Continuing from last week I will attempt to reduce my outgoings further.
This week starting with the remaining £25 in my purse.
Sunday: £0.00 :)
Monday: £0.00 :)
Tuesday: £0.00:)
Wednesday: £0.00 :)
Thursday: £4.90 – coffee shop
Friday: £0.00 :)
Saturday: £0.00 :)
Total: £4.90 :)
I am anticipating this week will be harder as the children are off school and it is hard to entertain them without spending money – especially if the weather is to be as bad as forecasted. :(
RESULT: See I can do it!!! :p
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Wooooo!
Spring animals!
Well Ali the cow didn’t produce her calf last weekend, she held off til this weekend:
Little Honey arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning, she was very weak, but after a lot of tlc & encouragement she is stronger.
A beautiful little calf with gorgeous big brown eyes :)
After that long night just as mum was heading to bed they realised Poppy the sheep had also had gone into labour! They put her in the barn to let her continue in the warmth. Come morning she still hadn’t produced her lambs, and come mid afternoon it was clear she wasn’t progressing as she should. A call to a friend with a flock of the same Suffolk sheep gave the help needed.
Poppy gave birth to 2 lovely lambs – both of which were breech which had caused the lack of progress.
So now Sweetpea is due in about another 3 weeks and Daisy the goat also expecting.
Babies abound!
xx
Well Ali the cow didn’t produce her calf last weekend, she held off til this weekend:
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| Mum & baby |
A beautiful little calf with gorgeous big brown eyes :)
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| Honey |
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| Poppy & lambs |
So now Sweetpea is due in about another 3 weeks and Daisy the goat also expecting.
Babies abound!
xx
Sunday, 21 March 2010
challenge…
Ok – I’ve decided I spend too much money!
So starting this week – working Sunday to Saturday I am trying to reduce what I spend.
I have really no idea how much I would spend in a week, it’s all too easy to use the card to pay without actually knowing how much you are spending.
I now in my purse have £50 cash – perhaps this seems a lot – maybe it’s being a bit ambitious, if I do ok on that I can reduce next week :)
I’ll report back with each days spending to see how I get on!
Sunday: £3.69 – bread, cheese, tissues, jam
Monday: £0.00 :)
Tuesday: £0.00 :)
Wednesday: £0.20 – sweets for kids on way home from school!
Thursday: £14.75 – coffee shop, birthday pressie, shopping bits
Friday: £0.00 :)
Saturday: £5.00 – friends b’day
Total: £23.64
xx
So starting this week – working Sunday to Saturday I am trying to reduce what I spend.
I have really no idea how much I would spend in a week, it’s all too easy to use the card to pay without actually knowing how much you are spending.
I now in my purse have £50 cash – perhaps this seems a lot – maybe it’s being a bit ambitious, if I do ok on that I can reduce next week :)
I’ll report back with each days spending to see how I get on!
Sunday: £3.69 – bread, cheese, tissues, jam
Monday: £0.00 :)
Tuesday: £0.00 :)
Wednesday: £0.20 – sweets for kids on way home from school!
Thursday: £14.75 – coffee shop, birthday pressie, shopping bits
Friday: £0.00 :)
Saturday: £5.00 – friends b’day
Total: £23.64
xx
Saturday, 20 March 2010
waiting….
Was off visiting mum today, exciting things happening there – well – waiting for exciting things to happen!
Ali the jersey cow is due her calf sometime this weekend, hopefully!
With a clutch on newly hatched chicks and 2 pregnant sheep – due in a few weeks, there will be baby animals in abundance soon!
The hen that mum was hoping to get some eggs from for us to hatch is not laying just yet – she is a bit young, so we will have plenty of time to read up on the incubator and get the necessary extra equipment in :)
I also found out that there is some interest in my wire wrapped rings that I have been making, so I’ll need to order some more bits and bobs for those and get wrapping! lol
xx
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| Ali |
Ali the jersey cow is due her calf sometime this weekend, hopefully!
With a clutch on newly hatched chicks and 2 pregnant sheep – due in a few weeks, there will be baby animals in abundance soon!
The hen that mum was hoping to get some eggs from for us to hatch is not laying just yet – she is a bit young, so we will have plenty of time to read up on the incubator and get the necessary extra equipment in :)
I also found out that there is some interest in my wire wrapped rings that I have been making, so I’ll need to order some more bits and bobs for those and get wrapping! lol
xx
Friday, 19 March 2010
Talking turkey…..well chicken actually
We are the proud owners of a brood of rescued battery hens. These lovely ladies came to us through my mum back in November 08.
Scrawny and missing feathers they needed a new home and we homed 6.
They live in a converted potting shed at the bottom of the garden, with their own run they have a lovely retirement home – as payment they give us delicious fresh eggs :)
We keep the eggs on an egg skelter – this means we use them in rotation.
Yesterday we suffered our first loss – Cheeky chicken sadly died. We knew she was going, she had been looking unwell for a couple of days. But when Roy went to open the door there was one less little face peeking out. :(
Lady K looks after the chickens and collects the eggs – a real chicken mummy, so she is a little upset about her friend. To cheer her up we have agreed to try and hatch some chicks in the incubator that we got at Christmas. We will need to read up a bit and mum had offered us fertile eggs (as we don’t have a rooster – too noisy!) and she is always on hand if we need advice, so watch this space!
xx
 |
| Eggs |
Scrawny and missing feathers they needed a new home and we homed 6.
They live in a converted potting shed at the bottom of the garden, with their own run they have a lovely retirement home – as payment they give us delicious fresh eggs :)
We keep the eggs on an egg skelter – this means we use them in rotation.
Yesterday we suffered our first loss – Cheeky chicken sadly died. We knew she was going, she had been looking unwell for a couple of days. But when Roy went to open the door there was one less little face peeking out. :(
Lady K looks after the chickens and collects the eggs – a real chicken mummy, so she is a little upset about her friend. To cheer her up we have agreed to try and hatch some chicks in the incubator that we got at Christmas. We will need to read up a bit and mum had offered us fertile eggs (as we don’t have a rooster – too noisy!) and she is always on hand if we need advice, so watch this space!
 |
| RIP Cheeky |
xx
Feeling a bit hmmmmm..
Gosh – it’s a while since my last post, not been feeling great – not ill, just a bit tired, meh! lol
So what have we been doing?
Well St Patricks day on the 17th meant Roy and I were both off work – fab!
We took the kids to school and decided to go for a walk, the route we chose was about 3 miles.
We walked along a short section of the coastal path from Crawfordsburn to Bangor Marina then up through the town to a new coffee shop I had heard about – Studio Cafe with talk of fresh coffee and homemade scones and traybakes it sounded like somewhere I had to try.
An array of delicious pastries in front of us it was hard to choose just one! I settled for a raspberry & white chocolate scone while Roy opted for one of the calorific sounding, but irresistible Sinful Bites and of course my favourite cappuccino :) Which was utterly delicious ‘real coffee’.
Sitting chilling in the truly urban surrounding, watching the world go by, while Roy read the local paper was really relaxing. I will definitely be back there again – wonder what delicious treat will await me!
After the coffee stop it was time to be on our way – back up through the town past the local market which was doing a brisk trade to home, a lovely way to spend the morning.
x
So what have we been doing?
Well St Patricks day on the 17th meant Roy and I were both off work – fab!
We took the kids to school and decided to go for a walk, the route we chose was about 3 miles.
We walked along a short section of the coastal path from Crawfordsburn to Bangor Marina then up through the town to a new coffee shop I had heard about – Studio Cafe with talk of fresh coffee and homemade scones and traybakes it sounded like somewhere I had to try.
An array of delicious pastries in front of us it was hard to choose just one! I settled for a raspberry & white chocolate scone while Roy opted for one of the calorific sounding, but irresistible Sinful Bites and of course my favourite cappuccino :) Which was utterly delicious ‘real coffee’.
Sitting chilling in the truly urban surrounding, watching the world go by, while Roy read the local paper was really relaxing. I will definitely be back there again – wonder what delicious treat will await me!
After the coffee stop it was time to be on our way – back up through the town past the local market which was doing a brisk trade to home, a lovely way to spend the morning.
x
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Hope all the Mothers out there had a great day and were spoiled rotten!
I got a delicious breakfast brought to me in bed – complete with flowers, card and an M&S Rocky Road bar (although that was kept for later!)
Apparently I am the queen on the flowers :)
After breakfast it was time to get ready to visit my own mum & gran.
Sadly we lost MIL last July so Roy took the children to plant some spring bulbs at the grave while I organised at home.
I had wanted to make a pendant for mum, but while I had the idea in my mind I just could not lay my hands on the pieces I needed to create the piece. But at least now I have an idea for her birthday! I shall continue my quest.
So for the meantime she had to make do with flowers and some treats – as she is trying (and succeeding) to lose weight I didn’t want to tempt her with boxes of chocs, so I found boxes of cocoa dusted spiced almonds and dark chocolate covered cranberries which are a little treat but not too bad for the waist.
We also took cards which we made ourselves, based on an idea I had when Lady K was drawing.
K had drawn some animals and I thought they would look good on the front of a card so we had a go – the final draft was a bit rough but could be improved upon given a bit of time, I was quite pleased with the card as were mum and granny!
So now we have another interest to have a go at – making cards, while they might not appeal to everyone I’m sure there are people out there who would like them.
xx
 |
| Mothers Day |
I got a delicious breakfast brought to me in bed – complete with flowers, card and an M&S Rocky Road bar (although that was kept for later!)
Apparently I am the queen on the flowers :)
After breakfast it was time to get ready to visit my own mum & gran.
Sadly we lost MIL last July so Roy took the children to plant some spring bulbs at the grave while I organised at home.
I had wanted to make a pendant for mum, but while I had the idea in my mind I just could not lay my hands on the pieces I needed to create the piece. But at least now I have an idea for her birthday! I shall continue my quest.
So for the meantime she had to make do with flowers and some treats – as she is trying (and succeeding) to lose weight I didn’t want to tempt her with boxes of chocs, so I found boxes of cocoa dusted spiced almonds and dark chocolate covered cranberries which are a little treat but not too bad for the waist.
We also took cards which we made ourselves, based on an idea I had when Lady K was drawing.
 |
| Card |
K had drawn some animals and I thought they would look good on the front of a card so we had a go – the final draft was a bit rough but could be improved upon given a bit of time, I was quite pleased with the card as were mum and granny!
So now we have another interest to have a go at – making cards, while they might not appeal to everyone I’m sure there are people out there who would like them.
xx
Saturday, 13 March 2010
My ‘baby’ is 5 years old!
Today was my youngest sons 5th birthday! So grown up it’s hard to believe where the time has gone.
He decided (after a lot of deliberation!) to have his party in the kids play area of the local leisure centre – you hire the whole room for an hour and a function room for food and games after for an hour. The maximum capacity for the play area was 30, but the function room after was small and only held 12. As he only invited half a dozen friends they had loads of room to play and loved it!
It was great for the adults too – we were able to relax on comfy sofas with a coffee while the kids played in a secure area.
We had the choice of on site catering or providing our own party food – we planned on doing our own so got the picnic style lunch boxes and filled them before arriving at the venue. Bringing our cake with us too.
The kids loved the novelty of having their own little box and filled with a couple of sandwiches, individual jelly pots and small packets of sweets there was something to please everyone.
With his birthday being near Easter, Little R wanted to give easter eggs instead of party bags – making for fuss free going home pressies!
Now tired out and another year older he is tucked up asleep :)
He decided (after a lot of deliberation!) to have his party in the kids play area of the local leisure centre – you hire the whole room for an hour and a function room for food and games after for an hour. The maximum capacity for the play area was 30, but the function room after was small and only held 12. As he only invited half a dozen friends they had loads of room to play and loved it!
It was great for the adults too – we were able to relax on comfy sofas with a coffee while the kids played in a secure area.
 |
| Birthday Boy! |
We had the choice of on site catering or providing our own party food – we planned on doing our own so got the picnic style lunch boxes and filled them before arriving at the venue. Bringing our cake with us too.
The kids loved the novelty of having their own little box and filled with a couple of sandwiches, individual jelly pots and small packets of sweets there was something to please everyone.
With his birthday being near Easter, Little R wanted to give easter eggs instead of party bags – making for fuss free going home pressies!
Now tired out and another year older he is tucked up asleep :)
Friday, 12 March 2010
Ice Hockey
Went to watch the fantastic Belfast Giants V Cardiff Devils play at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast tonight – great game, fun night especially when the Giants won 2-1!
1st goal came early in the first period – Jeff Szwez giving the Giants the lead.
Fast and furious play, a few minor scuffles and few penalties for accidental high sticking and tripping made for a goalless 2nd period.
The excellent play continued into the 3rd period where the game became a real ‘go for broke’ match with 8 minutes left, the Giants 1-0 ahead, and a player down due to George Awada being put off the ice after a trip, the Devils really turning up the pressure, a few close calls but no goal. Then with the full team back on the ice and 1.07 minutes left Szwez scored the 2nd goal of the match – securing a decisive victory for the Belfast Giants.
Man of the match went to Goal keeper Stephen Murphy who played a great match!
1st goal came early in the first period – Jeff Szwez giving the Giants the lead.
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| Ice Hockey |
Fast and furious play, a few minor scuffles and few penalties for accidental high sticking and tripping made for a goalless 2nd period.
The excellent play continued into the 3rd period where the game became a real ‘go for broke’ match with 8 minutes left, the Giants 1-0 ahead, and a player down due to George Awada being put off the ice after a trip, the Devils really turning up the pressure, a few close calls but no goal. Then with the full team back on the ice and 1.07 minutes left Szwez scored the 2nd goal of the match – securing a decisive victory for the Belfast Giants.
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| Scoreboard |
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
get crafty!
Over the past week I have been feeling a bit crafty – not in the shifty evil sense (well not all the time anyway!), but in the ‘hey, I want to make that’ way.
I had seen a cute design for wire wrapped rings that looked fairly straightforward and fun. So after making a few purchases – silver plated wire and flower shaped buttons, to be precise, I set to work.
This is the first ring I made, really cute and simple too. Now I want to make more!!
I think it must be addictive, strangely satisfying too to see something created out of very little.
Lady K wanted one of her own so after picking her colours and scaling the band down to size – she has one :)
Hopefully with a little more practice I can make something other than flower rings – I just need to find another design that inspires me!
I had seen a cute design for wire wrapped rings that looked fairly straightforward and fun. So after making a few purchases – silver plated wire and flower shaped buttons, to be precise, I set to work.
 |
| Result! |
This is the first ring I made, really cute and simple too. Now I want to make more!!
I think it must be addictive, strangely satisfying too to see something created out of very little.
Lady K wanted one of her own so after picking her colours and scaling the band down to size – she has one :)
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| Lady K's |
Hopefully with a little more practice I can make something other than flower rings – I just need to find another design that inspires me!
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Let’s have a bear party!
With kids parties it seems I am always searching to find more new and interesting things to do – so many people go to the usual kids clubs etc
So for Lady K’s 7th birthday in January we decided to have a bear making party – the plan being the girls (works just as well with boys though!) would make their own bear and take it home as the ‘party bag’
I ordered the 10″ bear kits online, you can get them from bearfactoryparties they offer various sizes – 10, 12 & 15″ bears and accessories – outfits, t.shirts. There is also an option to have a party host, I decided to be my own hostess.
The girls gathered round the table and chose their bear skins, we had opened the vacuum packed fur prior to the start of the party, so the stuffing could begin!
The stuffing was fairly easy, a few needed help to squish the fur right to the end of the teddies toes. There was plenty of fur to go around and soon everyone was stuffed!
Next came the important part – wishing on a star. Everyone was given a fabric star which they made a wish on and popped inside their bear.
The final stage is to seal teddy up – these teddies are No-sew which means they have a zip which the children close up and then a velcro seal to hide it (you just need to make sure they don’t zip up too early as the zip cannot be reopened too easily).
We ordered tiny T.shirts for our teddies which the girls decorated with fabric pens – they drew pictures, wrote the names of their teddy on them, whatever they wanted.
We also filled in the teddies Birth Certificate – name of teddy, owner and of course where it was born!
The girls had a great time and have a lasting reminder of K’s party as they all took their teddies home with them – although not before we got a quick picture! x
So for Lady K’s 7th birthday in January we decided to have a bear making party – the plan being the girls (works just as well with boys though!) would make their own bear and take it home as the ‘party bag’
I ordered the 10″ bear kits online, you can get them from bearfactoryparties they offer various sizes – 10, 12 & 15″ bears and accessories – outfits, t.shirts. There is also an option to have a party host, I decided to be my own hostess.
 |
| Fur |
The girls gathered round the table and chose their bear skins, we had opened the vacuum packed fur prior to the start of the party, so the stuffing could begin!
The stuffing was fairly easy, a few needed help to squish the fur right to the end of the teddies toes. There was plenty of fur to go around and soon everyone was stuffed!
Next came the important part – wishing on a star. Everyone was given a fabric star which they made a wish on and popped inside their bear.
The final stage is to seal teddy up – these teddies are No-sew which means they have a zip which the children close up and then a velcro seal to hide it (you just need to make sure they don’t zip up too early as the zip cannot be reopened too easily).
We ordered tiny T.shirts for our teddies which the girls decorated with fabric pens – they drew pictures, wrote the names of their teddy on them, whatever they wanted.
We also filled in the teddies Birth Certificate – name of teddy, owner and of course where it was born!
The girls had a great time and have a lasting reminder of K’s party as they all took their teddies home with them – although not before we got a quick picture! x
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| Teddies |
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Alice in Wonderland!
I was lucky enough win a pair of tickets with Odyssey Cinemas to see Alice in Wonderland.
So shipped the 2 smaller kids off to mum’s and took C to see it.
Armed with nachos, drink & 3D glasses we took our seats.
The film was good, vaguely reminiscent of the Alice in Wonderland story, but didn’t really live up in my eyes to the hype surrounding it. The visual effects were good – Cheshire cat effects were great, talking animals good but the actual story a bit dull –
*spoiler alert*
However Alice’s fashion was something else! I left the film wanting to waft around in lace and pearls, tight bodices and full skirts! Fabulous!
Now where did I leave that top hat……..;)
So shipped the 2 smaller kids off to mum’s and took C to see it.
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| C and his HUGE drink |
The film was good, vaguely reminiscent of the Alice in Wonderland story, but didn’t really live up in my eyes to the hype surrounding it. The visual effects were good – Cheshire cat effects were great, talking animals good but the actual story a bit dull –
*spoiler alert*
Alice about to become engaged to wishy washy Lord, knows there is more out there but is expected to do what she is told so nips off, then Alice down the bunny hole into Wonderland, must defeat big dragon thingy, can’t do it, won’t do it – then changes mind and chops off its head. Alice pops out bunny hole again but this time with attitude, tells everyone what she thinks of them and becomes business woman sailing off to China. The End
However Alice’s fashion was something else! I left the film wanting to waft around in lace and pearls, tight bodices and full skirts! Fabulous!
Now where did I leave that top hat……..;)
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