Thursday, 31 October 2013
Halloween Pumpkin Carving: Transformers
TRANSFORMERS!!
Here's how we did it...
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| Scoop out the pumpkin |
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| Using an image for guidance I cut the shapes free hand using a sharp knife |
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| And before I knew it the carving was complete! |
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| Ta da!!! |
What did you carve this year??
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
WIN with Second Time Mummy
Starting on 1st November, I will be hosting a giveaway every single single day!!!!
So if you want to win some special Christmas presents for your loved ones or get your house ready for the festive season then stay tuned!! There's some fabulous prizes planned!!!
Join me on Friday 1st November for Day 1 of....
Good luck!!!
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
REVIEW: Seagate STBV3000200 3TB Expansion USB 3.0 3.5 Inch Desktop HardDrive
Over the last few months we have been reviewing an external hard drive - the 'Seagate STBV3000200' to be precise, which has a massive 3TB of space to add to your computer instantly.
We were really excited to receive it because like most people we don't really do 'real' photographs anymore - everything is digital. We have thousands of images scattered across our laptop memory, iCloud and various USBs so we wanted to ensure everything could be kept together.
Chris tried to get everything set up on the home network for us but we were left a bit disappointed - despite the claims by Seagate that it is compatible with Windows 8, 7 and XP when you actually try to access the configuration, windows 8 compatibility isn't listed. He then selected Windows 7 instead but we had no luck with that either, therefore we had no choice but to leave the hard drive on the default setting. Chris however, runs his net book on Linux and the Seagate shows up on the network on his system.
One thing we had hoped for the hard drive would be that we could back up the photos and videos that are stored on our PS3, but again no luck with that either as the harddrive 'wasn't recognised' onthe Playstaion. In addition, our usb 3.0 router also refuses to connect to the hard drive.*Bad Times*
One good thing about the Seagate is the auto stand-by feature. Our previous hard drives have been plugged in and run constantly - using electric unnecessarily and lowering the life span of the device.
So there you have it, we'll give it a 3 out of 5. Don't get me wrong the hard-drive has proved an invaluable storage facility it's just really frustrating we cant get in to the configuration setting.
Disclosure: We were sent the Seagate 3TB Expansion USB by Tesco Compare Home Insurance
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Sunday, 15 September 2013
What to Wear: Winter 2013
Tartan
Seen on the catwalks of Yves Saint Laurent, Mulberry, Givenchy and Versace, tartan is back and it is THE no. 1 must have for your wardrobe.
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| Red Check Print T-Shirt - New Look - £17.99 |
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| Red Check Jersey Skater - New Look - £14.99 |
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| Tartan Check Leggings - Matalan - £8.00 |
Purple
Violet, mulberry and mauve dominated the runway at Gucci and Elie Saab - it's the perfect colour for those cold winter months. Power to the purple!
TOP PICK
I absolutely adore this burgundy fringed jacket, it's bold textured look makes it a perfect statement piece to invest in. Wear it with skinny jeans for a glam daytime look or dress it up with a classic LBD and some statement gold jewellery. Whatever you wear it with - you'll be the centre of attention! |
| Eyelash Fringe Jacket - River Island - £40.00 |
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| Burgundy Coated Jeans - New Look - £27.00 |
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| Heart Print Skater - Matalan - £14.00 |
Metallics
Metallics here again for winter so dig out your gold, silver and bronze outfits and go from drab to fab in an instant. The metallic trend is just so easy to wear and a great fashion buy because it come back season after season. The great thing about metallic is that it's no longer just a dress it up trend - with items like this sequin tee - daytime casual just got a little bit more glam!
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| Cameo Rose Gold Sequin Tee - New Look - £19.99 |
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| Silver Metallic Scuba Skirt - River Island - £28 |
Oversized Outerwear So many of catwalks this year rocked amazing oversized outerwear - from Vivienne Westwood right through to Chanel and DKNY. If you want to make your own statement this winter then invest in a giganti-coat! Wear with tights or skinnies to avoid looking heavier.
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| Grey Coat - Zara - £89.99 |
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| Tweed Padded Parka - Matalan - £45.00 |
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| Joyce Jacket by Motel - Topshop - £55.00 |
The great thing about this seasons trends are that they are all really wearable for everyone. From metallic and sequin tops right through to mulberry coloured basics. There's so much to choose from - now go - wear the trends people! But don't get the Zara Coat - 'cause I want that one!
How To Block In-App Purchase on iPhones and iPads
Yesterday I got a huge shock when Mister A managed to rack up over £100 pounds worth of purchases on my iTunes account. I didn't even know what had happened until my card got declined in a shop. Mister A is only 6 but he had memorised my password and managed to purchase thousands of crystals in a free Skylanders game that I had downloaded for him. He hadn't even considered that what he was doing was wrong or that he was using real money.
To save the rest of you guys from the trauma, I've pulled together this step by step guide to blocking in-app purchases so hopefully to you can stop the same thing happening to you....
Follow these steps for each device:
1) Tap Settings on your device's home screen.
2) Tap General.
3) Tap Restrictions.
4) Tap Enable Restrictions and enter a 4-digit passcode. This passcode will prevent restrictions from being disabled without your permission.
5) Scroll down to the Allowed Content section. Switch the In-App Purchases option to OFF. You may need to enter your passcode again.
6) Scroll down to the Allowed Content section and find "Require Password 15 minutes". Change the "Require Password" option to "Immediately".
7) Tap the Restrictions button at the top and confirm your selection reads "Require Password Immediately". Now you will be asked for the password on every purchase you make with this device. If you have more than one iOS device you may want to follow these steps on them as well as these settings are device specific.
You should also note that you may need to follow these steps again if you ever restore your device.
Good luck people!!
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Cheap Winter Boots 2013
Dune Toffee Riding Boots
Riding boots are just perfect for Autumn Winter. It's great to wear them with Summer dresses during that awkward transitional phase. It lets me wear my summer dresses for just a little bit longer before the weather hits 0 degrees and I'm in full on knits. These boots are amazing but way out of my price league - I'm a mum on a budget after all - and I just don't have the cash these days. So, to save you all a job, I've been bargain hunting for all of us. Here are my top budget buys ...
First up are these Ambre Studded Western Style Boots are bang on trend and at only £12 from Boohoo
Western Style Boots are great as we come out of Summer - you can wear them with a dress for a festival chic look or with skinnies for a casual daytime outfit. These black studded boots are great - embellishment is key for the season ahead.
If you fancy something a bit lighter for Autumn then these Accomplice Leather Boots from ASOS are perfect and they're only £17.50 (was £55.00)!
The great think about these is the smaller heel - great for a day out shopping - you'll be able to hot foot around all the shops without breaking your back. These will look fab with bluewash skinnies and the essential cable knit that's key for Winter.
I also love these tan Fringe Western Boots from ASOS at only £20 (was £85.00). They're not as easy to wear but the celebs having been wearing them right through the Summer.
If you're after a classic never-go-out-of fashion boot then look no further than and these fab Moda in Pelle Chelsea Boots they're effortlessly stylish and only £39.95 (was £59.99)
Finally, if you're after an Ugg style boot but don't have the pennies then check out these Pinapple Knitted Boots now £15 at New Look (was £29.99)
...or these Board Angels One Button Boots for just £12.99 at M and M Direct but be careful in the rain - these boots aren't known for their waterproof properties!
As for me, I'm still on the look out for some discount riding boots -I'll give you a shout once I find some!!
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
How to Make a Bit of Extra Cash for Christmas
It's only 15 weeks until Christmas and already I'm in a panic about where we are going to find the extra cash for the festive season. There's the presents, the food, extra petrol for visiting all the relatives, not to mention the trip to grotto and the obligatory works night out! Money is tighter than ever so I wanted to share some great ways of making a bit of extra cash for Christmas...
Claim Cashback on Your Purchases
Let's face it, we're all spending, but some of us area little bit savvy when we do. I am a huge fan of Quidco. I joined at the start of the year and already I've earned £150. Every time I shop online I head to their website first to get an idea of the best deals then, provided I head to the stores website via their site, I earn cashback! It's particularly good when you're buying any type of insurance product or a deal with a tie-in like a mobile phone contract or a broadband deal but the pennies soon stack up on all the little purchases too. I'll be doing all of my Christmas shopping using the app so come January I'll have some extra money to look forward to.
Complete 'Paid For' Surveys
The internet offers huge amount of balance-boosting opps. I joined Yougov.com and Toluna.com many years ago - they reward you for your feedback and reviews either by cash or store vouchers. Once you’ve registered on the website, you get sent surveys that match your personal profile. Generally you can earn between 10p and £2 per survey dependent on the time it takes to fill out - it's a gradual earner but it feels like free money to me.
Become a Researcher
You may not have heard of Any Question Answered (63336.com), but they are often on the lookout for internet researchers. It all works when a customer asks a question via text from their mobile phone - it’s the researcher’s job to hunt out the answer and reply online. It's a fab way to earn some extra dough - you can choose your own hours and the questions you answer, and can earn around 30p for every question you answer correctly. Check out their vacancies page for more information.
Review Unsigned Bands
If you love music then check out slicethepie.com - it's a music website that pays 'scouts' to review unsigned bands. It's so easy: just sign up, listen to a track, rate it and write an honest review based on lyrics, harmony, vocals, melody, arrangement, instrumentals etc (you only hear it once so you have to review it then and there). To start with you get $0.15 per review (around 9p), but the more reviews you make the more you get paid – experienced scouts can earn 25p per song. It's well worth a look for any music lover needing some extra pennies.
Clear Out Your Clutter
Chances are you house is full of hundreds of things you don't need any more, whether its cds, toys, clothes baby gear now that your kids have grown up, we all have bits that are surplus to requirements. This is the ideal time to take a step in to the world of car-booting. Take a weekend out of your busy schedule and dedicate you time to pulling everything together ready for one early Sunday morning of selling. It's a fab way of earning some extra money for very little effort. However if getting up at the crack of dawn isn't your thing then try music magpie - they'll buy all of your old computer games and DVDs and they'll even give you cash for clothes!
So there you have it - 5 ways to make some mular with very little effort required. What are you waiting for - go now - go and spread your little extra earning wings!
So there you have it - 5 ways to make some mular with very little effort required. What are you waiting for - go now - go and spread your little extra earning wings!
Monday, 2 September 2013
The One Where I Make a Pledge
Just because I haven't been the gym though, doesn't mean I've been slobbing around on the couch all Summer - no I have ACTUALLY been getting fit (or trying to!)
It all started back in May when I accidently won a place in the National Lottery Back to the Stadium Run. From that day I got up off my ass and started trying to train, and you know what? I actually enjoyed it... so much so that I entered myself in the Liverpool Race for Life 5k too! I was really pleased with the times I ran and since then I've really caught the running bug and I've been going out at 3 times a week to run at least 3 miles. I love it - especially when I get back and I can see how many calories I've burnt!
I've joined Slimming World too - although some heavy drinking over the past 2 weekends have left me back where I started so I need to get back on the wagon.
The reason I'm posting though, is because today I saw a post by the lovely Chelle McCann over at Unique and Chic and that's inspired me to 'Smash it in September'. I pledge to work out at least 20 minutes a day throughout September and blog about my journey along the way on BigMum > LittleMum - yep I'm bringing the extinct yoyo dieting blog back! And by Christmas I'll be wowing you all with my new body - that's a promise!
To find out more about #SmashItSept just click on the image below... in fact why not join in?!
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
The One Where I Accidently Run 5 Miles for Charity
If you follow me on Twitter then you'll know I love entering Twitter comps.. well this one day back in May... I was out shopping (just checking Twitter as you do) when I saw a RT competition being hosted by The National Lottery on Twitter. Without even looking what the prize was I immediately re-tweeted as well as copying and retweeting again on my own feed, then I carried on with the rest of my day.
Later that night the competition popped in to my head and I realised I didn't even know what the prize was! I thought I'd have a look - honestly thinking it would be to win scratch cards or something like that - but to my horror I saw that the prize was a place in a run... yes you heard right... the prize was a 5 mile run!!! Errr no... what the hell?!... I immediately deleted both tweets and wiped the sweat from my brow - phew - imagine if I'd won that - no thanks!!!
The next day my phone bleeped... oooh a Twitter mention *checks phone* - you'll never believe it....
I'd won!! I know... even though I'd DELETED my tweets I'd still won (don't tell Di Coke)!!! It was only then that I looked at what the run entailed... it was 5 miles, yes (nightmare) but it was around the Olympic Park and guess where the finish line was? In the Olympic Stadium!!! The actual finish line that was crossed my hundreds of athletes in last years Olympic and Paralympic games. EPIC.
I'm a big believer in 'everything happens for a reason' so despite my initial shock I decided to embrace it and soon I started heading out for little runs. I downloaded the Couch to 5k app and began to prep. My family was so supportive and soon I actually began to enjoy running. The run was in July so I had a couple of months to train.
In fact, as part of my training, I entered my first ever run - the Liverpool 5k Race for Life. I ran it in 36 minutes and I was ecstatic. I started to believe that I could really do it! Not only that but I could feel myself getting fitter which The days flew by and on 21st July the big day arrived. I was so nervous. 5 miles is so so far when you've never really run before and especially when you've hated running all of your life!
We got up super early and travelled to the Olympic park by bus. Before I knew it I was walking towards the start line and waiting for Sir Chris Hoy to sound the horn for the final wave of runners.
HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONK
I was off, a few weeks of training and here I was running against Paula Radcliffe, Sporty Spice Mel C and Victoria Pendleton!!
The route was immense...
It took us right around the Olympic Park, around the velodrome, past the copper box, past the orbit and the best bit of all the finishing line inside the stadium.
The last few hundred metres entering the stadium was so amazing. As I run underneath the stadium through the tunnel they were playing Chariots of Fire and soon I could see the light from sky and the inside of the stadium. As I ran out on to the track I was completely overwhelmed and tears streamed down my face! The hairs on the back of my neck rose and I began to run the last 200 metres towards the finish line.
After an hour and 2 minutes I finally made it. I crossed the same finish line as all of the wonderful Olympic athletes including Usain Bolt!!
I'm not going to lie... it was tough... but I am so so pleased to say that I managed it in just over an hour and I did it all to raise money for Cancer Research.
Here's my official pics...
And it's not too late to sponsor me either - I didn't make it to my target yet :( Just click through to my JustGiving page to donate.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
The One Where I Learn to Wakeboard
A few weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely people over at Duracell about their new 'Power Me’ campaign. They explained how Duracell were powering people to take the first steps to achieving their goals.
Their ambassador James Cracknell launched the campaign by doing an endurance challenge on the London Eye (you can watch the video at the bottom of this post).
Anyway, they asked me if I had any goals that I wanted to achieve and that really got me thinking. I wrote myself a list of things I wanted to do. The one thing that stood out to me (and the one that I knew I'd need a kick up the bum to do) was learn to wake-board. Chris is really good at it and Ive always wanted to have a go but never had the guts so I replied and the deed was done. I was booked on to my first ever wake-boarding lesson on 28th July - my birthday!
So on Sunday I found myself squeezing in to a wetsuit. Now if I'd actually thought about this for even a second and considered the fact that you would all see me in said wetsuit I'd have probably chosen something different! So here... let's get it out the way...
After donning our helmets and life jackets we entered the water. Here's how I got on...
I have to say, I am so so so surprised that I even managed to stay up for a few seconds - never mind for a whole length of the lake! I absolutely loved every single minute of it. It was such a fabulous day out and the children loved watching us get wet too.
Mister A has made us promise that next time we go he can have a lesson too. I think we've got ourselves a new family hobby!
Huge thanks to Duracell for making this happen. You can see James Cracknell launch the #PowerMe campaign here...
or find out more on the Duracell Facebook page
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Friday, 21 June 2013
BritMums #Hungry2Happy Challenge
The children were excited to get involved to and as soon as the pack arrived we headed straight to Tesco's to pick up a pack of 20 Richmond's Mini Meatballs.
I asked the Mister A & Little E what meal they thought we should make and they came up with a few ideas - pasta, pizza and kebabs.
With minimal ingredients in the house I had to think outside the box but we still managed to come up with some fab meal ideas....
Mummy Meatballs
Mister A came up with the name when he saw the tagliatelle - he said it looked like bandages so we added the passata and placed the meatballs to make eyes and a mouth.
Ingredients
5 Richmonds Mini Meatballs
Tomato Passata
Tagliatelle
Cooking Time
15 minutes
This was so quick and easy to make - and would be great for a Halloween meal!
Instructions
1. Place the tagliatelle in to a pan of boiling water and cook on the hob for 12 minutes or until cooked.
2. When the pasta is almost done place the 5 meatballs on a microwavable plate, cover with clingfilm and cook for 3 minutes (800w)
3. Transfer the pasta from the pan to a colander to drain. Then add the passata to the pan and heat for 2 minutes.
4. Once heated through mix the pasta with the passata and serve.
5. Add the meatballs to make a face!
Flower Puff Pizza
Little E loves pizza butI wanted something even simpler. We had some puff pastry sheets in the fridge already so I decided to use those for the remainder of the recipes because they are so cheap and versitile. She loves flowers at the moment so we used the meatballs to add a bit of fun...
4 Richmonds Mini Meatballs
Puff Pastry Roll
Tomato Passata
Grated Cheese
1 Egg
Preparation Time
3 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Instructions
1. Cut a 15cm x 15cm square out of a puff pastry sheet.
2. Add passata/tomato ketchup to the square - leaving a 1.5cm border around the edge
3. Grate cheese and add it on top of the tomato.
4. Cut 3 of the meatballs in half, leaving one for the centre.
5. Arrange the meatballs in to the shape of a flower.
6. Brush the border edge with egg for extra golden pastry
7. Bake in the oven (Gas mark 7) for 15 minutes.
Meatball Pastry Sticks
Every Friday night after school we have a party picnic. It's a bit of fun for the children and they have a good old sing and dance to their favourite tunes. This recipe was quick and easy and it's perfect for parties...
6 Richmond's Mini Meatballs
Puff Pastry Roll
Grated Cheese
1 Egg
Skewers - run them under cold water before use
Preparation Time
4 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Instructions
1. Cut a strip of puff pastry from your sheet - I used a 1cm thick but you can increase as you wish.
2. Push the pastry on to the stick at the end then add a meatball.
3. Wrap the pastry around the meatball and add on to the stick again.
4. Repeat until you have 3 meatballs on your skewer.
5. Glaze with egg wash the place in the oven for 12 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with grated cheese.
7. Bake for a further 3 minutes.
8. Serve with dips.
Garlic Meatball Parcels
If you fancy something a bit more 'grown up' then we absolutely loved these easy to make cheesy garlic parcels. Serve them with veg and cheese sauce or use for party snacks...
1 Richmond's Mini Meatball per parcel
Puff Pastry Roll
Grated Cheese
Garlic & Herb Cream Cheese
1 Egg
Preparation Time4 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Instructions
1. Cut a strip of puff pastry around 20cm x 7cm.
2. Add a cream cheese across the pastry leaving a 1cm border to close
3. Sprinkle grated cheese on to cream cheese
4. Add a Richmond's Mini Meatball to one side
5. Fold the pastry over to make a parcel
6. Seal and glaze with egg wash
7. Bake in the oven (Gas ark 7) for 10 minutes.
We absolutely love these little balls of fun. They can be cooked in the microwave or in the oven and they are so versatile. Check them out - they're on offer at the moment for only £1 per bag in Tesco.
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| This post is an entry for BritMums’ Hungry to Happy Challenge sponsored by Richmond Mini Meatballs. |
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