tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453281845941527412024-02-19T01:32:55.235-08:00House of Lynne (HonieMummy)An alternative blog to http://honiebuk.wordpress.com. This website is great for linkys and pictures. Hop between the two sites for a rundown on what HonieLikes & what goes on in the HonieHouse HonieKitchen with HonieMummy, HonieDaddy, H'Boo, K'Boo & O'PopsHoniebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-22324113971421360222011-02-24T11:35:00.000-08:002011-03-12T07:46:35.387-08:00Delightful & Delicious<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to introduce you to Debbie - she is an extremely talented lady, who has, in a very short space of time managed to show off her talents and determination to succeed in passion to create and design. It's in her blood - she comes from a family who are pretty good at patching things together, cutting and pasting, baking and crafting to result in something that delights the onlooker.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuwWjIPFj3B0VAUjs7zJfIWR0wqKHnQ7Wt9qaHyK9NCX_zXlftWU8QEiBUPg6ahO04LDslQgV4bx5MBs-c9dLVfcrmeA1Cl76GJiNbuAcLlWp7ik1dHjhdEy4Mspee5RIXXgqW0uOBMMj/s1600/DW+Christmas+Penguins.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuwWjIPFj3B0VAUjs7zJfIWR0wqKHnQ7Wt9qaHyK9NCX_zXlftWU8QEiBUPg6ahO04LDslQgV4bx5MBs-c9dLVfcrmeA1Cl76GJiNbuAcLlWp7ik1dHjhdEy4Mspee5RIXXgqW0uOBMMj/s320/DW+Christmas+Penguins.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Her website reads:</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>A thirty something self taught baker who has a creative flair and ambitious mind. <br />
With a love of all things sweet and pretty, not to mention all that glitters, I have created a selection of cupcakes that I know I would like to eat and possibly share with family and friends.</em></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I believe using local, good quality ingredients, and baking each batch by hand gives each cupcake the delightful and delicious quality you deserve.</em></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKT_m_jz062V3C_682QXVkP1VPoCt3srRktAqOXvO4AUQRILJUKIDLbdOuyEVoXmQy6gx7v27el44_rvgKECvpcaknu3Idnq-WCcnSTKtlHVRMFXTfurtT3K7Pegq1kWPRf4gRVZNbUA6/s1600/DW+Gardener+Cake.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKT_m_jz062V3C_682QXVkP1VPoCt3srRktAqOXvO4AUQRILJUKIDLbdOuyEVoXmQy6gx7v27el44_rvgKECvpcaknu3Idnq-WCcnSTKtlHVRMFXTfurtT3K7Pegq1kWPRf4gRVZNbUA6/s320/DW+Gardener+Cake.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Take a look at her website on facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delightfulanddelicious.co.uk%2F&h=3fc74">http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delightfulanddelicious.co.uk%2F&h=3fc74</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcOqnMFFhyphenhyphen8P_I5g_4VKnMGfumCNzPfEVQlRwsO9YAfiOgNt_58p60AloG1NCmXh9zHVaBdqud3p0bPwsbjSnLaTBSbd7AIiDklV5E4gQog_MdofyVxwIo1O8JUiDVBwuQ_dZQEH3PHmK/s1600/DW+Pirate.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcOqnMFFhyphenhyphen8P_I5g_4VKnMGfumCNzPfEVQlRwsO9YAfiOgNt_58p60AloG1NCmXh9zHVaBdqud3p0bPwsbjSnLaTBSbd7AIiDklV5E4gQog_MdofyVxwIo1O8JUiDVBwuQ_dZQEH3PHmK/s320/DW+Pirate.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm tying to convince her she should be blogging and tweeting in the networking world of Twitter - leave comments and see if you can persuade her to make the move.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqbQTCEhXVlBm6CNdn0LkaEXiqMJpTNRM-miVPLxEmg-edbfoMzSFfe9Q0jX73rMNLS3ZjzupNk0xduOS6a42rONPEhdv6l0BB1_woMYdGSmSQFqWHFqr6gJTRUOXW7g0Ah0WnKuNZOdK/s1600/DW%2527s+Christmas+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqbQTCEhXVlBm6CNdn0LkaEXiqMJpTNRM-miVPLxEmg-edbfoMzSFfe9Q0jX73rMNLS3ZjzupNk0xduOS6a42rONPEhdv6l0BB1_woMYdGSmSQFqWHFqr6gJTRUOXW7g0Ah0WnKuNZOdK/s320/DW%2527s+Christmas+cake.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-7991632133205925642010-12-05T07:46:00.000-08:002011-04-04T09:38:43.193-07:00Going for Gold<span style="color: black;">My 11 year old (H'Boo) took up karate earlier this year with GKR (a club HonieMummy's Pop used to be a Sensei with). She attends classes with her Dad every Wednesday and has enjoyed it ever since she started. It has raised her self-esteem, confidence and I'm glad to say, has calmed her down (a bit) - after all pre-teen tantrums take a lot of calming, right!</span><br />
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She attented her grading a couple of months ago and this is her receiving her orange belt.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoX3AooGohXEvhasCVlfUmOhOTXV4LZyio8WHs9dZF0OmT_pJ2KN5Y0WVfn3HpZWQFXwznIBVjVStW0Es_VR3Vmloo8yEDYJ7I4PR3Ls0YTis785yNv2hyphenhyphenFfPp0YPN6pr6N4Hj74MxdOU/s1600/Going+for+Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoX3AooGohXEvhasCVlfUmOhOTXV4LZyio8WHs9dZF0OmT_pJ2KN5Y0WVfn3HpZWQFXwznIBVjVStW0Es_VR3Vmloo8yEDYJ7I4PR3Ls0YTis785yNv2hyphenhyphenFfPp0YPN6pr6N4Hj74MxdOU/s320/Going+for+Gold.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Just prior to this she attended the Regional Finals and attempted Saifa (a green belt kata 3 grades above her as a yellow belt) - she came away with the GOLD medal and it gave her the confidence to enter the National Finals.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_JWnm5ITVq60BKMGjdfIvCdW3P5IKmSrViXJDW7PJUatNy5Mt1OrUx0lh8KBOzykIdLB4cizcqpPFLNj0x_FDIvj-RxvnIrHuoQdjzqb5aJSOouy22iKVehykOBePVs-DPiAxyGQ9N0r/s320/Grading.jpg" width="271" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And so the day of the National came, I couldn't be there as Sheffield was a long shot at 6am with the other kids, so her Dad took her and he entered also.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Shortly after lunch my phone rings and I see it's her. I thought this was my chance to once again wish her luck now that she was there and settled.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"I did it Mum - I'm a UK Champion now" came the response to my answering the phone.<br />
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"I got the GOLD"</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">'Proud' does not go even half way to describe how I felt and still feel. HonieMummy was overwhelmed and the wet stuff visible.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_JWnm5ITVq60BKMGjdfIvCdW3P5IKmSrViXJDW7PJUatNy5Mt1OrUx0lh8KBOzykIdLB4cizcqpPFLNj0x_FDIvj-RxvnIrHuoQdjzqb5aJSOouy22iKVehykOBePVs-DPiAxyGQ9N0r/s1600/Grading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>So what;s next - Black belt kata? Who knows? But HonieMummy is proud whatever her H'Boo does :o)<br />
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Check out how to join GKR Karate on their website: <a href="http://www.gkrkarate.com/contact/join.asp">http://www.gkrkarate.com/contact/join.asp</a><br />
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</div>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-8893526833035541132010-12-05T04:42:00.000-08:002010-12-06T05:30:05.726-08:00Christmas Tree Treats - personal, time-saving and inexpensive<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Christmas</span><span style="color: #c00000;"> seems to come earlier every year and in the busy worlds we live in and the non-stop lives we lead, there never seems to be enough time to put in place all of the amazing things we intended to do, to make the season magical. For most, the intentions we had are still in our ‘to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>do list’ or on the fridge door behind the You are What You Eat magnet marked ‘must do’ – yeah well who looks at that fridge magnet anyway!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #d2a000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Here</span><span style="color: #d2a000;"> is a time-saving idea that looks fabulous, is personal to you, is inexpensive and could end up being your new family tradition at Christmas.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #245028; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">** Christmas Tree Treats**</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They</span><span style="color: purple;"> are little organza bags available in various colours (to suit your theme) that are ready to go with pull tie ribbon. They look great on the tree, are filled with what you want, for whoever you want.</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo32OXz_NHvWZ-Q7wSVtK6WzcEr_WGDJggilP0m02j49X_3F_OigB1S5JD4AVA8ovS-Hca1Luap-6psQiFEnn7hWm9WnWTZqxV-tVPGivv4BfLAjCwozgb_5ZF5Cnh7qN3lZL1qSZpP0Xy/s1600/d041_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhoEbMHdw-EOW8kuffLCPoiOjYFYz2BcU_guZWsQIcXDULuB6gXDOOz-PRdwPcXQO7QcGOi3FB_wRe-36hL9O6NDuY_9De8HRUJulV3XqXX7DGsbnBBZH67YC3TOYYpKK59iMoQwjTTkl/s1600/red.jpg" /> <img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RUlXD2Gbm3ySKGmBoMjX-log46ec38LaTiobbBzNQNEzRUVolf7DmRLO8kmI8LmsfaTbOOhrqgUeOQJku9FWTpYgOcwsiHDo_u-E8iZE3ObFprL1A1EAAqgKYiC7mkJNOuD_eXSKiKz0/s1600/white+bag.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZRVaABdmPNdaQIbis3GskC_YSyI3GHgk8-QgEpBYeaYmJCi7FCupjM7bwlGLgwjAdZCOy_-dZpGCYdvbQ1jBfOLrU9_cuxuQTCiovhjYF8Mc716eMhsrlktjVxFquRPfD4SU9Sk8idhc/s1600/FC+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZRVaABdmPNdaQIbis3GskC_YSyI3GHgk8-QgEpBYeaYmJCi7FCupjM7bwlGLgwjAdZCOy_-dZpGCYdvbQ1jBfOLrU9_cuxuQTCiovhjYF8Mc716eMhsrlktjVxFquRPfD4SU9Sk8idhc/s1600/FC+Bag.jpg" /></a><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61e01swgbRbVDWUy0IvryBNTuKp6MId5RpRUgS0M1nMLdeUyO7kCjBPGy2jMT7sbtYKIByTKdRO9cwnkvuuDNJE2wyFuhCp9oLZQo-fvdMnIX76_Fkrs_-ZVZxWkE6Vqdc8w8Oy0YFKCj/s1600/f55f_12.jpg" /><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo32OXz_NHvWZ-Q7wSVtK6WzcEr_WGDJggilP0m02j49X_3F_OigB1S5JD4AVA8ovS-Hca1Luap-6psQiFEnn7hWm9WnWTZqxV-tVPGivv4BfLAjCwozgb_5ZF5Cnh7qN3lZL1qSZpP0Xy/s1600/d041_1.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhaIoZSoibqSJGW_1s8ynr6QiOoHOUxIqo0U1I-fuKdJLhncLUXDyJWj-KPFAlNlS_EOHsrLTD3yigwdEOk_dq5zTLlTsDS__sWzY3ZNzPJMYtuXw3Y1EVp1hXHVCpH31JR8ZKNpG011-/s1600/gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhaIoZSoibqSJGW_1s8ynr6QiOoHOUxIqo0U1I-fuKdJLhncLUXDyJWj-KPFAlNlS_EOHsrLTD3yigwdEOk_dq5zTLlTsDS__sWzY3ZNzPJMYtuXw3Y1EVp1hXHVCpH31JR8ZKNpG011-/s1600/gold.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Who</span><span style="color: #c00000;"> they are for is entirely up to you and could be: your own children; visiting children; dinner party guests; visiting family.</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #d2a000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What</span><span style="color: #d2a000;"> they are for could be: Christmas day treats; advent daily treats; good behaviour treats; replacement for Christmas crackers; just to look good on your tree!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #245028; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The colours </span><span style="color: #245028;">can be; Christmas colours; colours to match ‘your’ theme; simple white or silver to show off the contents.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The contents </span><span style="color: purple;">are your choice, but be careful to make sure you have right size organza bag (various sizes available), but could include: Chocolate (of course); colourful sweets; small toys; Christmas cracker contents; messages and Christmas wishes.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Order</span><span style="color: #c00000;"> <u>right now</u> for just in time for Christmas</span><span style="color: black;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/newworldsm/GIFT-BAGS-/_i.html?rt=nc&_fsub=2559068&_sid=206694772&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1581&_pgn=3"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://stores.ebay.co.uk/newworldsm/GIFT-BAGS-/_i.html?rt=nc&_fsub=2559068&_sid=206694772&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1581&_pgn=3</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #c00000;">(1062 gift bags in various sizes & colours)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">or</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/40-Silver-Organza-Bag-3-Christmas-Santa-Clause-SALE-/150527659552?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Celebrations_Occasions_ET&hash=item230c25ce20"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/40-Silver-Organza-Bag-3-Christmas-Santa-Clause-SALE-/150527659552?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Celebrations_Occasions_ET&hash=item230c25ce20</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #d2a000; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Alternatively </span><span style="color: #d2a000;">you can get similar (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">but not the same choice</b>) from local Hobby Craft (or similar large chain). You may be lucky to find them in your local craft store.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #245028; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If you can’t </span><span style="color: #245028;">or don’t get them in time – order them anyway! Put them away with the Christmas decorations for next year and be ‘well prepared’.</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*** This very personal, inexpensive idea could be your new family tradition</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>& puts Christmas back into your hands. ***</span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">** MERRY CHRISTMAS **</span></span></b></div><br />
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<a href="http://spn.tw/r44WC"><img alt="SponsoredTweets referral badge" height="125" src="https://app.sponsoredtweets.com/images/tweeter_signup_125_2.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-63482213979588835382010-12-01T06:52:00.000-08:002010-12-02T16:26:52.434-08:00Celebrating Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP0HFt7j3oFYjhyphenhyphenB7tDiFEDoMZ6qVRE9SBnY1vWgMwKpgH-TnY4WfGcXxoy7RmxA24RWscEM19sfco_ECiUdTlLj46Jj9oSrIY_VkY6hZXC-d16T16JU5vNudgUBhAyh14lcYNcw4X9eG/s1600/Friendship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipP0HFt7j3oFYjhyphenhyphenB7tDiFEDoMZ6qVRE9SBnY1vWgMwKpgH-TnY4WfGcXxoy7RmxA24RWscEM19sfco_ECiUdTlLj46Jj9oSrIY_VkY6hZXC-d16T16JU5vNudgUBhAyh14lcYNcw4X9eG/s320/Friendship.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;">This is a picture of my daughter H'boo and her friends from Primary School. As she would not be there for the final week of her Primary School life, I let her have a bit of a party with friends. They got to eat what they wanted- so burgers, chips and cakes (decorated by themselves!!!).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;">I think of it as a celebration because good friends are worth celebrating and this collection of 6 girls (+ one more, as one is already on holiday) managed to 'stay' friends and were a regular part of celebrations and sleep-overs at my house. The latter part of the Primary years is an important part of their lives - we have already had blogs about 'party upsets' recently, which is something that they go through in the transition to this period. But, it is the latter Primary years that they seem to be sure of who their friends are and feel comfortable with themselves and the company they keep.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;">The day was an important one to mark, as after this day, four of the entire seven (and of the six shown here) were not going to H'Boo's chosen school and so I thought it important they had one last Primary celebration, to show their loyalty to each other. One of the girls in the pic has moved on to High School with her and also goes to Guides with her, another two just go to Guides. The girl on holiday and so obviously not in the pic' has moved onto the same high school also. And now they are 5!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;">High School comes with a new set of 'settling in' and finding your feet social rules and so the party/sleepover debates start again!!!!! I love this pic' because it shows that for at least a brief time in their young lives, they know their place and like it (no pressures, no social worries, no-one to impress or level up to). This is what children's lives should have more of these days - I wish they could stay 'this young' for longer than the world demands they 'measure up' to.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-36199451809042879302010-11-24T18:03:00.000-08:002010-12-02T16:15:13.549-08:00NCT – A No. 1 Source of Support and Networking for Parents<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-4J5vzDBH12WT57uYfiGKL-Y370qjwwhd99oYj-UpTWmbdgHmfrYix7dQ5ZdLYRSjgIFH95DpuDB3GCNa523jk-tpBExS_acV4LXwXet5hr_7a-TbWsRLAkjCuizEoA4WWMvNMl2evTK/s1600/nct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-4J5vzDBH12WT57uYfiGKL-Y370qjwwhd99oYj-UpTWmbdgHmfrYix7dQ5ZdLYRSjgIFH95DpuDB3GCNa523jk-tpBExS_acV4LXwXet5hr_7a-TbWsRLAkjCuizEoA4WWMvNMl2evTK/s1600/nct.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The NCT (National Childbirth Trust) is the largest and best known childbirth and parenting charity in Europe. Run by parents, for parents, the NCT is rooted in local communities across the UK, through its network of 330 local branches – run by volunteers.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.nct.org.uk/">http://www.nct.org.uk/</a></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><strong>10 good reasons for being a member of your local branch – mine is Chorley and Leyland!</strong></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have fun whilst supporting a worthy cause.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The NCT is a unique service, which gives you the opportunity to network with other parents.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your membership will ensure that the NCT is here to support your children, when they become parents.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your membership will help NCT campaign – which will bring about changes for ALL parents.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">NCT members help raise the profile of parenting.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your membership allows NCT to campaign on behalf of those who cannot do so for themselves.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Membership gives you the opportunity to give something back to the NCT.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Being a member of the NCT enables us to continue training new volunteers, teachers, breastfeeding counsellors, postnatal support workers and branch volunteers.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your membership allows the NCT to act as a voice for ALL parents in the UK.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be a member to say thank you to all the volunteers who have supported you through pregnancy and the experience of becoming a parent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course when you do become a member, you realise that these are the reasons you joined (and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they are very good reasons) but<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that in addition, what is available to you and your family on a local level is almost impossible to access in any other way and has endless benefits to you and your family. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a member, at branch level you become part of a network of support and friendship, regular activities and events, professional workers and advice -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>allowing you to enjoy parenting , share your experiences and for your children to grow and play with friends.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a volunteer at branch level, you become part of the team that keeps the branch running, enjoying roles that use your existing skills and help to develop new ones, receiving support from all other Team Members who in their branch roles and ‘supporting teams’ help to facilitate the activities and events that are available. All volunteers receive training where it is needed at branch & regional levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every event and activity and all funds raised at branch level is as result of the dedication and commitment made by volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the funds raised contribute to the activities and support of the NCT on a National scale and so volunteers are priceless and very much appreciated locally and by the NCT as a whole.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 18pt;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoednofbRO0uem8SPGJCQEIovyCtiJZdj3g9xcBPXUTpd4jhsivB6mlq_vqKcu7sg6REnEmWpM7QWg-3tg41PkXOH6_K6ARp87EE3lqF5xddmMxgoih1GRh4gy7aX4mSxrmqNZJVvrugzo/s1600/davina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoednofbRO0uem8SPGJCQEIovyCtiJZdj3g9xcBPXUTpd4jhsivB6mlq_vqKcu7sg6REnEmWpM7QWg-3tg41PkXOH6_K6ARp87EE3lqF5xddmMxgoih1GRh4gy7aX4mSxrmqNZJVvrugzo/s1600/davina.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvFZKTArQRn_LBZnH6WkvsiTAR6FZHhDmsX3MPh6CnGiF3tZ6dE-YmEuWjPUSFa2YThpFMLhIzUidSpABHdMsoA_zVPu6mTN-38rnlSFQA6mEtXoq-R2x6k5AGCLq8UGAuaHLxYODS2Pq/s1600/029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvFZKTArQRn_LBZnH6WkvsiTAR6FZHhDmsX3MPh6CnGiF3tZ6dE-YmEuWjPUSFa2YThpFMLhIzUidSpABHdMsoA_zVPu6mTN-38rnlSFQA6mEtXoq-R2x6k5AGCLq8UGAuaHLxYODS2Pq/s1600/029.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 18pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At Chorley and Leyland Branch, we have a Branch Team that includes:</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Branch Co-ordinator (previously known as Chair)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Treasurer</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Membership Co-ordinator</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Parent Support Co-ordinator (includes organising Stay & Play Sessions – previously known as Coffee Mornings)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mums to Be Evenings co-ordinator</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bumps & Babes sessions co-ordinator</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Branch Secretary</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Newsletter Editor (of our Award Winning Newsletter)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Publicity Officer</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Branch Web Master</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearly New Sales Co-ordinator</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearly New Sales Team (Sellers; Advertisers; Volunteers)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maternity Services Liaison</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Agent for Bras</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Agent for Breast Pumps</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Agent for Valley Cushions</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These roles are all voluntary positions and available to all members should they wish to contribute their time to the NCT. There is no fixed timescale to how long the role is to be held as we appreciate circumstances change and that family comes first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some roles are shared and ALL roles are supported by the Branch Team (previously known as Branch Committee).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Some of the regular activities that we hold at Chorley & Leyland are:</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mums to Be Evenings – for parents to be to get to know each other.</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bumps & Babes sessions – held fortnightly for parents to be and babes not yet mobile.</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stay & Play sessions – (for everyone) held weekly for parents to meet up, share experiences, receive support and especially to have a cuppa and nice biscuits, while the children play in a toddler/baby safe environment and have fun making new friends.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 18pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These sessions are held at other parent’s houses, so are informal and cosy. Sometimes we meet up in play centres where the children run around and have fun and parents still get their cuppa and nice biscuits. </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 18pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIERyuMzoXYJ6hfAFryLUC3ZM4hMNkllQ6QbBVC0YlR-Ffufi-3x41-WP_XLBgFes3gUgo7prkxJcRx4YbU-J55njoVOdgAkKk-uMVWNV1W2cQ80BRK5ednPxxWO702xiPJeIZL46l2RVj/s1600/nns2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5-oa8ZUAtE-nvS3YpdIZjvz7zkwM9eC7Wtkus-y4owSLp4HMLg4DUCsDAGBTycC6lktKR6R55NlJRVnsqL59wxsDG7FuN1ZWNa0J74UQFdFQ8uRyCdyEf1TLIKz181D3ozWs10t6bbXl/s1600/nns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5-oa8ZUAtE-nvS3YpdIZjvz7zkwM9eC7Wtkus-y4owSLp4HMLg4DUCsDAGBTycC6lktKR6R55NlJRVnsqL59wxsDG7FuN1ZWNa0J74UQFdFQ8uRyCdyEf1TLIKz181D3ozWs10t6bbXl/s1600/nns.jpg" /></strong></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Some of the events in our social calendar are:</strong></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quiz Night and Hotpot Supper</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Easter Fun Day</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearly New Sale (May)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cheeky Monkeys Party (June)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Halloween Fun Day</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearly New Sale (November)</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Members Christmas Party/Meal</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Children’s Christmas Party</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28W476nasTRWpQBBUCxHfn3pk4VhW31YFtevqAaeRE68zz04LkpUWuS1bdj8aKChAGNYDgKjq-u-9-qaXR5HTJ8FZo7lvKFabzsXZhr_O_sTe75RPBzwmZTV5wpykc-dRm1o6m0_zVp1c/s1600/cheeky+monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28W476nasTRWpQBBUCxHfn3pk4VhW31YFtevqAaeRE68zz04LkpUWuS1bdj8aKChAGNYDgKjq-u-9-qaXR5HTJ8FZo7lvKFabzsXZhr_O_sTe75RPBzwmZTV5wpykc-dRm1o6m0_zVp1c/s1600/cheeky+monkey.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eNUssHAR8P-4MYAu9yuuCJGbgWFm7z77zqW_nbaFn7rOUuw9PfeOx0fJXcwKT0q3VBzVZwpI4ija4aEycSvuZfpf2rtwExO562dMHUPU6zBgmUgP6Ys2kJ7GQrnHSszRJI7lR6OzmB13/s1600/nns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><strong>In addition we have:</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Organised Walks</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Girls Nights Out</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Parents Nights Out</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 54pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pamper Evenings</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since we have the opportunity to spend time with each other as families and as groups, we inevitably and naturally build friendships that are solid, supportive, based on trust and bring us back together even when we have been busy for a while with family commitments. Being a part of a local branch allows for networking that is flexible and there for you when you and your family need it most.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>As a member of Chorley & Leyland Branch</strong> I have been involved with the Branch Team for most of my youngest child’s life (K’Boo). The NCT has been a lifeline for me and I have made some fabulous friends that I would love to keep in touch with even after K’Boo has started school. She is almost 4 years old and I hope to help contribute to organising activities that enable parents to keep in touch as their families develop and grow (organising more weekend events). My eldest daughter (H’Boo) is 11 years now and has enjoyed helping out in school holidays and at Nearly New Sales. She recognises my friends from the NCT as true and loyal friends and the NCT has been an important source of support for her also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even at her age (a well-established In Betweener) she loves to come to the Easter and Christmas Parties and is happy to help out and join in with the children’s activities (particularly craft and dancing).</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of the roles I have held as a Branch Team Member are:</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Membership Co-ordinator</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearly New Sales Team (Volunteers Co-ordinator)</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">General Team Member – helping organise, promote & run events</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have also been noted for my ‘bare faced cheek’ (by none other than @kateab) for my methods of acquiring goodies and prizes that help us raise funds (hey, you don’t ask – you don’t get). These include:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>@kateab</strong> herself has been and still is a valuable part of the Branch Team and has held roles such as Treasurer (which she still supports) and Regional Co-ordinator. As her children are a little older now she is not able to offer the huge amounts of support and guidance she has contributed to the branch over the years. But I do know that she is missed and is still regarded invaluable to the running of the branch and we would love her to be around (even if her team keeps winning the Annual Quiz Night every year :o)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvWbxagWJf2Q3dZWaHtkUSNQ_uU4aal0rhFlaCoRPBCTtXk_Q29eWKeNB9VWpkRsRx7m6pK2I5PIGZh_EwyzVB72bh0JpgC1LjJXNUXB30B5dOsN0oxa6LC2ylclIALFhWK7oKP6x-hbr/s1600/Father+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvWbxagWJf2Q3dZWaHtkUSNQ_uU4aal0rhFlaCoRPBCTtXk_Q29eWKeNB9VWpkRsRx7m6pK2I5PIGZh_EwyzVB72bh0JpgC1LjJXNUXB30B5dOsN0oxa6LC2ylclIALFhWK7oKP6x-hbr/s1600/Father+Christmas.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Children’s Christmas Party</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> this year is at St Bedes Social Club, Clayton le Woods, Chorley on 12<sup>th</sup> December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Father Christmas is attending and will be giving out fabulous presents to all of the children (age appropriate and approved).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be a party buffet, cakes and refreshments and fun and games for the children (and adults). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tickets are £5 per child and free to accompanying adults</b> (there is tea and coffee for sale and a bar).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would like a ticket, please contact <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">@kateab</b> or myself. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">All families welcome</b>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our Christmas Party/Meal for adults is at Dante’s on 16<sup>th</sup> December, where as many of us that can make it get together for a ‘well earned’ night out and the odd glass of vino (has to be 3, 5, 7 or 9 glasses to be odd), garlic bread served as standard, rather tasty Italian waiters and a bit of a boogie on the dance floor (which is easier after a few glasses).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to join us (honest we’d love you to) drop us a line.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvXaPlMDH4KIRaaYRM_5s2Q-XgcWllUICKUkLYJpbUFCO54noCQ60xg6-SMASxPluYFLQZHWJna8P_sjc25D7bsmB_P4tg1GCijWs1-prqzmTpAN5F6a6qk7X-cbT4wBNzBjJSuuGNICo/s1600/chorley+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvXaPlMDH4KIRaaYRM_5s2Q-XgcWllUICKUkLYJpbUFCO54noCQ60xg6-SMASxPluYFLQZHWJna8P_sjc25D7bsmB_P4tg1GCijWs1-prqzmTpAN5F6a6qk7X-cbT4wBNzBjJSuuGNICo/s1600/chorley+map.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out more about Chorley & Leyland Branch email: </span><a href="mailto:chorleyandleyland@nct.org"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">chorleyandleyland@nct.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find ou</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">t more about the NCT and events near you log onto: </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/home">http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/home</a></span><span style="color: red;"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfZiVysAWY5rJiPFBQltezMyPqyBtoYz91DyCqT7SvAV7xb7vvMvjKHFYUa-GqdV3NTll_U0DI-2YpFll01VDJb_AWXT0k9zv7IEsjTJGCw_elocamPtq4rUDvkau6zsYugltlrUeAPLA/s1600/Kate+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-35549267678444485182010-11-22T09:55:00.000-08:002010-11-24T09:17:39.085-08:00Trunki - the genius invention for travelling kids<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><strong><span style="color: #823616; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></strong><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">@</span><a href="http://api.twitter.com/Beckicklesie"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: #9e563e; font-family: Calibri;">Beckicklesie</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> asked us all for recommendations on<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a suitcase for kidder, I was prompt to reply with a ‘Trunki’. But why was it the obvious choice for me and how did I come to this conclusion.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, we in the Honie House (House of Lynne, even) are rather frequent travellers <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(usually rather long flights and in-land travel to be expected) and along with our 3 children (who have very different needs), having the right luggage is essential.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue;">Rob and I</span> (age not disclosed, lol) have two large suitcases with all of our own clothes, shoes and holiday stuff for the hold packed in, along with those of the children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We carry an ‘in flight bag’ each, with what we need for the flight and a light change of clothes, toothbrush etc. (had lost luggage incident once –once too many!). We carry our cameras, books, iPod in our ‘in flight bags and Rob also carries the laptop and O’Pops ‘in flight entertainment’ usually just his iPod as long flights tend to have reasonable in flight entertainment anyway.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">H’Boo</span> (now 11 years) is rather simple: her clothes, shoes and stuff for the holiday goes in my very large case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her ‘in flight bag’ is very personal – space for books to read, her iPod, DS, lip balm, spare underwear and light change of clothes (lost luggage only happens once to ensure this) and anything a tweenie (or inbetweener) needs to take to keep them re-assured they are normal. Her ‘in flight case’ need to have wheels, because it would be ‘impossible’ to carry – of course!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">O’Pops</span> (now 10 years)is disabled and although he requires ‘in flight entertaining’ he is unable to carry his own luggage on board – Dad has to carry him, O’Pops hand luggage and his own on board, so light is good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob packs O’Pops holiday clothes, shoes and stuff in with his own suitcase and also O’Pops ‘in flight stuff’ in with his own also.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: red;">K’Boo</span> (almost 4 years) has been travelling since she was 7 months old and is brilliant at it. She often does an extra set of flights in the year with us – as O’Pops and H’Boo do a holiday a year with his Mum and her Dad respectively!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">K’Boo likes to pack her own ‘in flight entertainment’ which usually consists of: pencils/crayons; a colouring book; Dora doll; Woody; extra paper; her hat; sunglasses; a pack of hair bobbles; anything she could get her hands on around the case (that we forgot to hide) and the light clothing/toothbrush (in case of lost luggage). She steals anybody’s iPod or my iPhone (which we stock up with about 30 episodes of whatever is current entertainment to her – Dora & Toy Story lately!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">So why Trunki?</span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well we used to take the stroller to the gate and have it there when we reached our destination (with the exception of return flights to Manchester – who usually throw it on the conveyor, no matter what the bright pink tag says). But as she has got older, even if convenient, the stroller is not what she always wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had seen so many kids on Trunki’s and thought “that looks cute, but I bet it’s not practical”.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Think Again – it is genius!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She packs it herself and is excited about the holiday from the start. It has anything and everything she needs inside and so it’s all in one place, it’s spacious – has a safety belt inside for teddy, colourful – and themed, fun and extremely strong - so supports the weight of any child till they get bored of the concept, it can be pulled by the strap when they get tired of sitting on it, they offer to pull it themselves, it can have its own comfy seat as an extra – which converts to a simple carry bag for when you are on holiday (crayons always at the ready when needed). Trunk is the answer to airport nightmares and it’s theirs – so they want to take it and look after it!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">So what changed my mind to buy Trunki and discover all this?</span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was on a shopping trip to Liverpool One with Daddy and I, that Kate decided to get bored in the middle of John Lewis and allow herself to wander off (as children like to challenge us with at this age). “I thought she was with you” we each said to the other (as we often end up separated from each other anyway due to ‘shiny bit syndrome’ – a ‘got to have it’ sort of disorder!).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YEHw4irIlE9_VanfD6b70Kra9auRxwVCpMH_ofsLjQ1MYkzNRg_k_qVSkohMlXGpO2_gF_MlQK2W6La4AMg2C_OYjnskf5RvWSoxYPe9eFtKXGYRenh0hRyIMi-6eszB8gDpXxsHEct_/s1600/Ladybird+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YEHw4irIlE9_VanfD6b70Kra9auRxwVCpMH_ofsLjQ1MYkzNRg_k_qVSkohMlXGpO2_gF_MlQK2W6La4AMg2C_OYjnskf5RvWSoxYPe9eFtKXGYRenh0hRyIMi-6eszB8gDpXxsHEct_/s1600/Ladybird+Trunki.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YEHw4irIlE9_VanfD6b70Kra9auRxwVCpMH_ofsLjQ1MYkzNRg_k_qVSkohMlXGpO2_gF_MlQK2W6La4AMg2C_OYjnskf5RvWSoxYPe9eFtKXGYRenh0hRyIMi-6eszB8gDpXxsHEct_/s1600/Ladybird+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZze3Sg7enC2Ls8kalGZ4Ug4yaCQouRKJ8UiN0iUc4oqOdTidii9iAshza0CquWWMrS2SmGPzLm6BdbYq5SJ0Snx3qgTCU8189IQQdvkTCzISkQa5rJl35yhnUwKB69SdLGSuYRh6Mb3y/s1600/Blue+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZze3Sg7enC2Ls8kalGZ4Ug4yaCQouRKJ8UiN0iUc4oqOdTidii9iAshza0CquWWMrS2SmGPzLm6BdbYq5SJ0Snx3qgTCU8189IQQdvkTCzISkQa5rJl35yhnUwKB69SdLGSuYRh6Mb3y/s1600/Blue+Trunki.bmp" /></a><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was moments before we were re-united, as she often shouts when she has found whatever she was looking for (which is whatever she feels is suitable entertainment for the moment). </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBvscgX5ts-4z6rMlWaI3wbsl8j-YA7cOkiEmuHA4XqwrKHVO1qv-KO2XdfVqLroJvYrF13IvddYj2HU2QL4l7hFBwJAloF6nZYmQSACBZKKdudDdwVbdGTGc_czL2yHHiQhOfrWwWmjF/s1600/Gruffalo+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And that entertainment was a pile of plastic cases, with colours and odd bits of extremities to resemble funny little animals and things (<span style="color: orange;">Tipu an orange tiger</span>, a <span style="color: #b45f06;">Gruffalo</span>, <span style="color: red;">Freddie the fire engine</span>, <span style="color: #bf9000;">Bernard a <span style="color: black;">stripey</span> yellow </span><span style="color: black;">bee</span>, Harley the ladybird, <span style="color: purple;">Penelope </span></span></span></span><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: purple;">the princess carriage</span>, <span style="color: cyan;">Terrance a blue one</span> and <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Trixie a pink one</span>). </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj7AtEsF5l7o3mVC_3EgXLkaNV-IybA74snkJycfdwuwAVS1DtBG-WtP75qvOogCJ5d7gTPmZBxipG4lDg_CNxtpsYo-GvPq5ilee2Er4Kf1WtWThr2ZPAenDcC8yvhdr5s2wwcRFHCQN/s1600/Tipu.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj7AtEsF5l7o3mVC_3EgXLkaNV-IybA74snkJycfdwuwAVS1DtBG-WtP75qvOogCJ5d7gTPmZBxipG4lDg_CNxtpsYo-GvPq5ilee2Er4Kf1WtWThr2ZPAenDcC8yvhdr5s2wwcRFHCQN/s1600/Tipu.bmp" /></a><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She had pulled out the orange tiger and started shuffling around on it. Every attempt I made to put it back was with tantrums and complaints and so I resigned to letting her sit on it as we shopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I soon realised how ‘easy’ this actually made the rest of the shop in there and how I always knew where she was. She smiled the whole way round, laughing as we negotiated the aisles and displays put out, stayed quiet when we stopped to look at things and didn’t complain once. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until we were leaving John Lewis that is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had explained to K’Boo that she could sit on Tipu Trunki until we had to go, but that it lived in the shop and we had to leave it there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mmmh, this did not make leaving huge open doorway any easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stood firmly inside alongside the abandoned Trunki and said it was her friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rob got fed up with this and said he would nip to a shop he had to get something from (which has left my memory now) while I negotiated my way out of this.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, we did manage to leave the store and Rob was pleased to see this on his return.What he did not expect is Mummy to be holding the end of a strap attached to an orange booster seat that looked very much like <span style="color: orange;">‘Tipu’ the orange tiger</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>K’Boo had a very big smile for him and it was decided that this was probably going to be a good buy, after all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well it was – and I would wholeheartedly recommend one of these for lots of reasons, not least for safety, practicality and to avoid tiredness and tantrums.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMmiCfnG8PPqder3C-w1ePROEhyphenhyphen-Vkx3GnpOt7_v0qVMjLWDZN0ExxQ_HLWQoTg0hte5PVkyOXDeTSmaK9ojK171iXinDTYe_mN8BLPju5CXoJ6fMnlofmoCRbkpCoTep6NaFbjDtKWMr/s1600/Tote+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMmiCfnG8PPqder3C-w1ePROEhyphenhyphen-Vkx3GnpOt7_v0qVMjLWDZN0ExxQ_HLWQoTg0hte5PVkyOXDeTSmaK9ojK171iXinDTYe_mN8BLPju5CXoJ6fMnlofmoCRbkpCoTep6NaFbjDtKWMr/s1600/Tote+Trunki.bmp" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGf948-sKABlhudcnQ_1IHuHEM6ZGpn8SM426OBhg88yrsqadjfoDK4Ee2VURVDkRVWD0hEzFcsl2MVOOkHC2zc9FZ0R7z2xsfv80f31sIEcu30-N0aG8ucDTu8fBkY36nsDXUbxK8FB8/s1600/Saddle+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71DdHWOU54WlKmPX5beqvzcnnT5Uqs0wZpXehfZm5tfxApmBD2GT8tzmnJRGS1p7JwPMTMA0m8MLcekZyTHOlNZFUa3Vm2hFEiXO7jVJ8l6SyAL4cNReG37u5CqbdrLQAD_t9pizRSWMg/s1600/Pink+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71DdHWOU54WlKmPX5beqvzcnnT5Uqs0wZpXehfZm5tfxApmBD2GT8tzmnJRGS1p7JwPMTMA0m8MLcekZyTHOlNZFUa3Vm2hFEiXO7jVJ8l6SyAL4cNReG37u5CqbdrLQAD_t9pizRSWMg/s1600/Pink+Trunki.bmp" /></a><span class="entry-content"><span style="color: #823616;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBvscgX5ts-4z6rMlWaI3wbsl8j-YA7cOkiEmuHA4XqwrKHVO1qv-KO2XdfVqLroJvYrF13IvddYj2HU2QL4l7hFBwJAloF6nZYmQSACBZKKdudDdwVbdGTGc_czL2yHHiQhOfrWwWmjF/s1600/Gruffalo+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBvscgX5ts-4z6rMlWaI3wbsl8j-YA7cOkiEmuHA4XqwrKHVO1qv-KO2XdfVqLroJvYrF13IvddYj2HU2QL4l7hFBwJAloF6nZYmQSACBZKKdudDdwVbdGTGc_czL2yHHiQhOfrWwWmjF/s1600/Gruffalo+Trunki.bmp" /> <img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGf948-sKABlhudcnQ_1IHuHEM6ZGpn8SM426OBhg88yrsqadjfoDK4Ee2VURVDkRVWD0hEzFcsl2MVOOkHC2zc9FZ0R7z2xsfv80f31sIEcu30-N0aG8ucDTu8fBkY36nsDXUbxK8FB8/s1600/Saddle+Trunki.bmp" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yxGAToNnNmaAzIymvfEBxiwNql5TamltUDO6NcXZZ7BkIIo2gDOHDmD11-29kvpZc0DlrS2Nbs_K7BuTf_N7lQ-WKty6zJELtS30X0FoPgdqcPmWpH-SIYCeGP4G9qKpU2eL45_CZUmV/s1600/Bee+Trunki.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yxGAToNnNmaAzIymvfEBxiwNql5TamltUDO6NcXZZ7BkIIo2gDOHDmD11-29kvpZc0DlrS2Nbs_K7BuTf_N7lQ-WKty6zJELtS30X0FoPgdqcPmWpH-SIYCeGP4G9qKpU2eL45_CZUmV/s1600/Bee+Trunki.bmp" /></a></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
Check out the website for product information, history and fans of Trunki </span><a href="http://www.trunki.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.trunki.co.uk/</span></a></div><br />
<span style="color: red;">Time Out for Mums Blog:</span> <a href="http://timeoutformums-honiebuk.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: purple;">http://timeoutformums-honiebuk.blogspot.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="color: blue;">HonieMummy Blog: <a href="http://honiebuk.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: purple;">http://honiebuk.wordpress.com/</span></a></span><br />
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</script> </span></u></div>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-81086189114842120682010-11-21T01:27:00.000-08:002010-11-24T08:22:13.816-08:00Silent Sunday<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnDfpzWRCYrS6zcImwLrTNNjyyn8hjsgbd5wXaRCKHBWqFRX7fr0-55Jtx0WlPZx2KBuAmHmXKQajbftNQPl_wmdLdAkMCa4Lk029203HmR6iQJF88vjbXo70786X4n8VvGKU2HxO1NpR/s1600/K%2527Boo%2523SilentSunday+006b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnDfpzWRCYrS6zcImwLrTNNjyyn8hjsgbd5wXaRCKHBWqFRX7fr0-55Jtx0WlPZx2KBuAmHmXKQajbftNQPl_wmdLdAkMCa4Lk029203HmR6iQJF88vjbXo70786X4n8VvGKU2HxO1NpR/s320/K%2527Boo%2523SilentSunday+006b.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"What's to say?"</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Woke up Sunday morning. Simple breakfast and Eva playing 'Penny to my Name' from my playlist. K'Boo found 'her moment' and I got to capture it. Perfect, silent Sundays are made of moments like this.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Silent Sunday" border="0" src="http://www.mochabeaniemummy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Silent-Sunday-Badge-SMALL-1.jpg" /> <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3yzhbyq">http://tinyurl.com/3yzhbyq</a><span style="color: #9e563e;"></span></div><br />
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</script> </span></u>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-48451471829624843442010-11-18T08:09:00.000-08:002010-11-30T16:07:56.292-08:00Christmas MemoriesThanks to a recent post about Christmas memories I responded but it was a little too long to submit. So I finished it off here....... I might add and tidy it up later - but here it is 'raw' and rough on the edges.<br />
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I felt a bit the same about my friends and their expensive Christmas lists and always getting large amounts of money as presents at Christmas also.<br />
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My memories include:<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK9HW_0NRgG6mUlhrv0KQ6csU4aR-d67cTDulCkHaY-SVoqp75mp5xhvYjbyoHoSKzwSN2rImoID85R6sjriy6XsMvtC6kSPPmy31ggKF7JG5TrI7mesEijL486y3QdWEW3HLxpbVIaQR/s1600/rudolph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK9HW_0NRgG6mUlhrv0KQ6csU4aR-d67cTDulCkHaY-SVoqp75mp5xhvYjbyoHoSKzwSN2rImoID85R6sjriy6XsMvtC6kSPPmy31ggKF7JG5TrI7mesEijL486y3QdWEW3HLxpbVIaQR/s1600/rudolph.jpg" /></a>My siblings (I was the youngest of 4) rushing me upstairs to see the red light in the distance from the back of our house. They said it was Rudolph's nose and that I had to get to bed or Father Christmas wouldn't come. Years later I discovered it was a ligt in a house in the village across the fields. It was there every night of course - but the magic was so real at the time!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>My Mum used to work till 2am, so my Dad used to prepare Christmas Dinner the night before. His conditions were that Mum had Bells whiskey in and had made him a whole tin of mince pies (stored in a Quality Street tin of course).<br />
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Peeping at the presents in the wardrobe of Mum n Dads room - we didn't see what they were - but used to pop a little hole in the wrapping and try to guess. Wrapping has improved a lot since the 'paper thin' days.<br />
Putting decorations up on Christmas Eve and being careful not to drop the old fashioned glass baubles. It was tinsel and paper chains in those days - decorations have improved a lot since :o)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnv7avZAeiy4phJ1UhDrQMFb6GJ3K02b6fDzKIcPt06DlldYEtizQpJrT8N5H_d70osUNDuoptoK_UmJuBekNTptsvTpUeqOp6stw0UJHDvAqPCdYr1TsOlTwlZgqLPaQyVdzweYDCdLCK/s1600/Andy+williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnv7avZAeiy4phJ1UhDrQMFb6GJ3K02b6fDzKIcPt06DlldYEtizQpJrT8N5H_d70osUNDuoptoK_UmJuBekNTptsvTpUeqOp6stw0UJHDvAqPCdYr1TsOlTwlZgqLPaQyVdzweYDCdLCK/s1600/Andy+williams.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Over the years as my older siblings got older still - it was Dad and Me in the house on Christmas Eve and he would prepare the dinner as usual and I would put up the decs, balancing on chairs and play all the old Christmas albums (Jim Reeves, Andy Williams and the like). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Later we would sit and eat mince pies and I would sample my first tastes of Christmas liquours (sensibly of course) like Royal Mint Chocolate Liquor and Baileys . We would wait for Mum to get home and my older siblings to come home from their nights out and then open 'just one' present, as it had gone midnight.</div>As my siblings grew older and had children of their own, these children became a massive part of Christmas for our family and my parents house at this time of year and we would have Christmas dinners for 20 on a make-shift table (Dad was an engineer). These were magical family Christmases.<br />
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</div>I had my first daughter in 1999 (at the age of 28) and spent a lot of time at Mum n Dads (Christmas was no exception) and Christmas took on a new light for me and was just the best time of year. I could do Christmas every day at Mum n Dads, I thought. Being a parent now - I truly knew how precious those moments were for my Mum and Dad and the magic continued ......<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7xVAB-qnTahvHj8KwQmVRjLmduXKvoEpaelCo16wdsA-SOTXzsIF5L_NjSvmS7q1dAuteIO0rAdi1d93CEZn8ZZTI7v-xkWLPEo0ehArBanmniQQ843xqZZM58Y61ujqc-dxbFlgbXVW/s1600/round+table+santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7xVAB-qnTahvHj8KwQmVRjLmduXKvoEpaelCo16wdsA-SOTXzsIF5L_NjSvmS7q1dAuteIO0rAdi1d93CEZn8ZZTI7v-xkWLPEo0ehArBanmniQQ843xqZZM58Y61ujqc-dxbFlgbXVW/s1600/round+table+santa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I would wait for the Rotary/Round Table Father Christmas to come and take my daughter out into the street (donned in padded snowsuit, hat and mittens) to show her his sleigh - her eyes would light up and I recall how I remembered the same feeling.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Padded snowsuits and snowball fights, first steps in the snow (soft enough to catch her fall) are things I remember with a lump in my throat.<br />
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Just a year later my Mum took ill and I spent the last Christmas with my Mum (my husband decided to take off just days later too). She passed away later the following year after my daughter's 3rd birthday (August 2002).<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dad comes to us at Christmas now and this year he is giving me all of his old albums for keeps, as my current (almost husband) and amazing man is a bit of an audio enthusiast, lol and his turntable alone was enough to impress the likes of Dad, never mind the glowing valve amp'. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have 3 children between us (as Rob has been married before and has a son and we have K'Boo now) and the magic is re-lived with family Christmas courtesy of us with H'Boo 11 yrs, O'Pops 10 yrs and K'Boo almost 4 yrs.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x23VwVDtaL30UryhgtCbVqo5QxxJmeBvI3F0vdS1dT5o9ozTTab_vMSHUS3vL9xPN94CJkmS3tgRX8sJj1cORCY3S_MxBlhttbbzPK9xasKR16iKXMFEnLwZq2mwg-nJBy0sVai4z4TB/s1600/Tree+Kate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8x23VwVDtaL30UryhgtCbVqo5QxxJmeBvI3F0vdS1dT5o9ozTTab_vMSHUS3vL9xPN94CJkmS3tgRX8sJj1cORCY3S_MxBlhttbbzPK9xasKR16iKXMFEnLwZq2mwg-nJBy0sVai4z4TB/s320/Tree+Kate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Christmas is a time of exciting preparation, long-served traditions, hoping for the snow to come, letters to Father Christmas, the Rotary/Round Table Sleigh, your child's first school Christmas play, checking out other peoples Christmas lights in PJ's, decorating the tree with things made at nursery/school (the best decs), Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, giving, receiving and all the family round for dinner.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I can't wait to hear those records again and look forward to making more memories of the same for many years to come.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I Love and miss you so much Mum and Love you so much Dad - thanks for the best memories ever and Christmases that were priceless!!!!!!<br />
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</script> </span></u>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-61730020673130355222010-10-26T05:13:00.000-07:002010-11-24T08:36:04.303-08:00Halloween & Half Term HolidaysI love the build up to Halloween, but it has been a few years since I was in the UK to see it through.<br />
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But, I have been fortunate enough to live in an area where there are lots of children and 'willing parents' and so Halloween is very special for the children who live around us with lots going on and lots of smiley facey (and scarey faces).<br />
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Having spent the last 3 years over in the US (home of Halloween Festivities) we have seen some spectacular displays invloving pumpkins the size of a bean bags and shops (all of them) dressed in spectacular displays of fruit, Autumn colours and amazing scary costumery. Everyone seems to party when it comes to Halloween and so the fun goes on into the night with teenagers and adults joinging in the festivities. I have to admit, it left me wanting to do 'even' more back here at home in the UK.<br />
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My local branch of NCT (Chorley & Leyland) hold a fabulous Halloween Party (which is raved about for weeks and the photos are amazing) but which I am yet to have attended, due to my trans-atlantic addiction! If you get the chance to go to a Halloween Party that has been running for a few years, chances are they have got it off to a fine tee and you will have a great time. It's a great way for your kids to have fun, socialise and stay safe.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZEF_-tWyKQVxAYkFgdhePTJFKKTog5Ri5wOKLt20xHopbhtldRVc5bOvAkpvIuuvOhRNvWhHKAuKx3FHvLu_wxGQcudUlZAu9mLk0KYjNqE8DSY8JYOuCS9lG_wpoLxgY57CePVQz8MA/s1600/witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZEF_-tWyKQVxAYkFgdhePTJFKKTog5Ri5wOKLt20xHopbhtldRVc5bOvAkpvIuuvOhRNvWhHKAuKx3FHvLu_wxGQcudUlZAu9mLk0KYjNqE8DSY8JYOuCS9lG_wpoLxgY57CePVQz8MA/s320/witch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dress Up: It doesn't have to be scarey - but scarey is good if your little ones like that! Ghosts, vampires, witches, skeletons, monsters ...... they all do the trick (or treat). But, you can also go for the less scarey options, fun characters or even a bit of mystery/fantasy - pumpkin costumes are cute, fairies with a bit of sparkle (add a touch of Halloween colour) and even white witches (no warts or green faces required) will leave your little ones with a 'magical' theme to follow and smiling all the way to your neighbours door for 'trick or treat'.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Trick or Treat: After dressing them, dress your house (particularly the doorway). If you are stopping in, you can make a 'Halloween Supper', play fun themed games and when the doorbell goes you can be prepared for your little ones to see the 'big kids' look fabulous costume. Don't forget to have treats to hand - little made up paper bags of a sweeties pre-made up wil make it easier for them to select and helps you keep an eye on how much is needed. Add just a few sweets as they are likely to return home with a 'booty' that they will have a sugar high on for the rest of the week. Thank them for their efforts and especially if they have an adult in tow (encouraging safety is a must).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you do allow small ones to go 'trick or treating' make sure they have warm underwear and/or leggings under those costumes and 'always' go with them and make yourself visible to the adults answering the door.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you are unable to participate in door answering - leave a polite note at the door saying "Baby in Bed, please don't knock" or "Out Trick or Treating - please call later". You could leave a bowl of treats at the door if you wish!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfIDLyBSDaxHmsEYE_MiGHqqYwr6ueV448sSs9yQMSj5OfIkrxqRlDWI1XZm4H10-WBljHyv3UxV6GJgXtkKHxHEf8CKqbjkODQCnt4vdS5lWyPwrB0ruoRsW0TwXPxFUt6xHTqfJkY3q/s1600/Halloween+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfIDLyBSDaxHmsEYE_MiGHqqYwr6ueV448sSs9yQMSj5OfIkrxqRlDWI1XZm4H10-WBljHyv3UxV6GJgXtkKHxHEf8CKqbjkODQCnt4vdS5lWyPwrB0ruoRsW0TwXPxFUt6xHTqfJkY3q/s320/Halloween+2.jpg" width="240" /></a>Dressing the Doorway: Add pumpkins, orange flowers/plants, candles (take care they are in a heat proof container - or pumpkin), broomsticks, hanging spiders, webs, anything Autumn colour will enhance your display (including logs, pine cones, etc.). If you can have music playing low, either when continuously or before you answer the door this adds great effect too. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAu3DuXnw1lp2PChNmScIzxM57woFy9DfU3MAyRTeCEfi6qJq-hJRN0Tw8AVUMw5ObC6urpZP90C-Y-d9Oejp09dmD53mMygSo3Y40ea_0BALBbbgO5uAS-br0zs5GE20rds802-0-blYu/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAu3DuXnw1lp2PChNmScIzxM57woFy9DfU3MAyRTeCEfi6qJq-hJRN0Tw8AVUMw5ObC6urpZP90C-Y-d9Oejp09dmD53mMygSo3Y40ea_0BALBbbgO5uAS-br0zs5GE20rds802-0-blYu/s320/pumpkin.jpg" width="240" /></a>Halloween Supper: You can create or re-construct a number of delicious bites from food that you would normally serve - but with a Halloween theme. Pizza can be cut into fingers and you can pretend they are real fingers or chips have the same effect. Hot dogs definitely get the fingers vote! Jelly made up with grapes (eyeballs) looks good, cakes with jam filling can pass for blood filled cakes (jam doughnuts are even quicker). Make shortbread biscuits and let them decorate them with spooky designs with wrtiting icing for a great game. Toffee apples are always a hit and if your children like gingerbread or parkin then these taste great too!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here's a fun virtual pumpkin carving game to play: <a href="http://www.theoworlds.com/halloween/"><span style="color: orange;">http://www.theoworlds.com/halloween/</span></a><span style="color: orange;"> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And an educational site 'All about Halloween' and some cut out games to play: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/halloween/about.html"><span style="color: orange;">http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/halloween/about.html</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: purple;"><br />
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</script> </span></u>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-44484861491849032392010-10-25T10:30:00.000-07:002010-11-24T08:40:10.825-08:00Picking, Packing, London & Girl GuidesFriday (last) started with a 7am start loading the washing machine and packing the eldest of my children H (Kipper) Boo off on the school bus and my immediate attention on K (Bear) Boo, O' Pops already having left with Dad. After unloading, re-loading washer and transferring to tumble dryer, radiators and any reasonable surface for the 'do NOT tumble dry variety, Me and K Boo went to the gym for a swim (well bob) till I could shower, dry and clothe her and pass her off to Club V for my well earned time at 32 lengths, lunch (mostly on the go) and then she was off to nursery (....... breathe .......)<br />
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More washing, drying and gathering of things to pack (and something to pack them in). My eldest was going off to London with the Girl Guide unit she is in for 4 days and for my (cough.... I mean her) long awaited break with 30 other Guides/Leaders, I had to first make sure that all and everything that was needed was available and to hand for an 11 year old to survive (oh hard can it be) such a trip.<br />
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So, on picking up K Boo and waiting for the bus to return for H Boo, there commenced a series of events that can only be described as hysteria and calm, alternating at varying degrees and giving me an almighty headache, that left me wanting to go lie down in a dark, quiet room - no time for that! On with the selecting and packing and debating whether hair straighteners and lip gloss were so essential in a pull along case that had to be big enough for essential gear (including uniform, casual clothing, toiletries, footwear, bread rolls, crips and snacks for 4 days), yet small enough for an 11 year old to get on and off the train, tube and pull for a mile walk to destination Guide hostel. Mission 'almost' Impossible!<br />
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The phone rang and the voice of Rob brought me back down to Earth, but not as much as when he said "take-away for dinner Dear". God, I love that man!<br />
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The packing debate continued and I resided to sewing on 11 badges that did not seem to matter so much before this moment, to be visible on her bright pink '100 Years of Girlguiding' shirt - but then it's not every day that a Girl Guide gets to make her 'promise' in the grounds of Buckingham Palace after watching therein the 'Changing of Guard' (apparantly a privilege that is earned only through writing a letter to Queeny and is reserved only for the likes of staff, Cubs, Scouts and Girl Guides). Long after sending her to bed, later than usual and was needed, I was still sewing on badges and preparing packed lunch (for her arrival) and snacks for the 2 hour train journey (Virgin Express, no less!). Bed time 1.30 am!!!!!!!!<br />
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6.30 am!!!!!!! Rise and no sign of shining, I then received a telling of for making her 'not so favourite' sandwiches and decided to re-do them, not to please her, but to save myself the moment of being rubbished when she re-opened her 'not so favourite' pack lunch at the Lodge. It was because I added grapes instead of lettuce to the ham wraps! What's a Mum to do at 1.00 am when she realises the lettuce has ran out - FFS!.<br />
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7.15 am and I'm forcing the hand of my Tweenie (in between - not yet teenager - 8 to 12 yr old) from shoving more toiletries and the cast-out hair straighteners in the over-packed case and trying to get her to the door. "It's time to go! Now!"<br />
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Short journey and fortunately no traffic or problems parking at Wigan North Western and all the Guides/Leaders are assembled in the foyer for last minute checks and the arrival of the train. <br />
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Then it hits me! I'm really going to miss her and I hope she feels confident enough to manage and is going to enjoy herself. 4 days from home and she has only just started high school (with 120 complete strangers and 2 friends) which was enough of an ordeal that she has now settled down from (Parent's Evening went well, even if my experience of homework co-operation had not being going 'quite' as well).<br />
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I'm really going to miss her and hope she spends the money I gave her and complained so much about ("kids these days don't appreciate anything and expect everything") on ridiculous things that she doesn't really need and yet thought she wanted so much and enjoys the experience of doing it!!! I hope she stays up late, even though she has early starts and jam-packed days and that someone makes her lunches for her before they go, so that she can do daft things and spend the time with her friends, wasting the short time she seems to spend with them these days, given the amount of homework they are getting and I hope she is excited about all of the places they are getting to see: Pax Lodge, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge (done it with us, but so much better with a group of her friends), Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, 'Wicked' at the theatre, Crystal Palace, Planet Hollywood, St Paul's Cathedral, right up to the doors of No.10 and an invite for tea and cakes with Lyndsey Hoyle (our local MP), Harrods and picnics in the parks.<br />
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I leave the station feeling glad they had us parents go before they all headed for the platform - not sure I could have held it together watching my first born (and 25 girls) board a train for the Capitol without me, in the trusted hands of 4 adults and a couple of Senior Guides. I pull myself together and head for home.<br />
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I waited <em>'all day'</em> for her to call me and tell me that she had arrived and had a great day and that there was so much to do and lots of fun to come. I didn't want to call in case they were rushing off to somewhere or listening to instructions and she would get told off or feel flustered finding her phone or worse still '<em>embarrased'</em> that her Mum had called. I waited all day and then late at night she 'did' call. I listened intently as she described the Lodge and the games they had played, running around discovering the place, having to pay 75p for hot chocolate and 50p to use the computers to go on Facebook. How one of the girls had turned her 'shared' room into a Salon that evening and offered to do the other girls hair and nails. I listened and I hung on every word and didn't want the conversation to end. Then she said "I love you Mum and miss you" and "You don't have to wait for me to call - call anytime!" She missed me too and for a Tweenie to admit after only one day away from her 'ever complaining' Mum - <em>that was priceless</em>!<br />
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"I love you too" and I didn't mind telling her that I had been in her bedroom, as I do each night when I go up and kissed her pillow this time, as she was not there. "I'll text first, then call you" "Goodnight Sweetheart."<br />
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Now it's tomorrow evening they return and I have heard how she loved Buckingham Palace and how the guards were a bit scary with big guns and big horses, walking right by them and how she was <em>'so excited'</em> about making her 'promise'. Excited too about watching 'Wicked' with her friends and taking a picture of Jonny Depp's hand print in Planet Hollywood. I can't wait to hear about St. Pauls when I call later and boy oh boy, I can't wait to collect her from the train station tomorrow.<br />
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It will be just 2 days later that I will leave her for 1 week while she goes to Turkey with her Dad for the second half of 'half term' and we (Rob, Me and K Boo) go to Washington D.C. - time out for myself that I bragged about. <strong>Wish she was coming with me!</strong><br />
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</script> </span></u>Honiebukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08702801124832904531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-545328184594152741.post-73796849309594421162010-10-19T10:36:00.000-07:002010-11-24T09:20:29.634-08:00The Study Trap (and how House of Lynne got it's name)<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I've been up 3 hours, 2 kids down (at school) and 1 been up a short time very much late for nursery, breakfast and getting dressed in progress and I haven't even managed a cup of tea or a bowl of cereal yet!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">But I do have to confess I have managed to send an email to the Guides Leader, thanking her for re-sending the kist list for the London trip that I lost (in the Study Trap) and to ask for details of the Centenary Party at the Town Hall tomorrow to be re-sent also.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">The Study Trap - well let's just say we recently decorated and there are consequences, trade offs, whatever you want to call them and below is the exact carbon copy of the email sent and how 'House of Lynne' (not Linn) came about. After this I'll fill it with daily blog and the chaos that makes this house 'home' ..........</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Hi Sharon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Cheers for the kit lists</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Does Helen need her invite to go to Centenary Party at Town Hall? I know it's tomorrow night and where - can't remember time and not sure if uniform or party gear (guessing it's the latter). Please advise :o))))) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I feel very guilty (I do) that anything that was in Rob's path ended up in piles in the study. Then he has stacked a tonne of audio equipment in front of the door. It's like a death trap in there. All will be put in it's place shortly - unfortunately, this mean when Rob has time or when 'he needs it', mmmh! In the meantime, there are lots of important things counting down toward: like the party tomorrrow, London, Washington DC and if I wasn't pulling my hair out with the day to day things in our lovely children's (cough) lives, note - the important things in my own life pale into insignificance, then I might find the time to go in there (mission impossible) and sort it all myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Now you think I'm kidding right - see the attached pic and note: to the right is a 20kg table (for taking a plasma screen) up on its side, to the left is a ridiculously expensive audio storage rack (the likes of which I daren't move) and on the floor in front is a mish mash of wires, cable, cd's, some important audio stuff (Rob's words not mine) and there in the distance, piled on the chair, which before dumping the previously mentioned stuff was carefully balanced to the point of 'dare you to take anything out of it', is a stack of paperwork n stuff (some of which I need like tomorrow).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNNdNu-GVBE3rX5n0-sfHPR-Hq_YEoSlnTdLj-ghiOi478Jq9vYDSIPJfqTVE27ayX8paZtYK8qCxnfaPsBfpGe3RIOa37AYN4fRw5JcoyYMwGkf0zPfPmdpmqFeqTmJ2ZEGE7Igaj1Gu/s1600/the+study+trap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNNdNu-GVBE3rX5n0-sfHPR-Hq_YEoSlnTdLj-ghiOi478Jq9vYDSIPJfqTVE27ayX8paZtYK8qCxnfaPsBfpGe3RIOa37AYN4fRw5JcoyYMwGkf0zPfPmdpmqFeqTmJ2ZEGE7Igaj1Gu/s320/the+study+trap.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Study Trap</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So even if I did manage to become an expert at Twister and could make my way on tippy toe through the mess, I would be taking my life in my hands for it not to all topple and be lost in the abyss of 'the study trap'.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Why is he doing this? It has taken 5 years for paint to be brought into the lounge, 2 years ago he made a bloody big hole 4 inches wide up my wall to accomodate a new hd telly, 1 year ago after nagging him to fill the hole for 12 months - I filled it myself, another year on I sanded the plaster down because got scik of asking for this too and.......</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Just lately he has discovered (another) new concept in audio!</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> I must mention at this point that I have seen no less than 10 sets of speakers in the 5 years I have known Rob and about as many cd players, amplifiers, phono systems, just 4 turntables and 5 hifi racks - all of which you could not find in Curry's, Comet or any music shop you and I would normally visit. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">This new concept involves downloading all of his 1000+ cd's and accessing them on a DS (not Nintendo) system that makes iPod look like a ZX81 (if you can remember them, lol) and de-clutters the shelves of my study and 2 units in the lounge AND means that when I need to play a cd, I don't have to ring him up and ask where it is (there are that many in various places) ALL at no further cost to us as he has been selling existing stuff to cover it ........</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So I bought into this concept, naturally! But (and its a big but). So .... BUT</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">He had to get the lounge to a standard Mummy here was prepared to accept before letting 2 blokes from a big posh house that they demonstrate the system in, to come and ransack the place and assess and fit the said system. Which comes from and I think this bit is aptly named 'the House of Linn' lol</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">So Halleluiah, the lounge is done! OMG the study is in limbo, til the rest of the stuff (which I'm told is sold) is collected.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"Dear God, please make my life simple today, luv n kisses, Lynne :o)"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">It'll all come right in the wash. Hope your days are a little more simple than mine.</span></div><br />
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Sound Advice from the guys at House of Linn:<br />
<a href="http://www.houseoflinn.com/?gclid=CI218IK736QCFcH42Aodo3ALKg"><span style="color: #0b5394;">http://www.houseoflinn.com/?gclid=CI218IK736QCFcH42Aodo3ALKg</span></a><br />
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