So I guess you're wondering about the title eh?! Well let me elaborate on this...
... We all get bogged down with day-to-day life, a few years ago another mummy friend of mine (thanks Sarah MacKay) that instead of dwelling on the things you don't manage to get done, focus on the things you have accomplished!
It's not a 'To Do' list, it's a 'Ta Dah' list!!!
Still don't get it?! Let me show you:
Ta Dah List, Fri 23rd Nov
1. Cleaned up cat sick (7.15am)
2. Had a coffee
3. Made hubby a travel mug of Tea
4. Got girls dressed
5. Sent boy to school
6. Gave girls breakfast
7. Did girls hair
8. Made bed
9. Got dressed
10. Sorted clean washing out
11. Sorted dirty washing into colours
12. Put 1st load washing on
13. Took girls to school
14. Loaded dishwasher
15. Emptied oven
16. Put dishwasher on
17. Sprayed oven with cleaner
18. Got ingredients out for Flapjack
19. Got Hoover out
20. Writing blog! (9.40am)
So as you can see it's already been a very productive & busy day here at Sharp Residence, it's only 9.40am & the Ta Dah list is growing by the minute.
Now you may feel this is silly, but in fact it's a real motivational boost that doesn't take much effort. Writing a list takes a few minutes, but when it's a list of boring every day mundane household chores it puts a complete downer on the day - turn it around & make yourself feel positive about it, make a Ta Dah list instead!!!
It's astounding the actual amount of things we do as stay at home parents (it's not always us girls that do it, there's some house husbands too) but do we often get any credit for it?!? You bet your life no, it is often unnoticed but we carry on working like troopers to keep the home nice & working perfectly like clockwork!!!
So every once in a while, sit back & take a minute to reflect on your achievements in the day, it really does open your eyes to how much we do on an average day. We all deserve more appreciation for our accomplishments, rather than just taken for granted.
Now my blog is pretty much finished (it's 9.50am) so it's back to the chores... Time to hoover & then to scrub the oven clean!
Have a great day all & wear a proud smile for all you've achieved so far, you're all amazing parents - whether you do a day job for a living or look after the home (& children).
Friday, 23 November 2012
Friday, 9 November 2012
Stoptober & beyond!!!
So it's a whole month since I stopped smoking... Go me!
Although it's not as simple as that - I've actually tried to quit 3 times in the past year (I did manage 3 months & 3 days back around Apr-Jul time)!!!
That's after quitting back in Nov 2000 when I quit for almost 9 years, yes 9 years! I should've stayed quit then I know.
But, I stupidly restarted in Oct 2009 & I have pretty much regretted it ever since! I've not shown my children a good example at all really, apart from never smoking in the house.
But this is it I am determined now, the past month has not been that easy... there's been quite a few occasions where I could've buckled & given into temptation but NO I WILL NOT - I'm a non-smoker & proud!!!!!
I just thought I'd share this with y'all as I really am proud of the fact that I've not buckled & been weak, there have been times I've walked to town thinking I could just buy 10 - but my will power has been strong & I've carried on walking, I may have had an extra coffee or two in the process (my poor Costa card is not so flush these days) but it's been worth it!
I will continue on being a non-smoker & encouraging/supporting both my husband who's also smoke-free now, but also our friends who've quit as well! Some have done longer than us: well done Wifey, I am extremely proud of you!!! Others have just started their smoke-free journey, but I am sure they can do it if they put their minds to it & stay focused.
It's so much better for you, clothes smell fresher (so does your breath), your senses improve (better smell & taste), no more standing in the cold or wet when out socialising, the health benefits are great - the only downside is boredom & not getting into the trap of over eating to compensate!
Forever a non-smoker now & I will endeavour to teach my children right from wrong, in the hope that they never take up this bad, ugly habit EVER! I wish I'd never had & I really hope they never do!!!
Here's to not smoking, being a non-smoker & becoming smoke-free for life... Good Luck to all others trying to quit or quitting, it's not simple but it is worth it in the end.
Although it's not as simple as that - I've actually tried to quit 3 times in the past year (I did manage 3 months & 3 days back around Apr-Jul time)!!!
That's after quitting back in Nov 2000 when I quit for almost 9 years, yes 9 years! I should've stayed quit then I know.
But, I stupidly restarted in Oct 2009 & I have pretty much regretted it ever since! I've not shown my children a good example at all really, apart from never smoking in the house.
But this is it I am determined now, the past month has not been that easy... there's been quite a few occasions where I could've buckled & given into temptation but NO I WILL NOT - I'm a non-smoker & proud!!!!!
I just thought I'd share this with y'all as I really am proud of the fact that I've not buckled & been weak, there have been times I've walked to town thinking I could just buy 10 - but my will power has been strong & I've carried on walking, I may have had an extra coffee or two in the process (my poor Costa card is not so flush these days) but it's been worth it!
I will continue on being a non-smoker & encouraging/supporting both my husband who's also smoke-free now, but also our friends who've quit as well! Some have done longer than us: well done Wifey, I am extremely proud of you!!! Others have just started their smoke-free journey, but I am sure they can do it if they put their minds to it & stay focused.
It's so much better for you, clothes smell fresher (so does your breath), your senses improve (better smell & taste), no more standing in the cold or wet when out socialising, the health benefits are great - the only downside is boredom & not getting into the trap of over eating to compensate!
Forever a non-smoker now & I will endeavour to teach my children right from wrong, in the hope that they never take up this bad, ugly habit EVER! I wish I'd never had & I really hope they never do!!!
Here's to not smoking, being a non-smoker & becoming smoke-free for life... Good Luck to all others trying to quit or quitting, it's not simple but it is worth it in the end.
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Notes of Positivity
What a nice pleasantry I was greeted with as I went too post a letter this morning...
There stuck to the post box was a post-it note style heart with a little quote!
It brightened my day as I'd had a bit of bother before school with Miss Hermione & I was feeling a little deflated with the weather, not having smoked for 29 days either so I couldn't stress relief (don't get me wrong, I'm NOT going back to that EVER) - the note said: The most time wasted is the time spent thinking we are alone :)
At that moment I thought to myself 'not a truer word said' I'm not the only parent that goes through battles with their children before school - but actually when you're at home having whatever issues/arguments/battles with your child/children it sometimes actually feels like you are!
I bumped into bestie Jason & pointed it out to him, saying I'd been inspired by it to blog: both on here & also on my photographic blog too!
We walked down Sheep Street I spotted another on the bench (opposite D2), then another on the town clock & bestie spotted another down Crown Walk on 'The Works' window!!!
As we parted ways bestie said to keep my eyes peeled for more post-it hearts... I spotted 3 others but the 2 I read weren't as inspiring as the 4 I'd already took photos of & the third I didn't manage to get close enough to even read it!
I am curious as to where these notes came from, as the handwriting is different on each note... Was it a project? Did someone think it was just a nice idea? I just don't know!!!
All I know was: it caught my attention & brightened my day, for which I am thankful... How many other people spotted these little cute quotes dotted around town today?!
A truly delightful little surprise on what turned out to be a dreary day, my find is STILL making me smile :0)
There stuck to the post box was a post-it note style heart with a little quote!
It brightened my day as I'd had a bit of bother before school with Miss Hermione & I was feeling a little deflated with the weather, not having smoked for 29 days either so I couldn't stress relief (don't get me wrong, I'm NOT going back to that EVER) - the note said: The most time wasted is the time spent thinking we are alone :)
  |
| 'The most time wasted is the time spent thinking we are alone' |
At that moment I thought to myself 'not a truer word said' I'm not the only parent that goes through battles with their children before school - but actually when you're at home having whatever issues/arguments/battles with your child/children it sometimes actually feels like you are!
I bumped into bestie Jason & pointed it out to him, saying I'd been inspired by it to blog: both on here & also on my photographic blog too!
We walked down Sheep Street I spotted another on the bench (opposite D2), then another on the town clock & bestie spotted another down Crown Walk on 'The Works' window!!!
As we parted ways bestie said to keep my eyes peeled for more post-it hearts... I spotted 3 others but the 2 I read weren't as inspiring as the 4 I'd already took photos of & the third I didn't manage to get close enough to even read it!
I am curious as to where these notes came from, as the handwriting is different on each note... Was it a project? Did someone think it was just a nice idea? I just don't know!!!
All I know was: it caught my attention & brightened my day, for which I am thankful... How many other people spotted these little cute quotes dotted around town today?!
A truly delightful little surprise on what turned out to be a dreary day, my find is STILL making me smile :0)
Monday, 8 October 2012
Unique Freak & Proud!
Yes... That's me!
Why do I say that? Well there's a few reasons but the top being my epilepsy - I've always had it my original Dr said I was just prone to black outs, but it took a change of surgery & then to 2000 after a referral to the Old Radcliffe when I was 26 to get first diagnosed, then just after I had Anneliese in 2007 there was much debate from my then neurologists if in fact I did have epilepsy & it took countless appointments, tests, scans to this September (21st, 2012) to have it 100% confirmed & permission to start taking medication to control the wretched condition!
Now as if that isn't bad enough..... I yet again am one of the 'rare' cases that has a severe allergic reaction to the medication they've tried to start me on - I had a severe allergic reaction back in 2006 (I was covered in hives from my thighs to my ankles) when they tried to put me on Fluoxetine (Anti-D meds) & had to come off them gradually (tablet every other day for a week I think it was).
Almost an identical reaction happened this time (I've had various side effects since starting on the lowest dose (2.5 weeks ago), I had only just got 1/2 way through the first week of 1 x 25mg Lamotrigine tablet twice a day) but this time I was starting my Anti-Epileptic meds, this major reaction came on out of the blue last night so straight to Dr's this morning & told in no uncertain terms Do Not take anymore! I was obviously worried about coming off to quick & risk of seizure, but Dr said this was better than being weaned off as reaction could be MUCH worse if I did that.
I dread to think what might've happened if I'd continued to take them?! So now I have to take allergy meds for the next 4-5 days or so till the reaction clears & I get to start another Anti-Epileptic med in 1-2 weeks time when this is safely out of my system.
It's hard to describe how intense the burning itch feels, I've hives from my belly button right to the soles of my feet & a few odd ones on my arms... It's hideous!!!
Check the pics if you don't believe me - the foot on the beige sofa was at 2:15 this afternoon, the others were taken just before I wrote this blog at 22:55, not much improvement from the allergy pill is there???
Still I'm uniquely me & like to be different!
Why do I say that? Well there's a few reasons but the top being my epilepsy - I've always had it my original Dr said I was just prone to black outs, but it took a change of surgery & then to 2000 after a referral to the Old Radcliffe when I was 26 to get first diagnosed, then just after I had Anneliese in 2007 there was much debate from my then neurologists if in fact I did have epilepsy & it took countless appointments, tests, scans to this September (21st, 2012) to have it 100% confirmed & permission to start taking medication to control the wretched condition!
Now as if that isn't bad enough..... I yet again am one of the 'rare' cases that has a severe allergic reaction to the medication they've tried to start me on - I had a severe allergic reaction back in 2006 (I was covered in hives from my thighs to my ankles) when they tried to put me on Fluoxetine (Anti-D meds) & had to come off them gradually (tablet every other day for a week I think it was).
Almost an identical reaction happened this time (I've had various side effects since starting on the lowest dose (2.5 weeks ago), I had only just got 1/2 way through the first week of 1 x 25mg Lamotrigine tablet twice a day) but this time I was starting my Anti-Epileptic meds, this major reaction came on out of the blue last night so straight to Dr's this morning & told in no uncertain terms Do Not take anymore! I was obviously worried about coming off to quick & risk of seizure, but Dr said this was better than being weaned off as reaction could be MUCH worse if I did that.
I dread to think what might've happened if I'd continued to take them?! So now I have to take allergy meds for the next 4-5 days or so till the reaction clears & I get to start another Anti-Epileptic med in 1-2 weeks time when this is safely out of my system.
It's hard to describe how intense the burning itch feels, I've hives from my belly button right to the soles of my feet & a few odd ones on my arms... It's hideous!!!
Check the pics if you don't believe me - the foot on the beige sofa was at 2:15 this afternoon, the others were taken just before I wrote this blog at 22:55, not much improvement from the allergy pill is there???
Still I'm uniquely me & like to be different!
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Meet the Angels
Now if you're a friend of mine on Facebook you may well have already had the pleasure of meeting my angels either in the flesh or through my photos, if not you may well be wondering what on Earth I am talking about?!
Earlier in the year I came across a most talented lady Louise Clark, she is truly amazing in her work & I'm just working out what gifts I am ordering from her for Christmas. I digress, sorry...
As I said I came across Lou & her work on Facebook, I can't remember where I first saw her but I haven't looked back since finding this wonderful lady & artist!
My first piece of glasswork from Lou is a lovely little wall hanging of a cupcake, seeing as I bake a lot I thought it was an apt little thing to hang on my wall so I brought one.
Well, my love of Lou's work didn't stop there I ordered a beautiful hanging for Cameron's teacher with some tulips on (her fav flowers) & the wording Thanks Mrs Clark - she loved it! I also got a little Dino hanging for my friends sons Christening which also went down well (I don't have pictures of these pieces on my iPod, sorry).
But I spotted back in June I think it was that Lou made angels, they were so pretty then she shared a picture of Wonky a pretty little angel who's eyes were slanted & she was well a little wonky hence the name!
This inspired me as Lou had posted picture of Wonky in various scenarios & I thought what a good idea, I love my photos & a unique angel like Wonky would be ideal!
Lopsy was then born... She is gorgeous & my little lopsided baking angel, she has a cupcake on her dress!
Now Lopsy has been on many adventures, but she was lonely & Looby Blu her cousin soon came to stay -she is much slimmer & has a little mug on her dress, don't figure how she is so slim as she drinks gallons of hot chocolate from her mug!
Soon Lopsy's non-identical twin sister La La came to stay with us too, she has a little coffee bean on her dress as she loves latte as much as I do & is a little crazy cause of all the caffeine!
I've yet to take all 3 out on a day trip, but the day will come...
My glass collection is growing nicely & it's all thanks to Louise, you can find her website here: www.iridescentglassdesign.co.uk
She also has a gorgeous page on Facebook where you can follow Wonky's adventures too!
Earlier in the year I came across a most talented lady Louise Clark, she is truly amazing in her work & I'm just working out what gifts I am ordering from her for Christmas. I digress, sorry...
As I said I came across Lou & her work on Facebook, I can't remember where I first saw her but I haven't looked back since finding this wonderful lady & artist!
My first piece of glasswork from Lou is a lovely little wall hanging of a cupcake, seeing as I bake a lot I thought it was an apt little thing to hang on my wall so I brought one.
Well, my love of Lou's work didn't stop there I ordered a beautiful hanging for Cameron's teacher with some tulips on (her fav flowers) & the wording Thanks Mrs Clark - she loved it! I also got a little Dino hanging for my friends sons Christening which also went down well (I don't have pictures of these pieces on my iPod, sorry).
But I spotted back in June I think it was that Lou made angels, they were so pretty then she shared a picture of Wonky a pretty little angel who's eyes were slanted & she was well a little wonky hence the name!
This inspired me as Lou had posted picture of Wonky in various scenarios & I thought what a good idea, I love my photos & a unique angel like Wonky would be ideal!
Lopsy was then born... She is gorgeous & my little lopsided baking angel, she has a cupcake on her dress!
Now Lopsy has been on many adventures, but she was lonely & Looby Blu her cousin soon came to stay -she is much slimmer & has a little mug on her dress, don't figure how she is so slim as she drinks gallons of hot chocolate from her mug!
Soon Lopsy's non-identical twin sister La La came to stay with us too, she has a little coffee bean on her dress as she loves latte as much as I do & is a little crazy cause of all the caffeine!
I've yet to take all 3 out on a day trip, but the day will come...
My glass collection is growing nicely & it's all thanks to Louise, you can find her website here: www.iridescentglassdesign.co.uk
She also has a gorgeous page on Facebook where you can follow Wonky's adventures too!
Almost over...
Yes it's true, the school summer holidays are almost over. The children finished on Friday, July 20th & already it is August 21st - just over a month & 4.5wks in!
6.5 wks is such a long time for the school holidays (especially if you have no holiday or short break away planned) now my children have been fortunate enough to have had 5 days at their grandparents in Hayes & my youngest Anneliese also had a weekend away with her best friend Trinity.
But the thing is after a couple of weeks off, they're put of routine, bored & driving each other crackers (in turn this drives me crackers) - I love my children & love spending time with them, but the summer holidays is my most feared holiday from school out of them all.
I never seem to 100% enjoy them, not only do I have the day-to-day chores of looking after the house but I also have to amuse the children all day every day for almost 2 months! That's a long time, the older they get the more demanding I find.
Now when they're tiny they're so easy to please, trips to the park, drawing, puzzles, pretend play, crafts, it's just fun... Not do easy now, the park is loosing appeal with the older two especially (Anneliese still quite enjoys it), playing outside doesn't appeal to Cameron much, also this year the weather hasn't helped.
Everything exciting is too far away or too damn expensive... I would hop on a bus to Oxford for a cinema trip but that would cost a small fortune for me & 3 children over 5! Mind you hopefully with the town development this will be not so expensive next year when we have our own cinema in town!
It's been an expensive summer without day trips out in all fairness though, with Cameron off to secondary school this September & the need for new lunch boxes, plimsoles, shoes, trainers for the girls, the cost of Cameron's kit for secondary school must've grossed £150 alone for uniform, bags, pe kit, shoes, stationary etc!
So what's in store for the next couple of weeks?! Nothing planned as such except on Saturday myself & Anneliese have eye tests (mine is not due till Nov, but been having issues with my eyes) fortunately both Cameron & Hermione had theirs earlier in the year & both have fine vision without the need for glasses (yet) - I fear I may need new glasses & possibly to have to wear full time "/
Well, I will try to blog about something more exciting before the school holidays are through... Not sure what it'll be about though!
6.5 wks is such a long time for the school holidays (especially if you have no holiday or short break away planned) now my children have been fortunate enough to have had 5 days at their grandparents in Hayes & my youngest Anneliese also had a weekend away with her best friend Trinity.
But the thing is after a couple of weeks off, they're put of routine, bored & driving each other crackers (in turn this drives me crackers) - I love my children & love spending time with them, but the summer holidays is my most feared holiday from school out of them all.
I never seem to 100% enjoy them, not only do I have the day-to-day chores of looking after the house but I also have to amuse the children all day every day for almost 2 months! That's a long time, the older they get the more demanding I find.
Now when they're tiny they're so easy to please, trips to the park, drawing, puzzles, pretend play, crafts, it's just fun... Not do easy now, the park is loosing appeal with the older two especially (Anneliese still quite enjoys it), playing outside doesn't appeal to Cameron much, also this year the weather hasn't helped.
Everything exciting is too far away or too damn expensive... I would hop on a bus to Oxford for a cinema trip but that would cost a small fortune for me & 3 children over 5! Mind you hopefully with the town development this will be not so expensive next year when we have our own cinema in town!
It's been an expensive summer without day trips out in all fairness though, with Cameron off to secondary school this September & the need for new lunch boxes, plimsoles, shoes, trainers for the girls, the cost of Cameron's kit for secondary school must've grossed £150 alone for uniform, bags, pe kit, shoes, stationary etc!
So what's in store for the next couple of weeks?! Nothing planned as such except on Saturday myself & Anneliese have eye tests (mine is not due till Nov, but been having issues with my eyes) fortunately both Cameron & Hermione had theirs earlier in the year & both have fine vision without the need for glasses (yet) - I fear I may need new glasses & possibly to have to wear full time "/
Well, I will try to blog about something more exciting before the school holidays are through... Not sure what it'll be about though!
Thursday, 2 August 2012
CBA...
Quite literally, I don't have enough time or hours in the day to keep checking FB...
So if you want me text me, those that matter have my number & if you want my number you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to find it out!
If for any weird reason you cannot text me, send me an email (again no super sleuth skills needed to obtain this) I have far too much to do & just don't have the time to keep checking if I have PM's or comments on my page.
If it's cake related email me at: sophisticakez@live.co.uk please, otherwise with all my usual emails & spam it will get lost if you send to my normal email account!!! Lol.
You will probably notice blogs, instagrams or activity on my cakey page around FB, but that's about it as I just don't have the time right now - don't miss me too much?! Ok???
So if you want me text me, those that matter have my number & if you want my number you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to find it out!
If for any weird reason you cannot text me, send me an email (again no super sleuth skills needed to obtain this) I have far too much to do & just don't have the time to keep checking if I have PM's or comments on my page.
If it's cake related email me at: sophisticakez@live.co.uk please, otherwise with all my usual emails & spam it will get lost if you send to my normal email account!!! Lol.
You will probably notice blogs, instagrams or activity on my cakey page around FB, but that's about it as I just don't have the time right now - don't miss me too much?! Ok???
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