Rosie Corriette

Notes from a retired blogger

Author: Rosie

  • World Book Day: What are you reading?

    World Book Day: What are you reading?

    In case you hadn’t noticed today is World Book Day.  The stinkies came home armed with worksheets from various school activities and the obligatory £1 book tokens.  I’ve enjoyed a beautiful love affair with reading from an early age and am really pleased that the stinkies are starting to see what a great escape books can be. 

    I think it’s really important to help establish a positive relationship for a child with reading and books, so already Boo has a her own little space on the family bookshelf; granted there’s no literary greats but she giggles like a hyena when a book comes out and smacks away at the pages.

    I make sure that the stinkies read every night but I’ll admit that it’s not often that I know which books they’re reading.  Just before bed this evening I asked everyone to place the book they were reading on the table and this is the result (ok so Boo had a little help reaching up to the table!).

    As you can see there is an eclectic collection of different books and thanks to He even a magazine – there is always one!

    World Book Day allows us to be reminded of the joys and importance of reading. But what about the rest of the year?

    So this is my family bookshelf. It would be lovely if others shared theres’.  Who knows, we may even be able to build a family library with all the contributions.

    Mummy

  • Splish Splash Swimming Boo

    Splish Splash Swimming Boo

    Sunday saw Boo go swimming for the first time. Both He and Me took her with the stinkies coming along to splash around like loons in the big pool.

    At 7 months old Boo is relatively late to the swimming game, yet due to her being early and struggling to maintain her body temperature initially (I never want to see a hot cot again) we thought it was best to wait. The water would always be there and we wanted it to be a happy experience for her.

    We’d received loads of advice in the days before with the majority saying that we would be lucky if she stayed in for more than a few minutes; so armed with a bunch of towels and the cutest swimming costume there ever was we headed down to our local pool. The walk from the changing village (I still don’t get mixed changing!) to the teaching pool with Boo in my arms felt like I was walking the plank – I was literally perspiring with sheer nerves. I’d imagined this moment for months and it was one of those future memories that kept me focused when Boo was premature.

    I don’t know what I was worried about. She absolutely loved it – we were in the pool for over half an hour and by the end she was kicking and splashing away as if to say ‘why haven’t you brought me here before you moronic parents!’

    For He and me it was one of first truly ‘Proud parent’ moments; here was our beautiful little girl – our creation demonstrating that she’s just fine in fact she’s blooming marvellous.
    On the way out we signed her up for a course of swimming lessons so who knows this time next year she may be swimming the Channel. So ok I doubt she’ll be that proficient in long distance swimming but I’m sure she’ll be doing swimmingly.

    Mummy

  • Shrove Tuesday

    Today has been eagerly anticipated by the stinkies and by many children (not forgetting those adults who have a sweet tooth!) and I will be first in line this evening for a pancake or five with the safe but divine topping of lemon juice and sugar. With all the attention focused on the sugary treat after dinner you could be forgiven for forgetting what Pancake Day is really about.

    Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday – the official start to Lent. I can hear you all groaning at the memories of having to give something up for forty long days; it’s purpose was to give us an insight into the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Although I’m not too sure persecution and a month and a bit of no sweets is on the same level!!!

    While I was at university and finding my adult feet I didn’t observe Lent or barley attend church for that matter. However now that Boo is here I feel a sense of duty to reconnect with my religion. I’m not about to only eat fish on a Friday or condemn mortal sins (Boo was born outside of marriage remember) yet I am going to make a concerted effort to attend Sunday Mass regularly and perhaps more importantly become involved in my local parish so that Boo can see the benefits or identifying and belonging with a community religious or not.

    Is it just me that’s felt this shift or have other Mummies felt it too? It turns out this motherhood thingy is a funny old journey with plenty of surprises!

    Mummy

    P.s. In true unoriginal fashion I will be giving up chocolate for Lent (if you knew how much I consumed you’d agree this to be a worthy choice!)

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  • iPad: The World’s Most Expensive Teether

    I better be quick we’re in Starbucks and Mummy’s up at the counter getting a soya / skinny Minnie / eternal youth latte thingymajig.

    After a few not so gentle prompts from Moi Daddy finally got the hint and realised that it was high time that he buy Mummy a present. I mean we’re talking Birth of me, Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, Graduation and not to mention impending Valentines. After hours of painful thinking on Daddy’s part he decided that an iPad would be the perfect gift. On one of our trips out to some godforsaken shop with strong overhead strip lighting Daddy got lost in the moment and was playing all sorts of games that in my not so humble opinion looked way too babyish for him never mind me!

    With the seeds sown Daddy chose the 32G with 3G so we can tweet away wherever we may be!
    Mummy was over the moon with her present and to if i’m perfectly honest I think it’s the best present Daddy has bought her (I don’t know how he managed before I came along!)
    So now Mummy has this oh so special iPad which might I add doubles up as a pretty impressive teether the sky is the limit we can Skype Grand-ma at bath time and show all my fans just what a clever girl I am! Plus with the touch screen it’s easy peasy for me to tap away as you can see form this impromptu post.

    Mummy is still getting to grips with the iPad and is uttering words like ‘Apps’ and ‘productivity and fun combined’. So this where my loyal fans aka you come in. I would like you to recommend your top apps for Boos and busy Mummies. Once there’s a few suggestions I’ll through the powerful persuasion technique of intermittent smiling and crying (trust me it works!) get Mummy to try them out and we’ll let you know how it goes.

    Right I can see Mummy making her way back from the milk station; my cue to start waving my arms around and dribbling like a crazed monkey – the things we do eh!!!

    Boo x

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  • 4 Key Things to Consider When Booking a Wedding Car

    Planning a wedding involves making lots of different arrangements, including making sure that everybody in the bridal party has suitable transport to and from the venue. When it comes to getting your wedding transportation, it can take some time, and there are plenty of different options out there to choose from. The right transportation won’t just impact your entrance to the venue but it can also have an impact on your mood and stress levels along the way! Here are some of the main factors to keep in mind when choosing the right wedding transport for you.

    Vintage cream open top car on bridge

    Timing

    The first thing to consider is the exact time that you will need the wedding transport for. If you’re going to have your ceremony in a different venue to your wedding reception, you’ll need to get transport that will take you between the venues and wait while you have photos taken. If you’re having your reception in the same venue as your wedding ceremony, you may want to consider hiring the wedding car for a while longer so that you can have some photos taken in it.

    Location

    Another key factor to think about before hiring your wedding car is where the firm is located. A local wedding firm offering vintage wedding car hire in London may be the best choice for most couples, especially due to the fact that local drivers are more likely to have a better knowledge of the area, which can be less stressful on your big day. However, with modern sat navs, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem getting a car from a firm located elsewhere if you like the vehicles they offer and they are willing to cover your wedding.

    Your Theme

    The theme that you have chosen for your wedding day may also be something that you want to keep in mind when choosing your wedding car. Classic and vintage cars are a very popular choice for almost any type of wedding and there are lots of different types available that can easily blend in with your theme. Or, if you prefer, you might want to consider going for a super-modern style of car – self-driving cars and Teslas are becoming more and more popular as wedding transport.

    Availability

    It’s always a good idea to start planning your wedding transport as far in advance as possible, especially as many wedding car companies will often be booked up for months or even years in advance, especially when it comes to the best companies that offer great cars, an awesome service, and have a good reputation. Companies are more likely to be fully booked during peak wedding season in the spring and summer, so make sure that getting your car booked for the dates you need is a priority.

    No matter what kind of wedding you have planned, where you’re holding it or what time of year you are getting married, arriving to your wedding in style is a top priority for the majority of couples. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you secure the right transport for your big day.

     

    Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.