Leaning Tower of Colander

Yesterday in a bid to keep the Doctor busy while I clocked up some 'me minutes' we set up an activity he was gangbusters for.

He gathered the goodies, I gave him a few more, and away he went, building a water fountain.

This was an excellent practice in concetration, balance and problem solving. Many times the fountain tumbled. And many times he was disgruntled. He wanted me to build it. But I wouldn't. I helped a few times. I gave him some pointers, but I left him to work on it - and he was triumphant. Until we introduced the hose which sent the fountain toppling. But that was ok because it was fun to the max.

We used cups, plates, colanders, plastic colanders (from ricotta), anything will do really as long as water can overflow, flow through etc.

This is an idea we gleaned from Jo England's Happy Times Together. Lots of great ideas to do with older kids in here.

Back:: Recharged & Ready to Conquer

Last night I had the good fortune of a night in a hotel. By. My. Self. I was lucky enough to be invited by Pampers to enjoy the Perfect Night's Sleep.

If you're a long time reader of PMM you are already well versed in the latest bad string of broken night's we've been experiencing and the utter exhaustion that seems to have descended upon our home. If you're new, in short, this last two-three weeks has stunk on the sleeping front.

After a night out meeting some ace new people, and learning some tips from the geniuses that are Tresillian, I feel recharged and ready to tackle pretty well anything that might be thrown at me (except fire batons - don't throw those at me).

I came home to my two littlies who were happily playing. I packed lunch like there was no tomorrow. Seriously, a sleep by yourself is definitely underrated. It feels so luxurious!

What's your ultimate luxury?

PS - I'd quite like that luxury up there - Princess and the Pea by Maileg via Toy Boutique.

The Young Victoria

Warning: This post features gratuitous shots of Rupert Friend.

Today I was going to go absolutely batty if I didn't score some 'me minutes'. I chose to spend these hard earned 'me minutes' by going to the movies. By my standards, this is one of my favourite solo time pursuits. I love watching movies at the cinema by myself. I don't get to do it often these days, so it's totally luxurious.

If you have been reading PMM for a while, you might know that I love love love to love love love a beautiful period piece. There's eye candy a-plenty with Rupert Friend cast as Albert, and the beautiful Emily Blunt as Victoria. The costuming delectable, and the setting - when do I move in?

With Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York) as part of the production team, it's such a visual feast. I was devastated when the credits began - I just wanted more (second serve of Rupert, yes please). Watch out for Princess Beatrice taking a turn as an extra too.

You can read a BBC interview with Emily Blunt here.

A Crazy Outta Control To-Do List

Do you ever have days where your to-do list is just not going to-get-done? Today is one of those days.

- Wake up

- Prep morning tea & lunch for the Doctor

- Drop the Doctor off to pre-school

- Fruit & veg shopping
- Vaccuum

- Mop

- Breathe

- Get a flat tyre fixed

- Fruit & veg still sitting on floor in kitchen - unpack it now girlfriend!

- Cook dinner (for tomorrow night)
- Tidy the Doctor's room

- Change bed linen

- Washing

- Somewhere in here, get some work done

- Play with Tiny

- I won't continue in case you click away

Do you ever feel as though you agree to take on too much, and then feel like you're suffering in order to make everyone happy? Well that's me right now. I think I need to cut back and learn to say no. I think if I did that, the boulder currently resting on my shoulders could roll off. And that would be an ace thing indeedy.

And tonight friends, sewing restarts. I decided to go back. It's a good excuse for me to ensure I have some 'me time'. And I'm not going to stress about it this term. It's going to be easy sewing. Just learning some techniques me thinks. And my teacher promised she'd teach me how to smock. Coolio. I think tonight I might start work on a cushion for the Doctor. I promised him yonks ago, but never got to it. I've been trawling my copy of 'Bend the Rules' for inspiration. Inspiration-a-go-go.

Today for your viewing pleasure, a little bit of eye candy in the form of the Doctor's scarf I've been working on. And some fabrics I'm thinking of including in his cush.

If Anyone Wants Me...

I'm on the couch watching this.


Shh - don't wake the kids.