What We've Been Up To...Weeks 1&2

Hello all, I haven't dropped off the planet, I've been a bit unmotivated when it comes to, well, anything to be honest, then I fell ill with this horrid cold which is now starting to clear thank goodness but the idea of staring at a bright laptop screen just hasn't appealed to me for several days.

I wanted to post a catch up of our first 2 weeks into 2016 which I hope to continue throughout the year whenever I have time. I have some reviews coming up which I'm looking forward to writing up and some other posts are sat in my draft folder waiting to be finished, so lots to come on Cupcake Mumma. For now though, I hope the first couple of weeks has been good for you all and while I'm at it, let me know what you've been up to (and what you think of the new blog design!)

Week 1

The trouble with typing these posts up late is that it's hard to remember exactly what you've been up to! The children went back to school on January 4th and they both had a great first week back. Midge has been doing some drawing competitions which is really good for her confidence plus she's learning it's great to win but we can't win everything all the time. I love her under the sea picture.

I've spent a lot of time with the pooch lately, she may be replacing the children since they are at school all day! She's had a lovely new collar bought for her, we've had plenty of snuggles too. I spent the first week of January doing some drawing, seeing my Gran and her new rescue dog again and I bought myself a new book too. I may have also had the first English breakfast of very many in the first week of 2016 as well!

Week 2

I can be more clearer on week 2- Hurrah! The week was a total wash out weather wise so it's been thick coats, welly boots and wrapping up warm on the school runs. Everything has turned into mulch and mud (including my poor back garden which will need some serious TLC come Spring!) I did see a lovely rainbow at the beginning of the week that I just had to capture. I also wanted to kick Monday up the butt by taking the Mini Cupcakes for a quick charity shop browse and a surprise meal out instead of more boring home cooking after school!

The rest of the week I spent doing a lot of housework and a lot of party prep. I made my own Olaf for Midge's 8th Frozen inspired birthday party which happened on the 16th January. I was quite pleased with my little attempt at a pin the carrot on Olaf and the children loved him! I spent yet more time cuddling the pooch, baking biscuits, cakes and the main birthday cake of course (which I'm oh so proud of) I also met up with the very lovely Stevie from A Cornish Mum in Truro where I enjoyed learning some new blogging things, catching up, browsing books and clothes and enjoying a huge breakfast at a new to me cafe (that I now have to take all of my family to)

After doing all the food and shopping Saturday came around and I was ready to give Midge a lovely Frozen themed party. Her cousins came and 2 friends from school. We did some face painting, ate lots of sugary, yummy party food, played pass the parcel, enjoyed putting carrots on Olaf and having lots of fun in general. Nobody was left out, there were no tears and there wasn't really much mess either! Midge had a wonderful time. On Sunday my parents came over for a family roast dinner which is pretty traditional with our birthdays. Midge opened her gifts, had a wonderful day and enjoyed more birthday cake. I really cannot believe she is now 8 years old!

Cupcake Mumma

Our Week that Was ~ Week 35

Another week and it was the last one of October. Last week was half term and we spent 4 days of it at Trevella Park. On Monday we finished packing up and tidying the house. My mother in law collected Peppa and then my aunt arrived to collect us! We arrived just after half 3 to our home for the half term. We settled in pretty quick. Mr B checked out the on site shop and cafe while the children and I battened down the hatches for a rough night! Our first night wasn't great because I'm not used to the noise and A was unsettled (as expected away from his room and bed).

It's okay though because on Tuesday we all got showered and dressed and headed to Newquay. We lunched on the beach, drew in the sand then went to the aquarium. We all loved the aquarium, I want to visit the Plymouth one next year I think. I loved the turtles and the fire bellied frogs, Mr B loved the Sharks and giant turtle, Lils loved the sea horses and turtles and A loved the Sharks and getting splashed by the ray! On Wednesday we went to a Halloween party and on a spooky walk at the park which was great fun. We also played crazy golf in the morning which was really good fun for us all. Wednesday was the best day of the holiday for us all I think!

On Thursday it was my birthday! I opened my cards in bed and my presents. I got notebooks, decorations for our home, new welly boots and a hamper of yummy goodies from my Gran and Aunt. I may have sneaked a free from rocky road slice for breakfast. We sorted a taxi in the late morning and headed off to Newquay Zoo for the day.

At the zoo we saw loads of different animals, the children got to pat the goats, we saw the zebras and lions and the Penguins being fed. I checked out the gift shop and bought the most adorable little teddy plus some postcards (naturally) which I am very happy with. We ate out at the cafe (Mr B wasn't happy, he thinks you need a mortgage to eat at these places, he is kinda right to be fair!) and after our long but fun day we went back to the caravan for chips and birthday cake. I also had to sadly start packing for our early leave the following day.

Over the weekend we unpacked and did all the boring chores you have to do. The children dressed up for Halloween and Mr B took them out to the neighbours for trick or treating while I stayed home to dish out some of our sweets. As I get older I find I'm getting more mixed emotions about many things and one of them is Halloween which I've always loved! The children had a great time anyway and we also made cupcakes for our pudding, yum!

If you've blogged about your week, share it with me in the comments below!

Cupcake Mumma

Our Week That Was ~ Week 31

Last week we had some lovely walks to school which was a surprise because I was expecting some really awful weather (that came in mid week so it wasn't clear skies for long!) on our walks we have been bumping into a cat who likes to 'meet up' as it were with the Mini Cupcakes for a short burst of exercise before running into its house for more breakfast (I reckon anyway!) the children have become very fond of their little white, fluffy friend. I've enjoyed putting my warm boots on and crunching through the beautiful crisp autumn leaves that are slowly covering our walkways and lawns. It's a shame they're not waterproof though, I have soaking wet feet when I return home!

On Tuesday I had to take A out of school for a dentist appointment. We waited for some time because we were really early but he was very well behaved, enjoyed the books on offer and then saw the dentist with no trouble at all much to my relief. We went and had a late lunch of mash potato, sausage and beans then picked Midge up from school. We all walked to my mother in laws house to see their aunt who was celebrating turning 17. There was food and a pug cake and the children loved playing with their cousins and Nanny's' new dog.

I went over to Penzance on Wednesday to help my Aunt move some things around in her house and to go through a lot of old items that had built up over the years. We found a lot of her old midwifery bits and in particular I was fascinated with the old weighing device as demonstrated by Cornish Bear in the photo. I had lunch with my Grandma too which was lovely. I also came home to my much awaited prize on Wednesday, my new Harry Potter book collection from The Book People! I was so happy but I still haven't taken the warp off the books, I kind of don't want to open it!

I baked some cakes this week, my favourite was a chocolate cake which I decorated so simply but  it looks so pretty I thought. I still lick the bowl out at 25 and I don't think that'll ever stop! We went to stay with my Mum for the night on Saturday, sadly A was unwell but he was much brighter Sunday morning and Midge had a good weekend. I baked a tart before I left for mums and we ate it for pudding which was very tasty if I do say so myself. Midge loved it but A thought it was a bit too much! We all enjoyed having a nice bath at Grandmas and going to the garden center where we saw lots of Christmas bits and chose some flowers for both Grandmas and our own garden. It was a lovely end to the week, especially with the fry up I cooked everyone; that was a really nice treat!

Cupcake Mumma

Our Week That Was Week 30

I started my week last week by getting a train to the next town and popping in to the local florist there. I wanted to lay some flowers for a local man called Dave Curnow who died in hospital on Monday. What was so sad was that he had be touring Afghanistan when he came back home to Cornwall to see friends and family but instead on a night out was caught up in something awful. These incidents don't happen very often around here, so as you can imagine everyone whether they knew Dave or not felt pain and sadness for him and his family. I laid my flowers and left after a few minutes, I didn't know Dave, I just wanted to pay my respects but it was hard. I can't imagine how much harder it is for his family and friends.

I was totally thrown off for the rest of day. Just feeling thankful but also worried about the world we now live in. I stayed home and sorted some things out and then had some me time. The next day I caught up on some pen pal mail and I received some too which was lovely. I loved the paper my American pen pal used.

Last week I also went shopping with my sister in law. We picked up some Christmas gifts for our little ones and I saw some bits for Mr B too. My list is shrinking already and it makes me feel good! We were joined by Little T later on as she finished nursery. It was lovely to get some cuddles.

I baked cakes for the school cake sale (but in our rush we left them behind!!) at least the children had money to buy cake from other parents at school so I didn't feel too bad. I visited the library and made a chocolate mug cake when the cravings hit but I couldn't be bothered to bake an actual cake!

Finally, last Saturday Grandma took the Mini Cupcakes out on a double decker bus ride (with no roof!) and visited family. While they had an exciting day Mr B and I headed out for breakfast together before he played football. He was playing an away game so I couldn't watch, I stayed home to potter about and watch my Prison Break in peace! We had a lovely Sunday lunch together the next day after Midge enjoyed a party at a roller skating rink and Roo Bear and I chilled out at home together. That Sunday night (alright more early Monday morning!) I caught the moon being beautiful. It was the Super Blood Moon, I missed that bit but saw the lunar eclipse.

Let me know if you've blogged your week and I'll hop by for a read and a comment!

Cupcake Mumma

Our Week That Was 27 & 28

It would actually be weeks 32 & 33 I think but I decided not to blog weekly in the summer holidays, blogging some of our days out instead. So much easier with the children home and lots to do! You can read about Trevaskis Farm, Lands End and our holiday to Cambridge, just a few of our summer holiday activities.

Last week:

I took the mini cupcakes to Porthleven with me as a nice way to end the holidays. We stayed for 3 nights in total seeing the harbor, seeing my Gran and Aunt and having some lovely chips from the local chippy there. I even had some me time when my mum took the children to a party at her friends place; the children had fun. I made an apple crumble cake which was pretty good, I made cookies too but they were snapped up too quick to photograph!

Apple crumble cake// Together for first day// Midge wants to be a pharmacist A a superhero// Frankie// Beautiful Porthleven

I took my two and my eldest niece to Truro museum. They dressed up, learned about the Egyptians and took home some knowledge about Cornish history too. It was a stressful day to be honest. They touched everything in every shop, almost broke something in the museum gift shop as I looked for postcards and moaned a lot too. One of the highlights was sitting together in a Starbucks having a quick hot chocolate before rushing to the train (where A whinged all the way home!) it could've been a great day but it was just an okay day, oh well!

3 little beans running around a museum//Kingfishers//Egyptian relics// Starbucks hot chocolate

This week:

The children started school! Putting them in their uniform on Monday morning it really hit home just how much they've grown. Both were really excited and went in fine much to my delight. I was so worried one or both of them would not let me leave but they both went off absolutely fine. After leaving them I sat by the library for a while, some lovely flowers caught my eye so I took a snap. You can see we had our nieces and nephews over, this was on the Sunday. The had dinner then painted their faces!

I have been decorating this week! I have done the lounge and bathroom which I am pleased about. Next year we will look into getting a new sofa because ours is slowly breaking! I have also finished the dining/play room which has been half finished for over a year! I had the dentists and its official, goodbye 3rd wisdom tooth. Oh well, least I won't have anymore pain..I sat in the dentists feeling my usual anxious self and noticed the music and odd TV fish didn't make me feel any better! Is it just me?

I spent time this week chilling out on my sofa wrapped in the blanket my cousin knitted and gave to me. I love her! I was supposed to go to my dads fun day on Friday but the car broke down half way there! I sat with mum for well over an hour chatting, eating chips and playing the number plate game. On Saturday I baked chocolate cake which Midge helped me ice and a chocolates pastry roll, yum!

I'd love to hear what you've all been up to so leave me your links!

Cupcake Mumma

Great First Week of Easter Holidays ~ Week 14 ~ AtoZChallenge

Oh we've had a lovely first week of the Easter holidays. We are now on week 2 and I doubt you'll get the same photos as last week! We started Monday by going to Penzance to visit several fellow Mums and their children. We had chips, popcorn, chatted and laughed and more. The children played wonderfully and even had a little egg hunt around the house (which was a converted chapel and stunning may I add!) we all enjoyed our train journey to and from Penzance.

On Tuesday I took the children to town to pick up a parcel and then they tagged along for my nurses appointment at the doctors...fun! They were rewarded by a lunch out in Weatherspoons and daddy arrived after work which was a lovely surprise.

Wednesday was a day of rest for me! We literally did very little a part from movies and playing inside with cars, trains and what not. Okay I observed more than join in but you know...Thursday oh wow I read a whole book in one day, I was so proud of myself! Midge went to my Mums' to stay for two nights. She baked Easter cupcakes and had cat cuddles plus more adventures with my sister who is down at the moment.

Train journey// Playing nicely// Easter egg hunt success// Lunch out// Catching up with Kat and Baby T via skype// Big breakfast// Book I read in one day// Banana cake- yum!

Friday was pamper day! Midge and my sister both got their nails done while my Mum and I went and had back and neck massages (very nice, shame the effects didn't last longer though!) It was very relaxing and a welcome change from home. Midge went back with Mum and I went home to cook a spag Bol which I devoured. Turkey mince is so good for the record.

On Saturday Little A and I just chilled out together waiting for Midge to come home. They played together for ages and I cooked a little while they were both entertained! I watched Friends today and caught up on TV. The weather wasn't great so we didn't get to watch Jay play football, hopefully will this Saturday. Sunday was lovely, you can read about it here. A whole afternoon at my Gran's house with all the family (nearly all, my brother is still up country) it was a great day with adventure and good food.

Easter cupcakes by Midge// New socks!// My sister getting pampered// Midge's turn!// Hot chocolate in a favourite mug// Easter eggs!// Easter muffin// On the way to Penzance for family time// Paddling

Cupcake Mumma 

Our Week That Was Captured~Week 9 & 10

It's been a really tough week here. Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of ups and things to smile about but it's been kind of emotional and I've not managed to keep up with things. A very dear member of our family was in hospital for a planned operation but unfortunately some complications arose. Long story short, everything is very much okay and we can all breathe a sigh of relief but it's been worrying, emotional. I'm tired. Of course there's other 'stuff' but that's all it is, 'stuff'. I'd like to recap on the last two weeks because I've been doing so well with my catch ups and I don't want to have any gaps!

Last week:

I introduced Little A to tree climbing which he absolutely loved. We had a Costa together at the end of the week and visited the library to return books and kill some time before nursery. Midge had world book day at school and added to the large collection of Elsa's in there! Sadly she was sent home at lunch because of earache which has bothered her somewhat over the weekend still.

I enjoyed a lovely coffee date with a friend and a little charity shop look about, although I didn't buy much, just a history book. I read a fantastic book I picked up from Costa's book corner, My Sisters Keeper. I read it in two days! I've written some happy mail which A helped me decorate and had a lovely box of chocolate eggs from my sister delivered which I'll be sharing with my Aunt as they're vegan Moo Free eggs. I spent several days seeing my mum because of hospital visits to see her Mum, my wonderful Gran who is now recovering well. She treated my two to doughnuts after school one day and I made us dinner several times. I may have had a few naughty take outs last week too- oops! The children made good use of their scooters and bikes this week, discovering a new path to school which included a rather big hill to go down rather fast!

Little A date with mummy// Midge dressed as Elsa//Doughnut boy//Doughnut girl!// My Sisters kepper// Box of chocolate eggs and bars!// Reading again// Costa date with cakes and a friend// Playground fun

The week before was a good week too, not so emotional! I got hooked on chocolate cornflake cakes, made homemade dinners and enjoyed yet another hot chocolate date with Little A before nursery. We enjoyed another library visit and he's been really getting into the environment there and loves popping in to see the children's corner.

I finished off a Harry Potter novel and picked up a new one I've not seen before, The Language of Flowers. Finally during this week, I had a GP visit where I lowered my medication for my anxiety and low moods. I feel pretty good about this and hopeful I can maybe be off them soon but for now I'm just focusing on the lower dose.

Puddle exploring// Happy mail pile to go// Getting ready to make cornflake cakes// Yummy cornflake cakes!// Hot chocolate date with my boy

Hope you've been having a good couple of weeks too, I'd love to know what my readers have been up to.

Cupcake Mumma

Our Week That Was Captured ~ Week 8

Sorry for the lack of blog posts, this week has been half term for the little ones and it's been rather nice in many ways. Nice to spend some time together, great to have longer in bed, great that Hubby had 2 days off and so good to finally chill. If you read here often you'll know most mornings are a struggle ,not just getting ready but getting to and from the school (at least 4 times a day and 6 Monday's!)

This week we had my eldest niece staying with us. She slept over at the weekend and woke early on Monday eager to do stuff. They did a bit of water play before we all went out and I got sucked into spending a small fortune in the pound store on craft supplies! When we came home I placed glue, paints, pom poms and feathers on the kitchen floor so they could get crafty for a bit. Later my niece went to her Nans for another sleep over and Midge went to my Mums for the night! Little A and I read some nice story books before I spent some time with Midge before Grandma came to collect her.

On Tuesday I came out in this horrid cold which totally took me by surprise. I spent all afternoon on the sofa barely doing anything, just waiting for my friend to arrive. It was a rather spontaneous idea but it was lovely to have a hot drink, a natter and to see her daughter again. Midge turned up just as they left which was gutting and so typical! We enjoyed delicious pancakes in the evening with thanks to said friend dropping over a new recipe I've never tried before. I had mine with banana custard, the children just had a small bit of sugar and even pancake-hater Hubby had some chocolate spread on one. Yum!

Cousins crafting// Little A's artwork// Banana and custard pancakes// Some happy mail ready to be posted.

On Wednesday I really did feel bad! I had a proper duvet day and was very grumpy. I had my aunt over in the afternoon and grabbed a much needed hot shower before that. We did some dog training then watched Outnumbered on Netflix before she left. I put myself straight back into the duvet with two hot water bottles and a lot of tissues for my streaming nose! I did little A's cake whilst Jay put him to bed but had no energy to make a real great cake this year. I nearly fainted whilst icing it so had to take a break! I read a little of my book then called it a night. I was joined as usual not longer after I went up by A crawling up my stairs to get into my bed. He was really fussy on this night, why is it when you're at your weakest!?

Thursday my beautiful boy turned four years old (I know!) we had a family breakfast in town, went shopping and spent some time with my nieces and nephews in their new home before having picky tea and cake. We were all a bit under weather sadly and I was really feeling it in the morning. So glad I was able to last until bedtime!

Boy in my bed!// Opening his present with help from Midge, Happy birthday and candle blowing time!// The destroyed before it had chance to be photographed birthday cake!

On Friday Jay had another day off so he had a long weekend. I had a bit of a lay in and we had a mostly lazy day. We decided to cut the children's hair today before they went back. Midges was easy because she's growing it and just needed it trimmed a tiny bit, Little A's needed to be cut properly. With his SPD it's a blog post in itself but let's just say during the second half of having it done he was a total star and I am so proud of him. After hair cuts we went outside where we put paint on some tarpaulin and slid around. This was Jay's idea and so much fun! We got cleaned up and had a picky tea but I started to feel really unwell again shortly after. I put Midge to bed then stayed on my sofa watching live Eastenders and Gogglebox!

On Saturday I had a nice lay in, I read a lot of my Harry Potter book and started writing a letter which I've felt too rough to catch up on all week, I haven't even blogged this week! Jay had a football match but was too far away to watch so the children mostly entertained themselves while I started early spring cleaning. I'm de-cluttering first, the house is messier than when I started! Still a nice day overall with a very late bedtime for me- oh dear!

Cousins posing together// Half trough the hair cut a much needed break was required// More happy mail ready to post// Fridays movie of choice? Good old Harry Potter!

Next week is back to school and I'm not looking forward to it. My Gran is having a knee replacement so I'm hoping to see her at some point, although I do have a phobia of hospitals so we shall see! I know I must really. I have parcels to post, letters to write and hopefully a catch up with a friend who is back from the grand U.S of A! Have a great week.

The Week That Was Captured #1

The first week of January hasn't gotten off to a great start what with coming out in a horrid cold and Little A getting sick, but he's better now and we did kick off the year in a lovely way with family New Years dinner.

On this week:

I re-read some favourite books

Had lovely cuddles with my little girl before she went to my Mums for new year. I stayed home with Little A and Hubby went out to celebrate. I actually had a good night bar some fighting on our usually quiet road and I always worry about Hubby going out! I don't think I slept until 5am after A woke at half 2!

We spent New Year's Day at my parents and saw my aunt and gran. My sister cooked a delicious 3 course meal which we all loved and then we had some presents from mums Christmas tree (yes really!) the tree was cheeky this year and bought me some sweet Christmas knickers and chocolates. I do love our tree present tradition at mums.

I came down with a horrid cold within hours of leaving my mums and stayed like that for a few days. Little A got sick so we had lots of all night snuggles.

We met up with Jason's family and had lunch with them at Weatherspoons. It was a lovely day but no photos because I make an effort not to take my phone out all the time when eating out with family.

I bought some treats for myself in the works. I'm planning on scrap booking 2015!

Fvourite novels// Mums tree// Spending time 'together' on New Years Eve// New Years Day fun with make up// Starter//Poorly Little A

Cupcake Mumma