A pocket of my life

 The summer holidays can be scary for some parents knowing that there budget doesn't stretch far, I try to keep to a strict budget so we don't go beyond our means, this means that some days are in with free activites and crafts. So here are some free/cheap ideas to keep you and the kids entertained over the holidays. Rock painting and hiding Lego building Pet pals workshop (Pets at home) Den making Baking ( Cookies , Cupcakes ) Cinema (kids club) National trust (vouchers are very useful) Beach/park  Summer reading challenge (local libraries) Scavenger hunt / nature hunt These are just a few things that we get up to in the summer holidays. I normally put these and more in an envelope and get the girls to pick something out when the day is slow or there bored. I really hope these help and would love to hear what you get up to as well. Victoria x

With half-term term officially starting next week I wanted to share a few ideas that don't break the bank. Trying to keep the kids occupied for a week can be tricky when they are out of routine but I am one of those Mums who loves these weeks, the time to have a slower week and make memories if possible.  1. Cinema: This may sound crazy but I have just got 3 tickets, 1 adult and 2 children for under £10 with ODEON Kids. Throw in a shop bag of popcorn or some of their favourite sweets then we have a morning planned.  2. Make a den: We love making dens in our house with mattresses on the floor with blanket and sheets for a roof. I try to make these as cosy as possible as sometimes they like to sleep in them too.  3. Baking: This is great in many ways, it's good bonding time, they are learning maths if you help them with weighing and you get a yummy treat at the end. We love baking from scratch with many  recipes  on my blog, but we also lov...

I think we have found the perfect recipes for chocolate chip cookie, these are so soft and taste amazing. and you can also store dough for another day which we have done.  This recipe is a simple on and the dough is so easy to make, Lilly managed to pretty much do these with minimal help. The recipe can make up to 30 cookies and bake in just 8-10 minutes. Recipe: 225g    Plain Flour 150g    Baking Butter, softened (Marge) 80g      Light Brown Sugar 80g      Granulated Sugar 200g    Chocolate Chips 1          Large Egg 2tsp     Vanilla Extract 1/2tps  Bicarbonate of Soda 1/4tsp  Salt Method:  1. Preheat the oven to 190oC/170fan/Gas mark 5 and line trays with baking paper. 2. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add 1 large egg and the vanilla extract. 3. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the salt and add...

Well December has flown by and what an adventure it has been. There have been highs and lows and memories made. We started off with a slow week or so with school runs, my TA course and decorating for Christmas.  As we got into the month it got things got crazy and very festive, we took our annual trip to Westfield Christmas lights and Lilly's final festive performance at primary school which was emotional. Sadly my Dad also ended up in hospital for the first of 3 visits. School ended and Lils had to sleep overs back to back and then sadly became poorly with a sickness bug which luckily only lasted a couple of days.  Once she was better me and her took a trip to Brighton to see SIX the musical, it was the most amazing show and a night to remember. This was followed by the Christmas train which is an annual festive event, its such a nice family thing we do and really puts you in the mood. Christmas eve came and Liam's Mum came to join us, we baked and watched films. ...

During these difficult times trying to keep the norm is something that I am trying to do, and one way of doing that in our house is baking. We have such an easy, fool proof recipe here which consists of just 5 ingredients.  These chocolate cupcakes are so fluffy and go down a treat for a nice pudding. These are something that Lilly (aged 7 1/2) can pretty much bake on her own up until the point of putting them in the oven. Ingredients: 3 x Eggs Self raising flour - weight of eggs minus 2oz Sugar - weight of eggs Marge - weight of eggs Cocoa - 2oz Method 1. Preheat your oven to gas mark 5/190°c and line a tin with cupcake cases.  2. Mix the sugar and marge together until creamy and smooth.  3. Slowly add the eggs, one buly one, if starts to curdle add a small amount of flour. 4. Add the rest of your dry ingredients and mix together until smooth.  5. Place your mixture into the cupcake cases and place in the over for 15 minutes. 6. After 15 minutes check th...