tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85418603279667929002024-03-19T07:37:27.623+00:00Mrs and a Mummy. That's me.Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-75197746591167531802014-04-10T19:56:00.000+01:002014-04-10T19:56:09.736+01:00Toddler Easter Lunch PartyHere we are again, Easter already!<br />
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My life over the past four months has been completely taken over by our house being renovated with builders, electricians, plumbers, tilers, kitchen fitters.. you name them.. they've been here. Full time and almost sending me into some mid life breakdown... Anyway back to Easter!<br />
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Following a nightmare winter, I wanted to keep it low key this year, so Poppy had three friends over which now they are bigger (and quicker) is just right. Everyone also gets a seat as well this way!
Due to the amount of craft bits I make I can't keep them all, so each party we have new items are made (and subsequently thrown away) it really brakes my heart to do that, but I can't justify keeping it all. Saying that we are in the process of creating a new study. Maybe this can be my craft centre!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastel paper bunnies with cotton wool tails</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobbled paper hanging carrots</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Centre piece hanging easter eggs</td></tr>
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Poppy recently got her first table and chairs so it was so adorable watching them all sit up and the table (scavenging) for their food. Its lovely to watch as she has such independence and watching them socialise is great!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the carnage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppy and her boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppy tucking in!</td></tr>
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Food wise this year, again I kept it very basic. I just didn't have the time to go all out. The night before I made some Easter nests, I'd hoped Poppy would help make them but I just didn't have the time! Food wise was kept to sandwiches and wraps, fruit and cheese. Obviously a little hot cross bun treat for my mummies as well!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg Cup Food Cases</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower shaped sandwiches and wraps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtsJBk67KzGtU05AVAlBIcHf88fKpXtYTAEcJAItglzs0ZXOp2e6zxLmuUDHFCTzfiLCaEnBwm28MEFiU_6hC3MJkslS-JKpda7ePB5R9iXgP6_pZyO6A9buMQQTLdvesAOJYVH2P8ms/s1600/IMG_6730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtsJBk67KzGtU05AVAlBIcHf88fKpXtYTAEcJAItglzs0ZXOp2e6zxLmuUDHFCTzfiLCaEnBwm28MEFiU_6hC3MJkslS-JKpda7ePB5R9iXgP6_pZyO6A9buMQQTLdvesAOJYVH2P8ms/s1600/IMG_6730.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot cross buns!</td></tr>
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Finally I thought this year I would try out a Easter Egg Hunt... our garden is under construction and following the building work its not yet toddler friendly so I kept it indoors and simple. The kids seem to enjoy it although did regularly go off track! However the last treat was chocolate and that went down very well!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpJJuNWTW-OXpcAn83uLr7VKdOOZyd96_gOgXcvkZxUoVZ9yej2jOJ-826Dky-CbfIFj7ZwIYnn413ipfOg-y-id1uio_xbNNdRucFthK7peN1NbU0MMssYz93tPEf5J6vbVzK-7E9YE/s1600/IMG_6734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpJJuNWTW-OXpcAn83uLr7VKdOOZyd96_gOgXcvkZxUoVZ9yej2jOJ-826Dky-CbfIFj7ZwIYnn413ipfOg-y-id1uio_xbNNdRucFthK7peN1NbU0MMssYz93tPEf5J6vbVzK-7E9YE/s1600/IMG_6734.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signs hopefully pointing them in the right direction! haha!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7fgyTOL04Po5ttUsegOSjXJ9xCOx186W0K5y_tG_kZ7BBtqEhn1dci33AByx3Bq5nH3FKqOgKZ3jmx0kayr5w83dKqrAGnINlLKx_jq2LoztuO_8GTcsHepfDdjsyQ_a3Xv6kvFhXR4/s1600/IMG_6739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7fgyTOL04Po5ttUsegOSjXJ9xCOx186W0K5y_tG_kZ7BBtqEhn1dci33AByx3Bq5nH3FKqOgKZ3jmx0kayr5w83dKqrAGnINlLKx_jq2LoztuO_8GTcsHepfDdjsyQ_a3Xv6kvFhXR4/s1600/IMG_6739.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each toddler had their own colour egg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personalised cardboard baskets</td></tr>
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All in all a lovely party which ended up with some very tired toddlers! Thank god for the afternoon nap! xxx<br /><div>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-81554485575302386012013-12-20T14:19:00.001+00:002013-12-20T14:19:39.590+00:00The Nautical Baby Shower PartyYay! So the lovely Kate Brown is having a baby boy and is due just a couple of days before Christmas. As soon as I found out, I asked if I could help organise the baby shower!<br />
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We discussed what type of theme we should go for, both her and hubby John were undecided on the decoration for the nursery. A toss up between nautical and transport (so cute!) My brain started racing away on the nautical side of things and 'Ahoy Its A Boy' was born! Bunting madness was out and about in lovely blue, red and white colours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZX-CkSb_KCjDEkcrmLr7bRDWp53j_FYSr2_0Vi5drA8buTJN_SeFiHs4pXN7DnQ9DjKPx1uNj3RdcQmHotNaOkHPDRPuspxBd74id9e3z89-Ep7L6AbiTrVF7zVIBPAYJdl7ix09yKZw/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZX-CkSb_KCjDEkcrmLr7bRDWp53j_FYSr2_0Vi5drA8buTJN_SeFiHs4pXN7DnQ9DjKPx1uNj3RdcQmHotNaOkHPDRPuspxBd74id9e3z89-Ep7L6AbiTrVF7zVIBPAYJdl7ix09yKZw/s320/IMG_1653.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously the bunting was staged for this photo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9lLXchyphenhyphenju3daW6xK3v_D_-rHRwsKx1pgukqu4q3wBNtgJkIRDUqGtwxv3H3xDf4yPr1_d0rACY2oFcKpdl9WZLHy28YDHcRT-9_6tkmG68bRVgaoPVvb-DS6Vts5AwIZ_PMqlX8J6XE/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9lLXchyphenhyphenju3daW6xK3v_D_-rHRwsKx1pgukqu4q3wBNtgJkIRDUqGtwxv3H3xDf4yPr1_d0rACY2oFcKpdl9WZLHy28YDHcRT-9_6tkmG68bRVgaoPVvb-DS6Vts5AwIZ_PMqlX8J6XE/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one too!</td></tr>
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Originally I was going to organise the food as well, however Kate's lovely mum offered to host the event and provide the food. One less thing for me to do! On with the favours, I didn't really want to spend too much money and at the same time a 'favour' is just a small token of gesture so I came up with 'Ready to Pop' bunting and cut up an old cardboard box and made paper cups to hold popcorn. I was really lucky to find these cute photo frames for only £2 each from Wilkinsons which matched the blue colour perfectly.<br />
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For Katie's keepsake message, I thought 'Message in a Bottle' was very fitting and bought some netting from a local party shop to create a 'ship wrecked' look, and created a note for all guests to write on and put in a bottle when finished for Katie to read later.<br />
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I decided not to do a traditional nappy cake with gifts inside but to keep it simple with nappies only. I made the 'anchor' decorations and used a flower I had from home to decorate. It was really effective and I think I would definitely do this way again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwFAddeghy7vpWOC-hSqOoXsdtgpwtRnYPZgpqxY2tGLD9y_XTTPUMPHgIS-6LWlzVj3dmalhd9KPHqZ5roxVJOGSC2Nb3xyulWjcG_DRv1vhjX5ZNlL1fGw279-IN561yczd4WfRt68/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwFAddeghy7vpWOC-hSqOoXsdtgpwtRnYPZgpqxY2tGLD9y_XTTPUMPHgIS-6LWlzVj3dmalhd9KPHqZ5roxVJOGSC2Nb3xyulWjcG_DRv1vhjX5ZNlL1fGw279-IN561yczd4WfRt68/s320/IMG_1640.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just slip in a few origami boats as well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chris is such a wizz on the computer, we often laugh at how terrible we are at working together. We are too bossy so at times there are plenty of tears! However he did such justice, the invite was really good and lots of the girls commented on it. He also created a 'letter head' for the baby shower and this was used across all over the games, food labels and just about anything that involved paper! You can probably tell I am very particular about party planning!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVXcI3smUdpjQb2lsM8qWDSv_dqKupnzH2JKqkhhN-CLh4cpu2JFagUw-jkgrmb1Q_lyGvtd0FBHJkWt7dxhh_BoNae1tTWkd8KtjpobZhHtysERQTr29LXv-W2rMeVSWzcQxtERM_Wo/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVXcI3smUdpjQb2lsM8qWDSv_dqKupnzH2JKqkhhN-CLh4cpu2JFagUw-jkgrmb1Q_lyGvtd0FBHJkWt7dxhh_BoNae1tTWkd8KtjpobZhHtysERQTr29LXv-W2rMeVSWzcQxtERM_Wo/s320/IMG_5355.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The popular invitation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I made Katie a super duper cute ribbon to wear (laminated and all!). I wanted her to feel special but without being uncomfortable so this was perfect!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45rZ1JzS5qsjZ_JbrWvWzW0yP8niiwjgxTyreeMzBJ-W_BQq19vkP4AkbRm1mra3PGGj7BQcnAOau_RKYAN1_dOM-9kCGWgan0tc_LyszNUNPcO8kMpHq3cRG5yylXeflztakWziODsc/s1600/IMG_5887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45rZ1JzS5qsjZ_JbrWvWzW0yP8niiwjgxTyreeMzBJ-W_BQq19vkP4AkbRm1mra3PGGj7BQcnAOau_RKYAN1_dOM-9kCGWgan0tc_LyszNUNPcO8kMpHq3cRG5yylXeflztakWziODsc/s320/IMG_5887.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Brown - In disguise! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My darling friend Kate Blonde, decorated the cupcakes and did a smashing job making life rings and boats. Very tasty too! I also attempted a bit of origami for the sale boats. Must have taken me at least 20 attempts to make, but they made really lovely accessories around the room!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp1Id5nsPWsOMMow47VTLLQrCkauL4NIDZLacapJuqVJwMbgkxM-a9YLzwXyuoxAP2BZXXS7aJ0WN-EfOYg4kv0YNzjXeg_zk9A8xd5aL0aQAsH7fcs0N9gQiJSiTXHZwWCdUhjjjZ-k/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp1Id5nsPWsOMMow47VTLLQrCkauL4NIDZLacapJuqVJwMbgkxM-a9YLzwXyuoxAP2BZXXS7aJ0WN-EfOYg4kv0YNzjXeg_zk9A8xd5aL0aQAsH7fcs0N9gQiJSiTXHZwWCdUhjjjZ-k/s320/IMG_5900.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blondes lovely cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Deciding on what game prizes to buy or make, did make the clogs go round quite a bit. Again I didn't want to spend too much money so I collected a few jam jars and purchased some sweets. I made the labels and used baking sheets for the lids.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGYAYDTr6x9CEqrl6pRetAs-vI-Z8aCKEf-aQl4crTv498OD2-X-i8AlMXKoke78MBk1HMVPW0YAg_Hrdwy5X-A5ZmCK4XG3VYu4AbKyV_oD67KgqVJx6rAvrHmT1eOtOTV2aSidLuMo/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGYAYDTr6x9CEqrl6pRetAs-vI-Z8aCKEf-aQl4crTv498OD2-X-i8AlMXKoke78MBk1HMVPW0YAg_Hrdwy5X-A5ZmCK4XG3VYu4AbKyV_oD67KgqVJx6rAvrHmT1eOtOTV2aSidLuMo/s320/IMG_1617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So all in all, a very sweet gathering for our yummy mummy to be. Even if she was really knackered by the end of it! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb48_QZ-k_o97T1ca3JNv5n5NqjbRwazKwSkIh5oQ5sx9rO_72RYFFq2CWf5EBZn5FuyEzFoT85hbuxLpCLiF4hTZ3DTq0uZFKwg8dbYRUUBLHLf8ugo77joDYhjqzQuBmc4Oq9j83UI/s1600/IMG_5940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLb48_QZ-k_o97T1ca3JNv5n5NqjbRwazKwSkIh5oQ5sx9rO_72RYFFq2CWf5EBZn5FuyEzFoT85hbuxLpCLiF4hTZ3DTq0uZFKwg8dbYRUUBLHLf8ugo77joDYhjqzQuBmc4Oq9j83UI/s320/IMG_5940.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Yummy Mummy to be</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-50127147722162451632013-11-18T21:52:00.001+00:002013-11-18T22:28:16.426+00:00The Halloween PartyOctober means one thing... making cute decorations for Halloween! Last year, Poppy had only just started crawling and cruising so it was all about taking a photo of her in a cute outfit. This year she is now a toddler and albeit the attention span is still too short to have organised games and activities (her time will come!) we still had to have a party!<br />
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Halloween was obviously the theme and the paper decorations were out and about in their full glory details, I love it and yet again, Halloween in our house started in August! At this age you want them to look fun rather than scary. So keeping it light, I made a variation of different buntings. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TDX4mUsXUIuWg0Yl3w1ymguZNNSBUnSaxWooA4PVKiWz-Xj1fNr1KG3-QlXCszOBAtVSMSxY5tV_HK8lUsHeJAQ1uuVA-jqcWyUP56RNOKE6sLmx-2P5DzI3g8ma7DThnvfMdEZZAc8/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TDX4mUsXUIuWg0Yl3w1ymguZNNSBUnSaxWooA4PVKiWz-Xj1fNr1KG3-QlXCszOBAtVSMSxY5tV_HK8lUsHeJAQ1uuVA-jqcWyUP56RNOKE6sLmx-2P5DzI3g8ma7DThnvfMdEZZAc8/s320/IMG_2157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween Pumpkins </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY71SxaeyXdusIXW69aYhsAcx5KZh2MgXI3wVT_EpoM1HSLpD9PuzFlykUTJgGeRsv6o9eaoBLzpKpmiaS_gR_X989ylepfDEPvzYkFLN-ntwrtJARbK-7J3RQjmnL2a0kDUMharjX10/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY71SxaeyXdusIXW69aYhsAcx5KZh2MgXI3wVT_EpoM1HSLpD9PuzFlykUTJgGeRsv6o9eaoBLzpKpmiaS_gR_X989ylepfDEPvzYkFLN-ntwrtJARbK-7J3RQjmnL2a0kDUMharjX10/s320/IMG_2162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper Ghost Garland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjA-5iywts3y8ydtCEK320zguJ-MUT9EBlMUWLZjqAQuBf_wGZF3fZnEvZHJ644bdQZkDTcLv9oYeQoLlrnlLPz7xL3dtlCbCAWRNop-zhwDvpX_PvU21myhdyPsECEoG7_Rht4gl7Zig/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjA-5iywts3y8ydtCEK320zguJ-MUT9EBlMUWLZjqAQuBf_wGZF3fZnEvZHJ644bdQZkDTcLv9oYeQoLlrnlLPz7xL3dtlCbCAWRNop-zhwDvpX_PvU21myhdyPsECEoG7_Rht4gl7Zig/s320/IMG_2160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkins, Cats and Frankensteins Bunting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I also made a selection of toilet roll pumpkins and Frankensteins.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tj9Bm_Yh9AfkE77VzHSODnxjH9ZOKZv-iADdifZtRuj2yCp-5fi4AVJ9CN3MEk15iSicg8ukG2etLnpmp_CtdHxXdCRn9kb6LCPMw8eOkRJU6PQS_-vEWuDgicev6j-bW2RviRId80k/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tj9Bm_Yh9AfkE77VzHSODnxjH9ZOKZv-iADdifZtRuj2yCp-5fi4AVJ9CN3MEk15iSicg8ukG2etLnpmp_CtdHxXdCRn9kb6LCPMw8eOkRJU6PQS_-vEWuDgicev6j-bW2RviRId80k/s320/IMG_2092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrapped Toilet Roll Pumpkin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWvHo8hYQWNJE8Zm8oT631JPnDeTH5ZMOP_8bPSSZ_85_v9iIUMm7m8ZCs1Nc66e74Htf-2ipJNVc-qBY6XSel1SqLZqF-M8BLI4S6_1iPRfXxSXfQhGWkkTndHPJ5nhN_M5OLNCO-5U/s1600/IMG_2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWvHo8hYQWNJE8Zm8oT631JPnDeTH5ZMOP_8bPSSZ_85_v9iIUMm7m8ZCs1Nc66e74Htf-2ipJNVc-qBY6XSel1SqLZqF-M8BLI4S6_1iPRfXxSXfQhGWkkTndHPJ5nhN_M5OLNCO-5U/s320/IMG_2308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet Roll Frankenstein</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These were a very cheap and easy option of ghosts cups. I have lots of LED tea lights left over from my wedding a couple of years ago. They didn't work that great in the day time.. but by night they were really effective. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHhjGNnmq_-J8NsZpN1V2JK_jf_kFrUGa-OkJui_-a84nUGmSdVBstr96YGz0_4mCe_eeQF_H6b4EQtUcsyKIm0maTlWXOeeHaxU7qmsmg8e0_nclzBJzJdKz3Yo0k_WSGx_n9b9Gx7U/s1600/IMG_2320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHhjGNnmq_-J8NsZpN1V2JK_jf_kFrUGa-OkJui_-a84nUGmSdVBstr96YGz0_4mCe_eeQF_H6b4EQtUcsyKIm0maTlWXOeeHaxU7qmsmg8e0_nclzBJzJdKz3Yo0k_WSGx_n9b9Gx7U/s320/IMG_2320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic Cup Ghosts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most of the food I made is quite self-explanatory. But I was very keen to keep all the food healthy for the kids and to treat the mums that came along we let ourselves have a bit of indulgence in lovely cupcakes (you can see that my piping is coming along a bit now!) I printed out some free printables to make the cupcake toppers which I thought went well with the theme!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO5FE9gfixdfx80iws8eg-BjfzXjstV1NQj70upks9ISQ532ZvsuVIkDAofWAs34OS49OTThQ6VaRVcCzXqmCHLIKyVloXT4GMZ6NQqI_A4QS5VsIGntiYv7qyUzsny-fsKx8IfqeRUQ/s1600/IMG_2332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO5FE9gfixdfx80iws8eg-BjfzXjstV1NQj70upks9ISQ532ZvsuVIkDAofWAs34OS49OTThQ6VaRVcCzXqmCHLIKyVloXT4GMZ6NQqI_A4QS5VsIGntiYv7qyUzsny-fsKx8IfqeRUQ/s320/IMG_2332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Baby Bell Eyeballs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7TL82rueRicuHirSYt2ebchMeLmEBhR16uLq-Ntx3o2NnVxsdjt_4-lXXhWKBfW7UL4QoaNwi74W2JVBkne_TGhyphenhyphenV133nYsUIDFqEF3oK_ZdZAHO9LQ0DXtPllFyU8A9Nfp71pdDzk0/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7TL82rueRicuHirSYt2ebchMeLmEBhR16uLq-Ntx3o2NnVxsdjt_4-lXXhWKBfW7UL4QoaNwi74W2JVBkne_TGhyphenhyphenV133nYsUIDFqEF3oK_ZdZAHO9LQ0DXtPllFyU8A9Nfp71pdDzk0/s320/IMG_2343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider Cucumber and Sultana Sandwiches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG8Uo3inlpEXsMQFDwnHEZgAzbFUoijPaPn-kZw3gs536OOwc8zmBsDUENsuqCOSdvu4c7bT5Jl3PIJhis1ULpvt3TsLX2vgwMUwrO2hoh7uF70iCyghK5Dm2nV6JmZDxqSyfiEwpwsk/s1600/IMG_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWG8Uo3inlpEXsMQFDwnHEZgAzbFUoijPaPn-kZw3gs536OOwc8zmBsDUENsuqCOSdvu4c7bT5Jl3PIJhis1ULpvt3TsLX2vgwMUwrO2hoh7uF70iCyghK5Dm2nV6JmZDxqSyfiEwpwsk/s320/IMG_2362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Satsumas and Grapes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJgBJlhMJtYGSg-4CEA_0q0aFkWRkdJOQa_zcRbK9AoJ9jl-Yw0OR5frrRuPTL_8pLzSek6HZcuuIH7yVpv-4y40y9MXpZtapNpr5s6WiTziUQX6vFFRGe2h6GC15J7KTKuEHl7XGyVA/s1600/IMG_2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJgBJlhMJtYGSg-4CEA_0q0aFkWRkdJOQa_zcRbK9AoJ9jl-Yw0OR5frrRuPTL_8pLzSek6HZcuuIH7yVpv-4y40y9MXpZtapNpr5s6WiTziUQX6vFFRGe2h6GC15J7KTKuEHl7XGyVA/s320/IMG_2346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Shortbread Ghosts and Ghouls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlx0SetaBm8YLNHH2El2WPoa-nFi2HmBT_uebe6eDTrntwyoTM7LRMeWGKairM1SAnqEsd85lLF38zfCVYGdxeC0wCekrCC6W5Vny-DL3TPLs33aKWVXOepINtGSbqsKgpm8mfIZARJ0/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlx0SetaBm8YLNHH2El2WPoa-nFi2HmBT_uebe6eDTrntwyoTM7LRMeWGKairM1SAnqEsd85lLF38zfCVYGdxeC0wCekrCC6W5Vny-DL3TPLs33aKWVXOepINtGSbqsKgpm8mfIZARJ0/s320/IMG_2341.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Printable Cupcake Toppers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The one activities I did organise went down really well (with the mums!) and it also gave them something to take home along with their goodie bags. As much as I love to go overboard with decorations and creating a party scene, I'm also aware that the kids are much more interested in playing with the toys, so their goodie bags (a pumpkin face stuck to an envelope) included some bubbles and a footprint card. Also I don't want to set the bar to high.. as much as I love what I do for Poppy (and myself!) I don't want to spend a fortune where in my opinion its not necessary!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vHI1U0p7H9-_OVBFLPox41tcMQ1wKo-lKsikH9VKbJFjg4lO0rR8XxtuB8WPGxQgv2Qz9kYz72QaBHyhGEtKuMDLv8scoU7rYrKJ8n-RqxwVxX_fal6Nygk7EgNaNNzFH5rdlrVe4_k/s1600/IMG_2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vHI1U0p7H9-_OVBFLPox41tcMQ1wKo-lKsikH9VKbJFjg4lO0rR8XxtuB8WPGxQgv2Qz9kYz72QaBHyhGEtKuMDLv8scoU7rYrKJ8n-RqxwVxX_fal6Nygk7EgNaNNzFH5rdlrVe4_k/s320/IMG_2323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Party Bags</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRId2xs8phMrB45lN_PhbMJbyzMQdWEoNjQgi1zOvQOgn-gwCKaQmZ2izeaPXalsZNSRMz64n1QB7zfB6EnaftrUI6ID36UI6YFjnUUhuXtnibbyBTQgjghi-eHtknW2i4BZf_iSkeF7E/s1600/IMG_2360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRId2xs8phMrB45lN_PhbMJbyzMQdWEoNjQgi1zOvQOgn-gwCKaQmZ2izeaPXalsZNSRMz64n1QB7zfB6EnaftrUI6ID36UI6YFjnUUhuXtnibbyBTQgjghi-eHtknW2i4BZf_iSkeF7E/s320/IMG_2360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick and Easy Toddler Friendly Activity</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wRyvgvAXInncAr5P44YN-fnoFRIH_9vwUe9nagt6HACPshkU8vlo3lgaTwcWDRbFUeRV3W0sVTXNq1MGRSxqgVMalLfFQLaviBagd822FdPTtwR0nMsGveH1pXtiwiI3H6gmfVCNjpw/s1600/IMG_2249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wRyvgvAXInncAr5P44YN-fnoFRIH_9vwUe9nagt6HACPshkU8vlo3lgaTwcWDRbFUeRV3W0sVTXNq1MGRSxqgVMalLfFQLaviBagd822FdPTtwR0nMsGveH1pXtiwiI3H6gmfVCNjpw/s320/IMG_2249.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and our little Gruffalo!</td></tr>
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Happy Halloween!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgtKSq-bXFSyJFBFLD6lhvXXPRpXBz93F6M9xwOiPaJacP0WLMARX0j8cKhNiLI2yRm0SztlNg_79YYKEjN2gf1FeqoGlZRRbadq_DweA0rY5pU3V_SpLW7u_Od72zuO5GlvjqMKxpLU/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgtKSq-bXFSyJFBFLD6lhvXXPRpXBz93F6M9xwOiPaJacP0WLMARX0j8cKhNiLI2yRm0SztlNg_79YYKEjN2gf1FeqoGlZRRbadq_DweA0rY5pU3V_SpLW7u_Od72zuO5GlvjqMKxpLU/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-80359076329218916992013-11-18T15:59:00.000+00:002013-11-18T20:50:23.290+00:00My First Public MeltdownI should actually re-phase the title to include my darling daughter's name, because yet it was not me that went limp each time she was picked up, only to lay flat on the floor in the middle of my sacred John Lewis acting like the world was coming to an end.<br />
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So my time had come. <br />
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Finding shoes so far is not straight forward for Poppy. We skip pass the pretty shoes on display and head straight for the practical ones. Poppy has wide, high instep and turned in feet. (Which I hope the latter will eventually straighten out naturally). So choosing shoes is vital to give her support to ensure she can walk and run well.<br />
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Finding shoes takes time and like most one year olds, her short attention span can be hardwork. So Poppy decided enough was enough and no more shoes were going to be tested. Que the huge meltdown, running off, legs and arms flapping all over the place. Then finally the full on tantrum. Terrible twos!? What a load of banana sticks - starts at one!<br />
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To be honest I was pleased with how I dealt with it, surprisingly I didn't get as stressed as I thought I would. I was more concerned that the shop assistant was telling me that Poppy had no hope in hell in getting any shoes. Trying to strain my ears to hear the assistant telling me this over Poppy and her woes, I could see the sweat starting to drip on her forehead as she struggled to cope with a child giving it some in the shop and trying to tell the mother that her child would be forever shoeless.<br />
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Trying to strap a tantruming child back into the pram is another issue all together, so swiftly moving on we were out of there. Within seconds of leaving I could hear the soft tones of 'choo choo' and I could tell already that the mood had lifted and I had my girl back. Even if she was shoeless.<br />
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Two days later I'm back in a new shoe shop round the corner with hubby in tow for support and we walk out within half an hour with two new pairs of shoes and a pair of wellingtons! Not too sure when and how the next one will arupt.... But like every mummy.. I will fight through it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7JDWZFzk_IkoI4twwL8NMufx2JlBxh3qzy7bM4fvhYfi6wG7Uzd7xSD23X0_dpqlobqVuVnKFyMu6Gz-EwpWzPQLx1ZIF0MiBk3u9m6Syi2WoTi2Rx4QWqsv-pkZEg7ORWbAC461UqY/s1600/IMG_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7JDWZFzk_IkoI4twwL8NMufx2JlBxh3qzy7bM4fvhYfi6wG7Uzd7xSD23X0_dpqlobqVuVnKFyMu6Gz-EwpWzPQLx1ZIF0MiBk3u9m6Syi2WoTi2Rx4QWqsv-pkZEg7ORWbAC461UqY/s400/IMG_1941.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair Raising Poppy!</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-21278226219627657842013-10-30T15:11:00.000+00:002013-10-30T15:11:12.636+00:00Renovation Part One - The Dining Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Next room to discuss! We have an open plan sitting room and dining room, so both rooms were completed at the same time. I wanted to keep the theme in both rooms the same so it felt that they were one, yet clearly show each room had its own purpose.</div>
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Like the sitting room, we have another chimney breast in the dining room. My mother could have cried when we told her that we were blocking up both chimneys (they were already blocked up with a 1960's back boiler in the dining room and heater in the sitting room). Although they would have been great features for a Victorian house, I wanted them blocked as I had in mind how I wanted the room to look. </div>
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The main building and construction tasks for this room were as follows:</div>
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-Remove double window and replace with large floor to ceiling French doors</div>
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-Build a floor to ceiling chimney breast</div>
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-Damp course completed</div>
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-Plaster boarded walls and ceiling</div>
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-New skirting boards, coving and flooring</div>
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-Plastered walls and ceiling</div>
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-New radiators and pipe work<br />
-Floor to ceiling alcove book shelves</div>
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The French doors made a huge difference to the light in the room and yet made the garden feel welcoming. I am so pleased we made this choice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOeW9UAhxt4ZfE2oBQ_MOaWtMGD_0lCalOhVpU9TZkicnt6nOVuFOeivjZdDBMs0tEIdJ6YxYXHrJyQMyeQ6hJr2gWGj7MHnr_ab2PUngPkZs0xbGdYlr4-KX_Q2kC3WiUVMBBzpEa6U/s1600/P1040141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOeW9UAhxt4ZfE2oBQ_MOaWtMGD_0lCalOhVpU9TZkicnt6nOVuFOeivjZdDBMs0tEIdJ6YxYXHrJyQMyeQ6hJr2gWGj7MHnr_ab2PUngPkZs0xbGdYlr4-KX_Q2kC3WiUVMBBzpEa6U/s400/P1040141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Right Hand Side of the Dining Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y7xGaisXehmUKbCVIvR8dgm245FAYUWGUFVf-KmJTdTDccGu3zFJcXPEd9Ymu0o14R0Vbu9T4D_F4yEwn9m6MR-Nt79GGEP5qcEgZbZMZhD7PHcdHz960fC2iDrdkX_3MOVPm7txplI/s1600/P1040140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y7xGaisXehmUKbCVIvR8dgm245FAYUWGUFVf-KmJTdTDccGu3zFJcXPEd9Ymu0o14R0Vbu9T4D_F4yEwn9m6MR-Nt79GGEP5qcEgZbZMZhD7PHcdHz960fC2iDrdkX_3MOVPm7txplI/s400/P1040140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Left Hand Side of the Dining Room</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38rd0Pr5xcZW_ugLK2DS-JvDffpzc_fHKY2a3kMmykZQXwp8OIe65b2DRhlpMkaW7K1w77OpD5C5kbvyAhouaF7RYPHmDrBWGenJF5swMoJxlGd1w3P_TjM4ODj9ZD4wi71V1_SPDkho/s1600/P1070746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38rd0Pr5xcZW_ugLK2DS-JvDffpzc_fHKY2a3kMmykZQXwp8OIe65b2DRhlpMkaW7K1w77OpD5C5kbvyAhouaF7RYPHmDrBWGenJF5swMoJxlGd1w3P_TjM4ODj9ZD4wi71V1_SPDkho/s400/P1070746.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New French Doors</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb6oW-ujI0xiRab0G3ISiMuimVkqXEKS-5vEE_ci5AzXQzGu5lkjrgHUuD5Olp5jnuC7zlYNTpDoEujx4-4Ylmq5z3FFzmgNy5heLXQhir_5YiWUsOuzV-d7zu0E3N6FMGPJjIqXGcdk/s1600/Work+on+Ashfield+Road+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb6oW-ujI0xiRab0G3ISiMuimVkqXEKS-5vEE_ci5AzXQzGu5lkjrgHUuD5Olp5jnuC7zlYNTpDoEujx4-4Ylmq5z3FFzmgNy5heLXQhir_5YiWUsOuzV-d7zu0E3N6FMGPJjIqXGcdk/s400/Work+on+Ashfield+Road+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Blocking and Building a New Chimney Breast</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxijdLkA5mMAiAWI4-iZc0_sLt31IqpcPUMsPH5N68q5GQJJRA5ISthk-0WV0BBMiT_o_uGJ4DHMMt3r7AIKYegNMlGy185dczPaePRvRR2KJXMOPIYxMFjTIHSlz8DpHBtDhV0etDFs/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxijdLkA5mMAiAWI4-iZc0_sLt31IqpcPUMsPH5N68q5GQJJRA5ISthk-0WV0BBMiT_o_uGJ4DHMMt3r7AIKYegNMlGy185dczPaePRvRR2KJXMOPIYxMFjTIHSlz8DpHBtDhV0etDFs/s640/IMG_1355.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Left Hand Side of the Dining Room</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkFOC6WFxhUxLcqnfExJGHncta4jV9i0EcqMLyI_2exZddzsazCQL9jvGhz6gz825MWA3CQw9-adEXHsOauhg3jejwR78ZmBVOyJxLDnJZf42UD28Gxctki6PshmsBtRA6nbI_Zw2QRA/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkFOC6WFxhUxLcqnfExJGHncta4jV9i0EcqMLyI_2exZddzsazCQL9jvGhz6gz825MWA3CQw9-adEXHsOauhg3jejwR78ZmBVOyJxLDnJZf42UD28Gxctki6PshmsBtRA6nbI_Zw2QRA/s640/IMG_1354.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Right Hand Side of the Dining Room</td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-15181025667569149472013-10-30T15:07:00.000+00:002013-10-30T15:07:40.296+00:00Renovation Part One - The Sitting RoomAs chris and I are about to embark on the second phase of our renovation project, it got me thinking about how far we have come and the fact that we are about to rip up the beautiful work we have achieved to replace with something even more amazing.<br />
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We bought our current house on the understanding that it needed a complete renovation from top to bottom and inside out. Chris even dedicated a whole blog to the renovation (which even he got bored of!) so I won't waffle on too much. (Is that actually possible though?)<br />
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With the help of Google and the knowledge and help from both of our Dads, Chris completely transformed our house from an old lady's nest crying out for some TLC to a contemporary modern home. Our house is Victorian and has a mock-Tudor style with a few Victorian features. <br />
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I dread to think of how much money we have spent on renovating and furnishing our house - as long as we are debt free I don't care! We moved from a one bedroom flat to a three bedroom house so furnishing costs was something we hadn't taken much thought of. Luckily Chris and I share the same tastes with interior design so although every choice and purchase was painfully slow it was to ensure it was right and now I can see it was worth it.<br />
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We will start with the sitting room which was taken back to its bare bones. I did say to Chris he can build his home cinema no problems, but under no circumstances were there to be any wires on show. So god knows where they are!<br />
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So putting the interior design and soft furnishes aside (my job) the Building and construction included: (I'm sure if this was Chris' blog, this list would be huge.. but lets keep it basic!)<br />
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-Blocking one door up<br />
-Building a floor to ceiling chimney breast including a home cinema projector and surround sound system<br />
-Damp course completed<br />
-Plaster boarded walls and ceiling<br />
-New skirting boards, coving and flooring<br />
-Plastered walls and ceiling<br />
-New radiators and pipe work<br />
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So the bit which you are most interested in is below. To keep this brief, I've included 'before', 'in-between' and 'after' shots. Can you tell which are which?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPGp3m-2FJgSOhCfWSm2lkZpED_6hEaRDdff8EJFcAPham9VDpeyJAgxBGCH096ZiemD9L3flJH5xAOiR1HpHGtTGKzFx3Art7p04kSreKV-arWmlhlEzVm5kUcbEc0iInqZbpk2CSOE/s1600/P1040132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPGp3m-2FJgSOhCfWSm2lkZpED_6hEaRDdff8EJFcAPham9VDpeyJAgxBGCH096ZiemD9L3flJH5xAOiR1HpHGtTGKzFx3Art7p04kSreKV-arWmlhlEzVm5kUcbEc0iInqZbpk2CSOE/s400/P1040132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View Looking into the Sitting Room (Ignore scary man in photo!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsc3Kh0FlVeTQ-ofOA7ntUw87Mjagl_XBPWQJU6_ZEG7ga6-Elv1AOU1FdPt0KV2hskr_FalPd0NrHhA5DjLbJYTe-Pnkxq0fdRSoq3ENz8gPDUyXFEmisM7zGiz989ZnhY9NnLaZzV4/s1600/P1040133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsc3Kh0FlVeTQ-ofOA7ntUw87Mjagl_XBPWQJU6_ZEG7ga6-Elv1AOU1FdPt0KV2hskr_FalPd0NrHhA5DjLbJYTe-Pnkxq0fdRSoq3ENz8gPDUyXFEmisM7zGiz989ZnhY9NnLaZzV4/s400/P1040133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Right Hand Side of the Sitting Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins8_4Xt54UjPL-36-rdYi-xXjs65Iz2d6paqD_B9aQ2IiLlOlQp9dgdxZJJ56dI-ggU3CZxTf1T5gkfGL7Uf4AQmnIe15t1C7YzCT4pJVw0zc7PZAAB8L1Z-TUdOT5WNi-Y7ji-t0BqA/s1600/P1070293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEins8_4Xt54UjPL-36-rdYi-xXjs65Iz2d6paqD_B9aQ2IiLlOlQp9dgdxZJJ56dI-ggU3CZxTf1T5gkfGL7Uf4AQmnIe15t1C7YzCT4pJVw0zc7PZAAB8L1Z-TUdOT5WNi-Y7ji-t0BqA/s400/P1070293.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging Deep</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LUNh5XqWoflU9f4f5sqJaIjx74xgWk6bbk4RGnoD9JgYJIBUB3LNpdt1oIw4ZryJgXgCSBz59BLOZ_5oscxBHmKCX-x6IZtTCU7iFEup0FzXMfUastnIhcxRoG2qd1EtYCszvxd9IEU/s1600/P1070317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LUNh5XqWoflU9f4f5sqJaIjx74xgWk6bbk4RGnoD9JgYJIBUB3LNpdt1oIw4ZryJgXgCSBz59BLOZ_5oscxBHmKCX-x6IZtTCU7iFEup0FzXMfUastnIhcxRoG2qd1EtYCszvxd9IEU/s400/P1070317.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimney Breast and Home Cinema</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8MRZjIoBQmJXKJuuzQ2dB9aiVch_t26pryHJrnt4pWWrhnZarAOknlyKViHb0AOpQHoFLgIjlVpCxb2lSUR_C355L1D4fb9IP88FxLvG7KPZX3JrllnJm-fKv67_VLq8POYBkT5l1FA/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8MRZjIoBQmJXKJuuzQ2dB9aiVch_t26pryHJrnt4pWWrhnZarAOknlyKViHb0AOpQHoFLgIjlVpCxb2lSUR_C355L1D4fb9IP88FxLvG7KPZX3JrllnJm-fKv67_VLq8POYBkT5l1FA/s640/IMG_1351.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Right Hand Side of the Sitting Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrzD1XTrTo7V0VX62oOn65EGV4BL6bJwRhIBTsSTh2878m1cAvRfiiO0QHyqrdn-i4UBKbH74lmXHP2UaFFbVTXWSaTpPY-S9CXV3N8jo4dlkrYwhGHHd2PvwDC1L-bEbj-FPP-1RDGc/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrzD1XTrTo7V0VX62oOn65EGV4BL6bJwRhIBTsSTh2878m1cAvRfiiO0QHyqrdn-i4UBKbH74lmXHP2UaFFbVTXWSaTpPY-S9CXV3N8jo4dlkrYwhGHHd2PvwDC1L-bEbj-FPP-1RDGc/s640/IMG_1350.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Left Hand Side of the Sitting Room</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrzD1XTrTo7V0VX62oOn65EGV4BL6bJwRhIBTsSTh2878m1cAvRfiiO0QHyqrdn-i4UBKbH74lmXHP2UaFFbVTXWSaTpPY-S9CXV3N8jo4dlkrYwhGHHd2PvwDC1L-bEbj-FPP-1RDGc/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-64218872897392021202013-08-09T15:01:00.001+01:002013-08-12T19:41:57.876+01:00The Fear Of The DummyDuring one of my NCT classes, Chris and I were clearly the couple standing on the side of the room of 'no dummies' leading the dummy snobs all the way. So at three months old watching Poppy happily sucking away at one was quite a shock.<br />
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I had a real thing about it, mostly embarrassment. Poppy was only allowed a clear dummy none of those bright colourful patterned ones and was only able to use it at certain times. It came about because all she wanted to do was suck. Literally! Time and time again, I found myself breast feeding for hours at a time, only for Poppy to start crying each time I pulled her away because she was clearly being comforted. I can't remember whose idea it was, but we tried giving her one and it was like magic. Breast feeding times were cut down so much and Poppy seemed so much happier. <br />
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Poppy was the first of just two of her pals that regularly had a dummy. I always found I needed to justify it (mostly to myself) why she had one. No one ever said anything but I definitely felt judged. One of the many things that the world of motherhood does to you. <br />
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Poppy is currently 16 months old and still uses her dummy. (I can hear the gasp from your voice!) We are lucky that it has only ever been a day time thing and have never had to use it at night. She uses it for her day time naps so I've never pushed to drop it as I know that these naps will eventually drop and so will the dummy. So what happens next, will she be one of those four year olds that has it hanging out of their mouth whilst talking like a baby? Or maybe the clear discreet style will change to Peppa Pig and oink. Most likely a big fat no to both of those examples but thankfully I no longer care. We still use our discretion tightly with the dummy and always will. But it definitely has taught me a lesson of not to judge those parents that use them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT9LEKgjZmPCDJj5R4VRI91g1XZIRCQunGG9DbLae8mxzeXuuL8PJAxE8T6azRUPvd9qwgEKfK7PlPKCYUoPynPqgQOui8j-6qLKNnE8zTgHOS-AlId4uBPPZ2u-nKgW_1wT4DOWkLtU/s1600/IMG_4143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT9LEKgjZmPCDJj5R4VRI91g1XZIRCQunGG9DbLae8mxzeXuuL8PJAxE8T6azRUPvd9qwgEKfK7PlPKCYUoPynPqgQOui8j-6qLKNnE8zTgHOS-AlId4uBPPZ2u-nKgW_1wT4DOWkLtU/s400/IMG_4143.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap Time With Her Pals</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-9856285304115083572013-08-09T14:58:00.000+01:002013-08-12T19:39:07.959+01:00Breast Feeding Love it or Hate itWhere do you start! My blog alone could be just about this topic. Firstly I have to say that I am really not bothered how other mums feed their babies. Breast feeding, express or formula... nothing to do with me. This post is my journey.<br />
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Having big boobs myself the thought of breast feeding was terrifying and I was definitely not a fan of the thought of wapping my baps out in public. But the further into my pregnancy I got, the more I hoped I could feed her. I was so lucky that she and I took to it like duck to water. Almost immediately after giving birth she latched on and fed away, I didn't even have to do anything.<br />
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I tried giving her a expressed bottle around two months but she had no interest at all. As the months wore on I found breast feeding getting harder and harder. I felt Poppy was scrambling all the time as if she couldn't get enough. But as the NHS guidelines suggest six months, that's what I wanted to do. I know now that sounds ridiculous, but I think there is a lot of pressure for first time mums and that's how I felt. So at five months, I tried the bottle again but this time we tried formula milk. Just like the weaning process she didn't bat an eyelid what she was drinking. She downed seven ounces in a few moments. I knew straight away she was ready to come off the boob. In less than two weeks she was off. I couldn't believe it and she was drinking way more than ever before. I continued to express over the next couple of weeks and thankfully finished breast feeding without any issues.<br />
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I did feel a huge sense of guilt about giving Poppy formula milk before she was six months old. I wonder if this was connected with my hormones as I was in the process of stopping breast feeding which I did feel a sense of sadness about. But when I did, I was so glad that I made that choice. Now if I think about this, I feel really cross with myself because its easy to forget the fact that she had five months exclusive and that itself is a wonderful thing. If I'm ever lucky to breast feed again I certainly won't be thinking about the six month guideline and if I want to stop for me or the baby, I certainly won't let society influence me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi05hIS5WRpVsq61Q5UyKGgoNquECanIRGihE4W82aB_csoEFR6PWyhwAGUft_8JpuNvAfCgA70dLCHUS_AQbbLWziAz3Dk8Faju6csHge8UxiDROMMpQIEN-K8U1Cj9HEqP2ZgSDz7Q/s1600/P1010270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi05hIS5WRpVsq61Q5UyKGgoNquECanIRGihE4W82aB_csoEFR6PWyhwAGUft_8JpuNvAfCgA70dLCHUS_AQbbLWziAz3Dk8Faju6csHge8UxiDROMMpQIEN-K8U1Cj9HEqP2ZgSDz7Q/s400/P1010270.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two day old Poppy and a rarely seen me in glasses!</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-76787425626774951402013-08-02T20:53:00.000+01:002013-08-09T14:50:43.752+01:00Cupcake CourseAs a new baker and armed with my fresh new Mary Berry cook books (thanks Chris!) I really wanted to learn how to ice cupcakes. Not the ones with the runny icing dripping down the cases you make when you are five with your mum, but the swirly full on butter icing cupcakes that make you drool at the mouth.<br />
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My course was two hours long and took place with 59 other people in the hottest room in the world. Despite what this sounds like, I found it really fun and useful. I had already purchased some Wilton nozzles before hand and had some practice making them for parties I've hosted recently, but I needed someone to show me. The course was great and I learnt different techniques including a 'rose' and general 'swirly' icing. I also had practice in making different cupcake toppers. It's definitely given me the confidence to carry on making them. Just need to make sure I have someone else to eat them! Bloody diet!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ff79yz0j5V8faUGFr48wgFpCFu11x6HKcPfTlDblxkZvhokCxdVoZ1o2FaBFyydjAThen99TgcwM5OsSE4R5NtOOXNiiRujEvyTHXfxdOZCrivB3ec8OoZe6kIiKlBSHgKEJRqnZSf0/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ff79yz0j5V8faUGFr48wgFpCFu11x6HKcPfTlDblxkZvhokCxdVoZ1o2FaBFyydjAThen99TgcwM5OsSE4R5NtOOXNiiRujEvyTHXfxdOZCrivB3ec8OoZe6kIiKlBSHgKEJRqnZSf0/s320/IMG_1374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEySIcWs74sfLEbBBy4md8Um4UNNTMlhQU3iLww3E9C6B0_W47UTdWBOLkuB-RyLmGtRxuUyjqMHeeB8KrlGAUlZ5oHVxImqtSOX0wkTQIStjk8d29IeLoLmGVIqvEdcr5jVDp-kcUYQ/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEySIcWs74sfLEbBBy4md8Um4UNNTMlhQU3iLww3E9C6B0_W47UTdWBOLkuB-RyLmGtRxuUyjqMHeeB8KrlGAUlZ5oHVxImqtSOX0wkTQIStjk8d29IeLoLmGVIqvEdcr5jVDp-kcUYQ/s320/IMG_1379.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie monster</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKW2YgA6C9tl6Nw9JKl5MOfPqNtNksAHpWdPuDOD7uGZm3lkTLcEEQWaKmm9jHmCov5WatbM08fod3fE952bCBxoIYYl-G9IfGYGFQQChVjDJ_RBs1HzA4OIqmG8H6Ah2hlDIuDBFqZI/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKW2YgA6C9tl6Nw9JKl5MOfPqNtNksAHpWdPuDOD7uGZm3lkTLcEEQWaKmm9jHmCov5WatbM08fod3fE952bCBxoIYYl-G9IfGYGFQQChVjDJ_RBs1HzA4OIqmG8H6Ah2hlDIuDBFqZI/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballerina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZCGWaMMnLFedzqSY-qe9YKMkPDgqnI45uINK1EJBBZ3bpE16Vzm6P3_5MRhgBTArWLyPQMAbIDUr04whJOMgC6PoGIiNRHvVMg9ZyXmCAoUc37WHJ7nINKAXpi6k8gEg5k-5LkmIG00/s1600/IMG_1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZCGWaMMnLFedzqSY-qe9YKMkPDgqnI45uINK1EJBBZ3bpE16Vzm6P3_5MRhgBTArWLyPQMAbIDUr04whJOMgC6PoGIiNRHvVMg9ZyXmCAoUc37WHJ7nINKAXpi6k8gEg5k-5LkmIG00/s320/IMG_1383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTD5QElhGzV2Rjh4Ew-aKfl_UYFwjZVHYHfOE-lzJCs8l9zRBD6X9h9O6cxSrmeEa2sZhApuh5U0fgW1zEavJecq8PIcOJd48N7sX25Pfx4JMAGE-iNPx2JmycN8wrforGqgkqU0m0vbM/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTD5QElhGzV2Rjh4Ew-aKfl_UYFwjZVHYHfOE-lzJCs8l9zRBD6X9h9O6cxSrmeEa2sZhApuh5U0fgW1zEavJecq8PIcOJd48N7sX25Pfx4JMAGE-iNPx2JmycN8wrforGqgkqU0m0vbM/s320/IMG_1384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bumble Bee</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61WJ5VVJdu-mkE-iQkbvsQNvoODTPcaj6rNDGGReich2DIeTFfsjt4rGF1zhZulv29Szrtd1dTzMBv0DGLAgW9UD2kjpmr7c1i0IFbg604cxSk5NRZ3sOfcgQ9tri45iOdjgmiDchGIA/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61WJ5VVJdu-mkE-iQkbvsQNvoODTPcaj6rNDGGReich2DIeTFfsjt4rGF1zhZulv29Szrtd1dTzMBv0DGLAgW9UD2kjpmr7c1i0IFbg604cxSk5NRZ3sOfcgQ9tri45iOdjgmiDchGIA/s320/IMG_1385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-36564412922892485952013-06-16T20:30:00.001+01:002013-07-29T15:52:38.246+01:00Weaning Little BubbaI was very lucky when I weaned Poppy onto solids. It was an easy process and fun for both of us. Like a true sucker for routines I followed Annabel Karmel to the T and it worked. (Except baby rice - seriously there was no way I was giving that!)<br />
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Of course I'm no saint and there were times when Poppy kicked off and decided there was no way she was going eat the slop on her spoon, but I truly believe it worked so well because I waited until she was ready and not because I wanted her to wean. I've watched other mums pretty much forcing the spoon in their babies mouth when the baby is clearly not interested or struggling - leaving the poor mum in despair. <br />
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So trying where possible to avoid this, at four months I decided to try three pieces of fruit with her over three days, she ate it all but I could tell she didn't understand what she was doing. So I waited another month and started again. Completely different and she gobbled it down, kicking her legs waiting for more. <br />
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Having weight problems of my own I was and am very keen for Poppy to have a head start to healthy eating. Even now at 15 months she has only ever had home made healthy food with milk or water. (Unless my husband is slipping some weekend treats in whilst I am away!) To most parents this is very normal, but I've been very surprised how many mums I've met don't follow this (healthy cooking not the sneaky treats!). I'm aware this probably makes me sound like one of those annoying mums I can't stand who think they are superior and high almighty about their parenting skills, which honestly I'd like to think I'm not. I'm just very fussy about my child eats.<br />
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I thank my lucky stars that Poppy is a very good eater and generally quite clean. She wasn't the type of babe that liked waste so I didn't experience the food throwing on the floor, flying onto walls or even down herself. I'm also not stupid and aware that things change. But so far so good!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zP48mBPpePSHy7q18-r083_x0oYlOgNOBfmOS2SofGQWCwOAzWBDf15A5TKvQ323bhHhTkD30xAAEOJnQM4_qliCejsqCGjngyUZ-SUAzD9P-LEObCsui0LK1skZy-HHOvGy_YYPwII/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zP48mBPpePSHy7q18-r083_x0oYlOgNOBfmOS2SofGQWCwOAzWBDf15A5TKvQ323bhHhTkD30xAAEOJnQM4_qliCejsqCGjngyUZ-SUAzD9P-LEObCsui0LK1skZy-HHOvGy_YYPwII/s400/IMG_0614.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me: Learning to cope with mess = Poppy: Loving it!</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-70168384418565878672013-06-16T20:17:00.000+01:002013-07-29T15:22:20.102+01:00Fathers DaySo the big day is here.. and we are off to Church! *Haha* I give a very small chuckle at the thought of this. But it is the Christening of our lovely mini friend George, so - its a pleasure!<br />
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Upon our return and a three hour nap for Poppy having burned herself out at God's pleasure, then back at Laura's house running wild. Time to put up the bunting and get the presents out. (Serious bunting addiction going on here!) <br />
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The main gift was a Scrabble frame. I bought a large selection of spare scrabble pieces from Ebay and stuck them down on a frame that I purchased from Ikea (my house is full of them all different shapes and sizes. Love them!) Very cheap idea, yet different.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrabble Frame</td></tr>
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I bought the glass candle holder from Wilkinson for the grand price of £1, removed the wax and cleaned it up. I had some left over tags from Christmas and filled up the glass with his favorite nuts. Again quick and easy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Daddys love the nuts</td></tr>
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It was unlikely I could give a box of gifts without including a few beers. So I printed out some free printables I found online to cover up the beer labels and cut out some wine bottle tags. All keeping with the Fathers Day theme. It looked that good, Chris thought that was how I purchased them so I was quite pleased!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine Bottle Tags</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Printables</td></tr>
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A few extra bits and pieces including a T-shirt for Poppy to wear (which unfortunately having been out all day in a posh outfit followed by the longest snooze in the world, it wasn't to be worn). Also a novelty chocolate coin and of course a Fathers Day Bee footprint card. (Seriously what else would he want!) Happy Fathers Day to Chris! xx</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppy's New T-Shirt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fathers Day Footprint Card</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every Father Needs Chocolate in his Life!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Finished Product</td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-19383402256416476192013-06-16T19:50:00.000+01:002013-06-16T20:44:50.021+01:00Photography CourseI've always really enjoyed taking photographs, now with Poppy in the world I am like the paparazzi. I love taking portraits in particular. Chris recently bought me a Canon Digital SLR camera with lots of pretty buttons. So I went on a one day photography course to try and get to grips with how on earth you use the god damn thing. Point and click is about as far as I go.<br />
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A hot sunny day on the Bristol harbourside and I'm sweating on the amphitheatre steps listening the to guy drone on about aperture, speed shutters, depth of field and optics and I'm nearly passing out from the sun. This aside it was a good day and I now know a (little) bit more, but its all practice. <br />
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It was nice to be outside and take photos of the beauty that is Bristol. However upon return, my lack of decent photos to show Chris was disappointing. So on with the show, I am now armed with a bit more knowledge and have my very own mini model at my disposal. Watch this space!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi there!</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-47588031918901139082013-05-31T15:22:00.000+01:002013-08-02T21:06:01.538+01:0030th Bucket List<div>
The only things I wanted to achieve before I was thirty years old was to get married, buy a house and have babies! </div>
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Time was running out and I needed to get me scates on! I got engaged after five years of dating Chris and we purchased our first house the same month. 18 months later of hard labour of living in hell we renovated our house into a beautiful home. Piling our savings (yes I am the saving queen!) into this renovation, we then tied the knot at the lovely Folly Farm in Bristol. Two ticks and one to go...</div>
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Poppy was our very own wedding gift, born nine months to the day after we married. For some unknown reason I was convinced that I couldn't have children. Probably because I wanted to be a mother so badly. On return from our honeymoon I was already four weeks pregnant which was quite a shock followed by overwhelming happiness that our dream had come true.<br />
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It wasn't all plain sailing though, the next eight months were terrible. Me and pregnancy were a big no-no. The next two months I was off work feeling like I was never going to make the end of the pregnancy. I honestly cannot recall a single day where I felt well. I was constantly feeling sick and had lower back ache. Poor Chris, he put up with so much grief from me and we were still newly weds.<br />
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I must say, I may have felt like I had a pregnancy from hell but my birth was a dream and I would be happy to do that ten times again than to go through the same pregnancy. <br />
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My due date had been and gone and the baby was showing no signs of coming. So +3 days overdue and I woke up at 4am in the spare room. We spent almost all of my labour in here, getting through the contractions with our music on in the back ground and a TENS machine strapped to my lower back. I knew it was time to go so we drove in the car, me laying in the back and suddenly that moment came. People tell you, when that moment comes, you know when to push. My god did I. So there I was in the car pushing away to then arrive at the maternity ward only to be told they were full. You don't discuss that scenario during your NCT classes thats for sure!<br />
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Without the gory details, I was giving birth in the waiting room, a midwife finally comes over to say they have a side room with just a bed and no equipment. So literally with my baby's head crowing I ran (yes ran!) to this bed, jumped on, legs around Chris and out she comes, 25 minutes after the car pulling up. <br />
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So there was my final tick at the age of 29. The bucket list complete. Chris and I worked so hard to achieve what we have and it's taken years for us to get where we are. I really do believe that if you want something in life, then it is achieveable. But don't expect it to be handed to you on a plate. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating my 30th on holiday with my family!</td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-91371706912399642482013-05-31T14:53:00.001+01:002013-07-29T14:38:06.279+01:00Birthday GirlAll the best people are born in May... yay me! I'm not really that fussed about my birthday and for the past few years (excluding the 30th) it's been low key with the family - is that age? As previously posted, without spilling all my private moments, I thought I would make an effort to take note of just some of the gifts that Chris makes for me. <br />
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The day started off with a lie in until 08:30 (oh how times change!) Followed by an american style breakfast and opening of my presents including a little itinerary of what the day ahead has planned for me. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to Me!</td></tr>
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When I heard Chris say his wedding vowels at the altar, I could have died and gone to heaven there and then. So it was a lovely surprise to see he had printed and framed them for me to read everyday. Zoom in enough and you will also see the spelling mistakes... Do I tell him?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Vowels</td></tr>
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The below frame is how he printed a map of each of our home address where we were born and grew up and shaped the map into each family member and framed as 'The Coaths'. Looks easy but was actually really difficult to do without stretching the map. Overall looks fabulous!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Mapping</td></tr>
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Firstly, I must say that there are only two eating cake people in our household so when this whopper of a cake was made for me... my eyes nearly popped out! So sweet of my chef, how could I decline a slice of this.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes that is a duster!</td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-59699271615846773692013-05-31T14:27:00.002+01:002013-08-02T21:08:56.771+01:00The Weekend GetawayIn my opinion I am definately married to one of the most romantic men in the world, (Mr Slush as Gemma calls him!) Chris is a gem that is for sure. Even our first date was well detailed and planned to the T with romantic gestures. His creativity blows you away and the level of time and effort makes all his gifts amazing. What makes me smile isn't the purchases but the small gestures that come for free with them. (Saying that if you read this Chris please don't stop buying me pretty things!) Having dated Chris since he was twenty, I wish I had made a note of all things that he has done and made for me, because even the little things that he does day to day, some women would be lucky if they received once throughout their entire relationships.<br />
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So it sounds perfect doesn't it being married to a knight in shining armour. It does however, make it super tough for me to constantly think of ways and gifts that would equally surprise him or exceed his expectations. So for our second wedding anniversary I decided to take charge for once and organise a few things. Leaving Poppy at my parents house, we were off on our first child free weekend to London. <br />
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Chris has a great interest of World War II, so trying to be selective of where we stayed, the hotel used to be the home of secret service during the world war. (They also have TV screens in the bath and amazing views of the London Eye - and Mark Man Green gave me a discount!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom View</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath whilst watching Hollyoaks!</td></tr>
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As you do in London, you walk for miles so on our way to the Churchill Museum (you see the theme here) we walked through St. James Park and checked out the scenery with my fancy new camera. I must say the camera is one of the most beautiful things I've seen but it does make you feel like the paparazzi sometimes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you like a camera with that zoom?</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I was reccommended by a friend to try out Jamie Oliver's Notting Hill Recipease as an alternative to a meal for two in a restaurant. I must say I'm really glad we did it. We went to Vietnam in 2009 for three weeks so when I saw a cooking lesson for Vietnamese street food, it seemed perfect. The food was delicious and we had lots of fun making it too and then enjoying a few glasses of wine whilst watching the world go by. The receipe was easy to follow and we have since made it at home.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris cooking up a storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product</td></tr>
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A great weekender just me and the hubby getting some quality time together. happy Wedding Anniversary Chris!</div>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-53690768352051118152013-05-21T22:01:00.000+01:002013-07-29T13:41:20.526+01:00The Duracell BunnyIf I were to describe Poppy in three words it would be: confident, independent and determined.<br />
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Even on the day that Poppy was born, the midwife commented on how wriggerly and strong she was. Not something I really took notice of. My god I soon found out, Poppy is one tough cookie! Even as a new born she showed early signs of being on the move. She was doing it all before the 'milestones' that Babycentre hound you with each week. <br />
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I would say looking back and even watching her now she could/can be a frustrated baby. She knows what she wants and doesn't give up. Its so brilliant that she is like this, it can also be hard work too especially when she won't hold your hand down the street and will walk off into the wildnerness without even looking back for Mummy! She's certinatly no couch potato and I would be lucky if the TV caught her eye for five seconds. <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">She's like a Duracell bunny, she just never stops moving. The only time I can get her sit still is either in her high hair (eating), reading a book (fast) and most recently stroking her face (which equals a five seconds trance like state). It's probably why she still sleeps for four hours during the day at 15 months. Hey, definately no complaints here!</span><br />
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One of the things I love most about her, is her determination. My mum says that she is very like me when I was a toddler and apparently I was a nightmare... not sure what the next few years holds for me then! She certainly keeps me on my toes and I do feel like the fun police sometimes but I tell you what, my girl definitely has personality!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppy Taking Time Out to Relax</td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-86722214675113285842013-05-21T21:59:00.000+01:002013-07-29T13:40:05.751+01:00The Casino Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The big day is here and my lovely Chris is 30! He dreads his birthday every year and hates making a fuss, so obviously I managed to convince him to have a (small) party, enjoy some card games and a few decorations (made by me obviously!) So in true Coath style another party is on the cards (excuse the pun!) he loves a gamble so why not bring the casino to him.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Cards Bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Chris Bunting'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Date of Birth Playing Card Bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMyLJePcRzgoBobQ0Ein_wzqu0esAEylrj4Xf36tP2p1NUsnPhuseCEyGifPNil5zJBsARM8rGla3rJ7DAY1jyt7K94OIdU2voEMN9uNxZtC66uPokNESWsyu2xsYqNr1yrEgg5pPQZw/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMyLJePcRzgoBobQ0Ein_wzqu0esAEylrj4Xf36tP2p1NUsnPhuseCEyGifPNil5zJBsARM8rGla3rJ7DAY1jyt7K94OIdU2voEMN9uNxZtC66uPokNESWsyu2xsYqNr1yrEgg5pPQZw/s320/IMG_0468.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Card Suit Signs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With lots of red and black craft paper left over from one of Poppy's parties I was almost there. I purchased a couple of cheap tea light holders from Wilkinsons and used some LED tea lights that I had left over from our wedding and stuck playing cards to each side for table centre pieces for the main table. Really pretty effect. I also purchased a bag of small playing dice via Ebay, again using the LED tea lights put in a small glass around the room for extra decorations. All subtle but very cute. The wheel of cards were stuck together using blue-tac (pritt stick just wasn't cutting it this time).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG_2LDfCHNB9-j-MH6nkYx8AYfbWfnQR21vMEI3W7yDocSItNI2ruWaNZsWzHNI-dGF3OHw9WG17C4ifhe8m8HHkEzq_7W7SR8nqfBadMhFnGWa5D2aYFXNJMOm4gkPWgxPNHJhFaKuM/s1600/IMG_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlG_2LDfCHNB9-j-MH6nkYx8AYfbWfnQR21vMEI3W7yDocSItNI2ruWaNZsWzHNI-dGF3OHw9WG17C4ifhe8m8HHkEzq_7W7SR8nqfBadMhFnGWa5D2aYFXNJMOm4gkPWgxPNHJhFaKuM/s320/IMG_0466.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Cards Tea Lights</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzkb0NfYkqKvTcSJbdd_lus62dNuUHUlpP9VE8QDCKGxcgccJ8x5wAmqMCoKRNFNbHzcQoLivvjD4BKmltji1X2bWwj5e-aZuNqDe2HYC5_sP6yCrtdU3t-WYHwYfk5NahB8-gB6YVVk/s1600/IMG_0434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzkb0NfYkqKvTcSJbdd_lus62dNuUHUlpP9VE8QDCKGxcgccJ8x5wAmqMCoKRNFNbHzcQoLivvjD4BKmltji1X2bWwj5e-aZuNqDe2HYC5_sP6yCrtdU3t-WYHwYfk5NahB8-gB6YVVk/s320/IMG_0434.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dice Tea Lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-DtRGo_3PeKEYINv7Pv_qNtIhZeqbhBw2yJEIZ72kPR8akZRxsy1Ne0URuDGcKGBeiMKMeJj8Z0YkN7mwrfrfrZATQaAhD9ijHH8wtIlOkv1q9Sye9Iw1ri-87OkY01-HasZ8tSFAWA/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-DtRGo_3PeKEYINv7Pv_qNtIhZeqbhBw2yJEIZ72kPR8akZRxsy1Ne0URuDGcKGBeiMKMeJj8Z0YkN7mwrfrfrZATQaAhD9ijHH8wtIlOkv1q9Sye9Iw1ri-87OkY01-HasZ8tSFAWA/s320/IMG_0467.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheel of Playing Cards</td></tr>
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As Chris is the official king of cheese, I bought a lovely cast iron fondue set, best thing of the night. Not only because Chris was in heaven but its a great social menu. We had such fun using the fondue and can't wait to use it again (I'm thinking chocolate!) Next time we will use the instructions to avoid another fire in the kitchen - yes an actual full on fire - don't ask.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4PfnvSe2kDR0OpCLr1AL4eUueB7ONpQcQM4Gl8APmhOmv3xlIk9JvvHNqqBMc37rqvzwiqXtM3qVD5H6Zqb4oRfSGHoD2GZrQslXpBELaWS21jl_Skc-1RStjIbUfMz_W_YF_WiZI-Y/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4PfnvSe2kDR0OpCLr1AL4eUueB7ONpQcQM4Gl8APmhOmv3xlIk9JvvHNqqBMc37rqvzwiqXtM3qVD5H6Zqb4oRfSGHoD2GZrQslXpBELaWS21jl_Skc-1RStjIbUfMz_W_YF_WiZI-Y/s320/IMG_0597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese Fondue</td></tr>
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To help keep the theme going and of course because I love going over the top obviously, I cut out playing suits shapes using red and black felt (from Paper Village on North Street) to use as coasters. When it came to Chris' birthday cake.. knowing how much he loves cider, why not build him a cider cake. I wrapped up empty boxes with red crape paper to stacked the bottles on different levels and wrapped a huge ribbon round them all. This Somerset boy loves his Thatchers!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNKQWBd800qeBwzsF1ER4klkFmCdv2kPHXNnQ26YJkyKZKQYYV083BS8uDaQYaNSmrnthi4x3GJEtKqjCd42RMe0M4xUQqNgW5sOR66974KPkAEN8t-V6BUs7f9rtd3nWRNw9X-8GdZI/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNKQWBd800qeBwzsF1ER4klkFmCdv2kPHXNnQ26YJkyKZKQYYV083BS8uDaQYaNSmrnthi4x3GJEtKqjCd42RMe0M4xUQqNgW5sOR66974KPkAEN8t-V6BUs7f9rtd3nWRNw9X-8GdZI/s320/IMG_0486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing Suit Felt Coasters</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSvW-yIKSfMcC2ItseMlLc9gLXUnv62X3NIdgyDt4ziLNfm3mnI-JUhS64KVpNVVCGMG2h-VDhu16ZXEcLK1DBNp8go_pBpnZkSkLJ7GJELSDwqY4tElksuzIEz8y-S7-53MAWU0M3zY/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSvW-yIKSfMcC2ItseMlLc9gLXUnv62X3NIdgyDt4ziLNfm3mnI-JUhS64KVpNVVCGMG2h-VDhu16ZXEcLK1DBNp8go_pBpnZkSkLJ7GJELSDwqY4tElksuzIEz8y-S7-53MAWU0M3zY/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cider Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEhjnxhT_gufLVXKl6XD9ky-Dz_CWQwJlaZtFqXUVe7wZ7gErgxAZFkmIT5WifyAQ-diwgw_wzoIwz4-VUw_Gn42HjxScN-C1MQ46kYxCemonePDQXRvCwooWEyOQTuig6QqTHAXIPLY/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEhjnxhT_gufLVXKl6XD9ky-Dz_CWQwJlaZtFqXUVe7wZ7gErgxAZFkmIT5WifyAQ-diwgw_wzoIwz4-VUw_Gn42HjxScN-C1MQ46kYxCemonePDQXRvCwooWEyOQTuig6QqTHAXIPLY/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh Oh.. (shhh) the chairs don't match!</td></tr>
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Food wise we kept it simple so we didn't have to be in the kitchen all night and we had pizza and garlic bread. I have recently purchased my first Wilton set of nozzles and piping bag... dear lord you need to be good at it, mine were terrible but its the thought that counted - That's what I have to keep telling myself! So for the sweet tooth we had deserts included black and red cupcakes (tried to keep them manly) and shortbread dice using fondant icing and chocolate drops.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4NqDSt6FrydYsdSY0xR8Q6Xo96-FukSQy-17M_r_adP2L9Lb9hBM9vVFCxZ83aY-8Sdtir3gYboETNHK0W-IXv-jAlbAeuyBAnLiJcKAmII_o02YE-g8LaUzyBWYgudyneAsqPR4jpQ/s1600/IMG_0569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4NqDSt6FrydYsdSY0xR8Q6Xo96-FukSQy-17M_r_adP2L9Lb9hBM9vVFCxZ83aY-8Sdtir3gYboETNHK0W-IXv-jAlbAeuyBAnLiJcKAmII_o02YE-g8LaUzyBWYgudyneAsqPR4jpQ/s320/IMG_0569.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black and Red Cupcakes</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHhyphenhyphenG2n7DiQjZV8pqTePClW7W48Lq7byhAA4iOVbWH82UD6baUX1qKprYjSjo2t5QGMtvFFnjWgjrucqpRleqoR66h_fTbh7DUfs2q7bPwlqVRPNBeLQpXbqBNfidlKPuRijYA3vI9HE/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHhyphenhyphenG2n7DiQjZV8pqTePClW7W48Lq7byhAA4iOVbWH82UD6baUX1qKprYjSjo2t5QGMtvFFnjWgjrucqpRleqoR66h_fTbh7DUfs2q7bPwlqVRPNBeLQpXbqBNfidlKPuRijYA3vI9HE/s320/IMG_0571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortbread Dice Biscuits</td></tr>
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Throughout the night we played card games and the delightful Oli bought along his poker set. I also bought a roulette wheel with glass shot glasses. The most amazing game ever and certainly will be used again for any party (perhaps not Poppy's 2nd birthday). All for under a tenner - amazeballs!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIXwptbY5c_FiTpCbPFfwqAVs49gs9eNkP58j0RT96-g7sSEa6V3mEeYRZNRVBRXUGl9jKsO6NpP1kfHHUClSVp5tdAlCxLpegWu_nLnqOjocu8HcJlwZQnCeZeIjms6WF35SBMzoPmI/s1600/IMG_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIXwptbY5c_FiTpCbPFfwqAVs49gs9eNkP58j0RT96-g7sSEa6V3mEeYRZNRVBRXUGl9jKsO6NpP1kfHHUClSVp5tdAlCxLpegWu_nLnqOjocu8HcJlwZQnCeZeIjms6WF35SBMzoPmI/s320/IMG_0559.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roulette Wheel</td></tr>
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Happy Birthday to my darling Chris xx</div>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-62995048851081493262013-05-01T20:44:00.000+01:002013-07-29T13:34:24.093+01:00The Trouble With SleepIs your baby sleeping through? Has got to be the most common question I was asked since Poppy came into the world. I hated being asked it because automatically it made me feel like I was doing something wrong because she didn't. "My baby is such a good baby, because he/she sleeps through" is what I would hear from smug mums lapping up 12 hours of sleep. Leaving me feeling worried or down and wondering where I was going so wrong, along side trying to cope with motherhood on broken sleep every night.<br />
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I remember being told that we must sleep train Poppy around three months, two weeks max and 12 hours sleep every night will be ours and if we don't we will have months or even years of hell. So there we were at three months old and six weeks later still doing controlled crying then moving onto to cry it out and our little princess still wanted her milk and us feeling like failures.<br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Funny what a few months does to change your perspective on the world of baby sleep. Looking back and reflecting on the situation, after the new born phase Poppy used to wake up once or twice which doesn't sound that bad but at the time the broken sleep was unbearable. Chris is a true legend. He never complained about lack of sleep and went to work everyday as well as helping me. Somehow I still managed to slap on the war paint and go out everyday.</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> What I really needed was someone to say (and for me to believe) that it's OK if your baby wakes up and that it is very normal for this to happen. Neither Poppy or us were doing anything wrong. Better still not every method works for your baby and if she's not sleeping through now doesn't actually mean that she won't ever. I don't regret sleep training I just believe that she wasn't ready at the time, sleep training or not. But I suppose that comes from experience of being a mum. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">So what I have learned? It's OK if my baby wakes up in the night and next time I won't get so hung up on whether or not my baby sleeps through because I know </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">at some point there is sleep at the end of the tunnel even if it does take more than</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> two weeks!!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>I know you are now desperate to ask the famous question. And the answer is yes. YES!!!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZCg_A9YYnoAavCHI5nxv1GVSygtGyyGZ1Ep22VbzHjxa41BQs2K2_Q4HO3iSnaQYa_NjuFOq8sp_3WOTflTBSEJeGR8h1g2JLXWxIYRJjK8JfcydeGexiz9cAUq3rL68wPU1arLI0DU/s1600/photo+2+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZCg_A9YYnoAavCHI5nxv1GVSygtGyyGZ1Ep22VbzHjxa41BQs2K2_Q4HO3iSnaQYa_NjuFOq8sp_3WOTflTBSEJeGR8h1g2JLXWxIYRJjK8JfcydeGexiz9cAUq3rL68wPU1arLI0DU/s320/photo+2+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppy the Sleeping Beauty</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-52266578356505644782013-05-01T20:22:00.001+01:002013-11-20T10:12:35.610+00:00The Hungry Caterpillar PartyTo celebrate Milo's first birthday, my lovely bestfriend Gemma decided to choose the popular Very Hungry Caterpillar theme for his party. Without taking over her plans and organising everything for her, I offered (any excuse) to get paper crafting and make some decorations. Such a cool theme to choose and so much that you can do! You could go completely over the top, something I would probably ended up doing. So pulling the reigns back in, out comes the craft box and hey presto we have some lovely fun caterpillars and butterflies, personalised for the little fella. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamiKkByRHEDrisMLGNDKhjmpvv4PxnPBGwD53idwvZRNyJnVbI8HCRkVWIj-eamKg9Y8swDM375XPyBEoATI7Mj4cePivO4RSwUzMLSyShgQ4Q5chTEfVc0PmY49RS0ou2OS7I58xK28/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamiKkByRHEDrisMLGNDKhjmpvv4PxnPBGwD53idwvZRNyJnVbI8HCRkVWIj-eamKg9Y8swDM375XPyBEoATI7Mj4cePivO4RSwUzMLSyShgQ4Q5chTEfVc0PmY49RS0ou2OS7I58xK28/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very Hungry Caterpillar</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialrBd0gqT5h2FhEK4EdURX9EINDfI6UAEntmjmpdI-sbuAKYqrWMKpNCH3HH7wUZQBBX-IulaEAWZTFFthH2VSlkDCYlVZiC2ldidLDJE_ENee_tQy6_DoxP60uLBTjixkATijXB6zrY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialrBd0gqT5h2FhEK4EdURX9EINDfI6UAEntmjmpdI-sbuAKYqrWMKpNCH3HH7wUZQBBX-IulaEAWZTFFthH2VSlkDCYlVZiC2ldidLDJE_ENee_tQy6_DoxP60uLBTjixkATijXB6zrY/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Caterpillars</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92fj2LNuvlTnWtSOosOIJUOCeWiq_g8IJI5YIhM_5IJXNECyO8loJ3Birr3NqG8tzNqjxNLJ8djInx_Pu8ydGWkqB00vsb_itaa71g8HWYo12WJZFoQjxfmN4uJLRhq7dKaLmu-XlZRY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92fj2LNuvlTnWtSOosOIJUOCeWiq_g8IJI5YIhM_5IJXNECyO8loJ3Birr3NqG8tzNqjxNLJ8djInx_Pu8ydGWkqB00vsb_itaa71g8HWYo12WJZFoQjxfmN4uJLRhq7dKaLmu-XlZRY/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Personalised butterflies</td></tr>
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Sharing the wealth from Poppy's party, I also made a 'Year of Photographs' for Milo, a photo for every month. Trying not to go caterpillar overload, the glorious bunting came out too. Awww happy birthday to little Milo!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m29-b65sCEyYcBUJsc-4iY7wGCYvnlqAX4vSuTkAb2vjR490YrBYcX7KDIttBvST6TKpptpvuk3VbO9BsJzhLBbq1IhHIiPiS-R_FqB8p0OY4gxDLLtj7WMBZcX907dypwb83pL61No/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1m29-b65sCEyYcBUJsc-4iY7wGCYvnlqAX4vSuTkAb2vjR490YrBYcX7KDIttBvST6TKpptpvuk3VbO9BsJzhLBbq1IhHIiPiS-R_FqB8p0OY4gxDLLtj7WMBZcX907dypwb83pL61No/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Year of Photographs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD3D00zIupV7M747gWZcr2omPZ0Z2qmq8CUEPeOeSpdDRTeyZMA_bCCZm3yXpoxY3YZJkx7NNEEoeYbNCPNL9aIZrDuO9nTHAzYO_14bbviD7NM8SHJa7VudQI0OLbz62zYIJ7fR7SrY/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJD3D00zIupV7M747gWZcr2omPZ0Z2qmq8CUEPeOeSpdDRTeyZMA_bCCZm3yXpoxY3YZJkx7NNEEoeYbNCPNL9aIZrDuO9nTHAzYO_14bbviD7NM8SHJa7VudQI0OLbz62zYIJ7fR7SrY/s320/photo+1+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milo Bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5meaMUQij_pv3gdpXXXwD7IIlDSJmFegXmAfVVfNjMmG2jAIwtco-CXPPUZOWblvDO7cVrAdsu69X_gqLODd2ih-NWHvDzx9Oc1IwyM3QFLBPm5qJPObKlpjqko5i2nkXST2d2rn6gA/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5meaMUQij_pv3gdpXXXwD7IIlDSJmFegXmAfVVfNjMmG2jAIwtco-CXPPUZOWblvDO7cVrAdsu69X_gqLODd2ih-NWHvDzx9Oc1IwyM3QFLBPm5qJPObKlpjqko5i2nkXST2d2rn6gA/s320/photo+2+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Bunting</td></tr>
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<br />Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-38247306040184633462013-04-30T11:58:00.000+01:002013-07-29T12:40:22.392+01:00The Easter Lunch PartySeem as though it's party central here for Poppy, I am thinking why not celebrate Easter with another p-a-r-t-y! With so many Easter crafts to make its ideal for me to practice, plus the lady who runs the local craft shop is loving me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHf5LB1lXUBq4b4-uJlBJzVVHHW3-wVNfA0qC_Rm8Ul5NnBBpTOnDo4YVMptqMcaZiybbQ2cQDuRu36zMQdf8IOr4JUJWaOCu4E2QOwxikEiZGMQZVlqmfU3FsAIrevuRlWBadozHAAA/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHf5LB1lXUBq4b4-uJlBJzVVHHW3-wVNfA0qC_Rm8Ul5NnBBpTOnDo4YVMptqMcaZiybbQ2cQDuRu36zMQdf8IOr4JUJWaOCu4E2QOwxikEiZGMQZVlqmfU3FsAIrevuRlWBadozHAAA/s320/photo+1+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Party Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging Easter Eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Bunting</td></tr>
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I provided a spread of baby friendly treats and let the mummys marvel over the cute Easter alternatives to Chocolate. I must admit when it comes to Poppy, I am like the food police. But hey, She's only one and what she can't taste she won't miss. For now anyway.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly Fruit</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Friendly Wraps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg Box Treats</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Shaped Sandwiches</td></tr>
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Out came the paper craft again for this party. Napkin holders, Easter chicks and bunnies all at the ready. Just a shame once the party is finished they get thrown away, I am the most unlikely hoader in the world so there is no keeping them. *Wiping tears from my face*.<br />
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For this year's Easter gift to Poppy rather than the tradional egg which no doubt I would gobble down on her behalf and remember I am the food police, I decided to put together a little Easter basket treat. One of her favourite teddies plus a new book to read over Easter with her and a couple of cute chicks (which were swiftly removed after Poppy trying to eat them). Very adorable just like her, not to sure I will get away with this next year though!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternative Easter Egg</td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-24029586834786428572013-04-30T11:07:00.000+01:002013-07-29T11:32:13.374+01:00The First Birthday PartyLike most one year olds, my daughter Poppy is into everything and anything, so if I was going to do a theme I wanted it to be amazing! Keeping it simple I decided to go for a 'Poppy' theme, something that she (let's face it I mean me) can look back on and smile. My daughter was born at a very similar time to other babies from the friends I made locally. So we decided to have three birthday parties spread over a few weeks. (Yes I did type three and this won't be happening every year I can assure you!) This party was for our adult friends and a good excuse to have a glass of wine (or bottle in my case). Maternity leave gave me the time to prepare and create the poppy decorations. It also left me explaining to confused guests why decorations were up a month ahead of the party. All my decorations were home-made using either red and black paper, balloons and a lot of glue!<br />
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Continuing with the theme, comes the food, again all home made (get me!) and where possible Poppy related. My husband and I were up late the night before making the birthday cake. Maybe not the most professional looking cake but I was so chuffed we made it for her, best cake we have made anyway. My lovely friend Adele who definitely is a professional made us some beautiful Poppy cupcakes which tasted amazing too.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/af/1a/44/af1a449397ce8286e11370323129c08b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/736x/af/1a/44/af1a449397ce8286e11370323129c08b.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Birthday Cake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/44/df/d3/44dfd3c18f303aaaa808a3ef73fff57d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/44/df/d3/44dfd3c18f303aaaa808a3ef73fff57d.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poppy Cupcakes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/3d/97/51/3d9751e6378102952bbb34f0d1b58ce1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poppy biscuits</span></td></tr>
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Other fun decorations I made included a 'Year of Photographs' one of each month and hung like bunting, party bags and facts about Poppy and her first year in the shape of a number one which we framed in red and black obviously.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/d2/78/5b/d2785b3641d673360b9a4ae69e6060cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/d2/78/5b/d2785b3641d673360b9a4ae69e6060cc.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poppy Party Bag</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/b3/e1/b9/b3e1b9867488c22fc687ae54e2754726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/b3/e1/b9/b3e1b9867488c22fc687ae54e2754726.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Year of Facts</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d6/63/6c/d6636cc91791884f5ff2dd99dbdeca20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d6/63/6c/d6636cc91791884f5ff2dd99dbdeca20.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Monthly Photo Bunting</span></td></tr>
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To top the theme, the little lady clearly needed a dress to impress her guests, born in Spring made it easier to find a Poppy dress and at the bargain price of £8 from Matalan... SOLD! Completely biased I know but my god she takes my breath away when she wears it and lets face it, I will be lucky if she gets two months out of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/24/44/27/244427ff71749fd8b22bf3188fb80bd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/24/44/27/244427ff71749fd8b22bf3188fb80bd7.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Star of the Show</span></td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8541860327966792900.post-59004646284662740062013-04-28T15:23:00.001+01:002013-06-16T19:43:03.301+01:00Footprints<br />
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Here goes for the first post! Got to start with footprints. I am absolutely loving making cards for family and friends. If there is an occasion then there is definitely a reason to get the paint out and get foot printing. If my one year old knew how to sigh and roll her eyes back each time I get my monstrous craft box out then Poppy definitely would. Poor love, she's probably wondering what all the fuss is about. Her feet are so cute, squishy and completely adorable (trying not to gush too much here) and I enjoy watching the changing shape of her feet as she gets older. You might be wondering about handprints, have no fear they are still to come. But for now its all about the footprints.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN5Q6CPMiZC_hyphenhyphenDKnVPPX8nnPYX8_3zXuSwVoVc_9Fn-rLabSyGxmIrNSOCO6k7nqsQmeyEQ9gdhZd9avEei5WGww-tYj2ny0oyFNUPEUEHW8QFjL96QQW5zTWaAv2xwVfZoMk68LUqM/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN5Q6CPMiZC_hyphenhyphenDKnVPPX8nnPYX8_3zXuSwVoVc_9Fn-rLabSyGxmIrNSOCO6k7nqsQmeyEQ9gdhZd9avEei5WGww-tYj2ny0oyFNUPEUEHW8QFjL96QQW5zTWaAv2xwVfZoMk68LUqM/s320/IMG_1060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLslty0TA9_9EiRqUr0PQIf4PciS1-Rw5hcWFxyYpm1eDWYwO2GgCrwKQIKOkzuQt946kdJjAP5tuwui6JW40Db_it-uHUnb6z5lQPsNEidQZh57M-UN9Vie8fFGtRsJ3flQUD7yZVio/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLslty0TA9_9EiRqUr0PQIf4PciS1-Rw5hcWFxyYpm1eDWYwO2GgCrwKQIKOkzuQt946kdJjAP5tuwui6JW40Db_it-uHUnb6z5lQPsNEidQZh57M-UN9Vie8fFGtRsJ3flQUD7yZVio/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentines</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK4daveHOir0jn2M8y4EvavXrSfrUDwbNA5_ujvOAxxd0robkoAjbBITnmdO1WH4oKtEYZkzeEVPqj0A0giAfu6HGie-KFF_YVxVY6ghP_iP-sz_aaQZxabV0gf5qHcXKz9KRjY5cKRk/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK4daveHOir0jn2M8y4EvavXrSfrUDwbNA5_ujvOAxxd0robkoAjbBITnmdO1WH4oKtEYZkzeEVPqj0A0giAfu6HGie-KFF_YVxVY6ghP_iP-sz_aaQZxabV0gf5qHcXKz9KRjY5cKRk/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioovw5M_Aft82EX39jEqDxzT0R8SVDVhhzmu6reYTEpfvk5pcS2RqNBD3kqZYKNK7XIUQT1KL5ci57XFASnJAWIx2y7euX5rayMNoACVZEHvtFipiIl0SAGz1aDQ9KYYdePtUuzQGwGEU/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioovw5M_Aft82EX39jEqDxzT0R8SVDVhhzmu6reYTEpfvk5pcS2RqNBD3kqZYKNK7XIUQT1KL5ci57XFASnJAWIx2y7euX5rayMNoACVZEHvtFipiIl0SAGz1aDQ9KYYdePtUuzQGwGEU/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fathers Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq29L91ePv9aqMaoYhfCLS6lQINX0mimouv2or7O6o_MEX-llwt0NckzE6bqQdUgeMWrU3CiYIa2KthyphenhyphenyMAF7_R3mQHs8xHJQ2Zy_LbldltR_mHorPQMgsuLKaSz_spRt_8EBndDxAd4/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq29L91ePv9aqMaoYhfCLS6lQINX0mimouv2or7O6o_MEX-llwt0NckzE6bqQdUgeMWrU3CiYIa2KthyphenhyphenyMAF7_R3mQHs8xHJQ2Zy_LbldltR_mHorPQMgsuLKaSz_spRt_8EBndDxAd4/s320/IMG_1036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Girl</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb535WgO1e6Dl_LjdczrvLBYepwecuYnk__ilooNkgqYNr3b3rxSNvxPUGSJ1xZuChBa_AI4cv_egTnn83yC6Y6n58VqD83rx3nSIbRqjA7NrFXPENlI096Okg-ThievMasJNHAk1YXg/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb535WgO1e6Dl_LjdczrvLBYepwecuYnk__ilooNkgqYNr3b3rxSNvxPUGSJ1xZuChBa_AI4cv_egTnn83yC6Y6n58VqD83rx3nSIbRqjA7NrFXPENlI096Okg-ThievMasJNHAk1YXg/s320/IMG_1056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Boy</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TgK1yNm_bwgDvPeK44IaXmNd-kFbfukAoLz2g_7g6SG6PHyWMEyx0DKW1UW4eO0Utw2tN6sJBx0UL6kZYbC84b1Wl-05Zo5H-RO9s7fr1RXS0l6lPAMqujbpagGR-oOzcGQPs89BK5c/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TgK1yNm_bwgDvPeK44IaXmNd-kFbfukAoLz2g_7g6SG6PHyWMEyx0DKW1UW4eO0Utw2tN6sJBx0UL6kZYbC84b1Wl-05Zo5H-RO9s7fr1RXS0l6lPAMqujbpagGR-oOzcGQPs89BK5c/s320/IMG_1051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Animals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDoi7WRLlIh4fqjKWqtNIyaeEErGITuU_2Acv7i75xq0lkd-22kBylMwRzSS43I8BTx2sUFqD5VInzHoT3ngIxzCvBC7KlDw7dDefRdKQJclVQoi3aweyBQSEjR3u427uGaS7dQfBTfA/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDoi7WRLlIh4fqjKWqtNIyaeEErGITuU_2Acv7i75xq0lkd-22kBylMwRzSS43I8BTx2sUFqD5VInzHoT3ngIxzCvBC7KlDw7dDefRdKQJclVQoi3aweyBQSEjR3u427uGaS7dQfBTfA/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mothers Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qSzVbH3OumZT-aigh8wco-xVszdDud6kAkOtr1U_yWJpBQme2gEsiMnFVzuCJ6pbB84xYvydANgp7Eq_CVVh7BNsdJl2b68tERu7um1AfARnC0_Erzl9xWmyUaBnQq0-kmNIK3PEm20/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qSzVbH3OumZT-aigh8wco-xVszdDud6kAkOtr1U_yWJpBQme2gEsiMnFVzuCJ6pbB84xYvydANgp7Eq_CVVh7BNsdJl2b68tERu7um1AfARnC0_Erzl9xWmyUaBnQq0-kmNIK3PEm20/s320/IMG_1057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandads Birthday</td></tr>
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Shells!http://www.blogger.com/profile/03602206566330717535noreply@blogger.com0