Race for Life

This weekend me and Chloe completed the Race for Life.

It is the first time I have attended a Race for Life event, and I am so very pleased I did, it was an inspiring day for so many reasons.

We arrived at the venue and I was abit overwhelmed with the sheer number of people taking part, thousands upon thousands of women had turned out to show their support against this disease that touches so, so many people. Every person there with the 'I race for' sign on their back, so many people touched by cancer, so many people showing that they want to help find a cure.

I wrote last month about how my Mother in Law sadly passed away from this disease and how I would be racing in her memory, along with my friend Carole, who was also taken by this disease. Then a few days later we received news from Chloes school that a much respected, and loved teaching assistant had extremely suddenly passed away due to this horrible disease. So Chloe decided she would race in her memory.

Every single sign told a personal story, a unique reason for bringing that person there that day, the sheer volumes of messages proved one thing, cancer is unforgiving and can affect anyone, the signs were for  Mums, Dads, Brothers and Sisters, Uncles and Aunts, Grandparents, Sons and Daughters, friends and simply everyone.

A stark reminder that cancer really does touch too many peoples lives.

The event was so well organised, from receiving the information pack in the post before the event, the pack that came to me was full of information about the very important work cancer research is doing, Chloes pack was  geared at a younger audience and was again full of information about cancer research, wristbands and posters for supporters too really were great and really got Chloe excited to be doing something positive in the wake of the tragedy of her Teachers death.

On the day the atmosphere was brilliant, everyone turned out wearing pink and in high spirits, we choose to join the walkers because it was so very hot. So we had to wait for the runners to set off before we could follow, the heat of course meant it was more important than ever to ensure suncream was worn and obviously we had taken along water to ensure we stayed hydrated, but we were not quite sure how far 5k was having not really done very much training, so the walkers suited us fine.

We walked and jogged our way around the track, the sea of pink both filling the way in front and behind us. I am not sure I have ever been anywhere with so many people all there showing their support to the same cause.

As we approached the finish line the feeling of pride at being part of something so big was ever present coupled with the emotion of the enormity and reality of cancer.

Everyone however was very upbeat and the atmosphere was definitely a happy one, once we crossed the finish line we were  handed our medals and a bottle of water from the Aqua Pura team. Who are official race for life sponsors, they did a fantastic job providing the free water at the end of the race to everyone who took part, they also sponsored me £100 to my Just Giving page  Which gave me the boost I needed to get up and show my support and go along.

Of course with the heatwave the UK is experiencing at the moment it was even more important to ensure everyone kept hydrated in the sun on the day, but even when you are not racing or spending time out in the sun it is extremely important to ensure everyone stays happy healthy and hydrated by making sure you and your family drink enough water each day, which surprisingly most people just don't do.

The Aqua Pura Website has a lot of useful information about how to help keep hydrated and healthy with some great facts too, like a staggering 78% of people are severely dehydrated,  37% of people mistake dehydration as hunger and 60% of our body is made up of water.

Take a look over at the Aqua Pura website for other tips on having an active lifestyle with your family.


I really did enjoy running the race for life, I hope to do it again next year and I may just join the runners then, it is a great way to remember those you've lost to cancer, and do something positive for those still fighting. Not to mention the health benefits in the event itself and the enormous sense of achievement when you complete it.

Because one day, hopefully we will be that step closer to finding a cure

If you want to support Cancer Research, do look out for your local race for life event, or sponsor someone you know who has raced this year. My Just giving link where you can donate if you wish too is here:   http://www.justgiving.com/SarahChloe 

All money donated via my just giving page goes straight to cancer research and will be used to improve lives of those who are currently fighting and those who may have to in the future.

Thank you

Being Optimistic about the school holidays

It is very nearly the summer holidays, 6 weeks off school and away from the routine that come with term time.

I can not wait.

The children are tired and irritable, and ready for the break.

I am not at all concerned about the time away from the structure of the classroom and I won't even mind the cries of 'I'm boooorrrreeedddd' we have nothing firmly planned no holidays booked, so learning to entertain yourself is going to be a key life skill learnt this summer, but then I think about it, and in fact 6 weeks really isn't very much time at all, is it?

When I was putting my three to bed last night I asked them each to think of 6 things they would really like to do this summer, and I promised I would try my best to ensure we could do as many of them as possible, one things per child per week, will mean that we are instantly busy for half of the time.

Thankfully my children understand money isn't free flowing, and are easily occupied with the simple pleasures (bar the odd thing here and there) and so Mikeys list consisted of

• a visit to the beach
• visit to the library
• trip to build a bear workshop
• go swimming
• go on a long bike ride
• and go kickboxing

which is full of things that we can easily achieve (I think he just thought of things he likes to do at weekends!!), Jakes lists was much the same but included going to Games Workshop to play Warhammer 40000 Chloe is yet to finish her list.

I have visions of lazy summer days and spending time with each child individually, happiness and no frustrated tears, although I am not quite sure how I come to these conclusions tho, as I started to type this my three were happily playing in the garden with a school friend,....

 .....and now I have my youngest inside bawling at me about the older ones being mean, shattering my illusion of happiness and laughter.
This may be more like the reality.....


However un detered by this outpouring of frustration and upset which pretty much always occurs when all three are left to play together, I still love the school holidays. Even with the tears and tantrums, as generally these don't last too long (said whilst being very positive!) there are also plenty of great things about not having to go to school.

I love not having to get up early and struggle to pair up the shoes and find matching socks, I love not having to run back home then out to the school again with the missing swimming kit, I love not having to pay out for dinner money, activities and dress up days, I won't miss the mammoth task of organising three children at different schools, keeping track of which reply slip needs to be returned on which day.  I won't miss the guilt of allowing them to still be awake at 8.30pm unwashed and very much wide awake, or the consequences of such late evenings when I arouse groggy children from their slumber at times when I'd rather still be in bed.

No, there  isn't alot of things that I will miss and the 23rd can't come soon enough.

Cup Cakes Supplies from MakeBake

I often read foodie blogs full of beautiful photographs of yummy looking cakes and treats and I wonder if one day I could produce something of the same standard.

The simple reality however is that baking simply doesn't come natural to me, but I often long to give it ago. I am ok with simple cakes, Jam tarts are a speciality and apple crumbles but the more fancy cakes which are nice to look at have never been something I have mastered (just about!)

There are however plenty of useful tips and tricks all over the internet to give you a helping hand on how to make some beautiful cakes. I love BakerGirls blog where she makes the most pretty little cakes and even shows you how to do it too!

Of course me in my own kitchen, I simply don't know where to start without any special baking equipment of my own, I always retreat back to my faithful Jam tarts!

I really shouldn't worry as there are also plenty of suppliers, dedicated to cake making utensils and equipment online too, where you can purchase everything you need to make your cupcake baking that bit more enjoyable hopefully producing some great end results.

One site to have a look at if you want to give Cup Cake making ago is MakeBake this site is dedicated to sugar craft supplies and baking equipment, including all the essentials such as whisks, piping tips and bags.

Here you will also find plenty of cupcake decorations including print your own edible icing, which is great if you are hosting a themed childrens party and want to make some cakes to match your own personal theme, you can print your own photos or what about your childrens favourite character or toy.

I may give it ago and make some lovely Cupcakes for the next birthday party.

This is a sponsored post

Paddeling Pools and Summer fun

I am currently sat outside with my laptop which is a rare occurance, and am sitting listening to the radio whilst watching the children play.

Sounds lovely, but the problem is our garden is not very big at all, since moving house we no longer have the huge open spaces that we used to have.

Ever trying to make the best of what we have, we recently tidied up the garden as it had become abit unloved and unused, after spending last summer away on the canals we had spent very little time or thought behind what we could do in the garden, so last week we brought a swing for the garden and a punch bag for the boys which we thought they would all get more use out of than other garden toys now they are all getting abit older.

These new garden items are great and are being well used, but this weekend with the heatwave that is crossing over the UK the children have been pestering for a paddling pool.

At our old house we were spoilt with space and as such we had several paddling pools and they were a huge part of my childrens summer over the years.

Paddling Pools were a great way for the children to get used to water and learn to swim.

We had so many different types of pools over the years ranging from small pools and water slides

 to the big 10ft family pools.

Of course with such deep pools its important to think about safety and when you have younger children who want to join in with older siblings it helps if you can find a swimsuit which can keep them afloat with an inbuilt buoyancy aid these suits  also help  protected young children from the suns harmful rays. I really like the Zogg Float suit which make a great summer swimwear item for playing in the garden paddling pool or trips to bigger pools or the beach.

Of course its not just the youngsters who need swimwear, my eldest two over the years have been through so many different childrens swimwear items.


Going from swimsuits to long shorts to trunks for the boys and various swimming costumes in all sorts of colours and styles for Chloe. Always looking for something practical and comfy.


I am pleased that Paddling pools were a big part of my childrens early years, and I think I may even have to try to see if we can squeeze one into this garden somewhere, as your never really too old to enjoy a pool are you!

This is a Sponsored Post but all views and photos are my own.

Silent Sunday

Knights in Armour from Scleich

Last year we were lucky enough to be sent some amazing Dinosaurs from the Schleich range, we took the dinosaurs with us out into the woods, to photograph them, and I was amazed with the detail and realism of the figures. I love the photos I took that day, and the post is still hugely popular.

Of course the Dinosaur are still to this day a firm favourite toys too and get taken out to play where ever we go, and can often be found patrolling the garden.

Schleich toys are such  fantastic quality and very much loved by all aged children, they make perfect display pieces and fantastic role play toys that really do allow children to recreate fictional worlds anywhere.

The bedroom rug can become a wilderness landscape or the garden wall a tower that needs defence.

So when we were asked if we would like to look at the new 2013 Knights and armoured beasts range from schleich I jumped at the chance.

We love all medieval things, and already have a large collection of knights from other brands, the fantasy element you can add to the very real aspect of  history sparks wonder and a thirst for knowledge in most children, so its no surprise that knights have been a firm favourite here for the past 10 years.

Schleich figures however are much more detailed than most other figures of their size, they are hand painted and strikingly realistic at approx 3 inch tall, they are perfect hand sized figures and are made to the highest quality safety standards making them ideal toys for all ages.
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In the new range available from June 2013 there are dragons and fantasy beasts, flying griffins and the classic Swordsman and cross bow knights in armour.

We were sent a knight with sword and shield, a crossbow knight and a horseback knight. The Rider on the horse has a magnetic base to hold him onto the horse and his axe can be removed which my boys love. The other two figures  weapons do not remove.

These figures start from around £4.99  the horseback figure is around £9.99 with the larger figures in the range priced at £19.99 making these not the cheapest of toys but for the detail and quality and longevity of these toys they are well worth the price tag.

The knights have fitted straight into the wooden castle we purchased from the early learning centre several years ago, and can turn everywhere into a medieval fortress, my boys love to take them with them where ever they go. Making the whole world into a fantasy fighting ground.

The great thing about Schleich figures is they have very few moving parts which means they withstand being roughhoused, they can be played with in the mud or puddles and can be quickly wiped clean after.

We really do recommend Schleich toys, and with so many themes in the schleich range from fairies to farmyard animals,  you are sure to find something to ignite the imagination of your children, and the beautiful characters will provide hours of entertainment and be loved for many years to come.

Do take a look at the Schleich website to see the full range.

Breastfeeding

I have just seen a video on Youtube which I love and wanted to share

I completely agree with the sentiment behind this video, made by a breastfeeding mother,  it is a strange world when people feel they can not feed their babies in the most natural way for fear of others reactions and bad attitudes.

When I was pregnant with Jake I was 18 years old, I hadn't really given much thought to how I was going to feed my baby, yet when I gave birth I really wanted to give breastfeeding ago, I am not sure if it was my stubborn mentality or the fact I was just lucky, but I stuck at it despite the lack of help or support from any medical profession or my family, and we happily breastfed with very few hic ups.

I do however remember my midwives being shocked at my choice instead of supportive, I remember my own Mum buying me formula and bottles and never really understanding why I would want to breastfeed, and constantly asking when I would be stopping, but I never did open the formula.

Instead over the years I became some what of an lactivist, I wanted to share the message that breastfeeding didn't need to be hidden or an embarrassment, I wanted to help people understand that in fact babies can happily sustain themselves on breast milk, and it really isn't necessary to top up with formula to get through a growth spurt,that the womens body is amazing, all things which I learnt struggling through by myself.

I regrettably weaned my eldest two off the breast around 9 months of age, looking back I wish I had continued for a bit longer, but the 'are you STILL doing THAT' comments just got too much, the 'they need something more' took their toll.

However with Mikey I stood firm, older perhaps, certainly wiser and he self weaned around 20 months of age.

I breastfed in public, in fact I breastfed everywhere, I never hid in toilets, or even in baby rooms, I was however very discreet and I doubt anyone even noticed when I was feeding, certainly not in the early months.

It saddens me to think that many many women however, don't feel they can do that, and crumble much before they try.

The statistics for breastfeeding are shockingly low,  money is tight yet people spend on formula, which should not really be needed, in a well educated society people choose to not listen to the facts.

But more than the simple lack of women willing to stick it out, what frustrates me most is the hushing of the women who actually manage to successfully breastfeed.

It frustrates me to think that society as a whole have made it such that people don't feel they can openly discuss breastfeeding. Those who breastfeed for longer than a few weeks get hushed so much that they don't like to even mention feeding their babies, yet formula feeders openly reach for their bottles.

A breastfeeder slips away to feed, not wanting to offend, not only via showing her chest, but offend other mothers who chose not to, for fear of upsetting them.

Over the years I noticed more and more that any mention of breastfeeding became a source of heated debate, that any positive mention was shouted down, that formula feeding mothers stuck together to defend their parenting decision and perhaps unknowingly, made it harder and harder for breastfeeding mothers to mention the positives.

Even me who was proud of my success, with the years of breastfeeding behind me, found it strangely difficult to give encouragement to a new mum, to defend breastfeeding when surrounded by mothers who shouted about how it was not wrong to bottle feed, mothers who wanted to ensure they were not guilty for taking second best, mothers who did not want to hear how breastmilk is so so much superior, how formula milk is a money making product, not one which is in the best interest of the baby.  Instead I found myself reassuring these formula feeding mothers that indeed it is OK to bottlefeed, I found myself comforting new mothers saying that they did not need to stick at breastfeeding and that frustrates me so much. We should be able to discuss the positives and encourage breastfeeding for what it is - the best natural food for baby.

Breastfeeding isn't always easy, in fact its painful and hard work those first few weeks physically painful, the next months emotionally difficult, constantly defending your decision and worrying what others might think should they notice.

It is however hugely hugely rewarding, and something that needs to be talked about.

Thats why I hope everyone listens to the words in this video and if you know a new mother who is breastfeeding give her some support, encouragement and let her know shes doing a fantastic job, no matter how you chose to feed your own baby, if you have a daughter no matter what the age make breastfeeding normal, tell her mothers feed their babys from their breasts, and hopefully one day the statistics for breastfeeding will rise.