently Dragons and Tigers are rivals. Maybe I should brace myself for ‘lively’ sibling rivalry. However I live in the hope that hubby and I will teach our kids to love and look out for each other. We want them to be them to be a tight little unit. If I don’t have a girl well that’s ok too. Then, Angelo will have an excellent sparring partner!

I realise that things don’t always go to plan. God has his plan for our lives and as time goes by He realises the relevant blue-print, but I do believe preparation is key.

Wish us luck AND

stay tuned…

* My post title is a homage to Bruce Lee's movie by the same name.

Bedroom Inspiration...

2012-01-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

Ok ok, its not what you maybe thinking. Hehehehe! If you have been following me, you'll know by now that my family and I are about to move flat in a few weeks. Thanks to Pinterest and my good mate Chelsea Art Designs (who told me about it) I'm buzzing with excitement to get our new home set-up. Earlier this week I bought a few knick knacks that caught my eye.

However, as Angelo will now have his own room AND he needs to be sleep trained, setting up his room is my main focus. We want it to be a space he's happy to be in. So! I've been trawling Pinterest for inspiration. Here are a few images that I've found that TRULY inspire me.

bystephanielynn.com

younghouselove.com

designsponge.com

createanddelegate.blogspot.c

bystephanielynn.com

Have you moved house recently with young children? What did you do to make them settle into their room? Any ideas on how to make Angelo's room a toddler-boy -riendly living space? Do share you thoughts. I'm I love receiving comments.

Project 52- 4/52

2012-01-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

This project is brilliant! It really makes you think about what you want to capture within the frame of your lens. I love taking photos but I have lots to learn and this project will certainly give me practice. I've got a Panasonic Lumix FS7 digital camera that I'm still learning to use, as I never read had the chance to read the manual.

This week, I experimented with bubbles. I wanted to see Angelo's response to this new sensory experience. He loved it and it was a great way to spend a few minutes without over stimulating him. However, but he wand the bubble were to quick for me.

R2BC week 3

2012-01-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

OMG! This week has been very busy but fun. Angelo and I are still 'tasting' different activities to find the right fit. And thankfully the paperwork has come through us to rent the new flat, granted we've not signed on the dotted line yet but I'm pretty confident its smooth sailing from here. So this week I'm cheerful because:

1. I'm finally submitting to the process of motherhood. It must seem crazy that after all this time I've now come to this juncture, but SUBMISSION not my favourite word in the dictionary. Yes, I wanted to be a mom but I didn't realise it would be so challenging so soon. For a long time I've been beating myself up thinking I was doing something wrong, but I think the only thing I did 'wrong' was to not accept and deal with the my sons strong personality. I've found by changing my perspective I'm better able to control my handling of certain situations.

2. As I said earlier everything's going through for us to rent the new flat. So I'm getting really excited! Today I treated myself to a few small knick knacks. I'll pack them soon to keep them safe.

Candles, Jewellery holders & Ornaments

Hat Box

3. Now that we'll have more space, my family can come and visit us.

4. Angelo had his second play date with Erin, daughter of Chelsea Art Designs this week. It was a manic tiring day but we all had a great time. When the kids had their naps we ceased the opportunity to share technical blogging tips. We are both a bit behind the times and we're trying to catch up. Its agreed in future, while the kids enjoy their play-date we'll have an admin-date.

Don't forget to pop over to Mummy From the Heart, she hosts Reason To Be Cheerful. As its the first anniversary of R2BC she's also running a competition. Go on check it out!

Power cardio on a budget: Toddlercise

2012-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

The next BritMums blog carnival will be hosted by C. Bailey of Frugal Family. Pop over to her blog, see what's happening at the carnival on17th January 2012. As for me, I'd been thinking for sometime about my topic. I was at a loss. However, as always my son inspires me and as many of us are trying to save money and get fit in 2012. I thought I'd share how I'm trying to kit this year.

For a long time I was disgruntle that along with everything I had to give up on becoming a mom. My gym membership had to go as well. Now, I've been trying to keep fit since my mid-teens and got my first gym membership in my twenties. So saying good bye was like losing a good and trusted friend. However, as hubby was required to be away from home for longer periods of time, I had to surrender my membership. Little did I know that mothering a toddler boy would be a work-out in itself!

Angelo seems to have no notion of how to slow down, even when he’s tired. Recently, in desperation I took him out the park to kick around a football. He thoroughly enjoyed it, so did I. That’s how the idea for my new exercise regime began to take shape. We go to the park at least twice per week kick the ball around for about 15 mins. When he’s tired I lift him. Angelo is 25lbs so why not use him as weights?! A few tosses in the air works my biceps. DONE! And he’s full of glee.

I’ve also made the commitment to visit the soft play area in Sutton Arena, once per week for an hour. There is a cost its manageable. At The Arena, we can jump around in the bouncy castle. I reckon that it must be good for toning the abs, thighs and gluts. If he’s not in the bouncy castle chances are he’ll be where he shouldn’t be. So to avoid a public tantrum, he gets a few tosses in the air as I remove him from harm’s way. He’s happy smiley and I’ll have worked my biceps again! DONE!

I also walk a fair bit. We live 10 minutes from our town centre (walking it’s about 15mins one way). As Angelo hates being stationary in his buggy and as I’m now a SAHM on a budget, we walk most places in our area. Well, I power walk usually 30mins (not counting walking around the town shopping/window shopping). Granted I usually arrive most places hot and bothered, I do feel energised. Sometimes I even take him in a baby-carrier, 25lbs on my back walking up hill then returning home downhill WITH shopping! Hey! That’s almost like military training right there! (See my post on baby-wearing ) 30 minutes workout DONE!

Lastly and the MOST fun of all is the 5 mins power cardio I get when Angelo is in the throes of a tantrum. I know the dreaded ‘terrible two’s’ should start at 2, but my son has decided to start his months in advance. I’m told because he started so soon, it’ll pass quickly, but I find every day is a challenge to keep calm and sane. Enter the music channel. I’m not a neglectful mom, not by any stretch of the imagination if I do say so myself. I love my son but I will not let him rule me. So once he starts his tantrum, which can happen at any point in the day for any random reason, I switch to the music channel and jump around to a of couple pop songs. Before I know it, he’s stopped wriggling like an earthworm in the sun and has joined me to dance! It’s a win win situation for both of us.

So, you know what?! I don’t need the gym as much I’d thought. By the end of the week, I'll have worked out for at least 3hrs. I have lots of quality time with my son while keep fit and saving money! Toddlercise is the way to go!

Getting Crafty with Cravendale

2012-01-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

Image from taken from BritMums Blog

My son Angelo isn’t really into toys or kids television programmes. I’ve tried introducing age appropriate learning videos but he’s so full of energy he doesn’t want to sit and watch a square box. However, he loves one to one interaction. With Angelo in mind, I jumped at the opportunity do the craft activity offered by Cravendale and The Muppets that BrtiMums was promoting.

I'd decided recently to teach Angelo colours using one colour per messy play session of about15 mins. Today our colour is green, as we received Kermit The Frog Muppet stickers for the Carvendale craft activity. We had to use the stickers to turn an old Cravendale milk bottle into Kermit.

As Angelo is only 14 months old, I assembled the pieces onto the bottle for him. Kermit was the focal point for our ‘green day'’ session which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Craft with Kermit the Frog

Trying to stencil a green rectangle

Thank you BritMums and Cravendale!

This is not a sponsored post but for we will automatically be entered for a chance to win one year's supply of milk from Cravendale.

Project 52- 3/52

2012-01-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

I've decided to join in on Project 52 which is the brainchild of Lucy of Dear Beautiful Boy, for her project the images will be featured on One Beautiful Year. I'll link my images to the Love All Blogs Community weekly.

In 2011 I had been taking photos of Angelo on a near weekly basis. They can be seen on my page Pic of the Week, however Project 52 gives me an opportunity to be a part of a group to share my images more widely.

I've missed the first two weeks of January so my first instalment is this week, week #3. The image was taken on Wednesday morning when I was en route to Sutton Arena with Angelo.

R2BC week 2

2012-01-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

Wow this has been a bumper week: tears, tantrums and throwing. Angelo is exhibiting signs of early terrible two's. I'm at my wits end trying to find a way to deal with it but there has been lots of humor and laughs through it all. This week I'm cheerful becasue:

1. Hubby and I have found a flat to rent that can accomodate us and Baby #2 (when he/she comes into being). Its is a fixer-upper but I really like it. Fingers crossed the paperwork goes through and we sign on the dotted line.

2. Despite Angelo's tantrums he's made me laugh so much this week. I love it when he blows raspberries on my tummy or does a little dance and stops to see if I'm watching then ups the moves. He now stomps to music and does a little head shake, its soooooooo adorable!

3. Angelo had a play-date with Erin daughter to his godmother Chelsea. They are one year and some months apart, he's almost her size but she still sees him as a baby. Its lovely to see her try to feed him and stroke his hair when he got upset. Just goes to show women are naturally nurturing from young.

4. Finally found venue for Angelo and I to visit for his play - time, Sutton Arena. Bouncy castles are brilliant! Good for a power cardio session.

5. I've finally been able to take the advice of MamaBabyBliss and Chelsea Art Designs I've taken 10 mins to myself a couple days this week. It does make a difference! All I need to work out is how to get a good nights sleep and all will be well with the world.

Child's Play

2012-01-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Mothering Angelo is making me rethink the type of mother I want and need to be for him. I feel he’s constantly challenging me to be better. I have to be sharp to stay ahead of him. He’s a quick learner. He loves one to one attention (not toys) so for the moment, I’m his mom/playmate.

‘Playing’ has never been something I particularly enjoyed as a child. I’m not sure why but I have memories of sitting watching other kids play. I wasn’t friendless; I just couldn’t see the point of it. Admittedly I was a morose. As I grew older, I lightened up a bit and did play a bit but never as much at other kids. Now that I’m a mom, I have a son who’s not into toys or solo-playing. He loves kicking a ball around, wrestling, climbing and such which I must admit is tiring but loads of fun. It’s an excellent way to burn calories and keep fit. Toddlercise!

During play time I can see clever how clever he is. His ability to problem solve is mind-blowing. He’s also very inquisitive. For example, yesterday, I took him to Sutton Arena for soft play. All the kids were either on the bouncy castle or playing with the balls and such. Angelo decides to walk behind the bouncy castle to see what’s happening there, and then he proceeds to try to climb the danger barrier to get at the plugs and pump. WHY??? When I blocked his path he went to the other end of the court lifted the curtain to get to the adults playing badminton, as I’d blocked that path with our pushchair! WHY??? I had to lift him and put him back into the bouncy castle and bump around with him. We had such a laugh.

I’m totally sold on Sutton Arena’s soft play area. He can be himself. He can tumble, bounce, climb and just have fun. We have tried children’s centres and while I will take him from time to time, it’s bit restrictive for him. He’s very much like a bull in a China shop. The other kids go the other way and mothers look concerned for their younger ones. So instead of taking the fast track to being social pariahs, I think The Arena is the place for him as the other kids are his kindred spirits. And I'm finally learning how to ‘play’.

Mummy Matters Week 2012: brought to us by Sudocream

2012-01-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

Image from http://bloggermatch.wordpress.com

2012 dawned and I found myself with a toddler who's demonstrating early signs of the dreaded 'terrible two's'. I'm at my wits end to find the right way to deal with his tantrums and hitting. So I'm not feeling like my usual fabulous-self. Some days I don't know me any more. If like me your striving regain control of certain aspects of your life hop, skip, JUMP over to http://www.facebook.com/Sudocrem.

Between Monday 9^th & Friday 13^th January 2012, a team of the UK’s leading lifestyle experts will be sharing need to know advice on a range of subjects as well as answering direct questions from the Sudocrem Facebook community.

Each day will host a different expert (as outlined below), who will share around 20 key pieces of advice and answering questions on their subject throughout their allotted day.

Sudocrem would love for all Mums to join the Sudocrem Facebook community (www.facebook.com/Sudocrem) and get involved by asking questions directly to the experts.

Monday 9^th January 2012 - Jennifer Liston-Smith (Executive & Maternity Coach)
Tuesday 10^th January 2012 - Claire Wylde (Dietician)
Wednesday 11^th January 2012 - Jo Barnard (Careers Advisor)
Thursday 12^th January 2012 - Wendy Powell (Pre & Post Natal Fitness Expert)
Friday 13^th January 2012 - Beth Goodrham (Personal Stylist)

nappy rash

The Highs and Lows of 2011

2012-01-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Red Nose Mummy into this meme (i.e. an Internet meme is an idea that is propagated through the World Wide Web*) which asks you to share your highs and lows of 2011. I think it’s a brilliant idea, for a quick reflection. Although l must admit, last year was mostly a blur for me, being a first time mother. Naturally some of my year highlights will feature my darling son.

1. What was your happiest event?

My son Angelo was christened in July 2011 and my lil sister who was able to visit us for a few weeks was in attendance. It was wonderful as she’s the first member of my family to meet Angelo in person.

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

I can’t think of a response for this question.

3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that actually went ahead and did?

I can’t think of anything for this question.

4. Who let you down?

Friend I’ve had for quite a few years.

5. Who supported you?
My husband. Usually hubby feels that when I’m upset he must somehow rectify the wrong and I’ve tried over the years to make him understand that he can’t make everything right and that all I need most times is just an unjudgmental caring listener. On this occasion he tried his best to just listen and give me cuddles and I was happy and grateful for that.

6. Tell us something you learned.
I still have some way to go with being more assertive. Sometimes in trying not to cause any ‘drama’ or come off as being difficult I don’t make my feelings and desires known.

7. Tell us one thing that made you laugh.
When my son blew raspberries on my his dad for the first time. How did he figure out how to do it? Maybe it was an accident at first but when he realised how much it made us laugh he carried on until all three of us we laughing loudly.

8. Tell us one thing that made you cry.
To be honest, almost anything made me cry last year. Since becoming a mom even the news makes me cry, it doesn’t take much to set me off.

9. Tell us three things your child did to make you proud.
Last year my son was still quite little and learning his about the world around him. However, what stood out was:

I’m sure it’s a healthy safety matter but I was proud that he had the courage to climb out of his cot on the first go! (Thankfully, his dad was in the bedroom at the time)
He started full time day care in the summer and settled in quite nicely, not tears.
In as an extension of the above he’s very sociable much more than his dad and I. Where ever we go he finds some was engage with people and babbles on in his baby speech.

10. Tell us one thing that made you proud of yourself.

Keeping my son alive. It may seem a bit dramatic but when you’re the main carer for someone so small and it seems that everywhere there is some sort of danger lurking, or so it felt for me. I pleased that we make it through the year unscathed and he's healthy and happy.

11. Tell us one challenge you overcame.

For the first few months after Angelo’s birth I was afraid to go out with him on my own. Roughly when he was about three months, I managed to control my anxiety to catch a bus to meet another mom from my ole antenatal class for tea.

12. Is there anything you would like to change about your life in 2012.

I’d like to feel as though, I’ve regained some level of control and confidence in my life.

So who to tag?

Chelsea Art Designs

View From The Lounge Window

i Heart Motherhood

Circus Mums

· *Definition taken from Wikipedia

R2BC week 1

2012-01-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

Its a new year and I'm making the commitment to finding a Reason To Be Cheerful ever week. For the first week of 2012, I'm cheerful because:

1. I've found a few venues and activities for Angelo and I to enjoy.

2. I've discovered that my Angelo loves the outdoors as much as me, so we've been to our park twice this week. The bonus was he slept well in the day after his play time.

3. I've been able to nap in the day with Angelo as I've been just as tired as him after our outings. When I'm rested I a bit better and coping with day to day tasks.

4. Its a new year and notion of a fresh start inspires me to meet my resolutions.

5. I started R2BC much later than many bloggers who take part in the blog hop last year, however, I've made acquaintance with some truly nice women via R2BC, they have spurred me on in the weeks I was not at my best.

This year is the first anniversary of Reasons To Be Cheerful! Michelle of Mummy From The Heart has been running the blog hop and to commemorate the first anniversary she is having a grand anniversary giveaway. Pop by her blog and show her some love and if you've never taken part in R2BC, why not join today!

Resolutions For 2012

2012-01-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

Its four days into the New Year and I've finally committed to some resolutions. I'm usually pretty good at sticking to my resolutions but this year my list is quite extensive, wish me luck.

Personal:

Continue to work on being more assertive
Continue to work on being more confident
Lose about 5-6lbs
Work on being stronger for my family

Family:

Work on having baby #2
Start potty training Angelo by April
Finding more activities for Angelo and I to do together in our community
Resume cooking for my family

Blog/Twitter:

Increase my twitter following to at least 350 by start Dec 2012
Increase my blog followers to at least 200 by start Dec 2012
Actively seek opportunities to write reviews and sponsored posts
Learning current software programmes that can improve the look and feel of my blog

Toddler Fashion Faux Pas

2012-01-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

Now that I’m a SAHM, I’ve resume taking Angelo our local children’s library for story time. He’s a toddler now, so I opted to take him to the toddler session rather than the Baby Book Crawl we were used to. I have to say my experience was very off-putting. The moms are so different, perhaps its tiredness or not really wanting to be there but they all seemed cold and distant. Granted I’m a bit of a wall-flower, but I my smiled said ‘Hello’. No takers. Angelo went up to a few kids and their moms, ever the eager beaver but no one really wanted to engage. I was a bit blue from my experience, at that Toddle Along active story-time.

Then, just before leaving Angelo approached a little boy roughly his age, to kiss him (he’s VERY indiscriminate with his kisses at the moment). As I gently ushered him away from the boy, I heard the boy’s grandmother reading Angelo’s bib which had written ‘Beware I’m Teething’. She repeated it a couple times in a questioning tone. Suddenly, it occurred to me did the other moms think my son with bite their child?! Oh no?! I didn’t even think that deeply when I grabbed the bloody bib this morning! I only wondered ‘Would anyone notice it’s from Halloween’? I have tones of washing and today it was a choice of ‘I Luv Santa’ or ‘Beware I’m Teething’ so I opted for the later as it matched his outfit. Boy did I get it wrong!

Today's song pick for Angelo

2012-01-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hubby must be going through and early mid-life crisis but he insists that Angelo must be a Rocky aficionado like us. He has been subjecting the poor child to an unending diet of Rocky theme songs. Aparently Angelo has got to learn that life is tough, and clearly Rocky is the teaching tool.

Naturally, Angelo carries on doing his own thing in the living room or looks at his parents with marked concern should hubby an I decided to dance along to the songs ( could help it the songs are catchy). The most popular track at the moment is There's No Easy Way Out.

#Silent Sunday

2012-01-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

A game of hot potato

2011-12-30T08:10:00.000-08:00

Setting Angelo sleep it like a game of hot potatoes. He hasn’t been sleep trained yet because I didn’t know I’d have to do that. Sleep is natural isn’t it? Every night has an element stress. If hubby is at home he starts to calm him down by walking and patting him. I make his formula, set his music (Mozart for mothers-to- be or Celtic baby music) and switch off the in our bedroom. Once I’ve completed my tasks I take Angelo, who by this time is usually half asleep, into the bedroom and hold him while he feeds. All the while, I’m praying he’ll fall deeply into sleep by the time he’s ended his feed.

Angelo usually goes to sleep between 7.30 – 8.00pm. However, he still wakes during the night most times I have to walk him around for 15mins to 1 hour or longer on a ‘bad night’. During this time, I’m willing my heart to stop beating too fast from anxiety and willing him to return to sleep. As his head usually rests on my chest near my heart, some nights I find myself singing ‘one potato two pototao three potato more….’ By taking my mind off of getting him back to sleep I’m a little less anxious. If I’m too shattered to worry about the ‘dangers’ of co-sleeping I put him onto bed with hubby and me. He loves snuggling up to me. Every time I turn he turns with me! Sometimes he practically climbs onto my back, thereby preventing me from turning or moving any further.

Fingers crossed that my family and I will be able to move sooner rather than later in 2012. It’s time to get Angelo settled into his own room and sleep trained, whatever that means. I am aware as he’s older it’ll take a longer time to ‘train’ him. I pray it will not be another year of sleep deprivation. I don’t think I can handle it the torture any more.

R2BC week 13

2011-12-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

What a year its been! And its almost over... phew... Although I readily admit I've had several blessings along the way. This week, I'm cheerful for and in no particular order:

1. Christmas and its excesses are over, thank heavens

2. I'm grateful that my son has turned 13 mths and is healthy, loving, clever, and strong.

3. I've been blessed with good friends and happy to be making new acquaintances as a blogger, every day.

4. I've been blessed with a hard-working and loving husband

5. As hubby is home for the holiday, I've been able to grab few 'extra' hours sleep in the morning I'm very grateful for that!

6. While I have to lose some 'baby' weight, I'm pleased its not too much for me to manage.

7. I'm thrilled I've been able to maintain my natural hair. I've been happily natural for 1 yr and 10 months!

circa March 2010

Dec 2011

F.I.T in 2012 with Davina for Next range

2011-12-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

As a wife and mother Davina gets it. She knows what women want and what works because her concerns are the same as ours. So when she gives her name to something you know it’s got to be good. In collaboration with Next, Davina McCall has brought out a shoe and fitness collection. The New Year is pretty much upon us and one popular resolution is getting fit and losing weight, this is my intention. It's time to shift the 'baby weight' and I’m certain Davina’s range will be just the ticket set me on the right path.

About seven years ago, in my pre-baby days, when I’d gained a few pounds too many, I used Davina: Power of 3 DVD at home, within days I could see and feel the benefits. Now that I have a toddler, there is no time for attending gym sessions or working out in my living room. I don't have any family in this country and hubby, toddler and I live in a one bed flat, space is limited. In order to get fit again, I will need to integrate a routine into my everyday activities. Hence, my interest in the Davina for Next range.

As there is little time or purpose in being too ‘filly’ with my attire when I'm with my son, I opt for a sporty style of dress most time. I love the colours and cut of the clothing in the Davina for Next range. They are fun, flattering and give support in all the right places while allowing the wearer to have full range of movement. Many of the items can be mixed and matched, which ensures maximum use and value for money. I adore the the charcoal cowl next top and blue cropped joggers.

The blue cropped joggers could also be teamed with the Lime gradient print cropped top and the Grey long line zip hoody. A hoody is a staple piece for many sporty/active people and the grey hoody in the range can be teamed with many items in the collection.

Additionally, I've resumed ‘wearing’ my toddler during the day. When we go for walks, do light shopping or basic home chores, I put him in a baby-carrier. While both my son and I enjoy being in such close contact as we go about our day, there are times when it’s a bit tough on my back. So, I must say I’m quite found of the trainers in Davina for Next the range, as it uses ‘F.I.T technology to reduce load-bearing stress on joints and provide additional support.’ Here again! The colours are trendy and vibrant, just looking at them you feel that ‘get up and go’!

In terms of pricing, the range is on par with other good sport clothing ranges. The trainers retail at £45 and pumps start at £28. There is Charcoal cuffed jogger that costs £25 and the cowl neck top which can take you from the shops to the gym retail at £22.

I’m sure this range will be quite popular. So, if you will be joining the weight loss bandwagon for 2012 like me or just looking for new gym gear, take a look at the Davina's F.I.T collection with Next.

Happy New Year!

* This is not a sponsored post. Images and press release were supplied by the Next Blogger Network.

#Silent Sunday

2011-12-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

All I want for Christmas….

2011-12-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

Thankfully, Angelo is still too young to pass me a catalogue with certain pages marked-off for his Christmas wish list. I couldn’t decide what to get him as he been receiving toys as gifts and I usually get him bits and pieces when we are out and about together. So, although its not an orginal idea I opted to purchase him a few items to extend his wardrobe. He’s growing like wild fire! Then came the decision on what to buy. Amongst other things I settled on the *Grey Trapper Hat, which retails for £7.

As much as I love hats, Angelo hates them. From birth I’ve tried several styles of hats, all he pretty much dragged off within seconds when he learnt how to do so. Granted we’ve not had any snow for winter… so far, the days have been very chilly. I've had to resort to putting on hats then then pulling a hoodie over it to get him to keep his hat on a bit longer than usual. Imagine how thrilled I was to discover the Trapper Hat that fastens under the chin with strong Velcro!

Today, I themed the Trapper Hat with a *vintage GRD 9023-KL jumper in brown with grey stripes and a grey cardigan (from another retailer). AND you know what the hat went on a stayed on with no fuss. Angelo was very comfortable with his hat. The materials used are cotton, polyester and acrylic, the stitching is good and strong and as I bought a size 2-3 years so he'll have
it for quite some time. I think we are certainly on to a winner!

All set for Xmas day outing

Off to grandmother's house

*This is not a sponsored post. I purchased all items. However as a member of the Next Blogger Network, I’m posting on items that satisfied my son and I.

Seasons' Greetings

2011-12-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Our 2011 Christmas theme is Rudolph the Red Noise Reindeer

To all my followers, thank you for you membership and kindness over the past months. This blog and your supportive suggestions have helped me through some rough days. I'm working on being better for 2012. I want to be a better mom, wife, daughter, friend, blogger and all the other caps I wear.

I wish you and your family all the best the season has to offer. I hope you have a fabulous 2012. And do pop in from time to time to see what my tiger and I are up to.

May God richly bless you all.

M

R2BC week 12

2011-12-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

This week as has been a series of ups and downs. It started rough with me being very tired, sleep deprived and blue. However, God is good and I've had some happy moments too.

I'm cheerful this week because:

1. I received a Christmas postcard from a student at my ole job. It was no different from any other Christmas card no special wording, but its nice to be thought of and remembered.

2. I had a brilliant day out with Angelo visiting my friend his godmother Chelsea Art Designs. I was pretty low and needed support and a good pep talk, the added bonus was that Angelo had a play date with her daughter, but he clearly took the word 'date' literally because he was passing out kisses and hugs liberally.

Angelo @ Chelsea's

3. I'm now the proud temporary owner of a bigger baby carrier, so I can get stuff done without Angelo hanging onto my trouser leg at every step. See my post on Wearing My Baby

4. I bought some paints, paper and crayons for Angelo and I to begin messy play. He loves to demolish and chuck things around, so I thought I might be good for us to have some 'controlled' chaos. We had a good time but it was brief this willingness to stay put for long periods of time is none existent at the moment, also I realised must be more organised in future. As he got lost patience with me dashing to get items I forgot to bring to our play area.

Make-shift palette

Angelo's handy work with a lil help from me

5. Oh! How could I forget... I my hubby got me Heston's Black Forest Buche!!!! For Christmas pudding. He went to a few branches of Waitrose before getting a lucky strike.

6. And last but not least, I got a cool pressie from Chelsea Art Design, all handmade by her! I had to open it.

Wearing my baby

2011-12-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

I love wearing my baby! Sure its tiring. However, the combination of sciatic pain and strained muscles in my upper thigh/hip area (dunno what it's called) was a big incentive reduce lifting him into my arms. Also, I told myself think of the killer legs and bum as an added bonus. He can walk and he's happy to do so, but there are times when he gets clingy for whatever reason... not rested enough, grumpy, just testing me whatever. So yesterday at my wits end, I braved a 1 1/2 hours commute with Angelo to visit dear friend, Chelsea Art Designs (who's also Angelo's godmother) and she lent me this knapsack thingamajig to carry him in.

Ready for road-testing

I've got an Ergobaby baby carrier that I adore, which has three positions: front, side and back baby carrying. Angelo is at an age to be carried on my back but he's a restless lil critter. I struggle to get him in on my own. With the baby carrier I borrowed from my mate, I only need put him inand strap him up like a in a buggy then buckle around my hip and chest. He took to the baby-carrier like a duck to water, then again, why wouldn't?! He could see the world at my level. He did get a bit cranky at first when I put him into it. He hates being confined and restricted, he gets that from me. However, once I stood-up him and he noticed all that he could see, he started giggling.

Thankfully, while being worn, Angelo didn't not pull or eat my hair, as I had feared. He loves tug and chew on my curls ... today he went for my silver hoop earrings instead!

Prayers, patience, positivity…

2011-12-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

… sometimes it’s just not that easy. There I moments when I think things will be OK, usually that’s after a fairly OK night’s sleep. Most days I feel like lying in a darkened room with cool flannel on my forehead. Most days, I find myself wondering ‘where did it or I go wrong?’ . I'm mindful that there are many women who would like to have kids but can’t for one reason or the other. I'm mindful that that that there are many mothers who have children with terrible ailments. I mindful that I've read posts by other mothers having a challenging time and I've tried to give words of encouragement. It’s not double standards and I'm not ungrateful for my blessings but I find being motherhood difficult.

Last week, Angelo was still at nursery and while I was busy with household chores but I managed to rest. When he came home I felt I could cope with anything he ‘threw’ at me. Today is only Monday! We’ve had only one day together and already, I’m worn out. The days ahead seem long, hard and lonely. Inside I feel this big black hole of sorrow, fear and panic.

My tiping point was on receiving a card from a student from my old job. A simple Xmas card made me cry…

I ask myself ‘why did the card make me cry?’ Truthfully, I’m not sure but I guess the gesture showed me that I matter even though I don’t always feel that way.

#Silent Sunday

2011-12-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

Motherhood: the fast-track to social demotion

2011-12-17T03:11:00.000-08:00

I'm aware that many blog post at this time is very seasonal, as Christmas is fast approaching. However, as I've very recently transitioned into a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM), I thought it would be timely for to repost a piece I did for a guest post for Be Your Best Mom some months ago. The content maybe be sensational for some, but that's how I felt at the time. 2012 will be better for me and my family.

The piece is below:

Since becoming a mom, my social life has taken a nose dive. I’m not saying that I was socialite, not by any stretch of the imagination. However, I’d like to think that I got around socially a fair bit, even while pregnant (although much slower). Now I’m finding that invites have dried up. Truthfully, not many events that interest me are child-friendly.

The implications of a dried up social calendar didn’t dawn on me until I began reading We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver- why am I reading it, that’s another story- The protagonist Eva Khatchadourian puts it best, when she says that motherhood leads to social demotion. It’s almost as though when you become a mom you are no longer expected to be ‘cool’. People seem to think that to invite a mom means to being subjected to never ending stores about the baby followed by loads of photos capturing baby’s latest milestone. Honesty, I’ve never been one for large gatherings and while I’m never bored being with my son, let it be known that it would be nice to have other things on my social calendar apart from trips to the local children’s centre. Conversations need not begin with ‘How’s the baby? Is he a good baby?’ I am capable of having an opinion about matters outside of ‘guess that the baby did today?’ I am clued-up somewhat on current events and fashion. I read.

Returning to work doesn’t always help with the self-esteem either. It’s easy to insinuate that it must employee who recently returned to work from maternity leave who made error. It must be ‘baby brain’. Perish the thought of getting empathy when your baby is sick. Mostly you will find thinly masked annoyance that you need time off work be with your sick child, after all, when it’s a busy time for the organisation. Never mind that less than one year ago you were the epitome of efficiency. Clearly you’re allowed to gather ‘loyalty points’ during the work year. Scenarios such as these sometimes make me feel as though I’m little more than an annoyance.

I know with motherhood comes some degree of self-sacrifice. What’s not to know, the relationship begins with our bodies hosting and feeding new life. However, must it be at the expense off our well-being and respect from our peers? Mothers don’t always get the necessary support but there is ALWAYS criticism, finger pointing and isolation of some sort. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself but mostly I’m defiant! I’ve made it my mission to ensure that my son and I find exciting stuff to do and as he’s older I’ll gradually up the ‘me-time’. I will rise.

R2BC week 11

2011-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel guilty for not posting reasons to be cheerful. I decided to join this blog hop started by Michelle of Mummy From The Heart as it would make me thankful for my blessings. Its so easy to forget that despite our trails we do in fact have something to be grateful for. Sadly, I don’t always feel that way and then I chastise myself mentally for being so negative. At this time of the year when there are so many with so little I am reminded that there are others with bigger dragons to slay.

This week, I my reasons to be cheerful are:
1. This is my first week as SAHM mom! It's not really sunk in yet, as Angelo has a few days left at daycare. The intention was that I get some rest this week before he returns to my care full-time but I couldn't really do that as its also good opportunity for me to catch up on house-work and put up a few decorations (nothing fancy, a Pound Shop special)

2. Although this week has been busy, I’ve been able to grab the odd extra hour sleep. I’m truly grateful for that!

The beginnings of my Xmas decorations

3. After the first day of my Xmas decorating stint, when Angelo came home he’s little face was alight with wonder. He noticed the few changes that had been made. He kept pointing to the things he noticed and looking at me smiling each time. I was really chuffed. My baby noticed my efforts and rewarded me with a smile of appreciation.

4. Although I’ve left work, I’ll be joining a few colleagues for work Xmas lunch. Its buffet so I intend to gorge myself.

5. During the lunch the staff Christmas lunch today, I got a surprise pressie from my colleagues!

I was touched by the gift but more so by their kind words in my leaving card, especially as I had not a chance to say goodbye to everyone individually.

Dressed and ready for lunch

6. Friday will be my first ‘girls night out’ in I can’t even remember when, I’m not really a night person… anymore, so this is an event! I’ve got my gladdy rags sorted and I’m ready to wet my whistle! Hubby will be with Angelo… alone… at night… for the first time EVER! Wish us luck

What are you cheerful for this week?

“The City of Water”

2011-12-12T00:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Britmums personal prompt this week, my mind is strolling down memory lane to my baby-free days. My BEST holiday EVER! Was the trip that hubby and I took for our third anniversary? We went to Venice! "The City of Water".

When we got off the bus from Treviso Airport, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. The sky was a beautiful Cerulean blue, sun was shining down on the pastel coloured buildings and water all around and making everything so brilliant it was almost painful to watch. We stayed in a hotel just outside of Venice City in Mogiliano Veneto, the Style Hotel.

For four blissful full days we ate to our hearts content the best our money could buy. One of my most memorable lunches was at Pronto Pesce. Pronto Pesce is next to the fish market in Rialto. Being in such close proximity to the fish market, the fish they used were fresh. Most of their meals contained seafood of some kind. And while the dishes looked mouth-watering and they tasted even better. The sardines I had ate was so FRESH it as though they had jumped out of the sea and dived into the oven to be cooked. I could taste the sea and the sun in every bite. After lunch we’d head back to the hotel to rest and return to the City early evening for dinner. We had several long leisurely strolls hand in hand, while gazing at each other and the stars in turn.

While in Venice, hubby and I took the opportunity to visit two neighbouring towns; Padova and Treviso (which was close to the airport we departed from). Padova is a very picturesque town with a massive food and clothes market, and so much more. Before Venice leaving we went to the City Centre of Treviso. The town is amazing. It’s the place you’d visit if you're into shopping for fashion and would rather not caught up in the usual tourist crowd. There are designer shops galore! However the other attractions were; parks with lovely sculptures, gorgeous piazzas, AND ice-cream parlours with the most delicious ice-creams your mind can imagine. I had only two regrets on that trip: not attending a masquarde ball and having to leave. Not even leaving my home, Trinidad, was I as sad when I left Venice. I was heartsick. For days after our return hubby and I tried desperately recreate the Venice experience by cooking some of the dishes we’d tried there. It wasn’t the same, sigh…

We agreed when we had kid(s) we’d return. Angelo is now thirteen months and I yearn for the day when we can travel as family to enjoy such fabulous food and culture.

Silent Sunday

2011-12-11T04:17:00.001-08:00

The Red Book

2011-12-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

It’s been a week since Angelo had his Hib/Men C, PCV and MMR vaccinations. I’m not strong enough to attend these types of medical visits alone, so hubby had a late lunch and joined us for moral support. I know we are doing it for his good, but I feel like beast leading my smiling baby into to clutches of a seemingly unsympathetic nurse to have his shots.

As Angelo is already walking, we took the nurse’s advice and allowed him to receive the vaccines one shots in one arm and two shots in the other. From the first shot he was in floods of tears but as held him firmly for the final two. I waited for the end of proceedings to take him into my arms to cover him with cuddles and kisses. I managed not to cry this time.

When the vaccination was done, the nurse informed us that he will need to have booster shots some months after his third birthday. I asked if we would be sent a reminder letter, to which she responded, ‘No you have to take some responsibility as parents’. Well she certainly told me! She then pointed out the area in the baby *red book where the vaccination schedule was located. From my amazed look she correctly deduced that I had not read the book properly. She said ‘you have this for a year and you’ve not read it?’ Sadly I one of those people who reads everything but what she should be reading. At school when most students were using every spare minute for revising I’d be reading fiction novels. Now a parent when I should be reading parenting manuals I’m reading fiction novels (when I can) and watching kids TV with my son. Basically, I’m a bit of an escapist. That said, in my defence, the last year has gone by so quickly! I accept that I’ve been negligent not to read the darn book, but to be honest I HATE IT!!!

Walking around with that book is like walking around with a red ‘A’ on my chest. The red book has my ‘shame’ logged. Every time I have to give it to someone, I feel that ‘shame’ all over again. What’s the story you ask? Well my first meeting with a health visitor after Angelo’s birth was bitter sweet. I never saw one until he was ten about days old, at which point was I was an exhausted weeping nervous wreck (not much has changed eh?). So when she suggested that I go out with Angelo I told her that I’m scared to go out etc etc. She asked, ‘would you say that you are of an anxious nature?’ to which I honestly replied ‘yes’. The next thing I know she’s noting something in Angelo’s red book. When she left, I checked the book and saw she’d noted I was an ‘anxious mom’. Needless to say I’ve kept quiet since then about all the fears and sadness I’ve been feeling for the past year…. And I’ve been avoiding the red book, only pulling it out for Angelo’s clinic visits.

When the nurse said what she said, I’d recently returned to work from sick leave due to stress etc. I was not at my best. Hell, I’m still not at my best, whatever that means anymore. If there is any good to come out her embarrassing me is that I need to get my head sorted. It’s time to get the help I need and take control of my life again, my new life…

*My personal child health record

And baby makes three...

2011-12-04T01:02:00.000-08:00

Chillaxing with mommy

I'm happy to be a part of the BritMums blogging carnival hosted by Crumbs. The theme is Christmas, which is spot on for this time of the year! As I’m in a reminiscing mood, I’ll share a bit about last Christmas. Christmas 2010 was particularly memorable for my little family because it was Angelo’s first Christmas.

Posing with daddy

Christmas is for children, after-all the entire season is about the birth of one special child, The Christ Child. As a parent with a newborn the season is especially magical. Angelo was six weeks old at the time and it was a very exciting for hubby and me. We bought him a lil Santa outfit and dressed him up for a home photo shot on Christmas Eve night. He looked so cute but the excitement soon got the better of him. He fell asleep and we ended up with photos of a knackered little Santa.

Out for the count

Although, the season was special, if I were to be honest a lot of it went by in a haze. Even back then Angelo was not sleeping well which meant that I was not sleeping well. There were days when I couldn’t tell sleeping from wakefulness AND to add to the horror, I was having nightmares. I’d wake in fear looking for Angelo. My reoccurring nightmare was that I’d lost him in water. I still don’t know the reason for the water imagery. Hubby thought it had something to do with Angelo looking so Chinese and me watching Chinese and Japanese horror flicks. Hubby is a bit of a comedian, I think. I'd not seen a horror flick since my last trimester when he dragged me to see Saw 3D on Halloween (I did enjoy it though.)!

It’s wonderful to have snow over the Christmas holidays. It makes everything look picture postcard perfect, but for me I was full of dread. Last Christmas, as I held my baby in my arms and looked out the window, everything was covered in snow. I was tempted to take him outdoors. It was his first white Christmas, but I was too anxious. The thought of being outside with him was very scary. We didn’t go out much over the season, except to see his *Popo who lives 10 minutes drive away.

Ready for the Xmas Sales

Apart from Angelo’s birth, the next best thing about Christmas 2010 was that we had a bigger family gathering than usual. Hubby had family visiting from Paris and Mauritius! Angelo was the newest member of the clan and being a boy, he was not in want of gifts or attention. He heard so many dialects that season I can’t imagine what his growing mind made of it all. As I unwrapped Angelo’s gifts and thanked the family, hubby filmed the proceedings. Even then I could tell he loved being the centre of attention. He was happy as the cat that got the cream, that day.

*Mauritian creole for granny

It Hurts: a review of Laura Comfort’s single

2011-12-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

I’ll admit when I saw the advert for bloggers to review Laura Comfort’s new single It Hurts, on BritMums blogging network, I was drawn to the title. I’ve had several challenging months and the song title summed up the way I was feeling. Nothing makes you feel better than listening to a song that captures your emotion. Yesterday I received my copy of the single and I was pleasantly surprised that It Hurts is an uplifting song!

Laura has struck a refreshing balance between country, folk and pop music in her song It Hurts. As I listened to the guitar strum the tune to accompany her sweet voice, I believe I got a sense of the experience that allowed her to pen the lyrics. While the song is about heartbreak, it somehow managed to lift my spirits. I guess it’s her subtle, laidback singing style. As Laura sings her song there’s no bitterness, no overreaching screaming notes, only a beautiful haunting melody that comforts the soul. One listen of Laura's music is not enough. She leaves you wanting more. In her chorus she sings ‘…and that’s just how it goes’ , you realise and accept that pain is a part of life, and that too will pass.

I adore Laura's image on the CD jacket. She looks relaxed, refreshed with eyes facing the future. I expect great things for Laura Comfort. There is definitely a place for her on the music charts. Her sound is not over processed, it’s easy-listening. You can enjoy Laura’s music whether you’re on own or chillaxing with a loved one on a cosy evening.

The single It Hurts is out now! And Laura will be headlining at Rony Scotts on December 13^th 2011.

* This is not a sponsored post, I only received a copy of the single to listen to for writing the review.

Honey did I break the kid?

2011-11-29T14:41:00.000-08:00

One year down the line and Angelo is still waking during the night. Where did it all go wrong? Armed with my Gina Ford book, The New Contented Little Baby Book, I thought my baby would as ‘self-contained’ as the newest member of the von Trapp family. Fair enough I didn’t read the entire book, but I was fooled or arrogant. When Angelo was born he was so calm! We’d over-nighted at hospital after he was born. For those precious hours he was cool and calm. Although it was overwhelming I thought ‘I can manage’. We came home and it all went downhill. My main thought was I’d been given a precious gift and I broke it.

There always seemed to be an obstacle to my starting to train Angelo to sleep through the night. We’ve had a sequence of: colic; congestion; colds; conjunctivitis and chest infection. How could I leave him to cry with a view to getting him to sleep through the night, when he was suffering through any one of those illnesses? Am I making excuses? Perhaps, but it breaks my heart to see him suffer. All I wanted to do was cuddle him and take the pain away.

I realise his illnesses are perfectly normal and he’s ‘building his immune system’ but every time Angelo gets ill a part of me wonders, ‘was it my fault?’ Most of his illness started when he began nursery. Yes, the doctor has said it’s normal for babies to get ill on starting nursery, but I’m the reason he’s in a nursery. I'm a working mom. Also, I can’t help but remember how sickly I was as a child. As I’ve said in earlier posts, he looks like his dad but his personality traits are more me. Will he have my sickly nature too? The only consolation is that I’m now strong as an ox (well prior to being a mom anyway). I’m usually the last to get ill and the first to recover.

As a mother, am I destined to question everything I do for my son? Will I always feel that everything that goes wrong in his world is my fault? Are you a mom? Do you have these same questions and feelings?

Today's Song Pick for Angelo

2011-11-29T06:33:00.001-08:00

I've finally remembered a song from back home, Trinidad, that pretty much sums up what lack restful sleep is doing to me. I hope you enjoy it! Its very energetic feel good music.

My First Blogger Event

2011-11-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

I realise that this post’s title is a bit like ‘What did you do for your summer holiday?’ essay, but you know what? I do feel like a school kid again. Every day I’m learning new things about blogging. It’s thrilling! Last night I attended my first event as a ‘mommy blogger’. It was hosted by Give As You Live at Liberty’s in Central London. Give As You Live is a website that allows shoppers to do online shopping and make a contribution to a UK charity of their choice in one transaction.

Angelo is one year old and my outing to the Give As You Live blogger event was my first time out in the evening on my own. Naturally I was very nervous. However, on being introduced to Polly Gowers, founder of Give As You Live, my anxiety was laid to rest. I felt welcomed and at ease.

The Liberty Heritage Suite was a gorgeous location; very cosy with dark wood décor, comfy black leather sofa, decorated Christmas tree, bauble decorations, the works. There was a festive vibe. Polly gave the presentation explaining the functionalities of the website and its benefits. Then, guests had an opportunity to mingle. I met two lovely young ladies from the XLP which is a charity that can benefit from donations made via Give As You Life. As a mother raising a son in greater London, I have concerns about unsociable behaviour, gangs and knife culture. I’m already agonising about how to keep my son safe criminality, so I was pleased to learn from Ibiere Oruwari about the work that XLP does with youths in London. One aspect of XLP's role is to approach schools in their catchment area and encourage them to allow the XLP youth workers to mentor their at risk students.

Props to illustrate how much money one gift can raise for charity.

I also met Sam Gibson from Ovarian Cancer Action. Ovarian Cancer Action is also registered with Give As You Live, along with 220, 000 others. Shoppers can select Ovarian Cancer Action to benefit from a donation. Sam kindly filled me in on how she’s implemented Give As You Live it into her lifestyle. She was also able to clarify a few things that I’d not had a chance to speak to the Give As You Live team about. It was great to hear from a service user perspective.

During the course of the evening I had a lovely chat with Sharon Donnelly from I Heart Motherhood and Joanne Mallon of Joanne The Coach blog. I was grateful to these ladies for bringing me to up to scratch on upcoming blogger events. All in all I believe the evening was a success for all participants.

Participant goodie bag

They say ‘It’s better to give than receive’. And by using Give As You Live giving could not be easier. The donation is made by the retailer at no added cost to the shopper. Many of the major retailers are using the scheme, so shoppers will be spoilt for choice to source their ideal Christmas gift. When the holidays’ over shoppers can chose to use carry on using the website (or download the application) for regular online shopping. I believe this is really shopping with a social conscience. A gift of an iPad 45 which retails at £499.00 can raise £7.49 for charity. Considering this is money that will be spent anyway, it makes sense to use Give As You Live to make that special gift mean even more!

This is not a sponsored post but quests enjoyed refreshment and on departure from the event were give a gift of their choic from a selection present. I went for the Molton Brown hand hand and cream.

R2BC week 10

2011-11-24T13:38:00.000-08:00

One week to my 38th birthday and its been series of ups and downs. Thankfully, I can report a few occurances that really made my week. My reasons to cheeful this week are:

1. This week I joined a BritMums blog carnvial hosted by Hot Cross Mum. The topics was 'surprise', so I wrote about pregnancy and the birth of Angelo. I enjoyed the reminisce.

2. I ceased the opportunity to write my first product review for Music For Baby They've got a brilliant new Christmas CD. I enjoyed listening tot he CD with Angelo just much as writing the review. My review is entitled Baby Sing Christmas: A Review.

3. My birthday is on Saturday and I'm looking forward to meeting up with a girlfriend for lunch. Its been months since I've been let of my leash but sometimes good things happen is pair because...

4. I attended my first bloggers evernt yesterday! It was hosted by Give As You Live and held Liberty's in Central London. I had a fabulous time it was great to meet other bloggers in person. Special thanks to I Heart Motherhood and Joanne Mallon for putting me as ease.

Baby Sing Christmas: Album Review

2011-11-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing a truly delightful Christmas music CD that’s geared towards babies. Although Baby Sing Christmas is described as being ‘not overproduced with synthetic sounds but with real vocals and instruments’, I was half expecting songs sung in a children’s television presenter excitable voice; I am happy to report this is not the case. Baby Sing Christmas is a CD that the entire family can truly enjoy together.

I received my copy of Baby Sing Christmas in the post on Saturday. I was so excited! It’s great to receive something in the post that’s not a bill. On opening the envelope, I showed the CD to Angelo, my son. He recently turned one and this is his second Christmas. He loves music, so I thought this was a project we’d enjoy together. When he saw the cute little person on the CD over he instantly smiled, took the CD out of my hands and kissed it. He adores seeing people his size. Anyway, we first listened to the CD on Saturday afternoon. I’ll admit that he was not jumping around ecstatic, but then again it’s not that type of CD. He pretty much carried on playing with his toys, until I swept him up in my arms and began dancing and singing to 'Jingle Bells'. He was giggling uncontrollably. He began to notice the variation in the song. The Jingle Bells Jingle Bells repetitious chorus was fun for him, especially as we jingled and jangled along to the song.

Today we listened to the CD for a second time, in the afternoon. I must admit I absolutely love the cool café lounge music style of the music. I could hear smooth jazz influence coming through in the songs ‘Let It Snow’, as well as, ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’. The guitar nicely accompanies the singer’s soulful Doo-wop style of singing. This time around, Angelo was relaxed and was soon off to sleep when ‘Silent Night’ started. The soothing relaxed feeling that the CD promotes is a definite plus which means baby can listen to it at any time of the day. I admit I felt bit smug thinking I was starting my baby off on the right foot with hip music.

Christmas carols and pop Christmas tunes can sometimes be a bit OTT but this compilation is excellent! There is a good balance between the traditional religious Christmas carols such as ‘Away In A Manger’ and well known pop Christmas songs like ‘All I want for Christmas Is You’. I guarantee if you love Christmas and you enjoy ‘family time’ Baby Sing Christmas is the CD for you and your little one to celebrate this magical time of the year. The CD is available to buy from www.musicforbaby.co.uk and cost £10 which isn't expensive for an item that the entire family will enjoy.

Season's Greetings everyone!

This is not a sponsored post. I offered to write a review for the CD. Baby Sing Christmas is part of the babysing collection. See www.musicforbaby.co.uk for more information.

Surprise SURRPRISE…

2011-11-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

It’s been a while since I’ve taken part in a Blog Carnival, so I thought I’d give a go again. This month’s Britmums Blog Carnival is being hosted by Hot Cross Mum. When I found out the topic was ‘Surprises’ I didn’t have to dig too deep to find my post.

My son, Angelo, turned one a just over a week ago, ever since, I’ve been reminiscing about the months before he came into being. Have you ever planned something done to the last letter and when it happened, you were the one left standing looking shocked? WELL! That’s what happened to me!

When hubby and I decided to start our family, I was on it like a Head Girl with a class project! I approached becoming a mom with a multi-prong tactic. Due to my age, I was too paranoid to leave anything to chance. My ‘conception list’ included:

Going natural (i.e. no more chemical processing of my hair)
Taking vitamins to up the ante on fertility
Getting fitter and losing excess weight
Socialising more (as I was aware my gallivanting would be curtailed if/when baby arrived)
Chatting to a few moms I knew about their birth stories etc.

I even had in mind the time I wanted to conceive. As I can’t drive, I thought I could not do the work commute while heavily pregnant during the winter months. So having a baby in the winter would be nice and cosy. As fate would have it EVERYTHING worked according to plan! And who was more surprised than hubby and I! It happened in a matter of a few months, and not in the year or two as I’d been told to expect but it took three pregnancy test and my first scan to make believe I was truly pregnant. On seeing our baby scan the my first words were ‘ He has his dads nose’. (‘He’ being what I called the universal ‘he’, as we'd opted not to find out the babies’ sex.) After a period of silence, hubby’s words were ‘Oh! So there is something in there after all’.

1st scan

The best was yet to come! I started seeing signs that baby was on his way at the start of the week he was due. Guess what?! Baby came on the date he was due! After about 12 hours labour out came this Chinese looking baby boy! The spitting image of his father! Forget postnatal bliss! I was thinking, ‘Hey, he doesn't look like any of the Blasian babies I've seen on YouTube! I was expecting a ‘best of both’ (like a loaf of Hovis bread). Who’d believe the child was mine? I wondered. HELL! I could hardly believe he was mine AND I had the stitches to prove it!

3 dys old

2-3 wks old

Twelve months down the line, I see more and more of my personality coming through in my son. What a surprise that is too!

Maurice The Moose

2011-11-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

What's my name?

If you have a knack for coming up with clever names for things, why not enter the Sudocream competition to name the mascot for their new mystery product! The product is due out in Spring 2012.

Sudocream has launched their Twitter & Facebook pages for their mystery product and to celebrate they are running a competition to name the Sudocrem Moose. The winner will received £500 worth of Toys R Us vouchers and a personalised Santa sack, the winner drawn in time for Christmas! In this current economic climate who couldn't do with a little extra to bring some Christmas cheer to their lil loved ones. I've tried my luck. You never know. I'm choosen the name Maurice.

Interested?! Well here's how you enter; you have to ‘Like’ the new Facebook page and then enter your suggested mascot’s name. The winner will be picked on the 21^st December 2011 and receive their prizes shortly afterwards. The competition started on 18th November 2011 and will end on 17th December 2011. The Prize: £500 worth of Toys R Us vouchers and a personalised, handmade Santa sack worth £150. The competition can be found on;http://www.facebook.com/SudocremMousse

Goodluck everyone!

This is not a sponsored post. However, Sudocrem will award £250 M & S of vouchers to one blogger who posts about the competition and supplies a link back to Blog-Match

How does she do it?

2011-11-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

Initialy I intended to entile this post ‘Mommy Envy’ but then I realised the title may not convey what was on my mind. It’s not a secret anymore that some days I find ‘mothering’ difficult. On particulary difficult days during my bus commute to work, I observe other mothers rushing hither and thither and to me they seem so together and in control. I wonder, ‘How does she do it?’

On a level I have envious of the Stay At Home Moms (SAHMS) and Teen moms. While all moms get some stick, I feel these two ‘groups’ receive a great deal of criticism. I envy SAHM for the time she has with her children. More than most, the SAHM has the opportunity be the first to see her child develop first hand. The SAHM has more control over the influences that enter her child’s life. Chances are the SAHM’s child gets ill less frequently. Along with all the roles she has the SAHM has to manage her home.

While I don’t condone teen pregnancy, I admire the courage of a teenage girl who takes on mantle of motherhood in the face of the stigma the title brings. Provocative statement? Perhaps. What is there to admire? Well, you hardly ever see teen a mom on her own. Why is this a good thing? It would be easy to say the fact they go around in small groups just illustrates how the ‘the problem’ is growing. Perhaps this is true. I’ve not done the research so I can’t comment. However, what I do see is that they support each other. Their kids grow and play together. They have time enough correct or turnaround any errors in judgement they’ve committed. During my pregnancy in times of fear I’d thing ‘If a teenage can do this surly I can, I’m an adult?’ So in a way, they inspired ME.

As an older mom who works full-time and is an expat, I sometimes feel excluded and alienated. What group do I fit into? Add that to the fact that I have less time for bonding and creating special moments with for my son. AND housework! Well, trying to get on top of housework is successful as Sisyphus getting the boulder to the top of the hill.

Perhaps the grass is greener on the other side. My question is; how does she it? For me something had to give, so I’m transiting to a SAHM. Got any tips?

Tea for 4 for 7

2011-11-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Angelo was 1 year old on 11.11.11. We should have bought a lottery ticket! But we totally forgot. The week has been mental. Frankly, there are times when I find ‘mothering’ difficult. The sleep deprived nights, the constant wellness worry, that combined with issues from workday life have lead me to begin having migraines. Thank heavens for the makers of MAC and Cllinique makeup! ANYWAY… to celebrate the Angelo’s big day; hubby and decided to arrange a tea party.

They say the 1st birthday party is really for the parents. Well hubby and I are not party animals and after the drama of trying to arrange a Christening and celebration lunch over the summer, we opted to keep it simple. We had ‘high tea’ with the immediate family at Fanny's Farm Tree House. The only hitch was that neither hubby nor I remembered that its gets dark at 4pm! The tree house has no electric lights, so it was tea by candle light. Absolutely lovely! Thankfully our Angelo is not afraid of darkness. Once he has food in front him he’s happy as Larry! He soon realised the event was all about him which REALLY made his day. He loves attention. I sometimes call him Il Divo.

The ambience at the tree house was very ‘Alice in Wonderland’ I thought. British paraphernalia, throws, love seats, tree branches weaving their way up through the flooring to the ceiling, tea pots, sandwiches, and scones.

We had tea at 4.15 and cut the birthday cake by 5:00pm. Angelo is still too little to know how to blow so I held in my arms and blew it for him. Later on I realised I forgot to make him a wish. I pray for him though. I pray for his safety, happiness and health.

So, one year has gone, what have I learnt about my son so far:

· He’s strong willed

· He’s very loving

· He’s brave and confident

· He’s likes his independence

· He loves his food (it must be tasty too)

The list goes on. May we have many more years maturing and getting to know each other

* This is not a sponsored post. I'm just sharing info on things I like. Special thanks to Angelo's godmother Chelsea (Chelsea Art Designs) for banner.

Going through changes

2011-11-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

This weeks personal prompt from BritMums is 'Changes'. Well that topic could not have come at a better time for me. Funny how when you are in the thick of things it never occurs to you how major it is. It never even crossed my mind to explore my true feelings of the changes I've been expriencing. Thanks BritMums!

At the dawn of 2011 I was a first time mom. What an awesome life change! I’ve spent the last twelve months getting to know my son. It’s true what they say; no one can prepare you for becoming a parent. I truly thought I was ready. I’d read a few books, looked at several YouTube clips and spoke to a few moms I know. HA, was I wrong! As much as my pregnancy and labour went like clock-work, I’ve found parenting to be the reverse.

My life has changed in ways I never anticipated. I believe I’ve learnt to love unconditionally. I am less selfish. I’ve found patience and courage I never knew I had. Almost as important, I’ve learnt how to situational troubleshoot; you never know what’s going to happen when you walk out your door from home.

Nowadays, all I have to remind me of life before being a mom are my photos and journals. As 2012 approaches my next big change will be the transition from ‘working mom’ to a ‘stay-at- home mom’, come December. Being a ‘stay at home mom’ will be a major life change for me, it’s a role I never thought I’d have. In my new role I’ll have to adjust: how I manage my household; how I spend time with my son; how I spend time with my husband, all while trying to hold onto some aspect of the woman I used to be. All of the above amounts to a lifestyle change which I hope will make me a good mother and a better‘ME’.