{ask me anything...}

Kate over at Kate on Thin Ice has tagged me in a meme. Basically I've 11 questions to answer, so here goes...

1. Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors?

I'm happiest when I'm snuggled up in my bed!! 

That said, I don't mind being outdoors and I do think fresh air is good for the soul. It's all about having the right gear, especially seeing as Glasgow is wet most of the time! I recently invested in a pair of North Face boots (although my feet got soaking in the rain, which isn't ideal...I was under the impression they were water resistant!). I also have a fab North Face parka which is super cosy & I love it!

{Glasgow Mummy on Instagram}

Roll on Spring... It was sunny today & boy did it lift my mood!

2. Housework – love or loathe?

Loathe! I had a cleaner in my old house - I'd much rather pay someone to clean so I could spend more time with the kids doing arts & crafts, baking etc.

Now I can't afford a cleaner but my house is much smaller so it's more manageable anyway... 1 bathroom instead of 4!

It's tidy, most of the time, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's clean :-/ Again, we'd rather be jumping on the trampoline instead of running around with the Hoover!

I had devised a cleaning schedule but haven't actually stuck to it as yet!!!

3. What item would you love to find for a £1 in the charity shop?

The massive gem necklace that was in the movie Titanic... that would solve all my money worries!!

4. Who inspires you?

My children

5. What song or piece of music cheers you up?

At the moment it's song Trumpets by Jason Derulo. Makes me smile every time I hear it on the radio! I also really like Storm Queen, Look Right Through. 

I also love old school classics from the 90s :)

It's well documented that my taste in music is shocking!!

6. Which country would you most like to visit?

Australia and Japan, and they're on my list.

7. What makes you a good enough mum?

I love my children from the bottom of my heart. They think I'm a good mum, and a cool one too! (Although the eldest is going through a phase where he is saying he hates me which isn't so nice!). I'm an active parent... and I think that's what makes me a good enough mum. I get involved in everything that they do & we spend quality time together every day that they're with me.

8. What is the best advice you ever received?

Buy a good mattress (advice from my parents). My bed is from Robinsons Beds in Shawlands and it has been the best investment ever, seriously! Robinsons Beds are a local family business (one of the reasons I chose a bed from them) and they manufacture the beds and mattresses at their factory in Shawlands. It's important to look after your back... It's what keeps us standing!! I go to the dentist every 6 months, but what good is a full set of teeth (minus three of my wisdom teeth!!) if you end up crippled with back problems (advice from Perth Mummy). I try and see my chiropractor every 6 months too & what a difference! I could hardly walk in the lead up to my daughters birth & still struggled after she was born. One session (yes, just the one!) at the chiropractor sorted me right out! I swear by it.

I love my bed!

9. What would make you give up blogging?

Tough one. I certainly don't want to give up blogging. I love my blog & it's my creative outlet. I think the only thing that would make me give up would be if there was some kind of threat on our safety or the like.

10. Which celebrity do you wish could disappear from our television screens?

I rarely watch television, choosing instead to watch films and TV series on Netflix. I also don't read newspapers and rarely read gossip magazines (I tend to catch up on celeb news at the hairdresser!!). Can't think of anyone I'd want to disappear!

11. You have a magic lamp with 3 wishes that can come true. What are those wishes?

To be healthy

To be happy

To be loved

I think I'm supposed to come up with another 11 questions and tag 11 other bloggers, but I'm leaving it open... if you wish to join in then please do, just use the same questions above! (In my defence, I'm feeling rotten - I have dry socket following a wisdom tooth removal. I'm in pain and am on antibiotics. I just want to go to bed!!).

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{Highs and Lows of 2013 - Happy New Year}

Kate from Kate on Thin Ice has invited me to take part in her Highs and Lows of 2013.

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I took part in this last year, and it's actually really interesting to look back at what I wrote. You can find the post here.

Anyway, here are my answers for this year...

1. What was your happiest event?

My dad and his wife Jo moved back to Scotland. Welcome home Grandad & Nanny Jo :-)

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

My close friends have had to deal with some very sad situations, I'm not going to list them all here - you know who you are. I still can't comprehend why bad things happen to good people.

3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen?

Despite hoping, wishing and planning, I didn't think it would actually happen... but we sold the marital home and I'm now settled in a new house.

4. Who let you down?

Last year I said that it was myself that let me down, and I think I'd probably still agree with this. There's been a lot of change this year though and I'm learning to be more confident and assertive.

5. Who supported you?

I've been seeing a counsellor on a weekly basis, since the summer time. I've come on leaps and bounds since then.

6. Tell us what you learned.

Everything happens for a reason.

You can't do it all... take help when it's offered. I had a horrific eye infection earlier this year that took two courses of oral antibiotics to get rid of it. This all came at a time when both little ones had chicken pox. It was tough.

7. Tell us what made you laugh.

My amazing boyfriend makes me laugh all the time. And he's handsome too! I'm feeling very lucky.

8. Tell us the things that made you cry.

Turns out I'm a weeper... I've cried lots this year. Over silly stuff. Songs on the radio, at scenes in movies (that aren't even upsetting!)... I've cried talking to my counsellor, I've cried talking to friends & family... I've had friends that have had to deal with horrific things this year, and I've cried for them. I'm hoping that in 2014 there will be less tears and more laughter, for all of us.

9. Tell us the three things your child or children did to make you feel proud.

This is an easy question to answer... I can think of three big changes that my little ones have done that have made me super proud:

The littlest has made the transition from her cot to a big girl bed, and she's been an angel. Staying in her big girl bed all night.

In addition, she is wearing big girl pants, and is dry through the night. No more nappies!

My son has given up his dummy. Santa took it on Christmas Eve and replaced it with a Batman cuddly toy. He's asked for it only twice since it went.

10. Tell us the things that made you proud of yourself.

This year, I went to my ex's house on Christmas morning and had breakfast with him (& my sister came too) before the kids woke up and opened their Santa presents. I'm glad that we're able to be civil with each other and I'm proud of the way I've dealt with the situation over this year and last.

I'm also getting much better at making big decisions on my own (with a bit of help/advice from others). This month we sold my car (a 4x4) and I downsized to a saloon...this will save me so much money in the long run. I picked the car (nearly) by myself and I'm really happy with my decision.

I've also hit my highest page views on the blog this month. I'm rather proud of that too :-)

11. Tell us the challenges you overcame.

Standing up for myself when dealing with others. I'm still not there yet, but I've certainly improved since last year.

Last year one of the parenting challenges I was dreading was ditching the dummies, but we did it and it wasn't as much of a big deal as I had anticipated.

I also successfully completed the Project 333 challenge... living with 33 items for 3 months.

12. Tell us the things you would like to change about your life in 2014.

Simple, I'd like to get divorced, draw a line under that chapter in my life and move on.

Hope you enjoy the new year celebrations, and I wish you happiness, health & success in 2014.

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{The Autumn Tag}

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Lauren over at Living in a Boxx has tagged me in 'The Autumn Tag' meme.  Happy to participate :-)

Favourite thing about Autumn...

Like Lauren, it's got to be the leaves changing colour. I love the crispness in the air, being outside wrapped up all snuggly warm (in my super cosy North Face parka!) and the little red cheeks that me and the kids get from being outside!

I'll be drinking...

Mulled wine for me please, or a hot Ribena! At the moment I have a mug of Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch in front of me which I warmed up in the microwave. It's delish!

Favourite scent...

I'm wearing Gucci Guilty Black right now and my other current fragrance is Jean Paul Gaultier Ma Dame, which was a gift from a certain gentleman! ;-)

Best lipstick...

I'm still wearing my M&S lipgloss - I love the coral one. I've also been using Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream on my lips. 

Go to moisturiser...

I'm awful I know, but I rarely moisturise my skin. For a while I was really good and I was using Dermalogica skin smoothing cream. I need to get back into good habits again... the disarray at the new house isn't helping matters as at the moment I have no idea where any of my creams are!!

Eye colour...

I have been using MAC Shroom, Satin Taupe and Black Tied for over a year now and I love the colours. Can highly recommend them. I'm all for a bit of sparkle & glitter regardless of the season!

Favourite singer/band...

My taste in music is pretty horrendous. I'd also quite happily start listening to Christmas music now if I could get away with it. You have permission to whack me over the head, lol!

Outfit of choice...

At the moment it's got to be my grey skinny jeans from Tu at Sainsburys. They fit well and can be dressed up or down. Love them!

The place to be...

In my new house!! Love it here so much, it already feels like home.

I am going to tag the following bloggers:

AnneeApple

Clare @ Its Ups and Downs

Ali & The Grey House

Laura @ Life as an Hourglass

You're welcome ;-)

{Liebster Award}

@SM75 from The Life of a Single Man has tagged me to take part in a meme.

Turns out I've done a similar meme to this one before, but I shall participate anyway.

The rules are that you have to share 11 facts about yourself, answer 11 questions that have been asked (in my case by @SM75), ask 11 questions and then tag 11 other bloggers to participate.

So here goes...

11 facts

1. I have a cat called Onion. His brother Pickle lives with my sister, @the_grey_house
2. My favourite colour is grey
3. I love being the hostess
4. I miss my mum
5. I take my tea with milk, no sugar. I don't drink coffee
6. I have a PhD
7. I love stationery
8. I'm addicted to cakes and sweets
9. I rarely iron
10. I'm scared of spiders
11. I don't like driving (I've put 'go on an advanced driving course' onto my 35 at 35 list in an attempt to improve my confidence)

11 questions for me

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in June 2011. My friend Becky had been blogging about her wedding planning and I thought it would be good to share some of the things that I've been learning on my journey through motherhood. There's a bit of parenting, shopping, DIY, fashion, art & craft... all the things that I love.

2. Do you have any secrets you will go to your grave with?

No - I'm rubbish at keeping secrets.

3. If people could read your mind, what would surprise them?

Nothing. I'm pretty transparent and share most things - see answer to question above!

4. What one thing would you change about yourself and why?

My sausage fingers and wrinkly neck

5. If you were to have another child, what would you name him/her and why?

Harrison and Sophie were two names that I had picked out, but I won't be having anymore children. After the experience of being ill with obstetric cholestasis during both my pregnancies, delivering at 33 weeks with my son and then the tough year I had after his birth - I don't think I could copy physically and emotionally with another pregnancy/tiny baby. I'm very lucky to have two healthy, happy toddlers.

6. Have you ever left a restaurant without paying?

No, I'm far too honest.

7. Where's the best holiday you have ever had and why?

I've been on a few amazing holidays. One of my favourites was South Africa.

A photograph I took of an elephant when my then fiance & I were on safari

8. As you've moved into adulthood, have you become like your mum or dad?

I think I have traits from both my parents - thoughtfulness and creativeness from my mum and my technical and scientific abilities from my dad. I grew up thinking I had pretty cool parents, so I'd be happy if I was like them.

9. What's the one thing in your life that, if you died because of it, people who knew you well would just shrug and say "well, I'm not surprised"?

Eating too much chocolate, cake or sweets.

10. What's the one food you hate more than any other?

I'm not a fan of eating meat or fish on the bone.

11. Who was the baddie in any childhood nightmares you used to have?

If I'm honest I can't remember... I'd have to ask my dad and see if he knows.

11 questions from me

I'm going to be lazy and re-use the same questions I set last time round (please forgive me folks - I'm really busy!).

1. Have you ever been pulled over by the traffic police?

2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?3. What is your favourite flavour of crisps?4. What's the last movie you watched?5. What is your favourite thing to wear?6. What does your last text message say?7. What were you doing at 12 noon yesterday?8. What is your most treasured memory?9. What do you think is the single best decision you've made in your life so far?10. Do you have a pet?11. What is on your bedside table?

11 bloggers

1. Ali at The Grey House
2. Roz at The Olive Dragonfly
3. Crysta at A Hat Full of Wool
4. AnneeApple
5. Lauren at Living in a Boxx
6. Laura at Life as an Hourglass
7. Clareybear at Its Ups and Downs
8. Kate at The Naked Mum
9. The Rambling Pages
10. Lauren at You Big Eejit
11. Wee Scottish Wedding

Over to you...

{Highs and Lows of 2012}

Kate  over at Kate on Thin Ice has started a great blog hop meme-thing  asking what our highs and lows of 2012 were.

So here are my answers to her all important questions...

1. What was your happiest event?

There have been a few big events this year for the Glasgow Mummy family. One of the happiest was my little sister's wedding, and in the run up to the wedding there was an amazing circus-themed hen party. Others include my daughter's first birthday party where we hosted an afternoon tea party at the house. There was also my son's 3rd birthday, one of my best friend's weddings, attending the Scottish Fashion Awards and even some of the smallest of things have been the happiest of days... such as taking the kids to the local park after what felt like weeks of bad weather.

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

Saying goodbye to one of my best friends who emigrated to Australia in October. I miss you guys so much.

3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that actually went ahead and did?

Hmmm... this is the question that I've found to be the toughest, and have left it last to complete.

There were a lot of things that at the start of 2012 I thought were unlikely. I saw in the New Year as a newly single mum with two screaming, ill babies (I'm so grateful to Becky who came over with her husband to keep me company that night). I had no idea how the year would pan out and at the time I thought I'd never be happy. But here I am, smiling and feeling very positive about 2013. What a difference a year makes... 

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4. Who let you down?

I'd probably say I've let myself down at times. I wish I was more assertive and a bit stronger for dealing with difficult situations. I've come through a lot, but I think I've still got a way to go.

5. Who supported you?

My friends have been amazing...old & new, real & virtual... and my best friend, who just also happens to be my sister.

6. Tell us one thing you learned.

I can't do it all. It's much harder as a single mummy than I thought it was going to be.

7. Tell us one thing that made you laugh.

I laugh a lot. Sometimes at the littlest of things. This weekend I had my sister and her husband staying with us, and what a laugh it was. One word for you Ali... gestunken!! (You had to be there!!)

8. Tell us one thing that made you cry.

As well as the laughter this year, there has been a lot of tears. Sometimes over big things, and others over sad movies or songs. Tears were also shed in the back of a police van...!!

9. Tell us three things your child or children did to make you feel proud.

My children amaze me every day & I'm so proud of them!

My daughter is learning new words and constantly surprises me with little phrases that she's picked up. The other day she said 'love you mummy' for the first time and I was a very proud parent!

We knew at the start of the year that my son needed glasses to help correct a squint. More recently he has been a super star and has adapted so quickly to wearing his new specs and has been an angel at his check-up appointments.

Both my children are very polite - they say please and thank you (littlest needs prompted still) and just this afternoon, after a friend had visited with her kids, my son said to her daughter as they were leaving (without prompting) - 'thank you for coming to play with me'. That made me proud :-)

10. Tell us one thing that made you proud of yourself.

In May I ran my first ever race, and I properly jumped in at the deep end with a half marathon! I completed the race in 2 hours 12 minutes - I'm really proud of my efforts and we (my sister, her colleague and I) managed to raise a whopping £4500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

11. Tell us one challenge you overcame.

I guess one of the challenges I faced was to maintain my new figure. After a dramatic weight loss at the end of 2011, was it possible to keep the weight off?? I'm pleased to say that yes, I'm still a size 10. Although I have put on a stone over the year, but I actually think I was too skinny at one point. If I can lose 7 lbs again I'll be very happy.

There have also been parenting things that I perceived as challenges, such as ditching the baby bottles, but it was actually much easier than I thought. Next challenge is to get the toddler to ditch his dummy!!

12. Tell us three things you would like to change about your life in 2013.

I've been giving much thought to my New Years resolutions these past few days.

One is that I'd like to get more organised. This is mainly to do with food - meal planning & cooking from scratch. But also includes planning ahead with friends and family for play dates, visits etc.

Another is that I'd like to bake more regularly with the kids. Ideally once a week, but I think I'll aim for fortnightly to start with.

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My final thing would be that I'd like to make further progress with my 35 at 35 list. So far I've ticked off 7 items on my list, but I've still a lot to do!! I already have one item lined up for January, and hopefully another for the springtime. Watch this space!!

Anyone can take part, and Kate has already tagged a multitude of bloggers - some of whom I would have tagged. So if you would like to be tagged, please let me know.

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{Toot toot!!}

So, I said I would attempt Kate on Thin Ice's Jubilee questionnaire, so here goes... *cue Royal trumpet!!*

"The Queen has power and privilege but actually she is just like thee and me.  Don’t believe me?  Try this questionnaire then and see if you and the Queen share experiences, both the joyful and the challenging." Kate

April 21, 1926: Elizabeth Alexandra Mary born in London.

When and where were you born?  What are your middle names?  Who were you named after?

I was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in January 1982, making me 30 years old (eek!). My middle name is Mary and I was named so after my aunt.

Dec. 11, 1936: Edward VIII abdicates, and his brother becomes King George VI, placing Elizabeth next in line for the throne.

Was there an event in your childhood that set your destiny on an unexpected course?  How did you deal with it?

Not sure about this... there have been a number of life-changing events that happened to me during my growing up: as a family we moved abroad when I was 9 years old, returning to Scotland a year and a half later; my mum died when I was 19 years old and aged 21 I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Not all childhood events really, but I think all these things have moulded my life journey so to speak. Does that make sense? 

October 1940: With Britain at war, Princess Elizabeth records her first public broadcast, a message for the children of Britain.

What is your experience of public-speaking, if any?  How do you feel about it?

I'm not confident at public speaking. I'm happy enough delivering a presentation that I have practiced (& think I come across as being confident but inwardly I'm screaming), but it's the questions at the end that always throw me and I get so nervous. I've given talks in front of large audiences and small, and sometimes it's the smaller audiences that are harder because you can see everyone's reaction to everything you say. 

April 21, 1943: Her first public engagement, a day with the Grenadier Guards tank battalion.

What was your first day at work like?

I'm not sure I remember my first day of work! It was probably rather dull reading Standard Operating Procedures!! My work experience at school was rather amusing though. I was at the Agricultural College weighing out silage samples for analysis!!

Nov. 20, 1947: Marries Philip Mountbatten, who becomes Duke of Edinburgh.

Who did you team up with or marry?  What was it that attracted you to them?

At the moment I'm going solo. My husband has been a silly man and for the moment I'm living life as a single mummy.

Nov. 14, 1948: Prince Charles is born.

How many children did you have and when and where were they born?

I have two children. My son will be 3 years old in August and my daughter has just turned one. They were both born in Glasgow.

Feb. 6, 1952: George VI dies, succeeded by Elizabeth II.

Have you lost a parent?  How was that for you?

As I mentioned above, I lost my mum when I was 19 years old to cancer. It was an extremely difficult time and I miss her every day.

June 2, 1953: Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey, the first televised coronation.

Have you ever had any claim to fame or celebrity status?  Have you ever appeared on the telly?

If I remember correctly I was in the audience for a children's quiz show when I was at school. Can't remember what the show was though...

1953: The Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, falls in love with a divorced man, prompting the Royal Family to veto marriage – the first of several episodes of marital troubles in the family. Margaret marries Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960; they divorce in 1978.

What scandal has rocked your family?

Have a peek at my Broken and Broken, Part II posts...

June 21, 1982: Charles and Diana’s son Prince William is born.

Are you a grandparent?  How do you feel about becoming one?

I'm a long way away from becoming a grandparent!

July 9, 1982: Intruder breaks into Queen’s bedroom; she talks with him until police arrive.

Have you ever being the victim of crime?  How did it affect you?

I was the victim in a car accident the other week. I've done something to my neck and had to see my chiropractor the other day who cracked it back into place *ouch*

Nov. 20, 1992: Fire destroys part of Windsor Castle.

Have you ever had a horrible year where everything seemed to go wrong?  When was it?  What happened?

This has been my year for everything to go wrong, or so it would seem at least.

1993: Queen begins paying taxes voluntarily to assuage public sentiment against the state subsidizing the throne; opens Buckingham Palace to tourists to help pay for Windsor Castle repairs.

What did you do that surprised people most?

I stood up for myself and my children.

March 6, 1997: Queen joins cyberspace, launching British Monarchy website,http://www.royal.gov.uk.

What does the internet mean to you?  How do you use it?

I love the internet, especially for shopping. 

June 2012 - Queen’s Jubilee celebrating 60 years  on the throne.

When was the moment in your life when you felt life was exactly as it should be?

I'm not there yet... watch this space as they say!!

Join in with the rest of the Grooving Mums here:

{A Mother's Work Meme}

Right, I've been tagged by A Working Mum to participate in A Mother's Work Meme which was started by mother.wife.me

Here goes...

• Please post the rules... done!
• Answer the questions, in as much or as little detail as suits you
• Leave a comment on mother.wife.me so we can keep track of the meme
• Tag 3 people and link to them on your blog
• Let them know you tagged them
• Tweet loudly about taking part (well, ok, that isn't a rule, but how about if we start a hashtag #amothersworkmeme)

Questions:

Did you work before becoming a mum?

Yes, I have spent a number of years at university studying - I successfully completed a degree and I was mad enough to go onto study for a PhD too. I went from university into the 'real world' in 2007, working full-time job with a small Glasgow-based company.

What is your current situation?

I am still with my original employer. After the birth of my son, I returned to work after 12 months maternity leave on a part-time basis (3 days a week, Mon-Wed) and I have since had my daughter and I returned to in January after 9 months maternity leave, and I am still working 3 days a week. My employer has been very understanding of my situation, my hours are flexible to allow me to do the nursery drop-off / pick-up and I returned to work after my second child to a new promoted position and snazzy new job title! 

I believe I have a good work/life balance, even if I am a little tired at times!

Freestyle - got your own point you'd like to get across on this issue... Here's your chance!

My son is nearly 3 years old and will qualify for a funded nursery place at a council nursery or partnership provider from August this year. This is a free term-time, part-time place (3 hours per day / 15 hours per week). Unfortunately, the nursery at which my son is settled is not a partnership provider (when we had enrolled him I was under the impression that by the time it came to him turning 3 years old that they would have become a partnership provider, but they still are not - nightmare!). I'm now in a quandary as to what to do. I've put in an application for a council nursery, but it's also a placement request as the nursery is out with my catchment. I very nearly missed the cut off too - why are these deadlines not publicised more? I found out about the application process two days before the submission deadline!! Then, if I do get a funded nursery place, do I move my son from the nursery that he's settled in?? How will I work things if my son is at a different nursery from my daughter?? What happens if I can't get the funded nursery hours compressed into two days rather than 3 hours a day over 5 days?? Argh... I'm very stressed about it all! Why is it not easier?? There, rant over!

I'm not sure which of my mummy 'friends' on Twitter are working parents (well, we're all working really!) and those that are stay at home parents. So if there is anyone out there reading this that wants to join in the meme, then please feel free... :-)

{February Sunshine Award}

I've been passed on the 'February Sunshine Award' from Kate on Thin Ice and I had thought I better answer the questions asap as today is the last day of February - yikes, how the time flies!

So, here we go...

Favourite colour: grey

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Favourite animal: I'm not a big fan of pets (sorry!). However, I did see the cutest teeny tiny dog at the park on Sunday... and I mean tiny - I could have easily stepped on it if I hadn't been watching where I was going and it was smaller than my shoe so would have been crushed *eek*. In terms of other animals, I think my favourite would be an elephant. I was in South Africa on holiday in 2005 and took an elephant for a walk round an elephant sanctuary that we visited. It was amazing.

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Favourite non-alcoholic drink: soda and lime (favourite alcoholic drink just now is still a mojito, in case you're wondering!)

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Facebook or Twitter: Both.

Favourite number: 14

Favourite day of the week: a sunny one please, preferably on one of my days off!

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Getting or giving presents: I love the process of choosing thoughtful presents for people, wrapping them up to look beautiful and then seeing their reaction when they open them, so definitely giving.

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Favourite pattern: I bought some gorgeous Amy Butler fabric to make a summer dress for my daughter.

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Favourite flower: peony

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I'm not going to tag anyone for this because February is now over... however I think I've been tagged on some other memes so watch this space!

{11 Questions}

I have been tagged by @scattymumofboys to complete the '11 Questions' meme that is currently doing the rounds :-)

Here are the rules:

• You must post these rules *check*
• Answer the questions the 'tagger' listed for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
• Choose 11 people to tag and link them to the post 
• Let each blogger know you've tagged them.

Here are the questions I've been set and my all important answers...

1. Do you use real names in your blog for the real-life people who feature?

Yes and no. My real name is indeed Sarah, but I've chosen not to use the names of my children and refer to them as son & daughter or toddler & baby. The other people I refer to occasionally, for example, my sister Alison and my friend Becky are real names too.

2. How long have you been blogging and why did you start your blog?

I started blogging in June 2011. My friend Becky had been blogging about her wedding planning and I thought it would be good to share some of the things that I've been learning on my journey through motherhood. There's a bit of parenting, shopping, DIY, fashion, art & craft... all the things that I love.

3. Facebook or Twitter?

Both. I use Twitter for blog-related goings on and general mummy stuff, whereas I use Facebook to keep up-to-date with close friends and family.

4. Real friends or Cyber friends?

Real.

5. Which is your favourite (or one of your favourite) blogs to read?

There are so many blogs that I dip in and out of when I get the chance. I love Florence Finds for fashion, PuglyPixel for design inspiration, Kate on Thin Ice for grooving mums challenges, Joy the Baker for food ideas and amazing photography....I could list loads and loads!

6. Have you ever had a celeb tweet you?

Lorraine Kelly... in reference to Raa Raa the Noisy Lion!

7. Peanut butter - smooth, crunchy or not at all?

Smooth

8. Tea, milk first or after tea bag?

After the tea bag please! Milk, no sugar :-)

9. What's your guilty pleasure as far as TV's concerned?

I've become obsessed with ER (as anyone who follows my Twitter feed will know!) but I'm not embarrassed by that fact. I'm embarrassed that I've still got 90 episodes in my Sky planner to get through... I just can't keep up!

10. When did you last laugh until you cried?

In January, when I was moving furniture with my sister at my house. It was like the Friends episode when Ross was moving his sofa...'Pivot'!

I did a bit more than cry though... those damn pelvic floor muscles just aren't working after having had 2 children!!!

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11. How many of my 11 bloggers do you think will actually get round to answering my 11 questions?

I'm going to take a wild guess here.... 9!!


Right, now it's my turn to write the questions and to tag some fellow bloggers (I totally won't be offended if you don't have the time to participate):

@Melaina25 / Transatlantic Blonde
@gemmadeeray / Storm in a K Cup
@MishMashMum / Mish Mash Mum
@mummy_plum / Mummy Plum
@theroomset / Making It As Mum
@SEccBla / Identity-Mummy
@haggismummy / WIPMum
@susankmann / Susan K Mann
@thelovebump / My Love Bumps
@mrsmcgregor23 / Mrs McGregor
@helloitsgemma / Helloitsgemma

Here are my 11 questions for you...

1. Have you ever been pulled over by the traffic police?
2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
3. What is your favourite flavour of crisps?
4. What's the last movie you watched?
5. What is your favourite thing to wear?
6. What does your last text message say?
7. What were you doing at 12 noon yesterday?
8. What is your most treasured memory?
9. What do you think is the single best decision you've made in your life so far?
10. Do you have a pet?
11. What is on your bedside table?

Ready, set... go!