Mummy's Little Monkey

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN! (feb 3)

2012-02-03T08:50:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

If you spot my tweets, RT them to all your Tweet Peeps, so we get lots of lovely new readers for all our blogs. The list starts fresh every week (usually Friday morning but don't hate me if I'm tardy...) and the idea is to come back again and again to relist your details.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

ME. RIGHT NOW (the gallery, feb 1)

2012-02-02T17:17:00.000Z

This is 'Me. Right now'. Well, technically, it's 'Me. Yesterday afternoon'.

That's when I took this pic for the Sticky Fingers Gallery, I just didn't have time to post it until now. Because that's how you roll when you're a Mum - your children come first, and you make do with the time left over at the end of the day (if there is any).

You may notice I look bloody knackered. Lil Sis had been battling a nasty tummy bug since the weekend. It started with vomiting, then made its way south (if you know what I mean...) so I'd had even less sleep than usual for the previous three nights.

Yesterday, exhausted from throwing up, she spent most of the day sitting on my lap, her flushed cheek practically glued to my chest. Poor mite.

So there it is - 'Me' immortalised in a slightly puke-stained moment of Motherhood. It ain't glamorous or exciting - but then real life rarely is...

SINK OR SWIM (am I being unreasonable?)

2012-02-01T23:01:00.001Z

Last year Big Sis started swimming lessons. She's only 3.5, so I didn't expect her to be churning out laps after a few weeks - I simply wanted to build up her confidence so if she ever fell into water, she'd know how keep herself afloat until help arrived.

She absolutely loved it! Every week she couldn't wait to up on her swimming costume, and her cap. She even insisted on wearing her goggles in the car.

So last week we pulled up at the school where her lessons were held. There was some kind of event on, so the carpark was full with parents picking their kids up. The school is on a road with no parking, so my only option was to wait for someone to leave. By the time I'd found a park and rushed the girls inside, the lesson had started and the other four children were already in the pool.

'So sorry, there was nowhere to park!' I called out to the instructor - the same man who'd been teaching Big Sis for the past three months. 'We've already started,' he replied, stone faced.
'There was nowhere to park,' I repeated. 'We've been circling round all this time.'

I gestured over at Big Sis, who already had her cap and swimming costume on - she simply had to take off her cardi, tights and shoes, which would have taken 30 seconds. 'Is she alright to jump in now?' It was a rhetorical question - one that you ask simply to be polite, as you already know the answer will be yes.

He just stared at me for a while, screwing up his face. I stopped taking off her shoes. 'Can she jump in?' I repeated. 'Well... ahh... err... umm... I suppose so...' he finally shrugged - making it quite clear by his tone of voice that it wasn't OK, really.

Well, that just pushed my 'F***k You' button. It was a swimming class for three-year-olds, not an Olympic training session. Would it really have been that big an issue if she'd quietly joined the group that we'd already paid to attend? Which was actually quite impossible now anyway, since all the other parents were now staring, goggle-eyed, by the shocking drama of us being a whole FIVE MINUTES LATE!

So I went back to Big Sis to explain that we couldn't go to swimming today after all - at which point she starting crying with disappointment.

I was absolutely fuming when I got back home. I immediately rang the bank to cancel the cheque I'd written them for the term ahead, but it had just gone through that day. Grrrr.

Within 10 minutes I'd found another swimming school, and enrolled Big Sis there instead. If I have to pay twice, fine, because I'm not having Big Sis miss out, and I'm DEFINITELY not going back to the original company.

So what do you think people? Am I being unreasonable, or was he???

MY FISHY DISHY... (family fresh fish recipes)

2012-01-31T13:22:00.000Z

We've made a conscious decision at Chez Monkey to stop eating red meat (yes, alright - a few bacon butties might slip through the net every now and then...).

It's a health issue, primarily, as OH has a family history of bowel cancer, but I also found I went off red meat when I was pregnant, and never really got the taste for it back.

But it's left a hole in my weekly meal planning (which makes it sound like I'm organised enough to have an ACTUAL meal plan, which I don't. What I mean is I'm struggling to think of enough simple, tasty non-meat dishes to last the whole week).

So imagine my excitement to be named a 'Fish Fanatic', by the lovely ladies behind the fab FISH IS THE DISH website. Not only would I get some fab fish to try out, but they'd send me the recipes and cooking instructions too! Perfect, since, as much as I LOVE fish, I'm not very confident cooking it.

Turns out I was worrying over nothing. I received my first fish pack late last week - individually vacuum-packed (use only what you need, and freeze the rest - no wastage!) fresh Haddock fillets from the fab on-line fish shop DELISH FISH, and a recipe for Shallow Fried Haddock with French Beans and Almonds.

It sounded like something I'd order from a fancy restaurant, and I was quite sure I'd stuff it up. So, did I? See for yourself...

the fish arrives - lovely thick haddock fillets

boil the french beans and set aside

dust fish fillets in flour

shallow fry in 1tbsp of veggie oil until flesh turns opaque, remove and keep warm

allow 80g of butter to brown, add beans (chopped in half) and 10g chopped almonds

plate up haddock, then spoon beans, almond and butter over top

I know what you're thinking, and the answer is yes - it did taste every bit as good as it looks. And I've got enough Haddock left over make some scrummy Fish is the Dish kids' gougons. I'll let you know how those go too.

If you want to check out some more fab fish recipes for yourself, there are loads on www.fishisthedish.co.uk, as well as helpful hints and tips on cooking seafood.

SUPER-AMAZING MUMS (tesco mum of the year 2012)

2012-01-27T23:07:00.000Z

All Mums are amazing, but there are some who truly go above and beyond. Women who just blow you away with the remarkable sacrifices they make, and the vital services they provide.

Like Helen Wynne, 40, of Wrexham. After six heart-breaking miscarriages, Helen and husband Dean were thrilled when she gave birth to their beautiful boy Dyfan, a much longed-for brother for their older daughter Meg.

But just one week later tiny Dyfan fell ill with meningitis. Then, more devastating news. He was diagnosed with a genetic disorder so rare he's the only known sufferer in the whole of the UK. He would never walk, or talk.

Unable to find the top-quality specialty care her son needed, Helen retrained so she could provide it herself. Realising there must be other families in desperate need of a special-needs childminding company they could trust, she and husband Dean opened Blythswood Childcare Services in 2004.

Today they care for up to 12 children at a time, and also provide respite care for families who desperately need a break. No wonder then, that Helen has just been named Tesco's Achieving Mum of the Year.

But she's just one of the amazing, deserving winners across the different categories for Tesco Mum of the Year 2012. A full list of ALL the amazing women will be announced soon, and you'll be able to read about them all on the TESCO MAGAZINE WEBSITE.

Just make sure you have your tissues handy!!

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!! (jan 27)

2012-01-27T11:44:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

HOLIDAY HEAVEN (our family friendly farm break)

2012-01-27T00:04:00.000Z

You know when you go on holiday and you have such a great time that they practically have to peel your fingertips off the door frame to get you to leave? Well, I wasn't quite that bad when we left COOMBE MILL a few weeks ago, but almost.

This was the first New Year in yonks that my friend Kate and I weren't either pregnant or breastfeeding, so we knew we wanted to do something spesh. So we hired the most amazing stone cottage for the eight of us (four little kids, and four big kids).

We arrived at the uber-family friendly farm just a few days before my 39th birthday. Last year was insanely crazy for us, juggling work, a half-finished house, a baby and a pre-schooler. So we weren't just looking forward to kicking back for a few days, we NEEDED this break!

From the moment we arrived I felt the stress start to ebb away. Coombe Mill is nestled at the bottom of a river valley, near Bodmin, in Cornwall. Once a 16th century water mill, it's now a cluster of beautifully restored stone cottages, cute cabins, and modern Scandanavian-style log houses.

We stayed in the spacious but homely Mill House, with its gorgeous stone slab floors, open fire, and big family kitchen. We were really impressed with how child-friendly it was - the stairs had gates top and bottom, Fiona had travel cots and highchairs at the ready, and there was even a big basket of toys for the kids to rummage through.

Some places claim to family friendly, then turn their noses up when you dare to turn up with little ones, but here children feel genuinely welcome. And with six (SIX!) children of her own, Fiona and Nick know exactly what you need to make your break as stress free as possible. There was a kids' playground, and even an indoor soft play area for when the weather refused to cooperate.

They have wireless wifi, so you can keep up with your news if you feel the need. BUT - and this was the best part - they don't get a mobile phone reception. Which felt weird at first, being a total iPhone junky, but turned out to be a Godsend. It forced us to really relax, and forget about the outside world (there's a phone box if you have an urgent call to make).

And we had the BEST time. We went for walks, and gossiped, and ate big home-cooked meals around the table, and drank Baileys by the open fire. And we might have had a glass or champers or two, just to see in the New Year, of course...

The kids had an absolute blast, exploring all the nooks and crannies of the house, going for walks in their muddy gumboots, stomping in puddles, and catching the tractor with Farmer Nick to feed the animals. It was so lovely to see them running around in the fresh air, and getting absolutely filthy!

We were really sad to leave - so much so, we've booked to go back. I'm already counting the days...

www.coombemill.com

TRENDY TODDLER TUESDAY (jan 25)

2012-01-25T23:11:00.001Z

This week I figured it was Lil Sis's turn to break out some funky threads. She's wearing her new hoody, bought from the on-line sale at the very cool @BurpBoutique (£12) some denim jeggings from Primark (£3) and some pink Moccis (£9). Whaddya think??

WIN A PARTY FOR A PRINCESS! (sth london only)

2012-01-25T14:46:00.000Z

Every little girl dreams of being a Princess... and now we're giving one lucky little lady the chance to slip on their glass slippers, and become Cinderella for one amazing, magical day!

If you're a blogger living in South London (South, South-East or South-West) Mummy's Little Monkey is giving you the chance to win a 'PARTY FOR A PRINCESS'.

Imagine your daughter's delight when their favourite Disney Princess arrives at your home to host a two-hour party for her, and up to 24 little friends. They'll enjoy dancing, games, prizes, and piles of Princess-y fun.

And all you'll have to do in return is sit back and let the specialist kids' event company 'Party for a Princess' provide an enchanting day that your daughter will never forget. Then, when you've finished having an AMAZING time, and tell us all about your big day in a blog post (*see T&Cs below).

Now stop imagining how fantastic it will be, and make it happen!!

For your chance to treat your child to a wonderful princess party hosted by ‘Party for a Princess' please enter by answering the following question.

What year was the classic Disney film Snow White made in?

a) 1937
b) 1967
c) 1972

‘Party for a Princess’ really does make wishes and dreams come true. So get entering, and good luck!!!

www.partyforaprincess.squarespace.com; partyforaprincess@mail.com

* T&C’s
Entrants need to be able to write a supportive review, and post it to their online blog if they win.
The post should go up within 10 days of the party being completed.
If there are any concerns from the day 'Party for a Princess' would appreciate the opportunity to address them before publication.
The party will last for no more than 2 hours and it must be in South, South East or South West London.
No more than 25 children can be entertained by the ‘Party for a Princess’ host.
A booking form must be completed to secure the party.
The party can be booked on a date of parents choice, provided diary is clear at the time of booking.
All refreshments and food must be supplied by parents.
Party bags are available at £3 per bag.

COOKIE CRAZY (baking with kids)

2012-01-24T13:31:00.000Z

I may be on the right side of 40 (just), but there's still a big part of me that believes in fairies and magic dust.

Which is why I ADORE the MAGIC BELLES website - they're a website designed for girls aged 3-7 (but that's not to stop boys and all ages joining in!). They have loads of activities and crafts that encourage children to use their imaginations and creativity.

In an age when kids grow up so quickly, I love that I have a place to visit with Big Sis (and Lil Sis eventually) that's all about fun, and wonder, and magic.

I'd love to spend all day making dinosaurs out of egg cartons, and growing cress in yoghurt pots but, very inconveniently, I have to squeeze some pesky work into my day too. Boooo!! Still, I'm very aware that Big Sis is starting school this September, and that the time will absolutely fly by, so I'm trying to fit in as much 'quality time' as I can before she deserts me. Sniff sniff.

The other day Cupcake Belle posted a cookie recipe that not only looked fab, but was well within my limited baking abilities. Score! So, I gathered up my mixing bowl and mini-Smarties, and off we went...

creaming the butter and sugar

you can never have too many mini-smarties

can you guess which ones are big sis's?

the finished result. scrum-diddly-umptious!

You can check out the Magic Belles cookie recipe yourself, at www.magicbelles.com, or follow them on Twitter @magicbelles. Happy Baking! xx

LAP(TOP) OF LUXURY (be.ez laptop sleeve)

2012-01-23T10:26:00.002Z

Just before Lil Sis killed my MacBook, I was sent this rather funky black and saffron be.ez LA robe Club computer sleeve.

I envisaged using it as a super-cool protective case to tuck my electronic baby safely away at night, not to mention a protective barrier from the sticky fingers of Lil Sis (she's developed a rather persistent habit recently of pulling it on to her lap as soon as I leave the room, and sending out gibberish emails to my clients. Teensy bit embarrassing).

But before I really had a chance to really put it to the test, Lil Sis gave my laptop a bath in fizzy drink and it exploded! Well, it didn't really explode, it just kind of fizzled out - but that doesn't sound nearly so exciting.

On the bright side, I still got to use it my be.ez sleeve... to take my computer to the repair shop.

So here's all the technical guff - it's made from soft but durable polyurethane, with a layer of memory foam, so my laptop felt really protected. I loved the snug, lightweight design, which fits easily into a briefcase or travel luggage. And if your children use a computer or iPad for school, it's a stylish, and affordable way to protect them from knocks and scratches.

Prices for the be.ez laptop sleeves start from £22.99. They come in 13", 15", and iPad sizes, and are available from all be.ez stockists.

TODZILLA STRIKES AGAIN

2012-01-22T13:02:00.000Z

I'm thinking about starting a section on my blog titled: 'Shit My Kids Destroy'.

It deserves its own special place simply because it happens so bloody often. And the list of casualties continues to grow - the printer with its touch screen violently torn off, a supposedly unbreakable Pyrex dish, seven iPhone USB cords, one actual iPhone, too many books to count, and my nose. Yes, my nose, which made a god-awful crunching noise for weeks afterwards, and now has a strange lump in the middle.

Most recently it was my poor MacBook (may it rest in peace). Just before Xmas Lil Sis gave it an impromptu Coke-Soak. I dried it off, popped it near the radiator, and prayed to the laptop Gods and, thank goodness, it was fine. Until a few weeks later when the sound went, and it stopped charging. Turns out it wasn't fine after all. Liquid had found its way into the sealed unit, corroding all the electronicky bits. It was FUBAR'd.

So now I'm hoping and praying that A: the insurance will cover 'Wilful Damage by Toddler', and B: their boffins can recover all my files and photos from the hard drive. Pray for me, people, pray for me.

SILENT SUNDAY (jan 22)

2012-01-22T10:24:00.000Z

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!! (jan 30)

2012-01-20T10:43:00.000Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

STRIKE A POSE (trendy toddler tuesday linky love)

2012-01-18T16:41:00.000Z

It only seems like a few days ago that I was posting my Trendy Toddler Tuesday pic. Perhaps because it was only a few days ago that I posted my Trendy Toddler Tuesday pic. But this week I'm organised, I'm on the ball, I'm Superwoman! Well, Slightly-Less-Crap-Than-Last-Week-Woman, at least.

So here's Big Sis again, wearing a Tesco Kids printed t-shirt (bought in a sale for £2), Gap Kids jeans (bought in a sale for £5), and a plain pink Gap Kids t-shirt, which I think set me back £4.99. Spotted a theme yet? Yes, I'm very ~~cheap~~ thrifty when it comes to buying the girls' clothes. I don't see the point in spending £25 on a pair of jeans they'll either trash, or grow out of in a few months.

Plus, saving money on each item means I can buy more... right??

See more trendy tots here:

FULL STEAM AHEAD! (thomas the tank engine dvd giveaway)

2012-01-18T09:47:00.003Z

I used to know the words to pretty much every song in the Top 10. Now I know all the words to Raa Raa the Noisy Lion. That's the thing about being a parent - you can delude yourself all day long that you're still cool and hip, but you're just not. Fact.

So let's just quit pretending that we only listen to Florence and the Machine, and admit we love a good episode of Thomas the Tank Engine.

And, now that we've come clean, some exciting news!

I've got two, that's right, TWO copies of the brand-new DVD, Thomas & Friends™ : Thomas in Charge to hand out willy nilly (well, Randomizer will select two names from all the entries).

It's full steam ahead (sorry, couldn't resist) with four exciting new adventures - Thomas in Charge; Henry's Good Deeds; O The Indignity; and A Blooming Mess. And, if you don't win this time then, as they say in my homeland, no worries mate! The DVD goes on sale from next Monday 23rd January, for just £12.99. Bonza!

Enter by leaving a comment below. If you 'Like' me on FACEBOOK, let me know in your comment and I'll give you an additional entry, coz that's the kind of generous person that I am.

So get entering, and Good Luck!!! xx

(a very late) TRENDY TODDLER TUESDAY

2012-01-15T18:18:00.003Z

I could make excuses. I could lay blame. But the cold, hard truth is that I was just too unorganised to get my Trendy Toddler Tuesday up in time this week. End result? I've missed the Mummy's Busy World Linky *hangs head*.

So I had two choices - give up and live with the regret, or post now (on a Sunday, of all days!) and hope above hope that the very kind, beautiful, and talented Maria would allow me to partake in next week's Linky *looks up hopefully*.

I've chosen this pic because Big Sis just loves Mickey Mouse and his menagerie of farmyard friends, and I love a good deal. This little gem was just...wait for it... £4 from Primark.

I know exactly what you're thinking: 'FOUR QUID!? My God, she's a bargain-spotting machine!!' And you'd be right *smiles smugly*.

Whaddya think Maria? Are we forgiven???

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!!

2012-01-13T14:33:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

RELEASE THE BOOKWORM WITHIN! (children's books)

2012-01-12T16:41:00.000Z

With modern motherhood comes great joy, and even greater guilt.

Am I spending enough time with my kids? Am I spending too much time with my kids? Did I really need to yell so loudly? Was it wrong of me to throw out that toy, just because the music was DRIVING ME FREAKIN' NUTS?!

One thing I do genuinely feel bad about is not reading enough to the girls.

I was a total bookworm as a child. I'd only have to open a Roald Dahl, or Enid Blyton book to be whisked away to a magical world of giant peaches, chocolate factories and faraway trees. I'd go round to my friends' houses only to spend the entire afternoon reading their Jackie magazines, and totally ignoring them.

I know there are huge benefits to reading to children - not only is it a lovely bonding time, it's a huge boost to the child's level of reading and comprehension too. Yet I let excuses get in the way; I'm too tired, the kids need to get to sleep, I don't have time...

So one of my New Year's Resolutions was to make the time to read to Big and Lil Sis. Very conveniently, my vow timed nicely with the arrival of a package of picture books from Macmillan Children's Books. Squeeeeee!

We received these three fab titles:
Not on a School Night (£10.99 hardback, £5.99 softback) by Rebecca Patterson
Zoe and Beans, the Magic Hoop! (£5.99) by Chloe and Mick Inkpen
Dogs (£5.99) Emily Gravett

So, for the last few nights I've been gathering the girls after their bath to read them the book of their choice. And, do you know what? I've really enjoyed it! It only takes 10 minutes, and the girls really love it too. I know I'm helping with their reading skills, and hopefully instilling a life-long passion for books.

I alleviate some of my 'Busy-Modern-Mum' guilt, and, best of all, I get the nicest cuddles while I'm reading. It's a win-win!

• the Macmillan Children's Books titles were provided for the purpose of review

PHONE-Y PHOTOS (the gallery)

2012-01-11T15:14:00.001Z

This week's Gallery prompt could've been made just for me. Phone Photos.

Since my proper camera broke I've been relying on my trusty phone camera to capture all those cute, crazy and just plain bizarre moments that would otherwise be lost in my constantly muddled mind. Like this one, which I like to call: 'Whatchoo looking at, Duck Face?'

FYI: you can probably find much better, far less silly examples over at Sticky Fingers...

TRENDY TODDLER TUESDAY (linky likey!)

2012-01-07T01:24:00.003Z

Me old mucker Maria from Mummy's Busy World has started a rather spiffing weekly link up called TRENDY TODDLER TUESDAY.

Which is completely my thing, since I'm a total Paparrazzo Parent. In fact, one of my favourite past times is dressing Big Sis up in clothes I secretly wish I could wear myself, and snapping away until she holds her hand up in front of her face, and shouts 'No more, Mummy!'.

So here's our first effort. Since we've just come back from the fab Coombe Mill Family Farm (more on that later) I felt it fitting that we showed off a little 'Country Chic'.

Today Big Sis is modelling a black fur-lined Gap parka, purple and grey striped t-shirt from Next, denim jeggings from Primark, and some cool skull & crossbones wellies we stumbled across in Sainsbury's, of all places.

Oh, and mud. Loooots of mud. Whaddya think?

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!

2012-01-06T10:36:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LEFTOVER XMAS TURKEY FOIL

2012-01-05T23:05:00.001Z

Or not.

KIDS ARE GROSS

2011-12-24T00:46:00.001Z

What's that you're eating, Lil Sis?

Oh.

Merry Christmas from Mummy's Little Monkey!

(hope your Chrissy lunch tastes better than this...)

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN! (blog hop)

2011-12-23T12:20:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

PRETTY LITTLE LIAR

2011-12-22T14:22:00.001Z

Me, to Big Sis: 'Have you been stamping ink all over your sister?'
Big Sis, to me: 'Nooooooo.'
Me, to Big Sis: 'Are you telling me the truth?'
Big Sis, nodding: 'Yeeeesss.'

Hmmmmm. Why am I not convinced?!?

MAGICAL XMAS MOVIES (fab family dvds)

2011-12-21T13:41:00.000Z

Man, I love blogging, and not just because of all the fab goodies. Right - now that I've made that perfectly clear, I'd like to tell you about these, well, fab goodies.

I'm not sure who was more excited when a big Santa Sack arrived the other day from Warner Bros. Big Sis might even have squealed like a girl! (OK... that was me).

So we opened it up to find a veritable stash of Warner Bros Blu-Ray and DVDs - including Happy Feet, Yogi Bear, Bugs Bunny's Christmas Tales, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Ben 10 AND The Polar Express in 3D. Squeeeeeeee! Me again. Sorry.

But the super-duper bestest of them all was a special collector's edition of all the Scooby Doo dvds, stored in its very own mini-Mystery Machine campervan container (which Big Sis is clutching, above). How cool is that?!

So this Xmas Eve will be spent eating honey-roasted ham, drinking Baileys, and watching The Polar Express in fancy-schmancy 3D. (We watched a little bit the other day, just to get a taster, and the effects are pretty darn amazing - I can't wait to see the rest!).

Pure Christmas bliss.

www.warnerbros.com

• the Warner Bros dvds were supplied for the purpose of review

THE MONKEYS BEHIND THE MUMMY (my bloggers' calendar bio)

2011-12-19T22:58:00.001Z

See these little scallywags - cheeky monkeys, aren't they? In case you haven't already guessed by the fairly self-explanatory title, they're also the inspiration for this blog.

Well, technically it was just Big Sis back in October 2009, when Mummy's Little Monkey was born. Then, three months later, I got preggers with Lil Sis, so my ramblings expanded to include me moaning about how tired I felt, and how bad my indigestion was, and how I could only hold down Haribo fizzy cherry lollies.

But where did it all begin? Well, I'm a features journo by trade, but my freelancing had taken a hit with the recession. I'd been doing some product reviews for another site when I decided I'd be better off devoting my time to a blog of my very own.

I thought it would be a nice way to document the kids growing up, and for my family back in New Zealand and Australia to feel like they were a part of their day-to-day lives.

I felt pretty confident that digital journalism was about to explode, and hoped the blog would somehow nudge me on to my next career path. Which it has... Social Media Consultant/Manager, at your service *bows*.

I've been to some amazing events, and taken part in some seriously fun projects (including the Cybermummy Bloggers' Calendar) AND met a pile of very cool peeps along the way. Bonus!

Not sure what the future holds for blogging, but I'm excited to be along for the ride.

Now, give me my Calendar! ;)

SILENT SUNDAY (starting young)

2011-12-18T23:06:00.000Z

CHRISTMAS CUDDLES

2011-12-17T10:44:00.001Z

BUTTERFLIES FLUTTER BY (children's room decorations)

2011-12-16T18:41:00.000Z

Since moving into our house a year ago we've been s-l-o-w-l-y painting and decorating as, and when, money allows.

If you read my blog you might have seem THIS POST about putting a mural up in the girls' room. It looked great, but it bugged me that the far wall still looked bare and drab:

I'd been looking out for something to give it a bit more oomph - but just couldn't find the right decoration to match the room and the existing woodland theme. Then, Bingo!

Lucy from Vertbaudet.co.uk got in touch to ask if I want to try out their adorable new insect decorations. The pack includes seven three-dimensional butterflies, and seven dragonflies in lovely bright colours.

I faffed around with them for a while until I was happy they were all in the right place. The pic doesn't actually do them justice - they look really cute and whimsical, and I love the texture that the 3-D adds to the room.

But, best of all, was Big Sis's reaction when she got home from playgroup. Her jaw dropped open, and she stared at them for ages, before breathing: 'WOW!!'

What do you think??

Insect decorations, £19, www.vertbaudet.co.uk

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN! (blog hop)

2011-12-16T11:52:00.000Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

2011-12-15T22:17:00.000Z

MY KIDS ARE BONKERS (part one)

2011-12-14T14:20:00.003Z

Lil Sis is in that 'trying to get everywhere far too quickly' stage.

The other day she tripped over and whacked her nose on the sharp edge of my laptop - getting herself a nice scrape in the process.

Upon seeing a spot of blood, Big Sis called on her extensive medical training, screaming: 'PLASTER!!'.

I did as I was told, administering a Monkey-patterned Band-Aid to Lil Sis's injury, quite sure she'd rip if off a moments later anyway.

To my surprise, she actually quite liked her nose bandage, and spend the next few hours walking around slightly cross-eyed as she admired her patched-up hooter.

See? I told you... Bonkers.

MY KIDS ARE BETTER DRESSED THAN ME (kids' winter fashion)

2011-12-13T11:47:00.001Z

Sorry if I seem to be going on about NEXT at the mo, but have you noticed their kids' winter range is pretty rockin'? Check out this PINK CHUNKY CARDIGAN. See?

Sure, it slightly bothers me that my kids have this fab wardrobe while I'm still wearing maternity tops from 15 months ago. Not enough to actually make me stop shopping for them though...

www.next.co.uk

TWEET ME TUESDAY

2011-12-12T22:47:00.000Z

You know how you set up a Twitter account, then start writing a Blog under a completely different name, and no one in the universe realises you're the same person?

Or you've just started Tweeting and your only followers are your Mum, some random school friend you haven't seen in 20 years, and a car hire company in Boise, Idaho? Or you've got lots of followers already, but you're always keen to make more Twitter friends!

Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, I present the solution to your Twitter woes. Tweet Me Tuesday. I know, what you're thinking - firstly, what an outstandingly clever use of alliteration, and secondly, where do I sign up?

It's simple really. Add your Twitter name below via Mr Linky and link it back to your TWITTER PAGE. (No, not your Blog page, silly, because that gets listed on Blow Your Own Blog-Horn every Friday, innit?).

This will open each week on - you guessed it - Tuesday, and will run all week. Well? What are you waiting for????

(slightly rubbish) CHRISSY CRAFTS

2011-12-12T11:06:00.001Z

I'm one of those people who buys craft books, looks through them longingly, but never actually makes anything because, well, I'm just a bit rubbish at crafts.

But Big Sis was stuck inside and a bit bored the other day, and I remembered a fingerprinting kit I'd recently rescued from the unpacked moving boxes in the garage.

We also need some name cards for the Xmas pressies we were about to send off to New Zealand, so... hey presto! Thumbprint-insect-gift-tag-thingies.

There's no danger of me becoming the next Kirstie Allsopp, but Big Sis and I had fun making them, and I think it's a nice personal touch on the grandparents' Chrissy pressies.

On reflection, I should have made them more festive - sprigs of holly, maybe, or a Robin. Hey-ho - there's always next year!

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-12-11T11:19:00.001Z

WIN A CASHMERE TEDDY (worth £37.99!)

2011-12-09T23:49:00.001Z

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED - CONGRATS VICTORIA!!

Look at this little fella - isn't he just the cutest widdle thing you've ever seen? Don't you just want to give him a cuddle? Well, you can. If you win him.

He's made from snuggly cashmere and would set you back around £37.99 if you were forking out your own moolah. But I'm giving you a chance to get your mitts on him for the crazy cost of... just two minutes of your time.

This Trousselier teddy is just one of the BPA-free, non-toxic, totally natural products you can buy from fab online store VUP Baby.

To possibly get your hands on Mr Teds (not his real name) all you have to do is sign up for VUP Baby's weekly newsletter - packed full of discounts, special offers, and great gift ideas. (They promise not to pass your details to anyone else!)

I'll sort it all out for you - just send your email address to: featureswriter (at) btinternet.com. Comp closes at midnight, Friday, Dec 16, and the winner will be selected by Randomizer.org.

You could be cuddling Mr Teds before you know it!
www.vupbaby.co.uk

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN! (blog hop)

2011-12-09T10:32:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader. If you want to make sure you don't miss out on my Blog Hop prompts, follow me here, or on Twitter @Jax2000.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

If you spot my tweets, RT them to all your Tweet Peeps, so we get lots of lovely new readers for all our blogs. The list starts fresh every Friday (usually morning-ish) and the idea is to come back each week to relist your details.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

THE PRESSIE THAT NEVER WAS (christmas gifts you won't want to give away...)

2011-12-07T23:52:00.001Z

You know that thing when you buy someone a present, and it's so nice you don't actually want to give it to them? Well, this was once destined for the OH's Christmas Stocking, but now I think I'll just keep it for myself.

It's a fancy pants red wine decanter, with a solid oak stopper - guaranteed to make you look totes sophisticated if you leave it on display when friends come around. And it aerates your wine and makes it taste even better!

It's just one of the gorgeous gift ideas you'll find on www.handpickedcollection.com, where every item has been carefully selected for maximum deliciousness. But be warned - if you go on the site it's highly unlikely that you'll be able to resist buying something. There are so many fab pressies to choose from, and you're only human after all.

I'm sure OH will be just as happy with some socks and underpants. Besides, he'll never even know that this was very nearly his... unless he reads this. Oops.

Wine decanter with solid oak stopper, £24.95, www.handpickedcollection.com

• The decanter was provided for the purpose of review

MY AWESOME PHOTO (the gallery)

2011-12-07T20:25:00.001Z

My camera packed up early this year. I was still on maternity leave and we had a half-finished, semi-furnished house, so forking out for a new camera just wasn't an option.

Panicked doesn't begin to describe how I felt. All those milestones coming up - how was I going to preserve them for posterity?

I started using my iPhone camera, but it was a poor replacement, with a fraction of the image quality. But then something strange happened. The pics I was snapping on my phone were turning out OK. In fact, some of them were kinda cool. Awesome, even.

What do you reckon??

For more awesome pics, check out this week's Gallery over at STICKY FINGERS...

PRETTY AS A PRINCESS (the wow toys princess carriage)

2011-12-06T23:33:00.001Z

I had a ruthless pre-Christmas cull the other week.

I gathered up piles of toys that had been sitting around the house, driving me bonkers, and ended up filling a couple of bin bags. First to go were the ones that constantly belched tinny electronic music, followed closely behind by the fluoro-coloured ones that flashed lights, and sang inane songs.

When the dust had settled, pretty much all that remained were our Wow Toys. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I just lurrrve Wow Toys. They're durable, and well made, but what I love the most is that they don't use a single battery. Instead they encourage good old-fashioned imagination and role play.

Big Sis has quite the collection now - from the recycling truck and the submarine, to the pizza shop and the digger. The latest member of the family is Pippa's Princess Carriage.

Big Sis is a confirmed tomboy, but she's going through a bit of a Princess phase at the moment, thanks to an obsession with the Disney Cinderella DVD, so she was beside herself with excitement when this turned up.

'My Princess!' she squealed, 'thank you soooo much Mummy!'

Here's a better pic of Pippa's Princess Carriage, but a worse pic of Big Sis. Fingers crossed the wind doesn't change...

www.wowtoys.com

• the Princess Carriage was provided for the purpose of review

THE GOLDEN CHILD (do you have a favourite?)

2011-12-06T19:24:00.001Z

There's been a bit of talk recently about whether parents secretly have a favourite child. Some people say it's the eldest, while a recent survey* says that the youngest is more likely to get preferential treatment.

I have two girls, aged three and one, and I can honestly say that I don't have a favourite.

They're both so different - Big Sis is fiercely independent, outgoing, and goofy. Lil Sis is shy and suspicious at first, but cheeky and playful once she's warmed up.

Big Sis will struggle out of your arms when you give her a cuddle, while Lil Sis will throw herself into them with such determination I've nicknamed them Kamikaze hugs.

Big Sis isn't intimidated by crowds, and will walk through Tesco, singing at the top of her lungs, not even slightly bothered by the fact everyone is staring. Lil Sis comes out of her shell when she's one-on-one, but loves to make you laugh. If she realises she's done something funny, she'll do it over and over, just to see your reaction.

They even look completely different. Big Sis has dark hair, dark eyes, and olive skin. Lil Sis is strawberry blond, with blue/hazel eyes (they're still changing colour) and peachy pale skin that's going to be a nightmare in summer.

But I love their differences. I'm so proud of Big Sis's independence, the fact she adapts quickly to any situation, and the way she calls everyone 'my friend'. And I adore the way Lil Sis walks around giggling at nothing in particular, and snuggles into me so tightly it's like she's glued to my chest.

Of course there are days when one child is more pleasant to be around than the other, but then the next day the order is reversed, so it all evens out.

As they grow older I might find that one child is more similar to me in personality, and in the way their mind works, and it might be easier to get along with them as a result. But surely part of the challenge of being a Mum is figuring out, as best as you can, how your children tick.

It might be hard work, but I imagine it's also incredibly rewarding when you 'crack the code'. Besides, if it was too easy, it would get a bit boring, wouldn't it?

Perhaps I'm just lucky that I have a great connection with my both my children - despite, or maybe because of, their differences.

What do you think???

* Bounty.com carried out a survey of 1803 people

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-12-04T13:07:00.001Z

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!

2011-12-02T12:44:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

PICTURE PERFECT (christmas photo gifts)

2011-11-30T23:34:00.001Z

You know when you have that 'what if the house caught on fire' conversation, and you go through all the things you'd save?

After the girls and the OH, of course, first on my list are always my photos. To be completely honest they're the only material possessions I really worry about losing. Everything else can be bought again, but photos are irreplaceable.

I've been a bit slack since Lil Sis was born. Complete and utter lack of any free time has left my photos languishing on my computer. So when I was approached by Bonusprint to try out their photogift range, I got slightly (very) excited.

I jumped on their site to have a look at the range, and instantly started drooling over their fab Xmas cards. All my rellies are in New Zealand, so photo cards are a really lovely, personal way to keep in touch with them. I picked one of my fav piccies of the girls, and selected a border and this is how they turned out. What do you think??

Then I absolutely fell in love with their custom framed print service. I picked two favourite shots, then selected the colour, type and the style of the frame and mounting board. I uploaded all the details on line, and then a week or so later these arrived:

I absolutely adore them - so much so, I now can't bear to give them away, and I'm keeping them to go up on our photo wall!

You can also pick from a wide range of fun and fab gifts - from calendars and Christmas stockings, to photo coasters, bags, and jigsaws. If you want to check out the range for yourself, visit: www.bonusprint.co.uk

• the Bonusprint photo gifts were supplied free of charge for the purpose of review

KITCHEN CALAMITY (the gallery)

2011-11-30T13:30:00.001Z

They say the kitchen is the heart of any home. Well, mine nearly gave me a heart attack this time last year - does that count??

If you've been reading my blog you'll know that we moved here almost exactly one year ago. It was a total construction site, so we couldn't unpack and lived out of one suitcase each. We spent the next few weeks with no carpets, doors, flooring, or kitchen.

microwave in the spare room

our 'fridge'

We cooked ready meals in a microwave set up in the spare bedroom, and ate out of disposable plastic bowls. We kept our perishables in the snow drift outside out front door.

Did I mention we had a 12-week-old baby, and a two-year-old toddler as well?

For a while it seems as if life was just one frustrating, stressful trial after the other - there was the tiler who put down the wrong tiles. We had to have them all jack-hammered back up again, so the right ones could be laid.

the wrong tiles, vs the right tiles!!!!

Then it looked like we were stuck with microwave meatballs for Christmas, as the Big Freeze had now hit, and the truck carrying our kitchen couldn't get up the hill. When they did manage to navigate through the ice, the kitchen fitter had to leave halfway through, in case he got stranded by the snow.

new tiles being relaid

To cut a very long story short, we ended up with a semi-finished kitchen and managed to turn out an edible Chrissy dinner. Xmas was salvaged. Just.

finally (almost) finished

Today the kitchen still isn't completely finished - some days I wonder if it ever will be - but it's far cry from the construction zone of last year. We even have a fancy pants dining table - the first one I've ever owned!

So this year nothing is going to go wrong, and Christmas is going to be absolutely fantastic. Got it??? *glares*

Check out the other Gallery entries here:

TWEET ME TUESDAY!

2011-11-29T14:10:00.001Z

You know how you set up a Twitter account, then start writing a Blog under a completely different name, and no one in the universe realises you're the same person?

Or you've just started Tweeting and your only followers are your Mum, some random school friend you haven't seen in 20 years, and a car hire company in Boise, Idaho?

This will open each week on - you guessed it - Tuesday, and will run all week. Well? What are you waiting for????

BYE BYE MUM TUM (ab workout)

2011-11-27T23:02:00.001Z

Ladies. Have I got some fantastic news for you! You need never do a sit up again. Isn't that fab? Turns out they're not even that good for flattening your abs - in fact the strain can actually force them outwards, making your stomach appear bigger! Who knew?

Certainly not me - if it wasn't for the Mutu System, I'd still be puffing and panting away with my counter-productive crunches.

Two babies in two years and a penchant for junky, sugary snacks had left me with the dreaded Mum Tum. So, just over a month ago, I embarked on the MuTu System.

It was designed by Wendy Powell, a pre and postpartum exercise specialist and Mum of two. Not that you can tell by her ridiculously flat washboard abs, and complete lack of any discernible body fat. Which is exactly why I trusted her when she said I would see a difference with just 15 minutes a day.

I'm not going to give away all her secrets, but Wendy teams healthy eating with pilates, yoga and pelvic floor exercises. The best part is that you get each weekly workout as an online video, which is backed up with piles of info and advice on her website. AND she's on hand via email and Twitter for any quick queries you have.

It's like having your own personal trainer on call. Perfect for me, because I can slot the routines around my busy day.

So, how am I going? Well, I'm not going to pretend that I'm perfect, but I'm definitely pulling my fitness socks up.

I've started drinking water instead of just coffee and Coke Zero. I'm remembering (most of the time) to activate my TA muscles (that's Transverse Abdominus, to you). I'm even following my video workouts - maybe not everyday, but as often as I can. And I'm really enjoying them - especially the pilates moves, and the lovely stretches!

I'm trying to tweak my diet by cutting down on the sugary foods I'd been eating since Lil Sis was born. I had been using the excuse that I was breastfeeding to justify my sweet tooth - even though I kept on snacking long after she was weaned.

There's still a lot of room for improvement, but I've been more careful to prepare meals with fresh veggies and ingredients, and cook dishes from scratch.

I've noticed a marked difference already, to the way I look, and the way I feel about myself. OH asked if I'd lost weight the other day, and he didn't even know I'd started the MuTu System, so it must be doing something!

I've also restarted listening to my Thinking Slimmer Lose a Dress Size Slimpod too - it worked a treat a few months back, stopping me from snacking and taking me from a 10/12 back to a small 10 in just a few weeks.

Recently I'd felt my junky snack habits creeping back in, so I've listened to it every other night for the past week. I'm still completely in awe about how well this works (I can vouch for myself, and have seen loads of people raving about it on Twitter).

All you have to do is listen to the Slimpod while you're drifting off to sleep and its specially worded messages target your subconscious. To be honest I don't truly understand how it works, and I don't really care - so long as it does!!

So... I'll keep you posted on how I go...

www.mutusystem.com; www.thinkingslimmer.com

ROYAL RECOGNITION

2011-11-27T19:13:00.001Z

'There's that Pippa Middleton on the telly again!' OH remarked earlier today.

Big Sis, rushed back in the lounge: 'Pippa?!?' she squealed excitedly.

'Yes,' I replied, highly impressed that my three-year-old recognised the future King of England's sister-in-law.

'Pippa Pig!?' she gasped.

Oh.

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-11-27T10:34:00.001Z

THE BUBBA CUPBOARD

2011-11-25T18:09:00.001Z

Big Sis came running in earlier today: 'Bubba gone!' she giggled.

I looked around all their usual playing spots - out in the conservatory, in the front porch, tucked around the side of the couch. Nothing.

'Bubba?' I called. Hearing a muffled grunt, I followed the noise, finally stopping at the cupboard under the stairs.

Pulling open the door, I found this crammed in with the fuse box and the gas meter:

FABULOUSLY FISHY (scrummy fish pie recipe)

2011-11-25T13:11:00.001Z

I bloody love Twitter. As well as having a good old natter and a laugh on there, it's also become my guide to life.

How do I get the smell of baby pee out of the carpet? Ask Twitter. Do I use the stalks of the watercress, or just the leaves? Twitter will know. How the hell do I unblock my sink without a plunger? Literally no question is too big, or too outlandish.

And now Twitter is even preparing dinner for me.

OH is (bizarrely) allergic to potato. A life without roasties, chips, mash, or crisps. Can you even begin to imagine?? So when I decided to make a fish pie the other week, I had to find a suitable tattie alternative.

Since I have stuff-all knowledge about such things, I turned to the great all-knowing Twitter. Or, to be more specific, the lovely ladies Jo and Karen from @FishistheDish.

Turns out they run a website advising Mums on how to include more fish in their diets, as well as answering questions on everything, from how to cook fish, to how to convince kids to eat more of it!

So they did a bit of digging, and came back with a recipe for a fab puff pastry topped creamy fish pie, filled with salmon, haddock and prawns. And here it is - Ta Dah!!

I have to tell you it was deeeeeelish. I even got a bit creative and added some cod, peas and sweetcorn. Crazy, huh?

Let me know if want the recipe, and I'll email it to you!!

www.FishistheDish.co.uk

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!!

2011-11-25T08:29:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

MONKEY, PHONE HOME! (the magicbox torque phone)

2011-11-22T23:43:00.001Z

To be completely honest I don't use our landline much anymore - I find them a bit clunky and restrictive now, compared to my iPhone.

But I could definitely be tempted back to the landline way of life by this super-sexy Magicbox Torque cordless phone and answerphone...

The charging base looks more like a designer piece of art than a functional phone, and comes in funky, high-gloss finish in white or black - which just happens to go fabulously with the decor in my home. Check the pics above if you don't believe me - it's like they're made for each other.

I loved the sleek design of the handset, and the ultra-sensitive keys that make dialling just as simple as the capacitive screen of my iPhone. The Torque is packed with loads of great features, including motion sensors that lock the handset as soon as it's held near your ear. No more cutting people off when you're rushing about doing a million things at once, with the phone tucked under your ear (we're busy Mums, so we do that A LOT, right?).

It also has a function to track your missing handset - very handy if you have a toddler who loves dropping things down behind the back of the sofa. (Did I mention that I have a toddler who loves dropping things down behind the back of the sofa?).

The only thing I didn't like about the Magicbox Torque, was having to give it back...

You can buy the Magicbox Torque from JOHN LEWIS for £69.99. www.magicboxproducts.com

• I was lent the Magicbox Torque for the purpose of review

WHEN ORANGES ATTACK... (fight back)

2011-11-22T11:05:00.001Z

Big Sis LOVES oranges, but had a traumatic experience the other week when juice squirted into her eye during the peeling process.

Since then she's been suffering from Post Traumatic Satsuma Disorder, and has point-blank refused to deal with her own Easy Peelers.

Until she struck upon this rather novel solution...

Bloody brilliant, or utterly barmy? I can't decide...

MY LITTLE CUTESICLE (kids' winter jackets)

2011-11-21T22:01:00.001Z

I know every parent thinks their kid is just the cutest thing since puppies were invented, but how adorable does Lil Sis look in her new Vertbaudet winter jacket?

What I love about it (besides the fact it makes my kid look even more freakin' adorable than usual) is that the mittens are attached to the jacket cuff by little poppers, so your stroppy toddler can't tear them off and lose them.

The fluffy inner liner is removable, so you can take it out and keep using the jacket through spring. It even has a little tab on the breast pocket to attach a favourite toy.

Can it get any cuter??

The Vertbaudet kids' winter jacket is currently down from £35 to £28 HERE and also comes in pink, and beige.

www.vertbaudet.co.uk

• the jacket was provided for the purpose of review

HOW MANY IS TOO MANY? (super-sized families)

2011-11-21T16:29:00.001Z

Last week infamous American mum Michelle Duggar announced she was pregnant with her 20th child.

Jawdropping, most definitely, but is it responsible?

I'm just not sure how I feel about 'super-sized' families. I totally understand why the Duggars made their initial decision not to take contraception: after her first child Michelle fell pregnant while on the pill, and sadly miscarried. They blamed the loss on their use of contraception, and made a pact to leave the size of their family in the hands of nature.

Fair enough, but there are ways to avoid or lessen your chance of getting pregnant!

I admire the fact they've worked hard to be financially independent, and don't rely on the state to subsidise their family. And I'm totally in awe with the precise way they run their home. I could do with a tiny fraction of that organisation in my own house.

My point is this: There are only 24 hours in a day, and (if we're lucky) we spend eight or nine of them sleeping. Let's knock a few more hours off for household chores, eating, showering, etc. So, let's say you've got 10 hours left, divided by soon-to-be 20 children.

Split equally, that means each child gets a total of just 30 minutes of exclusive Mum-time each day. Obviously newborns and very young children demand a lot more attention, so I think it's fair to assume it's even less for the older kids.

I've watched documentaries on the Duggar family, and the younger kids are buddied up with their older siblings to help them with chores and daily duties. Which is a brilliant idea - at a school, or a kid's summer camp. But is it right that a parent keeps having more and more children, only to farm all the parenting duties out??

It's all very well having all these children, but what's the point if you can't spend any real time with them?!? Maybe I'm missing something here, but I just don't get it.

One of the reasons I grudgingly shelved my wish for three children was because I worried I wouldn't have enough time to devote to them all, and be the mother I wanted to be.

I have two pre-school children, and work pretty much full-time hours, as well as caring for them both at home. And I constantly feel guilty that I'm not spending enough quality time with them both, or able to give them more individual attention.

Before you jump down my throat, I'm not saying that all Mums with more than two children are spreading themselves too thin. I'm saying that, with my personal situation, work commitments, and no family in the UK to help out, my time is diluted enough.

I fully admit I feel a bit envious of people with three, four, five kids - Christmas Day must be AMAZING and I imagine all these fun, boisterous Sunday lunches, like a scene straight out of Brother and Sisters. If our financial and family situation was different (and I was younger!) I'd definitely want more children. But 20??

There are going to be times in your life when, no matter how close you are to your brothers and sisters, no one but Mum will do. How is she possibly going to be there for all of them? Important dates are bound to clash, and she can only be in one place at a time.

I have no doubt that the Duggar children are happy and healthy, and love each other dearly, but I just wonder if it's fair to have to share Mum with so many other people.

After all, there might be 20 of them, but they'll only ever have one Mummy.

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO PEPPA PIG LIVE!

2011-11-21T00:05:00.001Z

Kids love Peppa Pig. Fact. So how would you like to officially become 'Best Parent in the World' by winning a family ticket to see Peppa Pig's Treasure Hunt Live?!

This hugely successful show has been touring around the UK, but is about to settle at the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly, London, for the Christmas season.

This ticket is for the matinee show on Thursday 1 December at 2.30 pm, so please make sure you can realistically attend before entering.

Entry is simple - just leave a comment below. You can follow me too if you like (I have some pretty snazzy giveaways...) but that's totally up to you! Remember to leave your Twitter name or contact details so I can get in touch if you win. Comp closes this Friday, November 25, at midday.

If you're thinking of going at a later date, check out all the show dates, venues, and times here: WWW.PEPPAPIGLIVE.COM

Get entering, and Good Luck!! xx

SILENT SUNDAY

2011-11-20T12:36:00.001Z

WHOOPEE! (whoopie pies, actually...)

2011-11-19T13:27:00.001Z

Lookie-see what just arrived from the lovely folks at Random House. Cupcakes are sooooo 2010 - it's all about the Whoopie Pies now, baby!

So this paperback version has been specially rejigged from the best selling 'The Whoopie Pie Book' to appeal to a younger market - making it the perfect cookbook to use when baking with your kids (and perfectly aimed at my own baking skill level...)

I'm already dribbling a bit at the thought of the Mocha Orange Whoopies filled with Espresso cream. One word: Yummo.

Whoopie Pie Fun, by Claire Ptak; Bantam Books; £6.99

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!

2011-11-18T13:06:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

LURGY BUSTING (National Indoor Allergy Week)

2011-11-15T09:09:00.001Z

I'm a bit late putting this up because we've all been sick in Chez Monkey. Which, ironically, is kind of the whole point of this post...

It's National Indoor Allergy Week, which might be more relevant than you think, since an estimated 12 million Brits are allergic to the dust mites running riot in their homes.

There are millions of the little microscopic menaces in your mattress, carpets, and pillows. After six months it's estimated that the weight of your pillow can double from dust mite faeces. As Big Sis would say: 'Eurrrgh - disgusting!'

Often you'll pass off your sniffles as yet another cold, when, in fact, it's those dastardly dust mites irritating your nose, chest and eyes, even causing eczema to flare.

Sealing up the house and cranking up the heating just makes the little blighters multiple even more frantically, which is why you'll notice the effects even more in winter.

You'll never be totally free of your uninvited houseguests, but there are things you can do to keep the little nasties down - like dusting with a damp cloth, vacuuming regularly, and washing your bedding every week at temperatures above 60 degrees.

Or, if you really want to annihilate the nasties, you could invest in a quality air purifier to remove dust mites, pollen, airborne bugs and irritants.

Just one year ago we were living in a construction zone, with builders' dust literally half an inch thick in places. We cleaned up as best we could, but eventually the carpets went down over the still dusty floorboards, and we just had to get on with things.

Now it seems like the girls are ill every other week at the moment, with red eyes and streaming noses, and I wonder how much of that is actual illness, and how much is an allergic reaction to all the residual dust.

So I was very interested to hear about the Filtrete Air Purifier from 3M. Basically it pulls the air through a filter which is 99.9% effective at removing pollen, dust mite debris, and mould spores. It's also an effective way to help reduce odours, and the number of airborne bacteria and viruses. Sounds great to me!

What I first thing I noticed was that it was compact, and surprisingly swish looking. It tucked unobtrusively into the corner, and on the lowest setting I could barely hear it running - great, since there's enough noise in this house already with two energetic preschoolers careering about...

It's too early to tell yet if it's having an impact on the lurgy levels in the house, but I love the idea that it's purifying the air - especially now it's getting colder and I can't get as much fresh air through the house.

There's sure to be plenty of viruses going round between now and the end of the month, so we'll really put it to the test. I always suffer quite badly at the beginning of hayfever season too, so I'm hoping it'll help with that too.

I'll let you know how we get on!!

If you want to find out more about National Indoor Allergy Week, and how to combat allergies, visit: www.allergyuk.org.

• The Filtrete Ultra Clean Room Air Purifier retails for around £135 and was provided for the purpose of this review.

MISS INDEPENDENT

2011-11-14T16:22:00.001Z

Even before she was born, Big Sis did things her way, and on her own terms. She was two weeks overdue, and even after three attempts to induce her, and 50 hours of non-established (but still agonisingly painful) labour, she refused to make a show.

Finally the docs stepped in, overruling my desire to keep waiting, and popped her 'out the sun roof' as one (male) doctor delightfully described it.

Since then she has continued to display an often unsettling level of independence.

She's three (and a quarter) now. I realise this is the age when kids start wanting to do things for themselves, but Big Sis seems to be on independence overdrive.

The arrival of Lil Sis has brought it more sharply into focus, as she's such a different character. Big Sis is bolshy and gregarious, and doesn't get intimidated by crowds, or people she doesn't recognise. Lil Sis is more cautious and clingy, and takes much longer to warm up with people. I know there's a two-year age gap, but Big Sis has always been like this - even as a baby.

Take them to a play group and Lil Sis never strays far from my side. Big Sis, on the other hand, is off like a rocket. She isn't remotely bothered if I'm out of sight, and when I do go up to check that she's OK, she shoos me away like I'm cramping her style. Even if she hurts herself she'll only tolerate the briefest of cuddles before demanding to be put down.

Most of the time I'm proud of her fierce independence and it does make life a little easier. At least I know I'll be the only one crying at the school gate next year!

I'm not talking the simple things like dressing herself, which she actually does quite well - including socks, shoes and, if the mood strikes her, a hat, and sunglasses.

There was the time she tried to use the iron herself. She dug it out of the conservatory, unwound it, plugged it in to the hall socket, and then burned her leg trying to carry it back through the kitchen. God knows where she learned that from - I don't even iron!

The other morning I was slowly easing my way out of bed after the Big Sis alarm clock went off ('Mummy, Mummy, wake up! I hungry!'). By the time I got Lil Sis up and made my way downstairs 10 minutes later, Big Sis was already sitting in the kitchen, by herself, enjoying a spot of brekkie.

She'd gone in one cupboard and retrieved a bowl, then unclipped the child lock on another cupboard to fetch the cereal box. She'd then dragged a chair over to the fridge, and climbed up to get the milk. She'd filled her bowl, set the milk up on the bench, then fished around in the drawer until she happened upon a spoon.

If she fancies a snack, she simply rummages around in the fridge until she finds a yoghurt, or a punnet of cherry tomatoes. She pours her own cups of milk, and (usually) manages to do it without spilling a drop.

I half expect to come home next week and find her all packed up, and ready to move into her own flat.

If she's like this at 3, what the heck is she going to be like at 13!?!

BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN!

2011-11-11T09:34:00.001Z

It's that time again, time to:

'BLOW YOUR OWN BLOG-HORN'

For those of you not yet familiar with the concept - simply write your regular post, or flag up an old favourite, then enter your URL details with Mr Linky below, and he'll do the rest of the work.

Share the love by visiting the other entries on the list. If you like what you see, subscribe or follow them too, or pop them in your reader.

If you comment on anyone's blog, remember to let them know who you are, and how you found them. Tell your friends about it too, and encourage them to join in.

There are absolutely no limits to the number of times you can 'Blow Your Own Blog-Horn'. In fact I hope to see you all every single week.

You don't have to comment every time (even though it tells you too). If you want to include a brief description of your blog, or your chosen post, in the comment section instead, please feel free!!

Right, enough dilly-dallying - click on Mr Linky below, get posting, and get reading!

ANOTHER BLOGGING SCANDAL. YAWN.

2011-11-10T01:29:00.002Z

There must be something in the cyber water at the moment, because it seems like everyone is kicking off. Again.

The whole 'To Review or Not To Review' debate has flared up for the squillionth time, leading me to issue the following statement: 'Who the hell cares?'

Review. Don't review. It's your blog - you can put up crochet patterns, and pictures of fluffy miniature dogs sitting in teacups if you like. It's. Your. Blog.

So someone sent out a tongue-in-cheek RS, poking fun at the 'Blaggers'. So what? I thought it was really funny! The fact is, there are people out there taking the piss, and getting a bit freebie obsessed.

I can totally see why PRs would be getting annoyed by the constant begging letters from bloggers - just as bloggers sometimes moan about the number of PR approaches they get in their inboxes. Wading though piles of pointless emails every day is annoying. Fact.

Why are some people taking it so seriously? I'm even seeing people Tweet that they're now afraid to post a review, for fear of the backlash.

The PR wasn't talking about every single blogger who reviews - she was talking about the ones who are expecting too much, and offering too little in return. The ones who repeatedly request freebies, and seem willing to accept anything and everything - so long as it doesn't cost them a penny.

Of course they're going to get exasperated by these people - just as other bloggers have become fed up with them too.

So, lighten up people! Keep doing what you want on your blog. If you like doing reviews, and people like reading them, and you're being respectful and realistic about what you're trying to call in, then what's the problem?

And, with that, you should read my latest review - it's about the EYE-FI MEMORY CARD, which uploads all your photos to your computer or social media, without you even lifting a finger.

Cool, right? Who wouldn't want to read about that?!?

Right. I'm done. But don't even get me started on all the whole monthly Stats hysteria... that's a whole other post!!

PLAYIN' AROUND (the fisher price play party)

2011-11-09T11:04:00.000Z

The gals and I get invited to some pretty darn cool events and product launches, but the coolest and bestest (yeeeees, I know it's not a real word) is the Fisher Price Play Party.

I love the FP team for a squillion reasons:

• They're lovely peeps
• They served fruit platters with redcurrants. I like redcurrants
• They sponsored me for CyberMummy11
• They saved my iPhone from death by dribbling (more about that later)
• They had PILES of toys, and children's entertainers on hand to keep the kids busy, so the Mums could gossip shamelessly

The girls shot off to the play area so fast they practically left a trail of smoke behind them. And that was pretty much the last I saw of them for the rest of the day. Lil Sis made the odd appearance, but Big Sis went into a toy-playing frenzy - fuelled by pure excitement, and handfuls of jelly beans she'd been secretly pilfering from the tables.

Which was fine, because it freed me up to nibble on sandwiches, chat to my Bloggy Buds, drink coffee, and hear all about the toys fresh from the Fisher Price Play Lab.

My runaway favourite? The Apptivity - a plastic cover than encases your iPhone, converting it into a watertight and drool proof baby rattle/mirror/kids' app player. Brilliant! Especially considering my phone spends more time in a bowl of rice, extracting all the baby slobber, than actually being used (Lil Sis, for some annoying reason, is quite partial to sucking on the end of it).

Now I can load up some kids' apps and let them play with them without worrying about the phone being dropped, smashed, or drowned in spit.

All in all, a pretty fab day. See for yourself:
www.fisher-price.com/uk

Big Sis enjoying a spot of tea. Entertainer's face caught in unfortunate (yet highly amusing) gurn.

Lil Sis with her Bounce 'n Spin - bouncing and, well, spinning

Big Sis and Lil Sis playing together (if tipping a teapot over your sister's head can be construed as playing)

What happens when you party to the point of exhaustion

What happens when you party to the point of exhaustion, but counteract the tiredness with many jellybeans

• As guests at the Fisher Price Play Party we were treated to a lovely luncheon, girly gossip, and a goody bag. Just so you know.