The start of my Christmas

So Christmas is over and done with for another year. Our family had a good Christmas. 

Why am I sick over Christmas?

I'm not one who is regularly ill. I do sometimes catch a cold or the sniffles but it's never serious enough to stop me living life or to take time off work.

Have you Checked Out www.Gratisfaction.co.uk?

I love a good bargain and let's face it, who doesn't?  When buying anything, I do like to shop around and find the best deals. Sometimes this can be quite long and tedious and sometimes I am able to find no offers or anything cheaper elsewhere.  

Have You Tried The Milton Hygiene Range?

Before Tilly was born I didn't realise the importance of sterilising things. I would wash up with washing up liquid and wash and that was always sufficient.  But suddenly Tilly arrived and washing wasn't good enough and I was introduced to the world of sterilising bottles and dummies.  

A Guide To Receiving Makeup Samples For Free

A Guide To Receiving Makeup Samples For Free

Are you interested in getting makeup products from big name brands at no cost to you? Do you like Honest Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, Maybelline and Cover Girl? Makeup products are always in high demand. Regardless of your age, there are products for everyone. Not only can they help you express your style, but they can also give you a self-esteem boost. Still, makeup costs a lot of money, which is why you only want to buy products that you know you love. In order to figure out what products you are interested in, you can try out product samples at no cost to you. You can figure out what works and what doesn't before you spend a dime on your makeup.

A Geeky Gift Guide

Every year people always say that I am hard to buy for. I must admit I don't always know what I want but I always say "I'm a geek, anything with the Doctor Who, Star Wars or DC comics logo I will love".

I do understand that this is a very open description of what a geek would want and so I have made a geeky gift guide with examples of what to buy the geek you love.

Have You Seen The Range Of Cards From You Said It Cards?

My mums birthday is today and so I can finally tell you about the awesome birthday card I got her. 

I started to browse for mums birthday card a few weeks ago and I found tonnes of cards but I felt that none of them were her. 

My mum has quite a dirty sense of honour. And although I do really love my mum, I felt that a lovey dovey card would make her smile but I wanted something that would make her laugh. 

I finally started my Christmas shopping

This week I started my Christmas shopping. Although I had brought a couple of bits in previous weeks, I finally went out with the intention of buying Christmas presents. 

It's Christmas... hold your horses it's only November!!

This week we celebrated Halloween but it seems as if we can't finish one celebration before the shops are ready for the next celebration. 

Does your child get pocket money?

This week I heard a conversation between two parents about pocket money. These parents were discussing how much they gave their children. To me the amounts they were seemed a little excessive. This got me thinking about how much money, if any, should a child receive. 

Living by the Beach

When I was a child, I grew up in a small village in the middle of nowhere. When we moved to a town on the coast, I thought it was awesome. The first year I spend every moment I could at the beach. I absolutely loved it, it was like constantly being on holiday. And because we lived on the outskirts of
town, the beach near my house is normally very quite with very few people.

A Guest Post From Tilly

My mummy is on holiday for 2 weeks in Turkey. She went will Lin and lee. Me and Kimmy are doing lots of fun and amazing stuff. We went to London and in London we did lots like going to Shrek's adventure, a play park, shopping and Planet Hollywood.

The Day Everything Went Wrong!

This week I had one of those days. The kind of day that that could have gone wrong, did go wrong!

Have You Ever Had to Change the Frequency of Pay?

At the start of July I received a letter in the post that I had suspected for a while might be coming but my heart still dropped when I received it. The company I work for have recently been brought out and therefore they are changing the structure of their payroll. 

Have You Tried the Airhogs Race Drone?

I like to think that I am good with technology and I try to get the latest gadgets and gizmos. So I was beyond excited when I was send a Micro Race Drone from Airhogs. 

Happy Birthday to My Blog

Today marks a year since I started this blog.

Weekend Box have Teamed up with Snazaroo

Weekend box have teamed up with Snazaroo to create some fantastic Weekend boxes containing face paints.

Tilly was very excited to find that the Weekend box was very colourful and inviting and was addressed to her and when she opened it, she couldn't wait to get started.

And Were Back To Normal

This week everything has gone back to normal (well as normal as my life gets!). After a fun summer of exciting days out, Brownie holiday and my brothers wedding, this week saw the return to school and normal working hours. 

Should we Allow Our Children So Much Screen Time?

It has been a week since we have arrived back from brownie holiday and it has made me thought about the amount of time Tilly spends in front of a screen. 

MOKURU.... The Next Big Thing?

Tilly was one of those children that became obsessed with fidget spinners. Mum brought her one that flashes different colours and she loved it. Even I (albeit unsuccessfully) attempted to learn some of the tricks you can do. 

Stranger in the Window

Every year my home town runs a competition called 'stranger in the window'. Children that want to take part Pay a pound and they are given a sheet containing the names and addresses of just over 50 local shops and businesses that have chosen to take part.

Packing for Brownie Camp

With less then 2 week to go until me and Tilly head off to Brownie camp, I thought it would be nice to sit down and pack with her so I can work out what I still need to get her.

Carnival week

This week was carnival week in my home town. We are quite lucky as there is a lot of effort put in with many events happening over the week such as fun runs, a lorry pull and a teddy bears picnic. 

The Last Brownie Meeting of the Year

This week was the last brownie meeting of the year. As usual we allowed the brownies to decide what we would do in this meeting. Previously we have done all sorts including having movie nights, chocolate evenings and a pyjama and pamper evening.

Have you considered a smart home security system?

Due to my job as a community care worker, I often work long and unusual hours. There will be some days when I am able to pop home 3 times within the day but there are sometimes when I am out the house for 12 or even 14 hours. This sometimes worries me as I do wonder about my house being vulnerable when I am not home.

Does My Mum Think We Will Get Attacked By a Bear?

Despite moving out, I frequently pop back to mums house to say hello. This week house I turned up but as soon as I entered the garden, I was met with the most annoying high pitch continuous beeping I have ever heard.

Look at Tilly's New Night Light

I have been a Brownie leader for almost 8 years and for years all I heard from Tilly was can I go to Brownies yet? Am I old enough to come with you yet? Every year I would take the Brownies to camp and Tilly would always say she couldn't wait to come. This year she is old enough to come.

Tilly's Sports Day

This week was Tilly's school sports day and as mum was working I went along to cheer Tilly on. Because Tilly is in key stage 1, their sports day is focused on having fun rather then winning. Although the children are sorted into houses and wear sports kits in their house colours, they don't race for medals or house points until key stage 2. I liked this as the children are only young and its nice to just enjoy the day without worrying whether the children will be upset if they don't win.

Every class was split into 2 groups of around 12 children and each group would spend about 5 mins on each of the 12 section. Parents were invited to watch their children and move around the field with their group.

                             

There were a range of event including javelin throwing, running racing, beanbag throwing, an obstacle race and an unusual race where the children had a shopping basket and had to run around collecting toy food! It did look very fun.

Tilly's first race was the sack race. She was very excited as she lined up for her turn. When it can to her turn, she did really well. She was enthusiastic in her jumping but when she got to the cone to turn she colliding with another child and fell over. Although she didn't hurt herself, she burst into tears. Her teacher rushed over to her and helped her back to the line. I didn't want to make a fuss of her as a thought that would make her more upset and she soon went back to smiling with her friends.

A few minutes later she came to the front of the queue again and she didn't hesitate to try again. I was so proud that she didn't give up and so grateful to some of the other parents who had seen Tilly upset and had cheered her on more enthusiasticly the second time around.

Tilly did really well in most of her races. She threw all her bean bags into the hula hoop, won her obstacle race and managed to do the whole egg and spoon race without dropping the egg. However we realised that the space hopper race was maybe not her race as she was doing ok, but gave up after doing about ¾ of the race and just walked the rest of the race still holding onto the space hopper making it waddle behind her. I managed to get this on film and no matter how many times me and Tilly watch it, we can't help but giggle.

After the sports had finished we sat and had a picnic in the field with Tilly's friends. Overall it was a really good day and everyone had a lot of fun and I am really glad I was able to make it.

My JD Williams Bridesmaids Dress

I'm not really a girly girl. I really don't like wearing dresses but I have been asked to be a bridesmaid at my brothers wedding and so will be required to wear a dress. My brothers fiancée told me what sort of thing she wanted but said I could chose it myself so I was comfortable. This left me in a bit of a dilemma as I wanted to respect my brothers wishes and wear a dress but I was struggling to find a dress I liked.

Have You Considered Contact Lenses?

Last year I started wearing glasses but I am always loosing them or forgetting them. I frequently get half way to work before realising my glasses are not on my face!

Tilly made her Brownie Promise

This week Tilly made her brownie promise something that we make a big deal about in my pack. We make sure the girls understand what the promise means and we make the evening about them.

Sofia the First Give away

As you may know, a few weeks ago I attended the BlogOn conference in Manchester. We were all given awesome goody bags full of some really useful bits and bobs.

Gelatine free Sweets

Being a vegetarian there are many foods that I can't eat. Some of these may surprise you. I always have to check the back of packaging because foods that you think may be ok aren't always. 

My Weekend in Manchester

This weekend me, mum and tilly travel to Manchester to attend the BlogOn conference. We were sensible this time around and decided to travel up on the Saturday by train (last year we went by coach and it took too long and we didn't think tilly would cope). This was my second time attending BlogOn so I was very excited.

I'm Going to BlogOn

Hello my name is Kimberley and I will be attending Blog on this weekend. I am super excited but a little nervous as this is my first time representing my own blog. I attended last September but was only there helping mums blog. I am joining in with the ice breaker linky challenge to help people get to know me a little more. So here are my answers.

Share a recent photo of you.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Geeky, caring and friendly

How long have you been blogging and what made you start?

Since September 2016. I started after the last Blog On gave me the confidence.

What is the inspiration behind your blog name?

I wanted something that made it clear what the blog was about and showed off my geeky side.

What is the best thing to come from your blog so far?

I haven't yet received many products from blogging but my blog has given me a lot of confidence to be myself.

Your most remembered thing from your childhood?

Backpacking around Ireland when I was 11

Something interesting you might not know about me is.....

I am constantly losing things. If it is not attached to me it will get left behind.

which social media platform best describes your personality and why?

Twitter as sometimes I can really talk especially if its geek related!

What is your happy song?

I love my music and have too many to mention.

What is your favourite alcoholic drink?

I don't really drink but my favourite is a Cuban

what is your favourite cake?

Chocolate brownies

what is your favourite take away dish?

Pizza

what is your dream holiday destination and why?

Italy, I have always wanted to go to Italy as I have never been and I want to see all the old Roman buildings.

What would your superhero name be?

Supergeek

If you have a magical power what would you want to have and why?

I do a lot of travelling for my job and so would love to be able to travel from one place to another in the blink of an eye.

What one weapon would help you survive a zombie apocalypse?

A chainsaw would probably do it

If you could send something into space what would it be?

Me! as long as I could get back.

What will you have on your gravestone? 

Nothing I am planning on living forever!

You make the headline news around the world in 2 years time... but for what reason?

I invented a way to time travel.

If an EMP wiped out all mechanical forms of transport, how would you get to Blog On?

The Tardis

A Fantastic Giveaway - Win Some Amazon Kindles

I started my blog in September 2016 after attending a Blog On conference in Manchester. Here I met some amazing bloggers from all walks of life who gave me the inspiration and confidence to start up my own blog.

So I'm excited to announce that a few of us have joined together to bring you a fantastic competition. As we have joined forces we are able to make this competition a big one. I would recommend you don't miss this one!

You could be the lucky owner of A kindle Fire HD (8gb)and a Child edition kindle in either pink or blue

 Once again a whole host of amazing bloggers have teamed up to offer you the chance to win a great prize (something we couldn't do individually), but who are this group of amazing people; well check them out:

Party Time at Brownies

This week at brownies one of our leaders celebrated a significant birthday and that means it is party time.

 

How to Make a Homemade Fish Pie

This week at the chequers cookery school, we had quite an interesting session. We made a fish pie. We were shown how to fillet a fish, which is often a lot cheaper then buy pre-filleted fish. The recipe for this fish pie is really simple and uses a lot of what you may already have in your kitchen so I thought I was share it with you now.

Guest Post From Being Tillys Mummy

HI I am vicky and I blog over at www.beingtillysmummy.co.uk with Tilly who is seven. I was asked to blog about a holiday memory and I have always had fantastic holidays and I have been lucky but this was a bit disastrous when it all went wrong.

Home made Chelsea Buns

This week at the Chequers cookery school we made Chelsea buns. Due to it being half turn, those at the Chequers let me bring Tilly along to help (I say help, she spent most of her time making a mess). So here is the recipe for you to try as well. Its not too difficult and is really tasty.

Bioglan Superfoods

Its Easter and so I was offered some products from Bioglan Superfoods. They sent me some of their Cocoa which is a super versatile baking ingredient with many added benefits.

Thank You To Lego

In today's society, people are very quick to complain if anything goes wrong but very few people will speak up and commend a company when they have a positive experience. So I thought I would take the time to tell you about a positive experience I recently had with the company Lego.

How Comfortable Are Hotter shoes?

This week I was invited to Hotter shoe shop in Canterbury for a special blogging event. I was very excited at this as this was my first official blogging event. 

How To Make Your Own Pizza

This week at the Chequers cookery school we made pizza. Pizza is my absolute favourite meal and I eat pizza at least once every couple of weeks. Because I am vegetarian my choice of pizza is limited so I was so excited that I would be able to make my own pizza with any toppings I like. Tilly can also be a bit of a fussy eater at times and so its nice to know I can make pizza for her and a different one for me with anything we want.

Baking Bread From Scratch Recipe

This week at cooking at the Chequers cookery school we made bread. I had never made bread before and always considered making bread something of a specialist skill and not something I thought I could ever do. I was so surprised at how easy it was and there really is nothing better then the smell of freshly baked bread.

Home Made Curry Sauce, Made From Scratch

I decided to become a vegetarian at the age of 8. I was lucky that I had a mum that understood and respected my decision despite other family members not being so understanding. She has always made a vegetarian variety of whatever she made for dinner and I am forever grateful that she has respected my decision.

 My mum has also been attending cooking classes at the Chequers cooking school and this week made a vegetable curry sauce that she would like to share with you all.

World Book Day

So this week, it was world book day, a day where it is customary for many schools to allow their children to come dressed up as their favourite book character. World book day occurs every year and yet this year, my mum forgot!!

Pancakes!!

Today is Shrove Tuesday, better known as pancake day! So I thought I would give you a simple recipe to make your own pancakes from scratch.

World Thinking Day

Today is World Thinking Day. A day celebrated every year on the 22^nd February (the birthday of both Lord Robert Baden-Powell and his wife Olave Baden-Powell) by Girl Guides and Girl scouts from 146 countries World wide.

Randon act of kindness

Today is Random act of kindness day. We all like to think that we are kind and most people are to the ones we love, but how many people have recently done something kind to help a complete stranger without any thought of a reward?

Half Term Shenanigans

As it is half term me and Tilly decided we would go on an adventure. We decided that we would go and meet mum from work as she works in a larger town and we would be able to get a bit of shopping done.

Awesome Home Made Flower Gift Idea

Valentines day, a day where traditionally you buy flowers for one you love. As a child from a one parent family, I like to buy flowers for my mum to show her how much she is loved and although she may not have a man to buy her flowers, she has us.

Recipe for cheese and potato pie

Recently I attended the chequers cookery school again. They run a special group for those with mental health issues to help us gain confidence and make new friends. This week we made a delicious cheese and potato pie that I really enjoyed making (and enjoyed eating!) and so I thought I would share the recipe with you all.

Happy Chinese new year.

Today is Chinese new year and we are entering the year of the rooster. We had a Chinese new year themed day at brownies this week and we told all the girls what animal was the year they were born (I was born in the year of the Monkey). Some of the girls questioned why there are animals in the Chinese calendar and why these particular animals are used. I had no idea and so googled it. Turns out it is based on a Chinese folk story called the Great race. Although there are many variations of the story, I thought I would tell you the story.

The mysterious case of the paint in the night.

This week mum had a work conference in London on Tuesday and therefore was unable to take Tilly to school and asked if I could stay over Monday night and take Tilly to school Tuesday morning. Being the amazing daughter I am, I said yes and headed there Monday night after work.

what it's like being a carer.

I work as a support worker. My job involves visiting the elderly and offering help and support to ensure they can remain independent and remain in their own homes. People frequently comment that my job is admirable and that my job must be really rewarding. However this week I had a bad few days and I did start to wonder why I do this job.

Dry January

Some of my friends are going Dry January. This is where they stop drinking alcohol for the whole of January. Some people are doing it in order to raise money for charity others are just doing it to feel healthier after a lot of alcohol during the Christmas period. I made a comment that I would go dry for January however people commented that I very rarely drink and could do it without trying. This lead to many questions as to why I don't really drink so I thought I would explain it to everyone.

Cooking with Tilly

I love cooking however with my job and its awkward hours, I don't often have any spare time to cook. A few months ago, I was offered a place on a cookery course at the Chequers cookery school. I really enjoyed it and my skills and confidence in the kitchen grew massive.

Welcome to Gallifrey

For a long time the planet Gallifrey (home planet of The Doctor and the Time Lords) was lost, thought to have been destroyed in the time war. However recently, it has been located again so I thought it would be nice to make a guide for people less familiar with the planet.

A Fab Gift Idea

A few days ago I told you about the massive selection box that I made for my mum for Christmas. Today I thought I would show you another gift I made her. This one is less Christmas themed and more a suitable gift idea for any occasion.

my mum the chocoholic!

This year in the run up to Christmas, I was in a very crafty mood and thought it would be nice to make some gifts instead of buy them. Because my family can be incredibly difficult to buy for and it will add the personal touch to my gifts. I couldn't post my ideas on my blog before Christmas as my family read my blog (well they claim to anyway!!). Now that I have given all my gifts, I am able to show you one of my ideas.

my hopes and wishes for 2017

I was nominated by my mum to make a blog post about my wishes for 2017. My 2016 wasn't the best year and I really struggled for a lot of it, however I am in a better place now and I am looking forward to 2017 and here are my wishes.