Googly Eye Craft for The Crafting Prompt

I've already posted this week about both weeks 2&3 of Let Them be Small's new crafting prompt link up. I've been very slow blogging after I've crafted but so much has been going on here! Today though I settled down with Little A before nursry for a super quick craft.

If you pop down to The Works they have some plain white puppets just waiting to be decorated! I also purchased some funky googly eyes with eyelashes on as something a bit more fun. We sat down with the eyes, the puppets some stickers and a marker pen.

I don't have any photos of Little A and his puppet because it seems my phone has deleted them *sad face* but here's a photo of the one he helped me do so at least you can see something!

Monster stickers for noses and buttons..

Cupcake Mumma

Happiness Jar & Frozen Cake #thecraftingprompt Week 2&3

It's been a while since I messed around with the felt I keep in the kids craft box. I had a brief spell with felting but I'm just not gifted in this type of craft (see also knitting, sewing and crotchet!) but still, I can cut out felt and find all sorts to decorate with and that's just what I've done for the second crafting challenge prompt of felt.

I wanted to make a happiness jar to pop all those random happy thoughts onto paper and place them into the jar. I'll then open the jar at the end of 2015 and read them all back! I've simply just stuck chosen coloured felt and buttons on my little jar (which once contained Apple sauce. I'd go for a bigger one if I was you but it's all I had available) and I had some fabric paint I used to 'write' on the felt and this lovely pendant I found in a craft box. I've had it for years so I'm pleased to finally have a use for it.

The next prompt is Spoons. I thought I'd post a photo of my recent Frozen inspired birthday cake for this one (after all, baking is done with wooden spoons in this house still!) I used a well known recipe of 6, 6 and 6oz flour, caster sugar and butter and 3 eggs. Then I used some baking powder and a couple of tablespoons of coco powder. All of this was milk and gluten free. The icing is a bought icing because it is so utterly delicious and the wonderful design on top was a great eBay find costing around £3. *Tip* Pop your rice/sugar papers into the freezer for a few minutes to make the removal super easy and minimise tearing! They are so delicate to handle.

Next time the prompt is Googly Eyes so look out for that post this week!

Link up and take a peek with Let Them Be Small by clicking the badge below.

Cupcake Mumma

Our Week That was Captured (Week 5-01-2015)

This week was the first week back to school. Hubby has been working lates and the children have certainly felt the sudden change in routine too! Still, it's been a pleasant week, here's what we got up to:

It's been freezing cold here in Cornwall this week but on Tuesday (the only day!) there was a glorious sun and spring feeling in the air. I got my feet out for the first time in months!

I enjoyed my first Costa in 2 weeks. I'm cutting right back on these treats to save money but I enjoyed this treat from Hubby.

Before I endured the dentist,The Hubby treated Little A and I to a Weatherspoons breakfast which was delicious. We mooched around town before grabbing a taxi to nursery as we ran a little late!

Then of course I had to endure my dentist trip which was very uncomfortable. I still have toothache 4 days after and I blame the act of trying to do drilling with no numbing- the arse! I am grateful though, don't get me wrong!

Little A took his balance bike out on the nursery runs this week and had a great time!

We did our usual train watching as we do everyday. It's also expanded to watch any diggers we may see too *sigh*

On Saturday I arranged a surprise date night for Hubby and I. Midge has now instructed us to go away for a night so grandma can babysit!

Midge and Little A played dress up most of Saturday so I baked some Udis packet brownies. Total cheat and mine are actually better because I know the measurements but packet ones are so much more chocolaty and I was craving that!

I got some happy mail at last! January's Kawaii box and post from a friend which included a lovely mini cupcake diary. Perfect for me Id say!

It was incredibly spring like on Tuesday, I got to bring my pumps out!// My December Kawaii box finally came// Hubbies hot chocolate at Weatherspoons//Little A wanting to take photos// My first Costa in 2 weeks!// After my rather big filling at the dentist (it still hurts now)// Riding his balance bike to school// Little A and Mummy 'selfie' time// Date night surprise dinner// Hubby happy with his meal// I baked brownies on Saturday whilst Midge and A played dress up// New diary from my friend

Next week Midge turns 7 and has her first proper school trip on Tuesday where she leaves in the morning and won't return until the evening: exciting! I'm hoping my friend visits but she's been a little poorly lately and so have her brood, so I won't get too excited just yet. I hope you've all had a good first week/second week (whatever!) into 2015 and do share any good moments with me or link up with Hannah too (by clicking the badge on this post)

Cupcake Mumma

December...

December is: Getting out those gloves and mittens, the knitted scarves and thick coats. Bundling up warm and doubling up on socks. Not to mention wearing leggings under those jeans for the super cold days.

December is: Making cups of hot chocolate with chocolate sprinkles and plenty of marshmallows. If you're lucky; there's whipped cream on top too.

December is: The month of planning and list making. Searching through catalogues and picking out thoughtful gifts. Writing your plans for delicious dinners and planning the extras to treat yourself to over the festive season.

December is: Giving that little extra. With the festive feeling and good cheer it's hard to not look around and notice how you can help make others feel happier too. Loose change to the musician, some

boxes of food in the food bank and perhaps some pennies left at the coffee shop to pay it forward.

December is: Being covered in the fallen bits of tinsel and the glitter from your baubles as you decorate. Standing on fallen pine needles and feeling that happiness when your decs are up and looking wonderful.

December is: Taking a stroll around the neighbourhoods and marvelling at the outside lights and pretty Christmas trees in the windows.

December is: Secretly hoping for a White Christmas.

December is: Christmas fairs, nativity plays and Christmas carol concerts. Festive church crafts and Christmas bazaars and being offered raffle tickets at every shop you visit.

December is: Remembering to be thankful. For all you have.

December is: Soups and stews, big hearty breakfasts. Tea and cakes, mince pies with cream, Yule logs and roast dinners.

December is: Family.

December is: Not forgetting what it's really about.

Have a wonderful end to 2014 all my amazing and loyal readers. I wish you nothing but the happiest Christmas and New Year. Now tell me, what is December to you? I'd love you to link up your posts below!

Cupcake Mumma

Siblings in April

It's currently the Easter holidays which hasn't seen us doing very much at all but what it has done is force my two little ones to actually play together throughout the day. Largely it's been a success! There has of course been the bickering and Little A still kicks off if things aren't quite going his way but we try not give in to him all the time because it's not fair on Midge. I think she doesn't particularly mind all the time however because he does makes some noise which we're all grateful to not hear anymore!

We've had some fun moments on the trampoline, digging in the garden, playing with play doh, walking into town and spending a day out with Grandma and Pops.

Yesterday was one of our 'sort of' quiet moments! I was trying to grab a lay in but these two monkeys didn't want to appreciate peace and quiet (do they ever?) and played hide and seek,pulled funny faces,striped off and ran around my room butt naked in little A's case too! I took this photo which I love. They're in the process of hiding under the covers. Midge is typically playing up to the camera!

The other photo I love is the one below of us all on the trampoline. We sat there for a while and I handed them their Easter gift from an Instagram swap I signed up to for them. Both were so excited by their gifts and sweet treats. It was a nice moment because it involved no squabbling over the items, not even once.

Cupcake Mumma

My Week that was Captured!

I've not joined in My Week That Was Captured for a while and I miss reading my blog and not seeing what we've been up to lately! It's amazing how quick the weeks go by and how quickly I forget recent goings on.

So, last week:

After my Sleep-out with Kat, I came back to Cornwall with her and her boys which was lovely. On Monday she left for home which was a bit sad but we'll see each other in June for a bloggers meet up in Exeter: woo! After we said goodbye I took Little A to Costa for some quality time and met up with my mum.

I've been cleaning a heck of a lot. I've lost count of the donated charity bags and junk filled black bags for the tip/bin! House is no where near where I'd like it!

I met a friend for half an hour and we went to a local beach for a chat. The cafe was closed so we took in the fresh air, caught up and took some lovely seaside photos instead.

I signed up for a South West blog meet. My first one!

Before our usual boring old food shop we bought some mid morning snacks from the bakery. Little A polished off a cake pop then stole his Dads large Cornish pasty on the bus!

To end the week, we watched Daddy play football (sadly due to an injury he didn't stay on that long but the match was good anyway) Midge stayed for chip butties at the club whilst I took A home (anxiety grr!) on Sunday we had a lovely family breakfast. I forgot my phone so no photos!

Do pop over to Hannah's blog for more fabulous captured weeks:

Cupcake Mumma

Love The Little Things #8

Read

A book has not been opened this week let alone finished or started. I have been reading my blogs as usual and I've been reading back on the notes I took at the beginning of the week whilst away on my little Mums Retreat. I wrote some powerful thoughts that I will read again and again for sure when I'm at a low point.

Watched

I've had a lot of catching up to do! I've enjoyed Eastenders and Coach Trip as usual but am yet to watch One Born I hate how broody it makes me so have been putting it off! I watched Jonathan Creek last night and was really disappointed with it. I hate seeing the crime happen before the investigators know anything.

Heard

I enjoyed listening to the wind, rain and the crashing sea as I walked around the gardens and laid in bed at the beautiful house we stayed at for our retreat. I also heard lots of stories and thoughts from inspiring women.

Wore

Welly boots have been essential this week as have warm clothes, especially to bed! My attic room is freezing cold, anyone else's? I've been wearing jumpers and even woolly hats to bed!

Made

OH this week I made a collage of things that nourish me and Mum Trump cards, all inspired by Story of Mum of course. It was great fun sitting down and making these things with lots of other women.

And Lastly...

I leave you with a photo I took on Tuesday 25th February.

Cupcake Mumma

Love The Little Things #5

Friday already? Must be time to look over what I've enjoyed this week! Do link up with the lovely But Why Mummy Why by clicking the badge at the bottom of this post!

Read

I've been reading and nearly finished the book I started last week The Dairy of a Hapless Househusband. It's okay to be honest, I've gotten into it and don't like to put it down but it'll never be anything to rave about. Although it can be quite funny. I've also been catching up on my Bloglovin feed when I can which is always nice.

Watched

I may have watched The Big Benefits Row on channel 5 a few nights ago. I knew it would be utter tripe, I knew they wouldn't have a debate but still I tuned in. You'll never have a debate with 'those' ignorant women on any show anyway in my opinion. I also watched We're The Millers on DVD with the hubby. We found it really funny and I'm glad we chose it for our date night.

Heard

My six year old singing Katy Perry's Roar and Firework, repeatedly, at full volume around tea time every night. Let me tell you something, I may love her to peices but that is something else. My ears!

Wore

This week I've been so cold I've worn my pj bottoms under my jeans. Not only have I been snug I've also had a double layer from the rain!

Made

I had my Niece over on Wednesday so we put the tuff spot to good use, sat with Little A and did some art work. I also made some delicious basic fairy cakes with cherries on top. Yum.

And Lastly

Next week I've got a Mums meet up to look forward to! I'm meeting Pippa from story of Mum as we live real close to each other. It'll be nice to meet before the mums retreat. I'm also giving blood next Friday which I'm excited about, it'll start my Project Kindness off pretty good!

Cupcake Mumma

My Week That Was Captured #4 & #5

After missing the link up last week I return this week with my week 4 and my week 5 photos!

Last week we:

Had a yummy breakfast out with Little A, Hubby, my youngest niece and sister in law

Celebrated hubby's 24th birthday with a slightly odd looking cake decorated with yummy vanilla icing and homemade chocolate

Went out to a party thrown as a surprise by Jason's football team for him and his managers birthday. I was so nervous but it was ok!

Bought new shoes ohh!

Went to Penzance all by myself on the train which was a nice treat. I went there to buy Jason's birthday gifts on Monday morning but naturally I had to buy the shoes and jeans that were staring  me in the face (in the sale!)

Enjoyed a few costa hot chocolates (yes they now know exactly what I'm going to order..I'll have to add a different syrup next time to make myself feel less addicted)

Painted my nails and pampered myself for Saturdays evening out

Here's what I got up to this week:

Got stuck in to my reviews with books and chocolate making on the list! Little A really loved the books we've been sent so I can't wait to publish the review next week.

Had a wonderful weekend away with Jason in Plymouth (okay just Sunday but it was lovely) the hotel was really nice and we even got to have some dinner together.

I bought my first ever Psychology Mag which I wish I bought sooner!

Tried a Starbucks for the second time. Costa still wins for me but sadly I couldn't get one because it was a self service machine with no soya milk!

Cupcake Mumma

Love the Little Things #4

Ah it's Friday again and time for me to share the little things I've loved over the past week.

Read

I tried reading that crime novel I wrote about last week but do you know what? I see enough violence on television in the news or in the papers, why read imaginary violence too? I just couldn't read it so picked up a real paperback this week; Dairy of a Hapless Househusband. It's light and easy to read and Hopefully I'll finish it by next week. I also read Psychology Magazine. Why did no one recommend this sooner! It's ace!

Watched

This week I watched Coach Trip which I love! It's so funny how bitchy they get with each other but I love the activities they get to do too. I also watched the new Outnumbered on catch up which was okay. Seeing the three children now grown up made even me feel old! I plan to catch up on the Channel 4 show My Tattoo Hell with Katie Piper. It'll be good I reckon!

Wore

It's been very, very cold this week. Thursday night was the coldest so far and saw me wearing a shirt, hubby's jumper, 2 pj bottoms and my slippers in bed. I was underneath a duvet, quilt and throw as well! Attic rooms are not my favourite thing right now ! I'm going to put plastic sheeting over my skylight tonight!!

Heard

This week I've heard lots of screaming and crying from my Little A. We're still dealing with Night Terrors and sleep disturbance. I've been doing a lot of research into this and tonight I start a new 'technique' to see if things can improve. Hopefully the next 7 days will give me some hope!

Made

This week I made mini dragon heads and Chinese lanturns to celebrate Chinese New Year. I did the basic drawing and cutting stuff and let the little ones stick and colour. Well, I coloured A's dragon, he wasn't that interested! I also made some chocolates for a review, check them out!

Apologies for the bad photo!

Less crafty is this Just Giving page I made to raise funds for Julian House. I'm sleeping out for 1 night in a park to raise money for those who sleep out every night in much worse places. Do share if you can, thank you!

And Lastly

It's Saturday tomorrow so I get a lay in! I'm hoping to bake fairy cakes later on and watch a movie with the children. Hubby is out tomorrow night but fingers crossed I get my fish and chip dinner! On Sunday we're actually visiting a friends house for a family roast. Im not sure if people do this anymore so I'm looking forward to it!

Cupcake Mumma

Love the Little Things #1

Last year But Why mummy Why hosted Some Things That I Love. I never got involved but I did enjoy reading the link ups. This year, her link up is back and wiith a slight change to the name: Love the Little Things. I think it'll be lovely to join in this year and so here is my first post!

Read

I've been reading a variety of things. I finished A Christmas Carol just before Christmas, I love that book. I've got the new Bridget Jones book ready and raring to go on my kindle app (I make no apologies!) It's The White Queen I really love, Phillipa Gregory is my favourite author but I just can't seem to get a few minutes to finish my books!

Watched

I watched my recording of Call the Midwife which was excellent viewing and I've enjoyed the return of Silent Witness to my screen! I'm a big Eastenders fan (again, no apologies!) and I've enjoyed watching the new goings on.

Wore

I bought this beautiful white fox necklace from Etsy and I'm in love with it. It's a shame that I'm hidden under my coat most of the time but this is a piece of jewelry I'll be wearing again and again. My wellies have also been heavily featured this week thanks to the weather!

Heard

I've heard lots of stormy weather lately and having an attic room makes it even louder. We've had lashings of rain, raging winds and hail which are way past that relaxing point! The children have been woken up by the storms on two occasions. I just hope the weather calms soon!

Made

The only thing I can say I've made lately are a bunch of giant chocolate chip cookies which are, of course, free from yumminess! They turned out quite big but were so tasty. I'm still looking for that perfect cookie recipe and bake though.

And Lastly

I'm itching to get started on my house plans. I've got some great ideas in mind and as usual Pinterest has seen me stop by for many hours over this past week! I want to get some more child friendly items into the dining area because my front room is a relaxing, clutter free space!

Cupcake Mumma

My Week That Was- Instagramed!

There's a new link up on the block, my lovely blogging friend Hannah from Make, Do and Push! has started a new weekly link up of all your Instagram shots! I am fairly addicted to Instagram now, much like Twitter and Pinterest (and the rest..) so this is right up my street! Do join in too and share some blog love!

Sunday

 On Sunday we were still holidaying in Newquay at Trevella Park. We spent the whole day on site just enjoying the peace and quiet. It was far too hot to be going to the beach and I was suffering with sunburn too. Instead we opted for the outdoor pool and found a little games room where Midge and Little A had a go at playing pool. Here's Little A's unique little way of playing the game.

Monday

On Monday we spent our last day on holiday going to Newquay Zoo. It was such a wonderful day and a little cooler than the weekend (only slightly though!) We saw lots of monkeys, birds and enjoyed some sessions learning about penguins and otters. We stopped for some much needed ice creams before moving on to the Lion House.

Tuesday

We didn't get up to much on Tuesday due to coming home and being surrounded by bags and clothes from being away! We also had to look after our nieces and nephews for a while which of course was nice. We thought we'd opt for a 'chill' day. I snapped this lovely photo of Midge though in the morning.

Wednesday

I was so hot in the house that I decided to seek refuge in the cool library for toddler group. We were half an hour late which would usually send me into a bit of a panic but I don't really get too bothered anymore. I didn't know anybody so anyone who used to go to the group had given up long ago too! I'm hoping to keep it up throughout the summer holidays, something for just Little A and I.

 After toddler group we popped into town where I, rather spontaneously, nipped into the local tattoo studio to get a quote on a couple of ideas I've had. I'm booked for 2 tattoos this Friday, nice small ones so they're perfect for me. Little A really liked it in the shop! He was laughing at a lady having her tattoo done which was rather funny. We both looked at the drawings whilst chilling on the sofa!

Thursday

On Thursday we took a trip to Wetherspoons for a nice big breakfast. Midge was in school so it was just Hubby, Little A and I. My breakfast was huge! We were stuffed and promptly collapsed on the sofa when we arrived home!

As did Little A!

Friday

I was so proud on Friday. I picked Midge up from school and as usual when we got home I emptied her school bag out. I was reading the school newsletter when I noticed her name in the Dazzling Work Winners section! She was so pleased when I told her.

I also treated myself to a little nail painting. I love my pink selection and think my finger nails look like little smarties!

Saturday

Saturday was a Mummy and Little Ones day. We took the bus to Heartlands which is a local Heritage site here in Pool, Cornwall. We looked around the gift shop and bought some postcards for our collection, then looked around the mine which is just so fascinating. 

We paddled in the 'river' and played in the park before heading to Tesco for some lunch in the cafe. Both Little Ones had a lovely day and so did I!

Midge wanted me to take a photo next to this little doodle. 

A very summery flower.

Cupcake Mumma

Early Fathers Day Post

My Dad means the world to me. He's full of quick come backs, sarcasm,honesty and lots of good advice. He's more cuddly in his old age (shhhh) and laughs more which is nice. As I've grown up I've become closer to my Dad. I can see how, looking back, we were so, so alike that it made us just fight. We were both so stubborn, we never listened to what each other had to say and as most parents do, it ended with the parent being right and the teenager skulking off to brood angrily in her bedroom!

All that is in the past. We are much closer now. I can't think of being without my Dad, I honestly can't.  He's the man that taught me to read, that laughed when I cried through the fear of telling him I was pregnant (I thought he was going to kill me!) He taught me to whistle one evening when what he really wanted to do was have a long bath after working with horses all day!

Now he's into playing guitars, writing songs, tending to his garden, bike riding and studying with the Open University (he's 52- that's a pretty inspiring list of things to do!) He's sung me songs over Skype and is the only person who can cover a SnowPatrol song I like (seriously, I hate all covers of Chasing Cars I've ever heard) In short, he means the world to me.

CupcakeMumma