A Third Birthday Summer Party with Party Delights!

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We have been having a wonderful time away in Kent with Martyn and his boys which I will talk about a lot more in an upcoming post. We have been having a lot of fun and getting on board with loads of cool things that happen in the home here. One of our summer activity plans was to hold a summer themed party with lots of yummy food, a BBQ and some awesome party bits from Party Delights including fun drink bottles, tableware, party bags and a pinata! 

Jazzy plates, inflatable animals, gift bags, summer and animal bottles, ice cream tubs, sweet tub, balloons, flamingo food picks and an awesome pinata!

My Sunday Photo ~ Orange

This beautiful orange flower is from one of the school flower beds. I think after helping Mr K raise awareness of FSH Muscular Dystrophy this week, it's the perfect photo to end the week on (orange is the colour of MD charities)

Cupcake Mumma

Day Trip #1 The Regal Cinema Redruth

On Wednesday I took the children on the first trip of our summer holidays. I'll start by saying now it cost a heck of a lot more than I ever intended! The night before, I checked out the cinema film listings, nothing really caught my eye. Midge had already seen the new pet movie, I can't bring myself to watch the BFG (I know it's had rave reviews and I'm sure it's a wonderful film but I so love the book and the original that I'm firmly in the old camp with this one!) I saw they were showing Angry Birds as the bargain movie so we chose that one. All the seats were £1.99 but I was charged for 4 seats which I was refunded at the end. I purchased the small popcorn but didn't have my glasses on so couldn't see how much this was going to cost but each one must've been over £2 because my total (minus the refund) was around £14...not as ouch as a regular film but still ouch for my budget.

Me, A and Midge

Both the children were really well behaved. It was A's first time going to a cinema and it was in my mind that he may get overwhelmed but he was really happy watching the film snuggled into me. The film must've been about half hour late due to technical issues but eventually we got there and the film was really funny. I'm glad we watched it and hope there's another one coming out in the future!

Happy A in the cinema

After the cinema, the children wanted something to eat so we picked something up from the bakery: A cupcake for Midge and a pasty for A. I saw a little toy shop where midge picked up a lovely hair clip pack and A bought a minecraft box. I'm annoyed that I paid £3.99 for the box and it was ME that lost his toy on the train on the way home! If it was him I'd have said 'tough luck' but it was all my fault so we headed to the supermarket on our way home to get Mr B some pop and buy a replacement toy for A. Luckily he chose a £1.50 car this time!

Midge with a cupcake, A with a pasty on the train.

We all had a lovely day together. Midge and A saw their friends on the train so they had a 5 minute natter. A loves train travel so it was always going to be a thumbs up from him! We all enjoyed the movie and I'm pleased our cinema does a bargain offer like that now and then. I'm just a little peeved that I spent so much on the first outing!

What have you been up to this week?

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to be Cheerful: New Jobs and Family Time

First off, thank you to those who made the effort to contact me regarding a recent blog post. It's a confusing time for me blog wise, I don't think I can say I want it to end though. I saw the weekly tweet prompting us to think of our cheerful moments each week and I know I'd be lost without my blog, looking back through all the posts I've written makes me cheerful. I will write as and when I want to and return to the beginning where I loved Cupcake Mumma and loved to blog. Just with better photos! So anyway, thank you xx

Now some recent reasons to be cheerful are...

I had a lovely BBQ with the little ones last Friday, all very spontaneous (that's me!) It's quite funny actually, I won a competition early last week and it said that I'd won a BBQ; cue much excitement! Friday came and the BBQ turned up..an instant BBQ! I was a little disappointed, I didn't expect anything big and wonderful but neither did I expect an instant one. Anyway, it made me laugh and we had the most lovely little time outside cooking sausages and eating corn on the cob and potato salad together on Midge's blanket. It was a beautiful day for a change.

I've won a few prizes this month, my little BBQ, a cushion cover and a surprise prize which I'll have to wait for. I do love entering a competition but I make a point of not being greedy, I only enter for something I could use or put away as a gift for a loved one so I appreciate my winnings more.

My husband got a new job! He will start in June or July and will be working as a care support worker for adults with disabilities. He's worked hard for us 5 days a week for 5 years now in a bacon factory, I am so thankful he has found a place where I know he will do good. He won't stay there forever, but he's realised what he's meant to do and that's so wonderful. He will get so many opportunities at his new work and I hope he's very happy.

My new hygienist is lovely, I can't tell you how strange it is to go to the dentist and not be wracked with nerves! I've had a good clean and picked up some tips for my oral care and also the children's so I'm really happy.

What are your Reasons to be Cheerful?

Cupcake Mumma

#Paperhaul Box 6!

I am in love. Every month I look forward to my #Paperhaul monthly subscription box and I always get so excited to see the theme revealed! I avoid the hashtag and sneak previews on the internet all in order to not ruin the surprise for myself! (Anyone else?) Here is Junes' rather wonderful and rather tasty box!

#Paperhaul always has a quality themed washi tape which is easily one of my favourite items in the boxes. I love the stripes on this months offering and think it'll bring a nice bit of colour to my happy mail this summer.

Postcards are my other love. I have a suitcase dedicated to my postcard collection so every month I look forward to seeing what postcards I'm getting to add to my collection. This months cards are simplistic, bold and yummy!

I love this months scrap papers. I have quite a collection now this is my sixth #Paperhaul box and I'm saving them up for that day when I decide to get that scrap book out and do some sticking! I love both sides of the papers this month so it's going to be a tough choice (or a half and half job!)

Milkshakes and Pudding. Yum

There are always 2 unique and high quality cards in a #Paperhaul box, plus 3 smaller cards all of which come with their own envelopes. All cards are totally blank and ready for your personal messages.

Pink lolly sure to make one of my pen friends hungry!

My favourite card this month

Beautiful mini cards. I'm sure they're water colour?

These gift tags remind me the Magnum ice creams! I love these and can't wait to use them for several upcoming birthdays and a gift swap.

Finally another one of my all time favourite stationery items: stickers! You always get a set of stickers to suit the theme of the box as well as two easy to peel larger stickers which are fab for brightening up those boring parcels.

I adore every item in this box but my favourite items are definitely the selection of ice cream stickers, the bold ice cream cone postcard and the washi tape. Do you subscribe to #Paperhaul? What were your favourite items from this months box? If you don't subscribe (you're missing out!) you can do so here!

I am part of a group of bloggers who get a slight discount for reviewing a monthly #Paperhaul box. All opinions and photos are, as usual, my own.

Cupake Mumma

The Charcoal Challenge- Sunday Fun!

Last Sunday we had such glorious weather that it would've been totally unacceptable not to have been completely British and throw a BBQ in the back garden. We loaded up the boot of my Sister-in-Laws car, strapped the children in and headed to the cousins for a few hours. Thanks to Money supermarket, I was given £50 to come up with a budget BBQ suitable for us all. Here's how we all got on:

I made use of several supermarkets locally; Iceland, Aldi and Tesco. Between the 3 stores I bought all I needed fruit and vegetable wise (apart from my strawberries, grapes and a few other items which came from my green grocer for £3) I also got all the ingredients to whip up a yummy broccoli and tomato quiche, as well as buying the more 'junky' items from my list such as crisps, dips and of course I needed the required meat. 

The Food

I spent £9 in Aldi and £12 in Iceland. It was important to me to have lots of fruit on such a hot, lovely day and the children really went for it. I found the marshmallows in a bargain bin at my local candy store. They were 50p each so a £3 total. 

I purchased my meat from Iceland but not too much as there was a steady supply already in our freezers (If you want to save money, always look at what you can create from your fridge, freezers and cupboards already) I had some salmon already bought from last weeks food shop so took one out of the packaging. I'm the only one who doesn't eat meat but didn't want to miss out on the BBQ experience! I also had a vegetable selection which I mixed together and cooked in foil. I bought a mini disposable BBQ for £1 so I didn't have to share the meat one!  

Drinks from Aldi for 78p went down nicely, especially being cooled in a bucket of ice. I made mini windmills for decoration, what do you think? My sister-in-law took it upon herself to buy some lemons and raspberries and made some delicious pink lemonade. I really recommend having some of this instead of spending money on alcohol which isn't nearly as refreshing!

As you can imagine we had some very full tummies. The spread was very generous and I really think (no wait, I know I got loads for my budget) With the main part of the BBQ done and everyone left to talk, laugh and graze the rest of the spread, we sought out some other BBQ activities.

Face painting!

Ice cream making!

Dairy ice cream at £1.60 (I thought Neapolitan would be a nice change, although normally I would buy value vanilla) Dairy free ice cream £2, cones and chocolate swirls £2. These were extras because I had some left over pennies!

After food, face painting, lots of chatting and laughing, there really was only one thing left to do to finish off this fantastic day:

Water Fight!!

And when it's all said and done, it's time to tidy up. Thanks Little T, what a star! Both babies were very tired after a long, hot day so cuddled up together to watch a bit of Paddington on the iPad. 

We all had such a wonderful time and I think it would be fair to say the BBQ was a completel success! 

CupcakeMumma

x

The Math!

Decorations: £12.00 (forks, cups, kebab sticks, decorative pots, plastic coloured bowls,baby jars,napkins and straws)

Corner shop: £1 (mini disposable BBQ)

Aldi: £9

Iceland: £12

Tesco:£5.60

Candy Store: £3.00 (marshmallows)

Green Grocer: £3.00

Total: 45.60

This is our entry for the Charcoal Challenge with Money Supermarket. We received £50 from Money Supermarket to enter the competition which we used to buy the products listed above. We will also be entered into a prize draw to receive £250 to host the ultimate BBQ!!

Sunny, Lovely Weekend!

On Saturday morning we all woke up with sun shining through our windows. The children came bounding in with smiles on their faces and Hubby and I sat up knowing it was going to be a good day. I like it when you just know it's going to be a nice day. We made a rather spontaneous decision to go to the boating lake a couple of towns over to feed the ducks and swans. It was beautiful over there and despite the seagulls doing their best to ruin the moment, we enjoyed it a lot!

My sister was back from university for the weekend and I was keen to spend some time with her before she headed off to her boyfriend's up country. We met up at the lake with her and my Mum, ate some chips and decided, once again very spontaneously, that it would be rude not to have a BBQ on such a lovely day!

Hubby and I headed to the shops with the children, Little Man was so tired from the heat and excitement he promptly passed out as we went around the shop hunting for food and various other BBQ goodies. After an hour (we had to draw it out because of the bus times!) we headed to Mums and started preparing the food and fixing the BBQ together. Mum went and got Dad from work early, the children had their paddling pool out and we spent a lovely evening together chatting and eating scrummy food.

To continue with our spontaneous theme we decided to stop over and have a sleep over in the front room of my parents house. Little A slept better than he ever has in the travel cot, he woke twice and Midge was the same. A couple of wake ups I can deal with so it was all in all a great day from start to finish!

On Sunday we all phoned my Gran to wish her a happy birthday. She didn't know we were all planning to take her out somewhere nice to eat for lunch. My Aunt and Uncle from Devon came down and stayed the weekend with her and my other Aunt, so she was pretty spoiled by the time we arrived at the restaurant.

Little A was extremely tired and hot and after one too many melt downs hubby decided it was best for everyone if he took him away in the buggy. The restaurant was lovely but it wasn't child friendly at all. I know you can't please everyone but there are several places which are lovely, dietary friendly and child friendly. This place wasn't 'us' at all. This was a posh hotel and restaurant, we were definitely under dressed in my opinion my children were certainly not their idea of a normal lunch service. No one else came here with younger children, that tells you everything! Needless to say, it may have looked wonderful and I enjoyed catching up with my family, I didn't enjoy myself that much at all!

My main meal. The veg was really tasty, I think I'll add some of these herbs to my planned herb garden! The fish was great too. Dessert was the best. Coconut sorbet is delicious! Midge whinged through most of the meal, she couldn't have pudding because they weren't suitable for her but was just being silly with her main meal because it was perfectly fine (I ate it for my starter in the end!) I think the lure of an outdoor swimming pool and the hotel's cat was too much of a temptation for her!

We had birthday cake though! My Gran seemed to really enjoy her day which is the most important thing. She was happy with us all there for her, she loved the restaurant and had a lovely meal. We bought her some flowers and she liked the card I made for her. Here's the vegan cake my Aunt made:

My poor Gran couldn't blow out the candles! We thought my Aunt had accidentally bought her those trick candles for a minute! I had a few cake helpings, I must admit and I'm feeling it all today! I'm curled on my sofa letting the children run wild and watch as much TV as they like. I feel awful! Back to school tomorrow and some homework to do tonight!

Hope you all enjoyed your sunny weekend. What a great start to June!

CupcakeMumma

June Craft a Day: Summer

Here in Cornwall today it was beautifully sunny and rather warm, definite summer weather in my book! When I think of summer there a few things I think of: sun, heat and...ice cream! I was browsing the chairty store a little while ago and came across a cute pendant for a necklace in a little basket of 50p bits and bobs. I remembered my sister had something identical as a youngster so I recreated it.

Using an old necklace chain, I simply popped the newly loved pendant onto it and admired the summery feel it oozed! I hope you like?

June 2nd Summer Theme

I'll be getting the ice cream put on a slightly longer chain, but for today it's fine!

CupcakeMumma

Heartlands Fun and Church Fates!

In Cornwall there is a new heritage site which is already attracting so many people it's brilliant. Little Miss and I decided to head off on Sunday to join in some of the fun! As it was Sunday I knew the buses were far and few between and besides, the main theme for this summer holiday is to be as cheap as possible as with most families, we just don't have the pennies to spare right now!

So, we headed off, the walk was probably a couple of miles but we arrived in good time. After a 5km walk for Race For Life it seems a little walk to Heartlands from home was nothing for Little Miss! It was bloody hot though!

We had a brilliant day paddling by the Red River Cafe, dipping our feet in pool, getting some face painting done and playing in the park (the highest priority) we even took part in a scavenger hunt and Little Miss did colouring for the RSPB and I learnt some interesting things from the lady running the stall.

The River by the cafe is great fun for children (and adults!)
to cool their toes!

In keeping with the 'Muddy Toes' event we jumped in the puddles

I love the cartoon butterfly- never had one like this!

What a snazzy bike!

Showing off some fab moves!

We stopped off at the fish shop on the way home to give
ourselves a break from the walk ahead!

 We also went to our local church fate at the weekend which was a lovely way to kick start the holidays. Little Miss won a couple of prizes, a small blue teddy (helped by the kind man on the 'stall') and a little pink pony (they let her swap! How kind!). Both of the children had fun on the bouncy castle which was all enclosed just in case the weather took a turn for the worst!

Thankfully it didn't rain at all. We toured the inside of the church which Little Miss loves doing. I explained for the hundredth time about how the wedding would take place and we allowed Little Man to walk about exploring everywhere! He loved hiding in the pews and quite enjoyed the large thrones!

It was a really lovely day, the sun shone the whole time and we had a brilliant family day out. Oh, and i even started the day with a rather scrummy cooked breakfast made just for me by The Man *big grin* 

Having fun in the bouncy castle! I didn't think he'd like it but
he loved it!

Very happy with her prize

This had me in stitches!

A very yummy breakfast indeed!

Good Morning World!

The sun isn't shining, I'm watching the 5000 episode of 'Ruby and Max' on Netflix, The Man has refused to move from the oh so warm and comfy confines of our bed and the baby has pooped. It stinks. I should change it. One second...

Well, that was gross...Anyway, despite all of the above I have woken up in a good mood. Sure my anxiety has reared its ugly head and I seem to be feeding off my nerves but I understand all I can do is wait. And pray perhaps, I do like a good chat with The Man upstairs.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend? Myself and the children hopped in the car with Mother to stay at hers for the night followed closely by The Man on his temperamental little bike. We went over to celebrate my brother's birthday, the big 2-1. He actually spent most of his time at his desk applying for jobs now his university spell has come to an end. I hope he gets one soon.

I ate too much rubbish, which I paid for last night by feeling pretty ill! The Man made a roast dinner which I polished off settling down with a nice hot chocolate and The IT Crowd (again) before bed.

It was nice to see everyone. The talk of our impending nuptials was the hot topic but I think about it so much I decided to let everyone else chat about their wedding outfits and what not while I poked my head in the fridge and started scoffing my vegan cheesecake.

I also went out and took some photos. I always want to do this as Mother lives in such a pretty little village which attracts a lot of tourists. Sadly it's filled with a lot of holiday homes which, because of the current UK weather are unoccupied. And we wonder why there are so many homeless people on our streets, Cornwall Holiday Lettings *cough*

I will leave you with some photos. I'm happy to say I got to go out alone which is rare but lovely. I'm still getting used to the odd look you get when walking around with a brick of a camera taking photos of the less obvious things like chains and seaweed!

Nappy number 2 needs changing and I need to finish Fifty Shades...
CupcakeMumma x