Silent Sunday
18
Monthly Archives: July 2011
Party Girl Birthday Card
My show me your stationary post is a birthday card. I think I’m perhaps stretching the stationary definition, so sorry Molly!
I would include birthday cards as stationary, but this is something I’m going to make into a 9th birthday card, for my daughter Miss N. I love it so much, and just had to share it with you.
We bought it at West Bridgford craft market today, from a lady whose son made them on a lazer cutter. It’s not her birthday until September, so I’m going to play around with some idea’s of how to make it into a card. Its called the Party Girl, and it reminds me of famous vintage illustrations, but I can’t remember the name of the lady who drew them. Maybe someone can help me?
It came with different fabrics and flowers, even a tiny fan to accessorize with.
Now If you have any stationary you would like to show off, then please pop over to the gorgeous Molly and the Princess’ blog, and join in the Linky. It starts on Saturday, but remains open all week.
Thank you for reading
theanamumdiary x
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Ping and Pong
This is my first book review, and a children’s book review too! As the reason for writing this blog, is to act in someway as a journal of my family, I thought I would explain a little bit more about my family, and what books mean to us.
Me (Amanda)
I am a lapsed book-worm, I love reading, in lots of different genres. I find it hard to read as much I would like with children, but if I find a book I enjoy I struggle to put it down. I always and have my own ending in my head, if I’m not satisfied with how a story has concluded then I change (yes really) I am a sucker for a classic!
Favourite read: Jane Eyre
Tall Dad:
Has little time for reading, though he is partial to the odd sporting autobiography. He is often given books for Christmas (by me) and rarely reads them. Loves reading stories to the girls, and its great at doing the voices!
Favourite read: Around Ireland with a fridge.
Miss N:
Is a prolific reader, yes she only 8 but always has at least three books on the go on her bedside table, one in her school bag and her reading book for school, thank goodness for the local Library!
Favourite read: The thing she read last 
Miss A:
Loves having a book read to her, especially at night after her bath. Prefers short stories, or ones with recognisable characters in, and picture books.
Favourite read : Winnie the Witch.
Twitter is a great place for following authors, publisher and bookshops, it has given Miss N the opportunity to review books for Waterstones and others. It was on twitter that I started to follow Amy Trevaskus (@AmyTrevaskus) the author of the Ping and Pong collection. If you don’t follow her already I strongly advise you do, she’s lovely!
You can purchase the books on the website here: and here is how the series is described on the site:
Ping and Pong are the friends that every child deserves, they take imagination and the importance of learning and turn it a fun adventure.
Ping and Pong feature in a range of books that will grow with your child. Whether your child is two or twelve they will love the stories written just for them (we are sure you will become quite fond of them too!)
Ping and Pong : Splash
This is the first story, where Lucy finds Ping and Pong, living in a grandfather clock. They then all go off to the park. As the first book in a series it is the setting up of the three main character, introducing each of the personalities. Its main theme is friendship and imagination.
Miss N first comment was that she loves the illustrations, the tallness of the characters she really identified with them – we are a tall family!!
Wow, I love this book! I really like how Ping is so daring and will take a risk. As for his sister, she gets a bit frightened especially at the park on the swings. Also the pictures really stood out for me. You really cannot miss these books!!!
We all enjoyed this book, loved the theme of the park and splashing in puddles, it was a perfect length for either Miss N or Tall Dad and I to read to Miss A.
Ping and Pong : Grow
The second in the series. In this story Lucy, Ping and Pong discover how to grow vegetables with Lucy’s Nan and Grandad. The imaginary element is stronger in this book I thought. I also loved that it explored growing things like carrots and strawberries at an allotment. The illustration again were fabulous, we particularly liked the overhead view of all the different sections of the allotments and Ping and Pong asleep leaning against the label for the strawberries. Miss N did have an imaginary friend, but grew out of it – it was a boy who lived in the down stairs loo. I think these books would be lovely if you child did have an imaginary friend, as a way of talking about the subject. Great book, and again perfect as a bedtime story.
There are 10 books planned in this series and we can’t wait to read the next!
thank you for reading
theanamumdiary x
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Soap Dish?
I have recently (I know, late to the party) discovered Lush. I took Miss N there, last weekend and treated her to Sunny Side, a bath bomb, that has glitter in it (an 8 year olds dream) We also bought her a shower block of soap The Godmother, but we didn’t really have anything to rest it on in between her showers. So this weekend, I wandered around my local charity shops with her, on the off-chance we found some thing she liked.
We found this sweet dish, hand painted in Portugal:
Not sure if the number on the back is the year it was painted? It was 99p nothing really for something handcrafted!
Here it is with the soap on it, she’s really delighted. Feeling so grown up trying different products. I love the way the soap looks like it has fossils in it.
I also bought (well I couldn’t resist it), another dish. It’s Jersey pottery, which I have a soft spot for since I visited with Tall Dad earlier this year, and fell in love with the Island.
It was £1.99, we use liquid soup in the bathroom, but thought it would be good to use for a guest soap, what do you think?
So that was my magpie monday finds. If, my fellow magpies you have enjoyed this post then please follow me on bloglovin or subscribe! Here is the link to where you can find more treasure
Thank you for reading
theanamumdiary x
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Test
Test post : new user
Silent Sunday
Teachers Gifts #handmadethursday
It’s the end of the school year, (insert yay or groan here, depending on how you feel about this) for me its a Yipee!! It seems to be the custom now to buy a gift for your teacher.
I am a little bit mixed in my thoughts about it. I really don’t think it should be a competition or even obligatory. Last yr, we gave Miss N’s teacher a vintage teacup (that I had bought at a charity shop) and we made it into a tea-cup candle. I thought it was beautiful, and together with a handmade card. I felt it was just the right gift, to show our appreciation for all of her hard work.
This year, we bought two small gifts, wrapped them and made the cards.
Any regular readers of my blog, will know how much I love buttons, and they always seem to pop up in my card making.
Here is the first, the present is a candle, tied up with ricrac and a badge. The bird card is made from black felt and material, and a button for an eye
The second is for another teacher, its a chocolate bar, which has her name printed on it with just cream ribbon tieing it up. The card has a cotton ribbon decorated with hearts across it. I have used this for lots of things, and though it was expensive, well worth it!
I would love to know what you think about teachers gifts?
This is what I have made this week, and here is the link to all the other ‘Handmade Thursday’ entries on The White Lily Green blog, please pop along and visit theirs too.
Thank you for reading
theanamumdiary x
I would really appreciate if you enjoy reading my blog, if you would either click on the bloglovin link or subscribe, thank you!
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The Summer Holidays
Ever year in the Summer Holidays, I go to the Library with my eldest to complete the Summer Reading Challenge. Miss N loves it, she loves reading anyway so this is a great was of her exploring new titles during the holidays at no extra cost.
We have done this since she was around 4 years old, I always find that keeping her brain active during the summer holidays helps her once she gets back to school.
This year, I visited her teacher, after the reports were given out, and asked (for the first time) for extra things for her to do during the holiday. I did this for a few reasons really:
1. There is an over 6 year age gap between my girls, Miss N is 8 (9 in September) and Miss A is just 2, so they do have very different needs. Both need me, but as the only person who is at home during the day, sometimes this can be tricky. Miss N, really responds to being given things to do. She’ll quite happily investigate something by reading a book to find the answer. She also loves a challenge, she used to be very nervous when it came to maths, but the more her confidence has grown, the more she relishes a challenge! I also realise that sometimes, being around a noisy toddler, is just no fun at all, and she like to take herself off and have some time to herself.
2. Crisis of Confidence – after the summer break, lots of children I think, start to wonder what the new year will bring. Will they like their new teacher?
‘Now I’m in year X, so and so says it’s going to be much harder’ and ‘My new teacher is really strict in maths’.
I am all for making this transition period easier, I try to do this by, during the summer holidays recapping, on some of the things they have learnt. Making sure they have a good book to read. I’m not talking about every day! And when we are away, we don’t do anything at all, but enjoy our holiday and have fun. I also think they learn so much when on holiday anyway, whether it’s a little bit about a different language or culture, or currency…the list is endless really!
3. Boredom – We all know that at some point its going to be rainy and miserable, there only so many rainy day activities that anyone can think up (last summer I ran out) so what better thing to do than, snuggle up with a good book, then write a review, or have a chat about what you thought about it?
Well Miss N’s teacher, was more than happy to help, she has given me some projects to do with her over the summer, and a couple of website’s that are suitable as well.
I would be really interested to hear what other people do. Do you do this? Do you think it’s too much, a summer holiday should be just that, a holiday?
thank you for reading the
anamumdiary x
P.S here are some of the details of this year summer reading challenge, taken from their site :
Roll up, roll up for Circus Stars, the website for the Summer Reading Challenge 2011.
Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at your library during the school holidays – it’s FREE – and you’ll get a stage set and stickers to start you off. As you read your way through six books, you help the Circus Stars progress through Practice and Rehearsal to their ultimate goal – Showtime!
The fun doesn’t stop at the library though! Right here is where you create your own avatar and join our gang on a journey through games and activities. You can keep track of the books you’re reading, send messages to other Circus Stars, and even meet some famous authors!
Business Mums Unite
I am so excited to tell you all, that I have been invited to attend the Business Mums Unite conference and exhibition, on the 11th October 2011 at the impressive Albert Hall conference centre in Nottingham.
This Annual event, brings together Mums in business and those wanting to share ideas, learn from each other and network.
There are many great opportunities for others to get involved too, a delegate place (with lunch and goodie bag) is £65, you can advertise for £30 and trade stands including a delegate place and advertising package are £150 and a range of sponsorship opportunities are available too.
I am really looking forward to this event, there are guest speakers including Elaine Hanzak, and Dragons Den survivor Naomi Timperley, the UK Director of Baby Loves Disco.
Great workshops planned too, and lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people.
If you want to find out more, and get involved too here are some useful links:
Follow the founder on twitter @scandc
You can join the face book page here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=hp#!/pages/Business-Mums-Unite-Conference-and-Exhibition/162350760496576
Here is the website: www.businessmumsunite.co.uk
And the blog: www.businessmumsunite/blogspot.com
Come and join me, it’s sure to be a great day!
Thank you reading
theanamumdiary x
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All the Fun of the Fair
We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to review a product for the Early Learning Centre: You can purchase the product here.
The HappyLand Musical Ferris Wheel is £20 and suitable from 18 months.
HappyLand is a place where children’s imagination can run wild and ELC offer a range of fabulous buildings, characters, animals and vehicles from this great range. With HappyLand toys children can build a collection that can be added to over time to create an imaginary town and learn about all walks of life.
Miss A, (2 years old) loves playing with small figures, she really does enjoy creating stories and imagining, in little role plays. Well with this we were bringing all the fun of the fair with this lovely Ferris Wheel and ice cream van.
There are two children that you can put into the wheel and give them a ride. You can turn the handle to spin the wheel and hear the fair ride music.
Drive the ice cream van across the fairground. Miss A had great fun, getting the children to choose their favourite flavours, then enjoy another ride on the wheel. She’s never been on a Ferris Wheel, so this was a great opportunity to talk to her about it. We talked about it what happens at a fair, how the wheel would spin around, what you could see and smell, how it might make you feel.
She loved using the figures to buy ice creams, here’s a short video showing Miss A and I.
The set includes ferris wheel, ice cream van, ice cream man and two children.
There is also a HappyLand Ready to play village set, it offers a great starter set to introduce your child to HappyLand and includes a cottage, doctor’s surgery, farmers’ market, a cafe and lots of people and accessories.
Add to that great buildings like the Sunflower School,Chocks Away Airport and Goosefeather Farm or HappyLand people, vehicles and animals and your child can build their own little town whilst stimulating imagination, improving social skills and inspiring your child to explore and enjoy the world around them.
I would highly recommend all the Happyland Products, I felt not only are they great toys for Miss A to play with, I felt safe to let her play with them, really strong, and well made.
thank you for reading
theanamumdiary x
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