10 Reasons to Smile January

1) Midge turned 8 this month which I can't quite believe. We had a family roast dinner and Frozen inspired cake for pudding and a wonderful day. She was over the moon to have a new bike and so many lovely birthday presents from all the family.

2) Midges party this month was lovely. I set a strict limit on numbers as the children always have parties at home. Midge chose her cousins plus 2 girls from school so it was a lovely day. The big girls all played with my youngest niece (who is only 3) there were no tears or fights so it was such a relaxing day for me! We played games, ate party food, had an Elsa cake and then everyone played happily outside or upstairs, easiest party ever!

3) Birthday cake is always great isn't it? I loved making Midge's 8th cake this year, the cake should've been Elsa stuck in the baked cake and looking all wonderful but due to a broken Elsa doll I had to improvise and this is what I came up with.

4) We had a trip to Plymouth on Mr B's birthday. Midge spent her birthday money, Mr B treated himself and Little A and I just had a really good day out. It was something we haven't done in a long time and long overdue, I got some lovely photos of our trip.

5) Birthday dinner was had at Weatherspoons this year and whilst it cost me a bit more than I would've liked it wasn't too bad. The meal was lovely and the most important thing was that Mr B had a really good end to his birthday.

6)  I've had 3 great comping wins this month. I've won a trip to London on the Muggles Tour (can I have a fan girl moment here..okay done) I think I'll take my mum along. I also won £50 Iceland/Birdseye vouchers and a blog giveaway for a lingerie shop online- happy Hannah!

7) I met up with Stevie from A Cornish Mum and we had a lovely breakfast together before mooching about the shops and catching up in Truro. I look forward to the next one!

8) I have bought workout gear, taken the dreaded before shots, measurements and started walking. I'm trying not to think about it all too much in the hope my good doings not only pay off but become habit.

9) Peppa Dog is all better. As you'll all know we had a very poorly dog at Christmas but throughout January our lovely Staffy has completely gone back to full health.

10) I spent some quality time with my Aunt which was so nice. She's a massive dog lover so we went to a pet shop to get some bits for her dogs (I came out with pink poop bags and a dog jumper ha!) then we went to Costa for a lovely hot chocolate. My Aunt is like a second mum to me, I love spending time with her,

So that's my 10 reasons to smile and all such wonderful days to look back on as we approach a very wet end of January and the start of a most likely wet February! What was your happiest day/moment of January? Id love to know!

Cupcake Mumma

10 Things To Smile About May and June

I've had to combine May and June for two reasons 1) I lost all my writing mojo at the beginning of June so never got around to doing a post all about May and 2) I also had a hard time off my medication so everything felt like a massive task and I couldn't really do the whole thinking of happy things err thing. It's now July and I'm feeling much better so I can tell you 10 things that defiantly made me smile in May and June.

May:

Mr B won the football cup final in his league and we all got to watch. It was so much fun standing there with Midge and Little A, all my nieces and nephews and cheering the whole team on (biggest cheers for Mr B of course!)

Mr B with Little A, O, Midge, Little T and G

I went to Bath and saw my friend Kat. I took Midge with me who had a great time shopping and we introduced ourselves to Shakeaway! It was a delicious smoothie that although cost a fair bit in my opinion was worth it. Midge enjoyed one with milkyway stars and I got to enjoy a soya one with banana and strawberries: Yum!

Whilst in Bath I got to take Midge for her first cinema trip at the Odeon cinema. We saw Paddington which was a great choice. The snacks cost me an arm and a leg but it was so worth it for the quality time.

 Midge won a gift voucher through my blog so naturally I was very pleased with her. She has saved a lot on it still and will probably forget about it!

I baked a load of cupcakes for a friends wedding and really enjoyed myself. It was a definite highlight of my month!

Showing off the cupcakes

June:

I had a weekend at the end of June for just me and my mum. I had spent the last couple of weeks feeling more and more down and needed to sort myself out. It was great to have lunch with family, talk endlessly with my Mum without interruption and I even watched a film, blogged and looked through some old items, all of which was therapeutic for me.

Going back on my medication was something I just had to do. Maybe I will write about it as I have done since I started lowering my dose and coming off the medication. It wasn't easy to do but with some kind words I feel better and know I made the right decision. My mind, family and marriage is better for it right now. I am happy.

Wonderful family, doctors, friends both in 'real life' and far away and online have made me very happy and thankful over the past month.

Making friends with a nursery mum was a highlight. As of yet we haven't managed to arrange any coffee dates but I'm sure we will soon. It's a shame her daughter isn't going up when Little A does but I'm hoping that won't change anything.

I also really enjoyed taking part in 30 Days Wild which has opened my eyes to nature (even more so) I keep wanting to photograph flowers and am keeping a keen eye on my own flowers in the garden, finding natural ways to kill off my weeds and encourage the bees and butterflies into my garden.

Mums Rosemary, raspberries and blueberries

Cupcake Mumma

Ten Things to Smile About April

April was a lovely month for us. Sure, Mr B had to do overtime a lot but it's worked out okay and we had to cancel a family holiday to Cambridge for definite because it was just too pricey but again, not so bad really, we can plan some nice things for the children in the summer holidays instead to make up for it! As usual I'm writing up my Ten Reasons to Smile and I've found a new link up at Cornish Mum which you should all check out too.

1) Firstly I enjoyed several Costa's this month. One with both the children over Easter and one just me and Little A before nursery. In order to form better spending habits I didn't set foot in a Costa at all in the last week of April. I've been going too often and wasting money, I'm annoyed at myself! I enjoyed my dates with the children though, we had a lovely time.

2) An impromptu day in the sun watching the children cycle up and down the street was followed by a camp out in the lounge and homemade S'mores (gluten and milk free style!) so tasty and a great night (even if it was one which ended in severe back ache!) 

3) Happy mail from New Zealand! My friend holidayed over there for two weeks and sent me back some snacks and two postcards which was really kind.

4) Plenty of reading. I love picking up books and grabbed some recipe books from the library which I copied recipes from before returning promptly (to avoid charges which I'm oh so good at incurring) I read crime novels which I rarely read (I won't pick up another again for a while, they really get in my head and freak me out but they're so well written and hard to put down. I'm having a break at the moment to enjoy other hobbies but a good book is never far away.)

5) We enjoyed nature on our school walks. The children have found snails, pine cones, different birds and a nest too. It didn't look like there were inhabitants in it anymore but we still walk by quietly just in case.

6) We had a lovely day in Penzance to see my Gran at the beginning of the month. To get out of the house we all took a walk by a river then went paddling for a bit. I had a lovely time with my babies dipping our toes into the water and giggling. A big dinner followed, it was such a nice day.

7) To spend some time with my sister I went to my parents house with Little A. Midge had stayed the night so was already there. We went to the beach and I took some nice photos of my parents hometown. I had a paddle, chased Midge with seaweed and just re-embraced my inner child.

8) Mr B won his football cup! Since this is a late post he has now had his final cup game which they also won! Yippee! He's the one sticking out like a sore thumb in his bright yellow goal keepers kit.

9) Trevithick Day with Midge was a lovely day. I really enjoyed the rides, the cheeky chips and bacon and of course the steam engines. Spending time alone with Midge was obviously great and in May we are off for a break, for 5 days just us girls!

10) Finally a few happy April thoughts to do with the little things. Midges room was done and I'm really pleased with the result. Midge has been doing well in school, going into another phonics group, getting good results on spelling tests and loving her reading. Little A has been continuing to thrive in nursery, he got accepted into the same school as his sister and has been in general much easier (give or take a few days!) to be around.

What made your April a happy month? I'd love to know.

Cupcake Mumma

10 Things To Smile About January

A couple of years ago I used to write up ten things that made me happy each month and I really want to go back to that. I'll be sharing this list with this weeks Reasons to be Cheerful. January wasn't a bad month but it's been a long month. We're on a road to see if Little A has any underlying behavioural issues. I think I've come across something that screams my son and finally this month I'll be able to get some real professional insights. I've banged on about my dental pain every week of January and goodness knows it was hard and I'm still 'suffering' but hey ho, onto January's better points!

Midges birthday. She turned 7 on the 17th and had a lovely day with treats to soft play with cheese on toast (my beautiful, random girl) with her cousin G. We had a family meal in the late afternoon and she was treated to her new bike which she took to just brilliantly (see here) and there was lots of craft and Frozen gifts to be enjoyed!

We had a Family breakfast on Jason's birthday in the morning before football. I've never been to table table before. I really loved having their all you can eat breakfast and the children ate free which is good because they're picky!

There were Several meals out with Jay when the kids were at school. Sometimes we meet up and go 'heck, let's have lunch!' We did it twice this month. We never spend a lot thanks to Weatherspoons so it's not a huge thing to budget for. If we can we do it and if we can't, we don't it's really that simple but because we find it hard to leave Little A with other people at night (even my fantastic Mother) day time lunches are a great way to be us for a while.

Little A's Paediatric appointment coming through. As I mentioned above I was over the moon to finally get Little A's appointment to see the paediatrician through. I'm really hoping I'm going to be taken seriously with my concerns and not passed around. I know it happens to so many parents but just getting this far with hardly any problems at all is hugely pleasing for me!

Seeing Kat and Tilly and going to Pizza Hut. It was like an early birthday treat with Midge too having a meal out the day before complete with her cousin and a new friend and balloons! I enjoyed my pizza, I love that there's a free from option now. It was nice to see my other friend Pippa too.

Eating chicken again! Yes that is an odd one I admit but I've been a veggie since I was 14 maybe before, and recently I've loved making my pie and rice dishes with creamy chicken and it's all free from too-yum.

Lots of happy mail.

Two cool cakes I made:

Reading some books for 26 books with Bringing Up Burns challenge (see badge over to the right.) I've really enjoyed following a list of random themes for book picking. I've read old books, new books and one I thought I wouldn't like but really enjoyed!

Midge has been coming along with her reading and she received dazzling work at school this month. She's picked up her bike riding and has a slightly improved attendance. Not that it was bad at 93%! I'm just very proud of my girl.

Cupcake Mumma

Ten Good Things February

I can't believe it's now March but that's okay, I have a few exciting things to look forward to this month. My sister is coming home, I'm staying with a good friend all weekend and meeting her gorgeous boys and a few personal projects to look forward to as well. For the moment, I'd like to share my happy February moments.

1) I haven't quite gathered my thoughts on the experience yet but on the 24th and 25th I went to a Mamas Retreat with some beautiful women and had a wonderful time in a secluded area just us and our thoughts, the wind, sea and such good food.

2) Little A turned 3 this month. Sadly his birthday was a waste of time with being poorly all half term but still, he's now on the mend and we're looking forward to a weekend of soft play with Midge and Daddy.

3) I had some lovely cards from America for Valentines Day. I took part in a card swap for valentines and what I received in the post was truly lovely.

4) I gave blood for the first time and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!

5) Jay, Little A and myself went to Penzance for the day and took some lovely photos. We ate the best chips!

6) I signed up and started fundraising for The Big Bath Sleep Out which will take place on the 7th March. It's getting closer!

7) I met one of my best friends at the Mamas Retreat, my blogging buddy Kat (Kat Sighs) it was so nice to catch up again. I can't wait to meet up again real soon.

The yoga and food made her go a bit..weird!

8) I'm still in the Tots 100 top 500. This pleases me probably more than it should but I'm proud of my blog so feel pretty happy to still be up there!

9) I've started on Project House. I've bought a nice storage unit from ikea to replace the toy boxes (my first Ikea purchase!) I've bought beautiful cushions, coat hooks and even a new fruit bowl. No where is safe from the make over!

10) I've found millionaires shortbread, flapjack and pickle that's all in the free from food range! It's the small things after all.

Cupcake Mumma

Ten Things to Smile About January

January has come to an end already and a part from a severe lack of sleep thanks to sleep disturbance and night terrors, 2014 couldn't have kicked off better for us. Here's 10 things that have brightened my January:

1. Midges birthday. She turned six this month and something seems to have changed in her already. We all had a lovely day getting pampered and enjoying a little party at home.

2. Jay turned 24. We had a relaxed day and he even got the day off work which was an added bonus. We had a chip shop tea as a treat and on Saturday we celebrated with his friends at a local football club.

3. I hate going to social gatherings but managed to overcome my social anxiety by attending the aforementioned event for Jason. I was pretty uncomfortable but I met some lovely people and certainly had a giggle! You'll never get the duvet and film girl out of me I'm afraid!

4. I've just registered to take part in The Big Bath Sleepout. I'll be sleeping out in Bath with my good friend Kat to raise money for a local homeless shelter, Julian House. I'm really excited and feel this is a really worthy cause. If you do too I'd love you to sponsor me here. Thank you.

5. February is a month to look forward to for me with Little A turning 3, my Neice turning 2, valentines day and a lovely mums retreat in Penzance!

6. I'm giving blood for the first time! I'm quite excited in a weird way!

7. I've had some great reviews this month. We had some lovely leggings, a chocolate making kit and a new children's programme coming up on the blog soon too. I'm always greatful for these opportunities.

8. Jay and I had a wonderful day and night away in Plymouth last week. We dined alone, had a nice room and did a spot of shopping. I don't care what some people think, quality time is essential to me.

Teenagers again!

9. I had a bath for the first time in months! In our new house we just have a shower and with my back playing up recently having that soak at the hotel was wonderful. Definetly something to smile about!

10. Speaking of backs, I've finally got an appointment through with the physiotherapist which I'm really hoping will help. I'm also going to be starting a Pilates DVD real soon which I think will be a great help!

Do you have 10 things to smile about? Why not link up with EmmyMom?

Big Smiles,

Cupcake Mumma

10 Things to Smile About December!

Now the festivities are done and the first days of the new year are out of the way I can finally reflect on my December and sum up those ten good things which made me smile.

1) Firstly, we had a wonderful Christmas. It was our first Christmas in our new home and my first year hosting! We were all spoilt and the children enjoyed the festivities so much.

2) Midge had her nativity which was just lovely, I still have the songs in my head! She dressed as a Victorian child and all the children looked wonderful. I may have got a little teary at the pre-showing where they performed a song at the light switch on..

3) Puddle jumping on Christmas Eve, Eve was so much fun. Midge was convinced that our jumping and happiness stopped the rain, I couldn't agree more!

4) We made a new tradition this year! We all went out for dinner, very spontaneously, then walked the long way home to view the Christmas lights that we would normally  miss. It's fun going on an adventure, especially at Christmas. We'll definitely do it next year.

5) After two years I have finally had my moment in the Tots100 top 500. I was absolutely chuffed at this news and even though I'm pretty relaxed (after practice!) it's still nice to climb the ladder!

6) I've made a good start on my letter writing, keeping in touch with all of my pen pals. I sent off a handful of letters before New Year and it has been nice to hear of everyones Christmas holiday.

7) Midge sat down the other night and started on her thank-you cards to family and friends. I just think it's such a nice thing to do for those who go to the trouble of buying a lovely gift for you but don't get to be with you on Christmas itself.

8) I've had a pretty darn good 2013 and I'm ready to move on from the troubles it brought personally, this in itself makes me happy.

9) I started birthday planning! I love to get the theme and guest list sorted out and plan everything early so nearer the time I'm armed with a list and my card and I'm gone! I cannot believe Midge will be 6 in just a few weeks.

10) Little A can now finally say his whole name. We've been trying for ages to get him to just say his Christian name and one day he just came out and repeated everything Jay said. He's now saying his name regularly along with everyone else's!

I'm looking forward to having a whole years worth of 10 Things to Smile About in 2014. Why not hop on over to the wonderful EmmyMom and share your 10 good things from every month?

Cupcake Mumma

10 Things to Smile About: November

It's the last Tuesday of November today so it's time for me to look back and list the 10 things that made me smile and feel good this month. I'm linking this post up to Lost On The Cloud's Silver Linings link up so please do share your positives from November too!

1. I discovered an old recipe for some really quick and simple flapjacks They are so good and so quick to make. I love discovering old recipes hidden in the back of less used cook books!

2. It's nearly time to put the Christmas decorations up! I'm really quite excited about this.

3. Although I haven't enjoyed the lack of sleep (I tell myself its not forever) I have been enjoying some rather nice cuddles of late.

4. It's been nice to spend some time with my nieces and nephews now and then. Just the other day Little A and his cousin had a sort of play date. I popped a cute Victorian hat on T's head- she looks so sweet.

5. Midge lost her 2 front teeth! The tooth fairy will be visiting very shortly after writing this post I think. It also means I get to sing a very cute Christmas song to Midge this year (which she'll hate me for eventually!)

6. I've had lots of happy mail from my pen pals recently and that always keeps a smile on my face.

7. We had an early birthday tea for my Dad as he's working on his actual birthday this week. It's always nice getting the family together but will be better when my sister comes home from university real soon.

8. Hubby won £100 on a scratch card! That was just pure luck but it made our day. He bought some Christmas gifts for the children and got mine out the way early too. Such a relief for him I think.

9. We all saw the Christmas lights get switched on in town. Titan the robot was there, he was pretty cool (what 5ft nothing me could see of him!) Little A liked him from afar but as soon as Daddy got near the front of the crowd he wasn't so keen! Midge hated him full stop. We met up with my sister in law and her little ones and grabbed a taxi back to our house where the children played for a couple of hours. It was quite relaxing actually.

10. I've bought all my Christmas presents, made a bunch of cards and yesterday night I sat down and wrote them all out. I've run out of handmade ones so the rest will have to be bought ones!

I hope you've all had a lovely month with more highs than lows. 

Cupcake Mumma

10 Things to Smile About: October

I'm not sure if it was me looking forward to my birthday and decorating for Halloween or just the way things go but October has really flown by. Here's what I've been smiling about this month:

1. My birthday:

It was such a lovely day full of thoughtful gifts and wonderful family.

2. Sleepovers:

My niece came to stay with Midge for the night in the half term which was good fun. They're always really well behaved, eat popcorn and chill out with me on the sofa before going to bed much later than they would normally.

3. Halloween Party:

This was another wonderful family gathering just like last October. We had so much fun eating tasty food, playing some party games and getting out the face paints!

4. Farm Trips.
I helped out the teachers and parents on an autumn trip to the farm with Midge and the rest of her class. I had a great time on the farm and the children really enjoyed themselves too.

5. Lots of Baking:

Thanks to the Great British bake off I joined in with lots of other bloggers to bake something scrummy every single week. There's more to come from us baking bloggers so do look out!

6. Family Walks:
We have managed to escape a few times from the house. We haven't ever gone far because it has been so horrible on many occasions. I got some nice photos on our walks.

7. Spending time with my Mum and Dad.
I've spent some time with my parents this month. Just a few hours with mum several times really. We caught up on the Bake Off and chatted to my sister too. My dad slept over on my birthday which was nice. We caught up on life in general and his new(ish) job more than anything.

8. I've finally finished my room!
This is a huge reason to smile because it has been on my 'to do' list for ages.

9.Christmas gifts have been bought!
I'm very pleased I can focus on all the little things I have planned now rather than worrying about buying for everyone. Every year there's always an extra person to buy for! I can make my Christmas cards now too which I have wanted to do for so long.

10. Finally, I'm happy to of just had such a pleasant October and I hope November can be just as good.