My Sunday Photo: A Cuddly Shark Encounter!

5 Ways to Get, and Stay, Motivated!

I originally started this as a post mainly aimed at other bloggers, since this is an area many of us struggle with. I blog for fun, but sometimes I can't think of anything to write, don't think anyone ever reads it and it all becomes a bit of a chore. I don't want to stop doing it, but I do want it to be something I enjoy doing, so I have to make sure I keep myself motivated and positive. It turns out, anyone can suffer from demotivation in any job. Even if you don't have a job, actually. That can be the most demotivating situation of all. So, hopefully, these ideas might provide a bit of inspiration to help you find your inner dynamo!

Win Lady Gaga Perfume and Thomas the Tank Engine Set!

Last week, we gave away aftershave, so this week's giveaway has something for the girls, with a 50ml bottle of Lady Gaga's Fame. This rather lovely perfume retails at £32 and comes in a fascinating bottle, containing black liquid that turns clear once it is dispensed. Typically, it's a bit different! Also included, is Around the Track with Thomas, a gift for a little Thomas fan. Combined prize value is around £40, so get entering and I wish you lots of luck. Your rafflecopter awaits.

A Fantastic Party in the Trees with Go Ape!

I find it gets harder and harder to think up fun birthday party ideas as L gets older. I always try to come up with something a bit different, like the Spy Party we had a couple of years ago. Ideally something that will fill them with glee, whilst soaking up as much of their boundless energy as possible. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside here and the children tend to be fairly outdoorsy as a result, so this year, I opted for a trip to the Forest of Dean and booked a spell on a Go Ape arial assault course for six 8 to 10 year olds. It was March when we went, so we were a bit unsure on the weather front, but the centre assured us rain wasn't a problem, as long as it wasn't really windy. So, we loaded up two cars with excitable children and set off for the Forest. Here's how we got on... 

Moving On

What’s wrong, Mum?

I’m losing you, darling.

You’re growing up, moving on.

You’re beautiful, intelligent,

Your whole life before you,

But you’re not mine anymore

You don't need a hand to hold, 

Or anyone to tell you you're ok,

You just know.

What Made Me Smile at Blog Camp

There have been a lot of brilliant posts already produced about the Blog Camp in Birmingham last weekend. It was a lot of fun and I felt quite priviledged to be able to hang out with some of my lovely friends. Which is the best part of going, if I'm honest. That, and the cake! I thought I would approach this post from a different angle so, what follows is something a bit different. A collection of photos of everything that amused me, made me happy, or was just a little bit bonkers at Blog Camp. I hope even non bloggers can appreciate the silliness.

What's Important on Father's Day

Father's Day is fast approaching and there have been many suggestions in the media about what gifts would suit certain types of fathers on this happy occasion. SHEilds asked me what tips did I have for the perfect Father's Day. That's actually really easy for me to answer, and it follows on from a post I wrote about The Importance of Time last year. It really doesn't matter how much money you spend, it's all about the time you put into it that makes the difference. An expensive gift delivered by courier is nothing compared to a surprise visit in person. Equally, nothing beats a handmade card.