Saturday, February 25, 2006
Number One Rule For Playing With A Toddler
NEVER start a game that you don't want to repeat 500 times!
Friday, February 24, 2006
The Essence Of Me
Whilst doing important things like banking and blogging(?) I sometimes always get sidetracked by totally useless/bizarre stuff.
I found a site (now forgotten the URL) which works out the very essence of your blog. This is mine.
Just reading that could save you many hours reading all the rubbish I actually write as it pretty much sums me up!!!!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Just Occasionally.....
.....I wish we could hit London town like we did in the old days.
This arrived in my inbox today...
AMANDA GHOST is performing tonight (feb. 22nd, 21:15) at the half moon
in london-putney, 93 lower richmond rd, london sw15.
BOY GEORGE will give a special appearance and will join her on stage
for a duet.
Oh, how I would love to have a beer and a groove with the beautiful people, but then again in reality I would probably spend all evening thinking about you know who!!!!
If you don't know Amanda Ghost, she co-wrote You're Beautiful for James Blunt (don't hold that against her) and is one damn fine chick. She is a mate of George's - go see her website here.
This arrived in my inbox today...
AMANDA GHOST is performing tonight (feb. 22nd, 21:15) at the half moon
in london-putney, 93 lower richmond rd, london sw15.
BOY GEORGE will give a special appearance and will join her on stage
for a duet.
Oh, how I would love to have a beer and a groove with the beautiful people, but then again in reality I would probably spend all evening thinking about you know who!!!!
If you don't know Amanda Ghost, she co-wrote You're Beautiful for James Blunt (don't hold that against her) and is one damn fine chick. She is a mate of George's - go see her website here.
Miffy
I don't think we will be visiting Holland this year but when we next take a trip, we have to take a look here.
It sounds like a fab museum which has childrens height exhibits underneath the adult height ones. It's also really close to where our family live, so we will be making a trip just as soon as we can.
To those who don't know Miffy (or Nijnjte as she is known in her native land) was 50 last year and the artist who draws her, Dick Bruna, is still creating new stories and drawing her daily. He is now 78 and still drawing the little rabbit who started life as a story to entertain his son in the summer of 1955.
In an interview with the Guardian they asked if he had now perfected Miffy to which he replied "No, I'm going to try and do better today, tomorrow. I just try to make a nice shape, the nicest Miffy I can."
And the Princess and I think he is doing a great job.
Miffy News
I don't think we will be visiting Holland this year but when we next take a trip, we have to take a look here.
It sounds like a fab museum which has childrens height exhibits underneath the adult height ones. It's also really close to where our family live, so we will be making a trip just as soon as we can.
To those who don't know Miffy (or Nijnjte as she is known in her native land) was 50 last year and the artist who draws her, Dick Bruna, is still creating new stories and drawing her daily. He is now 78 and still drawing the little rabbit who started life as a story to entertain his son in the summer of 1955.
In an interview with the Guardian they asked if he had now perfected Miffy to which he replied "No, I'm going to try and do better today, tomorrow. I just try to make a nice shape, the nicest Miffy I can."
And the Princess and I think he is doing a great job.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Toddler and TV Part II
We are doing really well with the no TV rule. The Princess gets to watch Noddy in the morning whilst having her milk and cereal and then that's it. The TV goes off and we switch on the radio.
The Princess has not missed the TV for one second and although I have on a couple of occasions been tempted to turn it on for a ten minute 'stress' break, I have held out and found other ways to occupy her. I admit it isn't always easy but I think it will pay off in the long term.
Now, I know that the weather forecast for the rest of the week is terrible but I am officially declaring Spring has arrived to our little corner of the world. There are buds and bulbs sprouting up everywhere. The evenings are now noticably lighter - we can even go to the park after tea in the light if we so wish. AND I have spring cleaning fever. Today we started doing little bits of tidying in the garden and the Princess helped me to sweep the drive and clean the front door down.
This morning the Princess has been an endless source of fun - 'helping' me with the spring cleaning, hiding in cupboards, doing hundreds of laps of our drive with her baby in it's pushchair and doing endless pictures of Tigger (he's a special friend you know). What ever will she have in store for me this afternoon?????
The Princess has not missed the TV for one second and although I have on a couple of occasions been tempted to turn it on for a ten minute 'stress' break, I have held out and found other ways to occupy her. I admit it isn't always easy but I think it will pay off in the long term.
Now, I know that the weather forecast for the rest of the week is terrible but I am officially declaring Spring has arrived to our little corner of the world. There are buds and bulbs sprouting up everywhere. The evenings are now noticably lighter - we can even go to the park after tea in the light if we so wish. AND I have spring cleaning fever. Today we started doing little bits of tidying in the garden and the Princess helped me to sweep the drive and clean the front door down.
This morning the Princess has been an endless source of fun - 'helping' me with the spring cleaning, hiding in cupboards, doing hundreds of laps of our drive with her baby in it's pushchair and doing endless pictures of Tigger (he's a special friend you know). What ever will she have in store for me this afternoon?????
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Money, Money, Money
This weekend we spent the a huge sum of money. It has taken nearly all of our savings and for a short while we were scared!
Isn't money for spending though?
Yes, we may have to tighten our belts for a little while but money (or a lack of) isn't the be all and end all. We are improving our home - making it an even more comfortable place to be, live and laugh.
We are a happy and healthy family and you can't put a price on that.
We know people who are never happy with what they have, they think that a larger house or a flashier car will somehow improve their lives. Yes, my dream house is a double fronted georgian property with a huge garden for the Princess to run in, a huge kitchen where we would host huge Sunday gatherings of family and friends and five bedrooms (all ensuite).
But that wouldn't change the important stuff in my life. It wouldn't make me happier, or a better mummy, or love my husband more, and those are the things that really matter, the rest is peripheral.
So although money will be scarce for a few months whilst we try to get back on track - we have spent the money on our home which is a happy one and although the Princess may not be wearing designer togs or be going on holiday to Marrakech or be taken to those awful ball pit play places - she has everything - LOVE.
Isn't money for spending though?
Yes, we may have to tighten our belts for a little while but money (or a lack of) isn't the be all and end all. We are improving our home - making it an even more comfortable place to be, live and laugh.
We are a happy and healthy family and you can't put a price on that.
We know people who are never happy with what they have, they think that a larger house or a flashier car will somehow improve their lives. Yes, my dream house is a double fronted georgian property with a huge garden for the Princess to run in, a huge kitchen where we would host huge Sunday gatherings of family and friends and five bedrooms (all ensuite).
But that wouldn't change the important stuff in my life. It wouldn't make me happier, or a better mummy, or love my husband more, and those are the things that really matter, the rest is peripheral.
So although money will be scarce for a few months whilst we try to get back on track - we have spent the money on our home which is a happy one and although the Princess may not be wearing designer togs or be going on holiday to Marrakech or be taken to those awful ball pit play places - she has everything - LOVE.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Toddlers and TV
Before the Princess even arrived we decided that he/she would watch little or no TV.
The reality wasn't quite like this and we started to allow a selected number of programmes be watched. We are always careful to ensure that she only watches CBeebies (a high quality non commercial channel) and that the programmes watched were (in our opinion) suitable.
For some reason TV has started to bother me recently, I have noticed a few things that I don't like and after doing some research we have decided to limit the Princess to a much more restricted amount of images.
Our main reason is the research done in America by Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis, lead researcher and director of the Child Health Institute at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle. Studies there have proven a link between TV watching and ADHD which generally shows up in children at around age 7.
Quick scene shifts of video images become "normal," to a baby "when in fact, it’s decidedly not normal or natural." Christakis says. Exposing a baby’s developing brain to videos may overstimulate it, causing permanent changes in developing neural pathways.
The study recommends that children under age 2 should watch no TV at all and under three it should be less than an hour and in no more than 15 mins at a time.
I have been guilty of using the TV to get something done (I know that I can prepare tea during Balamory for example) - but no more.
An explosion of kidvids for the bouncy chair set has hit the market. These include Baby Einstein, Baby Mozart, So Smart etc. TV shows, such as Teletubbies, aim at 18-month-old toddlers. These videos are peddled as "educational tools" to "give your baby a head start." The truth is, they are a video-tether that keeps baby out from underfoot.
Parents take away crucial life experiences from their child every time they pop in Baby Einstein. But they do love how it takes the baby out of their hair for awhile Listen to what parents say in testimonials about infant videos:
"I love spending time with my boy but let's face it, there are times when you just have to have 10 minutes or so to yourself so that you can wash the dishes or do laundry; that's when you pop this video in. It's 25 minutes of entertainment that holds the attention of even very young children." Chris Hudson (son 10 months), San Antonio, Texas.
"There are times I rewind it and play it again and again until I get the dishes done and order restored. My son is captivated (and hopefully learning something)". Mom In Connecticut
"The only thing I wish is that the videos were longer than 30min." Melissa Perruzi, Clinton Mississippi (From Baby Eisntein reviews on Amazon.com).
So that's it - decision made - much less TV in this house - infact from now on there will be next to nothing for the Princess - but as for us - I'm off for a fix of TV right now whilst the Princess sleeps.
The reality wasn't quite like this and we started to allow a selected number of programmes be watched. We are always careful to ensure that she only watches CBeebies (a high quality non commercial channel) and that the programmes watched were (in our opinion) suitable.
For some reason TV has started to bother me recently, I have noticed a few things that I don't like and after doing some research we have decided to limit the Princess to a much more restricted amount of images.
Our main reason is the research done in America by Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis, lead researcher and director of the Child Health Institute at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Seattle. Studies there have proven a link between TV watching and ADHD which generally shows up in children at around age 7.
Quick scene shifts of video images become "normal," to a baby "when in fact, it’s decidedly not normal or natural." Christakis says. Exposing a baby’s developing brain to videos may overstimulate it, causing permanent changes in developing neural pathways.
The study recommends that children under age 2 should watch no TV at all and under three it should be less than an hour and in no more than 15 mins at a time.
I have been guilty of using the TV to get something done (I know that I can prepare tea during Balamory for example) - but no more.
An explosion of kidvids for the bouncy chair set has hit the market. These include Baby Einstein, Baby Mozart, So Smart etc. TV shows, such as Teletubbies, aim at 18-month-old toddlers. These videos are peddled as "educational tools" to "give your baby a head start." The truth is, they are a video-tether that keeps baby out from underfoot.
Parents take away crucial life experiences from their child every time they pop in Baby Einstein. But they do love how it takes the baby out of their hair for awhile Listen to what parents say in testimonials about infant videos:
"I love spending time with my boy but let's face it, there are times when you just have to have 10 minutes or so to yourself so that you can wash the dishes or do laundry; that's when you pop this video in. It's 25 minutes of entertainment that holds the attention of even very young children." Chris Hudson (son 10 months), San Antonio, Texas.
"There are times I rewind it and play it again and again until I get the dishes done and order restored. My son is captivated (and hopefully learning something)". Mom In Connecticut
"The only thing I wish is that the videos were longer than 30min." Melissa Perruzi, Clinton Mississippi (From Baby Eisntein reviews on Amazon.com).
So that's it - decision made - much less TV in this house - infact from now on there will be next to nothing for the Princess - but as for us - I'm off for a fix of TV right now whilst the Princess sleeps.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Perfect Housewife
No, not me. Anthea Turner.
I can't wait to see her new programme (clicky). I know that I have a perverse cleanliness fetish which is totally unachievable and unrealistic in my own home, but this programme sounds fab to me.
I know that Anthea Turner isn't everyone's cup of tea and to be honest I have never been much of a fan but I have heard that her linen cupboard is a thing of beauty and she runs her home like a military operation (just the way I would like to in my dreams!) so this programme is on my 'must watch' list along with Desperate Housewives - which features another fantasy figure - Bree - did you see the labelled containers in her utility room last week? Sheer heaven!!!!
I can't wait to see her new programme (clicky). I know that I have a perverse cleanliness fetish which is totally unachievable and unrealistic in my own home, but this programme sounds fab to me.
I know that Anthea Turner isn't everyone's cup of tea and to be honest I have never been much of a fan but I have heard that her linen cupboard is a thing of beauty and she runs her home like a military operation (just the way I would like to in my dreams!) so this programme is on my 'must watch' list along with Desperate Housewives - which features another fantasy figure - Bree - did you see the labelled containers in her utility room last week? Sheer heaven!!!!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Shocked and surprised
I was grooving to a song on the radio the other day. The Princess was also shaking some booty - only when it finished did I realise that we had been enjoying LEO SAYER! It shocked me!
Other cool tunes at the moment are The Message by Nate James (He's from East Anglia - which again is slightly surprising in many ways) and the new tune from Kanye West. What shocked me most about this song though is that it has it's own trailer - a trailer for a pop video!! What is going on??? If you want to see the trailer go here. I must admit it does look pretty cool. (OFFICE WARNING: Contains a swear word and Pammy Anderson in hotpants!!!!!!)
Other cool tunes at the moment are The Message by Nate James (He's from East Anglia - which again is slightly surprising in many ways) and the new tune from Kanye West. What shocked me most about this song though is that it has it's own trailer - a trailer for a pop video!! What is going on??? If you want to see the trailer go here. I must admit it does look pretty cool. (OFFICE WARNING: Contains a swear word and Pammy Anderson in hotpants!!!!!!)
Fever
"Fever"
You give me
You give me fever
Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get a fever that's so hard to bear
Listen to me baby, hear every word I say
No one can love you the way I do
'Cause they don't know how to love you my way
[Chorus:]
You give me fever, when you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever in the morning
Fever all through the night
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right
Bless my soul I love you, take this heart away
Take these arms I'll never use
And just believe in what my lips have to say
[chorus]
Everybody's got the fever
That is something you should know
Fever isn't such a new scene
Fever started long ago
You give me fever, fever
You give me, you give me fever
[chorus]
Romeo loved Juliet
Juliet, she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said Julie baby, you're my flame
He gave her fever
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right
[chorus]
Fever, with his kisses
Fever when he holds me tight
Everybody's got the fever
That is something you should know
Fever isn't such a new scene
Fever started long ago
Captain Smith and Pocahontas
Had a very mad affair
When her daddy tried to kill him
She said, daddy oh don't you dare
He gives me fever
With his kisses
Fever when he holds me tight
Fever, I'm his Misses
Daddy, won't you treat him right
Fever, when you kiss them
Fever, if you live and learn
Fever, 'til you sizzle
What a lovely way to burn [repeat twice]
YES THE PRINCESS IS ILL AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You give me
You give me fever
Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get a fever that's so hard to bear
Listen to me baby, hear every word I say
No one can love you the way I do
'Cause they don't know how to love you my way
[Chorus:]
You give me fever, when you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight
Fever in the morning
Fever all through the night
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right
Bless my soul I love you, take this heart away
Take these arms I'll never use
And just believe in what my lips have to say
[chorus]
Everybody's got the fever
That is something you should know
Fever isn't such a new scene
Fever started long ago
You give me fever, fever
You give me, you give me fever
[chorus]
Romeo loved Juliet
Juliet, she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said Julie baby, you're my flame
He gave her fever
Sun lights up the daytime
Moon lights up the night
My eyes light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right
[chorus]
Fever, with his kisses
Fever when he holds me tight
Everybody's got the fever
That is something you should know
Fever isn't such a new scene
Fever started long ago
Captain Smith and Pocahontas
Had a very mad affair
When her daddy tried to kill him
She said, daddy oh don't you dare
He gives me fever
With his kisses
Fever when he holds me tight
Fever, I'm his Misses
Daddy, won't you treat him right
Fever, when you kiss them
Fever, if you live and learn
Fever, 'til you sizzle
What a lovely way to burn [repeat twice]
YES THE PRINCESS IS ILL AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
"I Could Eat A Knob At Night"
If that means nothing to you, you obviously haven't been listening to the 12 Ricky Gervais podcasts from Guardian Unlimited.
I am listening to them in bed and I have to say that Karl Pilkington is a genius and has earned himself a seat at my fantasy dinner party.
I am listening to them in bed and I have to say that Karl Pilkington is a genius and has earned himself a seat at my fantasy dinner party.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Black Sweat
Prince is back!!! His track Black Sweat is tres tres funky.
Some might say that it sounds just like his stuff from 15/20 years ago - it does and that's the point. It's got that old Prince groove and sound and lets us all forget the batman soundtrack!!!
The princess spent a good 10 mins dancing to Black Sweat this morning and when it finished her only word was "more" - nuff said!
Go hear it here.
Some might say that it sounds just like his stuff from 15/20 years ago - it does and that's the point. It's got that old Prince groove and sound and lets us all forget the batman soundtrack!!!
The princess spent a good 10 mins dancing to Black Sweat this morning and when it finished her only word was "more" - nuff said!
Go hear it here.
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