A letter to Father Christmas

Well, after a stressful weekend (trip to a&e, breathing problems, turned out to be viral chest infection, all’s well that ends well), what could we do on a frosty Sunday morning to cheer ourselves up?

Write our letter to Father Christmas, of course!

I’ve well and truly got the Christmas bug. Of course I did the usual “bah! humbug it’s only November” thing at first, but the spirit of Christmas got the better of me once again.

Christmas evokes such warm, comforting feelings for me, like being wrapped up in a huge fleecy blanket of good, home cooked food, treats, gifts, family and friends.

I know that it’s not like this for everyone – for many it can be quite the opposite. Christmas can be a reminder to many of loss and bereavement, or simply feel like a kick in the face to those who have nothing.

I count myself lucky right now to be able to have a good Christmas. For this reason I want to get started on making it exciting and full of wonder for my children.

A letter to Father Christmas – this must seem so magical to a child, to be able to actually interact with the big man himself!

A quick check on Royal Mail told me the address and that he does endeavour to write back. Did this happen when we were kids? I don’t remember it!

Of course my three year old can’t quite write yet (though she does like practicing her “curly c’s”) so we sat together and she dictated exactly what I should write.

This resulted in a reasonable list of potential gifts for her and one year old (many of which I realised, to my horror, she had stored in her memory from watching the adverts on Nick Jnr).

Of course I can’t say what they are, but one of them begins with “ch” and ends in “late”. And has “oc” in the middle.

The best bit was the posting. We set out, all wrapped up on this frosty day. Three year old took her “nocli-ers” so she could look for birds…

…and we posted the letter, three year old just about reaching high enough as you can see above.

Them we found a cafe and had latte for me (nectar of the gods) and babyccino for the girls.

It was a great weekend after all!

My budding Mary Berry: baking with Cake Angels

When I was young, one of the things I used to love doing with my Mum was baking. Anyone remember the Be-Ro cookbook? We used to love that. We made rock buns, raspberry buns, macaroons and brandy snaps quite often and then enjoyed eating the spoils afterwards.

Times have moved on since the days of Be-Ro and we can buy all manner of baking goods and equipment, from every colour ready-made fondant to cake pop moulds.

I really think that baking is a fun, creative and imaginative activity to do with young children. My eldest is now three and my littlest one has just turned one. My three year old in particular has recently become really interested in watching me cook and bake, drawing up her booster chair to the worktop to watch what I’m doing and get involved.

Which is why we were really excited to be sent this swag!:

Imagine the scene: I mention that Cake Angels have sent some cake decorating products for us to try out, one evening before bed. Well- we had a few errands to do the next day, and every five minutes three year old took the opportunity to say “can we do baking, now?”

The Cake Angels website explains that they provide “the inspiration, tools, hints & tips that will enhance and guide your creativity”. Well three year old won out here.

We were sent a huge bag of mini marshmallows, two different lots of very colourful sprinkles and two gorgeous cake toppers – their angel topper and cow topper.

I thought we would make cupcakes and use the sprinkles and marshmallows, but no – three year old decided we were making a proper cake, with jam in the middle and pink icing on top, to which she would then add some decoration, including the angel.

Fair enough.

So we got to work making a simple vanilla sponge (failsafe 2 eggs, 175gram flour/butter/sugar, add vanilla essence recipe). Of course three year old loves to ‘evenly’ apportion the mixture between cake tins (hmmm…).

Hurrah! Finished cake, sandwiched with erm, not jam as I couldn’t find any, but lemon curd (hurrah for my Mum’s homemade lemon curd!).

Now for the best bit- decoration using the Cake Angels products. The products were really easy to use. The sprinkles had individual compartment for easy sprinkling – but, knowing how overexcited three year old can be, I tipped a few of each out into bowls.

Here she is at work:

And here’s the finished result, complete with cake topper:

It tasted really nice!

Is definitely use these products again. The marshmallows are (quick check on Tesco!) just over a pound and sprinkles just over two pounds, with the cake toppers about in the middle. I think those prices are reasonable compared to some of the pricier products around.

Plus they definitely inspired my three year old budding Mary Berry!

Check out Cake Angels online for some recipe inspiration. Their products are available in most supermarkets.

Disclaimer: I received these products free of charge in return for writing this review. All opinions expressed are truthful and my own. And this cake was very tasty.

Forget-me-not-Friday #29

Three year old: “Daddy, can I put your pennies in my money box?”

Daddy, still half asleep in the morning: “Erm, no not all of them.”

Three year old: “Why?”

Daddy: “Because we need some of them for food and all your toys.”

Three year old thinks about this.

Three year old: “Well, when I’m a grown up I’m going to earn my own pennies and put them in my money box, Daddy!”

Too right!…

If my 3 year old ran the X Factor…

We love our Saturday evenings, Mr EC and I. After a tiring week trying to cram in work, childcare duties and other jobs which always need ticking off the list, it’s usually (unless we’re lucky enough to have a babysitter, that is) curry and wine time on Saturday night.

And X Factor. Yes, we got sucked in. We know it’s all over commercialised and everyone signs a contract with Mr Cowell and has to do as he says and all the good ones seems to somehow turn into boy/girl band rip offs and so on…

We still watch it, regardless. It’s easy to watch and provides the sort of mindless entertainment that doesn’t require the use of any part of my brain, save to appraise Nicole Scherzinger’s latest garb and marvel at the unashamedly distasteful put downs by Louis Walsh (“You’re like a little Lenny Henry!”).

On a recent Saturday evening, my brain fought back in a surprising way. I wondered what the X Factor would be like if my three year old was in charge.

Here are my thoughts:

Format

So the current format is auditions in front of a live audience (with, I’m sure, a lot of pre-selection going on behind the scenes), ‘boot camp’, ‘judges houses’ where the remaining few in each category have their final auditions in their judges homes (not their real homes, though- usually an immaculate and expansive hired home in LA or suchlike), and finally the live shows.

The live show format is actually so complicated these days for a mind wishing for simple viewing fayre, that even I don’t really know what’s going on. Flash votes? Judges abstaining from voting?

Anyway, three year old would have none of all that.

All auditionees would have to stand on a small box in front of her chosen judges (see below – you’re in for a treat there) and sing loudly. Then she and the judges would say whether they liked them or not.

This process would be repeated over and over until we were down to one. This one person may even be herself.

Simple. All very open and transparent.

Dance routines and show-wear

Oh boy, have you seen some of these get ups? They range from gigantic fishtail show dresses with bling to rival Fifty Cent, to the males wearing the tightest black pants available. I’m sure they must be sewn into them, as Olivia Newton-John was during the making of Grease.

Sometimes I can’t see the singer for the dancers. I really pity the wannabe rock star who ends up on X Factor singing a rendition of “D.I.S.C.O.” surrounded by a throng of dancers dressed as cheerleaders.

This would all be seriously frowned upon by three year old, who would ensure that everyone wore pink – maybe red at a push. No sparkles, no frippery. A pink or red dress or trousers would do nicely.

And dancing would seriously detract from her enjoyment of the singing, unless it was ballet. The aforementioned small box would be all that was required. No pressure to do anything else.

Judges

The current show judges are Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne.

Three year old doesn’t know who any of these people are and has no confidence in their ability as judges.

She would choose herself, probably Daddy, Angelina Ballerina and Alex Winters from Cbeebies.

I’m sure you would agree that this would be an interesting panel.

Prize

The current prize is a recording contract with none other than Simon Cowell’s own label and the adulation of the country and, if you’re lucky enough and Si likes you enough, the world.

Three year old’s prize would be a lifetime supply of chocolate and getting to sing ‘in a show’, probably with Alex from Cbeebies.

An X Factor run by a three year old, with everyone dressed in pink or red, standing on a small box and being judged by said pre-schooler, Angelina Ballerina, Daddy and Alex?

I quite fancy watching that. Maybe just once. I might even feel better for watching it.

I’m practically a celebrity as I suffer from ‘burnout’

Photo credit: Swagbuck images

Burnout. Exhaustion. Even nervous exhaustion. Or maybe ‘extreme fatigue’.

These are all terms I tend to associate with barely disguised gleeful press articles on celebrities being admitted to expensive clinics. We all suspect that it’s most likely drug or alcohol related. They’ve been partying too hard, they’re on tour and it’s all got too much for them.

Much as I’d like to be a massive celeb (without the d&a – well maybe some a), I’m not, and yet I think I suffer from burnout.

So what is it? Why do I think this?

Let’s look at some definitions of burnout, fatigue, exhaustion etc. (note – this is by no means a piece of well-referenced evidence-based research – I do enough of that at work):

“Burnout is a psychological term that refers to long-term exhaustion and diminished interest in work.” (Wikipedia)

“… exhausted, listless, and unable to cope.” (Informed Health Online).

“… a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion or a need to rest because of lack of energy or strength.” (WebMD)

“a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness.” (OED)

I wouldn’t go quite as far as feeling unable to cope, but I do experience the tiredness and exhaustion and have noticed a recurring cycle in my life that I need to get to grips with, i.e.:

I know this cycle exists but it seems to boring to stop it, to think “oh I really must set a limit to what I can do and do everything in moderation at all times”. Nothing would ever get done if that was the case.

I can handle a week or two of quiet sniffles and me time (although colds do really wind me up- why can’t anyone find a cure?!) for the sake of the sense of achievement I feel during my busy periods.

Of course my ‘burnout’ periods aren’t anywhere as near as spectacular as some – in fact, taking Britney Spears as an example, mine are the mild cheddar to her fine, aged Stilton. I’ve not quite shaved my hair off and attacked a car with an umbrella (much as I’d like to sometimes, for example when I see a car parked across two spaces in a busy car park).

I think many of us suffer from burnout. Maybe I could even coin a new phrase – “Active Mum Burnout”. Then again, that sounds like I should be on Daybreak doing some annoyingly energetic exercise routine at stupid o’clock.

Just burnout is fine. I think it’s important that we all recognise it and take time put, before it becomes a problem that’s too big to handle.

No umbrellas here. Yet.

Duffins and facials: day at the spa #2

Back in April, a friend and I had a whole day out at a spa. It was so incredibly relaxing that, clearly we wanted to repeat the experience as soon as possible.

Things got in the way – family, work, illness, but finally we got round to booking another – phew! My skin was in need of a serious facial.

Back in April, we visited The Mere in Cheshire which was amazing. That ‘deep relax’ room – I just wish I had one in my house.

Yesterday we visited Viva Urban Spa at the De Vere Village Hotel near Chester. Or at least we thought it was near Chester but ended up in Wales?! It must have been just over the border in hindsight – a place called Flintshire (my Geography leaves a lot to be desired – just ask my friends in London who once collapsed in laughter when I innocently asked “Is London near Wales?”).

Our surroundings were more sedate than the masterly Mere, but the day was still heaven.

In fact, I probably didn’t notice the surroundings as the first things I saw upon arrival was a Starbucks sign within the Village resort. Given the inordinate stress it takes to get out of the house on your own, having sorted out adequate childcare and partnercare arrangements, and arrive in Wales by 10am, I think you’d agree that coffee was the first stop.

And this…

This a Duffin. Yes that’s right- a wonderful mutant muffin that’s also a doughnut? If ever there’s a good start to a spa day this is it!

Onto the spa…

I’m always intrigued by how my mind works during a spa day (I have so many if them, you know). On our last day I reflected on what my mind chose to think about as it relaxed. This time, I didn’t get the chance to do that as I kept falling asleep!

We used the steam room and sauna before our ESPA treatments – a facial, scalp massage and back massage.

I nearly fell asleep in the steam room. I was definitely drifting off when relaxing on the loungers afterwards and finally caved in during the back massage, despite it actually being quite painfully due to my terribly knotty shoulders.

I do vaguely remember the facial as some much-loved but distant friend, but I was snoozing through this, too. My skin felt great afterwards and still does today. It needed it after all the dust we’ve had in our house due to work we’re having done.

I guess I didn’t know I was so tired!

I’ve been doing so much recently – children’s parties, work, family events. I’ve noticed myself becoming very forgetful – there seems to be so much to remember.

There’s only one thing for it, obviously – more spa days!

Forget-me-not-Friday #27

Three year old currently only likes the colours pink or purple.

Three year old: “Do me and baby sister look the same, Mummy?”

Me: “You do look similar. You both have green eyes.”

Three year old, indignant: “No! My eyes aren’t green!”

Me: “They are – they’re a nice green!”

Three year old, shouting: “My eyes are NOT green they are pink and violet and purple!”

Me: “Ok…”

Bonfire night as told by a lively three year old

Last night we all took ourselves off to Cavendish PTA Bonfire Night. Our girls enjoyed it so much, I felt it only fair to let chatty three year old tell the story.

When Mummy got home from work, we all went to a Bonfire. My baby sister was in the pram and I rode on Daddy’s shoulders. It was very muddy so it was lucky I had my wellies on. It smelled funny and the sky was lit up with the big fire.

I got a safe light stick to hold that I could swirl around. I kept hitting Daddy in the head and face.

I let baby sister hold it but we had to negotiate how many minutes she was allowed to have it for.

The fireworks started with a big bang and lit up the sky with colours. Pink was very favourite.

I liked the fireworks but I had to stick my fingers in my ears as they were so loud.

It was the first proper bonfire and fireworks night me and my baby sister had been to. We liked it and stayed up very late. I even had some of Mummy and Daddy’s fish and chips afterwards.

I want next year’s to come quickly!

My Little Pony: My Little Saviour (Call of the Cutie DVD review)

A tired mother’s best friend.

Picture the scene: the EC family have had one children’s party too many this month. With birthdays and Halloween, our two girls are in an excess sugar and tiredness induced meltdown. At home, Mr EC and I are each thinking up ways we can escape the tantrums, quarrels and demands for attention. Who will come to our rescue?

Hooray for My Little Pony!

I’ve previously written about my three year old’s love for her last My Little Pony – Welcome to Ponyville DVD. She really enjoyed watching our last DVD and has been asking me for more “My Little Pony programmes” since watching the last one over and over.

I used to love My Little Pony as a child. I spent hours combing and adorning their hair, dressing them up and engaging in make believe hair. Now I love them for a different reason.

My Little Pony DVDs let me have a sit down!

Call of the Cutie rescued us from tearing our hair out this weekend. While three year old – and this time one year old – watched it, I sat nearby reading an actual newspaper and drinking a rather refreshing brew.

Of course I therefore don’t have a clue of the storyline myself. Here’s what the promo says:

“Within the cheerful Ponyville classroom, teacher Cherrilee tells her pony pupils about cutie marks, and how they are created. To discover their cutie mark, the special symbol which appears on a pony’s flank once they’ve discovered their purpose in life, each pony must discover their unique talent.

Meet Cutie Crusaders Apple Bloom, Sweetie belle, and Scootaloo, who want to discover their talent and decide to found a secret society- “The Cutie Mark Crusaders”.

Join Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, as they aid the young fillies through their voyage of self-discovery. Working together, their quest takes them on a fun-filled journey, learning valuable lessons about friendship along the way.”

As ever, I asked three year old why she enjoys My Little Pony so much (she now has two Ponies which she received for her birthday):

“I like it because they’re ponies and they’re little”.

Straightforward as ever!

I think My Little Ponies and accompanying DVDs are great vehicles for imaginary play which is so important at this age. Check them out as potential gifts for Christmas or stocking fillers.

My Little Pony: Call Of The Cutie [DVD] is available from the 14th October 2013 in all good retailers and http://www.clearvision.co.uk priced £12.99. Certification U: Suitable for all audiences.

I received a copy of My Little Pony: Call of the Cutie free of charge but was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The year’s photos in light

Today’s post is inspired by the Tots100 Be Inspired weekly feature.

This week’s theme is light, and I saw this as an opportunity to look back on photos I’ve taken this year.

I’m no photographer – I snap and go using mainly my phone. The most I do (after several tellings off by Mr EC about dirty washing in the background etc) is attempt to compose a photo with the least background clutter.

Nevertheless, my amateur eye can see that off those taken this year, there are several where the impact of the light at that particular moment has made an otherwise dull photo look great.

Here are the photos, with some added labels to briefly explain where they were taken.