Seaside Sparkles

I got that feeling …

Published on May 7, 2017May 7, 2017 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

I love this line from Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t stop the feeling’

Its Sunday night and I want to write about that feeling …. Its not a feeling of worry or anxiety about the coming week but of a weekend so well spent that I have that buzz, that happiness which will help the week flow. I’ve been really lucky to have had that feeling after a number of weekends recently and it got me thinking about what makes that feeling. The three weekends which have had me feeling so positive have all been different, a weekend at home hosting family to celebrate a special birthday, a day out at the seaside and a party and a weekend away. No weekend has been quiet and relaxing yet I’ve felt more energetic and alive after each one. I don’t have an answer to what creates that buzz, family is a feature in all weekends, as are friends, good weather certainly helps but does not make a weekend, the activities can be grand, a weekend at Badminton or simple, a train ride, a walk, a cup of tea overlooking a bay. I wonder if its appreciating others, this could be Grandad’s 85 years, a rider’s sporting prowess, being inspired by artists and crafts people or seeing and enjoying the world through a child’s eyes. I don’t have the answer but I know that a busy, inspiring weekend with family and friends can give you the freshness and sparkle to start the week.

Badminton Horse Trials

Published on May 6, 2017May 13, 2017 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Whilst I have never ridden a horse, Little Miss loves everything equine so we decided that this year we would visit the Badminton Horse Trials. By a great coincidence, England played a cricket ODI in Bristol yesterday, so Mr S travelled up early on Friday morning to watch the cricket with his dad and I drove up with the children after school and work. My Father in Law lives close to Badminton , just a 10 mile journey which made this morning’s drive over quick and easy. I was really impressed by the organisation for Badminton, I had envisaged queuing traffic both in and out but it was minimal thanks to a very efficient system and arriving and leaving slightly earlier than the main crowds. We arrived just before 9 and left around 4pm. When we arrived at 9, we parked and walked over to the traders, this area was huge and we didn’t visit all the stands. When we have a day out like today, we tend to have breakfast on site and like today, its often a pancake. After breakfast we pottered around the stands, whilst there were lots of specialist equine stalls there were many country crafts, artisan stalls and food specialists, I particularly liked the Country Living marquee. Grandad had given the children money and they were delighted to find the must have fidget toy on sale at Badminton, without a doubt the busiest stall today. They were a good buy and when Little Man got fed up with the cross country he was happy to sit on the grass and play with his new toy.

Before the main event of the cross country there was a fun event in the main arena, the Shetland pony derby. This was a good starter, the children got to see the arena and some of the jumps and then cheered the ponies on in a race. After the race we headed out on course to follow the cross country. Next year we’ve decided that we would change this plan slightly, perhaps watch the first couple of riders in the arena and then get some lunch before heading out to the jumps. The food stalls on the course were very busy and there was more variety and choice in the centre. Being out on the cross country course was a fantastic experience, you are so close to the action and see the pain etched on the rider’s faces, hear the thunder of the hooves etc.. Most people move around the course so you have front row action for each jump. The jumps were designed and presented beautifully, lots of natural features complementing the materials of the jumps. We saw a variety of jumps, water, steep hills, jumps very close to each other, high jumps, wide jumps etc.. I found it was helpful having the programme for all the details of riders, horses and jumps and I really enjoyed following the cross country, much more than I had expected to. The skill needed for a successful round is immense. Whilst it is difficult to follow the placings and timings, you can buy a radio for full commentary or there are loudspeakers and large screens around the course.

I had never been to the Badminton estate before and it is a beautiful stately home and perfect setting for the event, its trees and features simply merge into the course. The crowds were huge but as most people walk around the 30 fences, it is easy to get close to the action. The whole scene was quintessentially British, lots of tweed, hats and Labradors. I was quite taken by our day and we are already planning our return next year. Our horsie mad daughter has written such a lovely piece about Badminton, these words and her excitement at being there have helped make a special family day out.

Lip gloss, live music and a moment in time #littleloves

Published on May 4, 2017May 5, 2017 by seasidesparkles3 Comments

Welcome to another week of #littleloves and what a lovely week its been. Last weekend was one of those really special ones. We had lots of fun on a family day out on the train to a larger seaside resort for funfairs and boats. Whilst my friend’s 40th birthday party was such a brilliant night out with superb live music, great guests, lots of dancing and sparkles all in the most beautiful castle setting. I really felt blessed last weekend and appreciated spending such special times with my family and friends. I did realise though that I can’t do the late nights I used to, children just won’t do lie ins for you.

The children’s highlight of our day out …

Whilst I haven’t finished it yet I am reading Dawn O’Porter’s The Cows ( my Kindle ran out of power last night, yep you don’t get that with a book!) Its so difficult to describe in a few sentences and I’ve not finished it yet but its a story of three women with one strong theme being social media, one is an author of a famous blog, the other is filmed and ends up becoming an internet sensation for the wrong reasons and the other is drawn to Facebook as means of keeping alive memories of a loved one. There are some strong moral and feminist arguments in the book but these are presented intelligently and smartly. I am enjoying and will report back next week with the finished review.

I’ve watched a brilliant short video made by the children’s school, A Moment in Time. Its a mannequin style entry of a moment in time at the primary school and shows every single staff member and pupil. It is a magical video and thoroughly deserves a prize in the local arts competition it has been created for. The school have been brilliant at thoroughly disguising my children. Sadly, they are not normally allowed in anything published on the internet for security reasons, however through some careful and clever filming, Little Man and his friends are dressed up in a drama session, whilst Little Miss’ PE moves and strategically placed equipment make her unrecognisable. The video was just one of the highlights in the school’s annual arts exhibition, the standard and quality of artwork is just incredible and a credit to all.

I used these eggs to make a simple omelette. The deep rich brown shells were gorgeous but the yellow of the omelette made it such a sunshine meal. The eggs were freshly lain courtesy of Mrs Brown, a local chicken and totally free range!

I was able to dress up on Saturday night to the 40th party and loved it. I wore a fitted but flared crepe black tunic dress embellished with a few sparkles on the cuffs and neckline. Its a dress I haven’t worn for ages and normally pair with leggings as its quite short but I felt confident on Saturday and wore it with some tights. I also had been able to pop in and buy a new lip gloss on Saturday afternoon, its one of the Clarins lip oils and is a multi sensory treat, the smell, the colour, the feel all perfect. It was the gift I got for the birthday girl too, I knew she’d appreciate it.

There is nothing quite like live music and the band on Saturday night were superb, it was one of those parties where people are up from the first song to the very last dancing. The playlist was full of happy, uplifting tunes and it made for such a lovely atmosphere.

I know last week I wrote how much I was looking forward to the weekend but I have that same feeling again today. Tomorrow, Friday, Mr S is off to Bristol to watch England play a ODI cricket match and then after school the children and I will drive to Bristol (3 hours on Fri eve mmm) and join him so we can travel to Badminton for the horse trials on Saturday, its cross country day. Although I’m not a horsie person I’ve always wanted to go and now we have Little Miss who is horse mad it seemed a perfect family trip.

Thanks to Morgana at http://www.coffeeworksleeprepeat.com for hosting #littleloves.

It was 20 years ago today..

Published on May 1, 2017May 1, 2017 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Jane Merrick tweeted the above as it’s 20 years today since the general election of 1997 which gave new Labour its landslide victory. Whilst I made a response I realised that there was so much more that I wanted to say to 24 year old me.

Dear Me in 1997

Tonight watching the election results is one of the best times you’ll ever share with Dad, you’ll never feel this optimism and hope for our country’s political future again, so savour every moment. By coincidence you are in London at a conference next to Buckingham palace on the day Blair leaves office and Brown succeeds him, you will skip lunch and join the crowd to see the two PMs. Twenty years later you are still as interested in politics just frustrated and angry with the political system.

At present, your boss at work really is a horrible bitch, it’s your first teaching job and you’re not sure what to do. By Christmas you cannot cope with her and leave without a job to go to. It works out brilliantly you’ll end up at your old secondary school and have the best years of your career, your colleagues will be the best you ever work with and you will have many happy times. The boss bitch suffers a nervous breakdown and her husband walks out on her because of her unreasonable behaviour, you only feel pity for her.

You’re feeling lonely and just can’t seem to find anyone special. Later this month you go on a school exchange to Crete and meet theHeadmaster’s nephew, you enjoy a holiday romance for the next few months between the two countries and become so much happier and confident. Next year you meet Mr S on a night out with friends, you’ll move in together a few months later and marry in Rome in the week of your 30th birthday. As a couple there will be lots of amazing holidays including two Ashes tours of Australia and the Caribbean. Having a family will be the most heart breaking journey, there will be lots of fertility treatments and these will be the darkest, saddest times of your life. Don’t give up, you will eventually adopt the two most amazing children, life will get its happily ever after.

At the moment you live in Cardiff because of your job. When you leave it you return to Bristol for family and friends and this is where you live until 2004. In a surprising move you and Mr S decide to leave the city and to have a more relaxed, simpler life in a small rural seaside town. Its the best move you make and you’ll be your happiest in a small, friendly community. The move leads your career in a new direction too, you become a special needs teacher and in 20 years time you’ll be balancing being mum with your part time job as Head of School!

You will still have a few years left with your grandmothers, both live to an old age and see you happily settled with Mr S. It’s Nanny’s last Christmas when you and Mr S get engaged, a happy memory as you announce the engagement on Christmas Day, following the proposal at his mum’s memorial tree in the hospital garden. Grandma will develop dementia and she will no longer see you as her granddaughter but sister. You will be proud to have had these two women in your life and will still miss them. Your relationship with mum improves over the years and unbelievably she becomes a home making Grandma knitting clothes and quilting for her grandchildren. Her and Dad are incredibly supportive with the adoption and show unconditional love to your children.

Twenty years later you’re still in contact and see your old school friends although none of the trio live in Bristol anymore and visits are fewer. However when you do meet up it feels like no time since you were last together.

You’re going to your cousin’s wedding later this year, the date doesn’t seem important but you will never forget it as it is the day when Princess Diana dies in an accident in Paris. You’ll go to see the flowers at Kensington Palace with a friend and be moved by the scene. The Olympics comes to London in 2012 and it’s amazing, you’re so proud to be British and decorate your house with union jacks and cheer in the streets when the Olympic flame is brought to your town. Sadly the pride at being British is seriously shaken by Brexit and the politics of 2016. There are some brilliant tv series to be watched in these 20 years, This Life, Sex and the City, Friends, Cold Feet, Strictly Come Dancing etc. There is also a series of children’s books published, Harry Potter, you will cry more at the end of the final book than for any book you have ever read. You still follow Bristol City but despite coming so close in 2008, they haven’t made the premiership yet, on the positive they have been much better than the gas in these two decades! England fail in every major football championship. When you meet Mr S you start to share his interest in cricket, this leads to watching lots of cricket and the relief that sometimes the England cricket team is very good, 2005 is a vintage year. Whilst you do the odd aerobics class now you’ll be amazed to hear that despite hating cross country at school you start running and do races, even half marathons for fun! It’s your stress buster and all important me time!

I’ll leave the rest of the future as a surprise but honestly it’s remarkably good, in 20 years time you will be happy. You’ve never learnt how to walk in heels or been able to grow your hair long but you are you, a genuine person with family and friends you love dearly.

Enjoy the next 20 years, embrace it, love it and live it with passion.

Love Me in 2017

St George’s Day, Big Little Lies and French phrases

Published on April 28, 2017April 28, 2017 by seasidesparkles11 Comments

So its back to school now and routine. As much as I love the holidays and the adventures they bring I feel somewhat comforted by the order of routine of school weeks. It is only in school weeks that I have a little me time and I really appreciate this time. This week has been a perfectly normal week and after reading Suzanne’s blog post below that is just fine with me.

I haven’t read as much as normal this week but there were a number of blog posts which have really stood out. Suzanne’s post When did Ordinary Become Meaningless

http://insideoutsideandbeyond.com/when-did-ordinary-become-meaningless/

has resonated with me, It was refreshing to read a post which inspires us to look for the little pleasures. It also led me to one of my listens this week, an interesting TED talk by Brene Brown.

The Simple Things magazine was published this week so I read this too, it’s one of my favourite monthly reads.

Mr S and I caught up this week on Big, Little Lies. I finished the book just as the series started so its very fresh in the memory and undoubtedly leads to a comparison of the two genres. I liked the tv series a lot, the actors were outstanding, the music and the whole ambiance created was brilliant but there is so much more in the story not reflected in the tv series. Whilst I recognise its the difficulty of adapting a book I would highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoyed the tv series.

I also watched a quintessential English event to celebrate St George’s day, the Scouts St George’s day parade in a neighbouring town. I watched Little Man and his Beaver friends march and the parade also featured St George and a very long dragon. The parade ends at the town church for a service. Last year it was a bit dry and the Beavers found it difficult in such a formal event, this year they were given the option not to stay, however the dragon and St George had got their attention so they were all keen to stay which meant I sat in it too. I was so impressed by the service designed and presented this year by the scouts themselves, teenagers get a lot of grief but these had worked so hard to make it a fun, informative and appropriate service for everyone there.

Nope, I’m thinking and thinking and have no original makes this week, sorry.

This weather is so unpredictable, after enjoying some of my spring like clothes, during the Easter holidays I’m back to something a bit warmer as its turned so much colder. Spring come back please, I miss you!

This week I have listened to Little Miss practice her French, her class were invited to meet some French children who are in our town for a school trip. She has been so excited and its a delight to hear her saying her little phrases. Whilst my teaching career turned by chance to SEND I am a MFL teacher and have a passion and love of languages.

I also enjoyed this talk from Brene Brown which Suzanne quotes in her piece above. Its well worth a listen on vulnerability and belonging.

I am so excited for this weekend, whilst we have some nice family time planned my excitement is for Saturday night. I am going to a grown up party …. in a castle ( a proper fairy tale castle with turrets) …with a live swing band … for the 40th birthday of a gorgeous friend. Sometimes life is very good x

I am linking up with Morgana at http://www.coffeeworksleeprepeat.com for #littleloves

New Ingredients, Pretty Prints and Mini Adventures #littleloves

Published on April 22, 2017 by seasidesparkles1 Comment

Whilst last week’s #littleloves was a bumper edition summing up a few weeks this is a more stream lined version from the past five days. However as it was the school Easter holidays there was plenty going on. This week was a week of mini adventures in more off beaten tracks, too many tourists in the popular haunts this week. Our week has included trampolining lessons, a long scooter ride, exploring a nature trail, climbing to the top of a castle, walking along a river and meeting friends for play dates. We also had more mundane activities like buying summer school uniform but its amazing the promise of having a £1 to spend in the Poundshop can help to make a successful shopping trip!

schtum

I read Schtum by Jem Lester following a Kindle recommendation as ‘ a funny and uplifting story of family and love.’ I thought it was a well written and moving story. As with another recent read it was about a son with severe autism and the effect on the family, although there were other sub-stories too and it made for an emotional read. There is a fantastic chapter ‘voiced’ by the son at a tribunal and I hope to be able to use this professionally in staff training sessions. It is a book to make you thankful for your family and a reminder to listen to and to understand each other.

When Mr S is away with work as he was this week, I don’t often switch the television on, I prefer to read, to surf the web or simply potter whilst listening to music in the evenings. When he has been home this week he has had the snooker on, of all the sports I find snooker sooooo boring so have buried myself in my reading as a distraction.

I have been creative in the kitchen this week, with no work I have had a little more time to experiment. I’ve been reading around healthier alternatives to common foods and have tried a few new ingredients, almond butter, Algarve syrup etc.. and replenished lots of my herbs and spices. Two favourite recipes this week were a chick pea and cauliflower curry and ginger flapjacks. I’ve also made a few picnics to enjoy on our trips out.

One day this week, we needed to be out for the whole day to accommodate some work on our house. This led to a bit of a magical, mystery trip around our county with various stops which included a brief pause for me in a small town to check their new White Stuff shop which was holding an opening event. I bought this blouse and love it, its a great fit, that print is just amazing and I got a opening discount, win, win, win. It looked great with my jeans and is the sort of blouse which will look with a bright coloured shorts or trousers in the warmer days.

http://www.whitestuff.com/womens/shirts-blouses/chalk-white-print-faces-shirt/

I read about the #30daymusic challenge and started typing up my daily choices this week https://seasidesparkles.net/2017/04/18/the-30-day-music-challenge/ This has led to lots of research on Spotify and You Tube and really enjoying some brilliant songs.

This Easter holiday seems to be going on forever, the children have Inset on Monday and then its finally back to routines on Tuesday for us all. When the children are at school and I am doing my part time hours, I do manage a few more hours to myself, sometimes the holidays can feel a little overwhelming as my children find it difficult to occupy themselves and I need a list of ideas to keep us all calm and happy. I hope you have all enjoyed the holidays.

Thank you to Morgana at www.coffeeworksleeprepeat.com for hosting #littleloves and her lovely writers who inspire with their choices.

Easter 2017 at the Sparkles house

Published on April 18, 2017 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

0ee748f2-8940-4a6c-9e0e-fe56ad9ffdb0 — Easter decorations chez Sparkles

Easter is always a special time of the year for me. I was raised in a catholic family and Easter was a time of celebration, second only to Christmas. It was a time of church services but family get-togethers too and we would often celebrate Easter with aunts and uncles and cousins, all dressed up in new outfits and new sandals, whilst the house would be decorated with Pussy Willow Easter trees and fresh flowers. Sadly Mr S doesn’t appear to have celebrated Easter like we did and I think is quite bemused by the effort and excitement I hold for Easter. However I want the children to share the special nature of the festival and ensure we keep some of my childhood traditions.

This year we were away the week before Easter arriving home on Good Friday afternoon. It meant that I wasn’t able to go and buy hot cross buns in our local baker on Good Friday morning like I normally do. These are the most perfect hot cross buns. However, as we walked into breakfast at our hotel, the warm, spicy smell of hot cross buns wafted to our table in a much appreciated gesture from Butlins and we got to enjoy our traditional Good Friday breakfast. As I knew I wouldn’t have time to prepare for Easter when we returned home, I had managed to do most of my prep in advance. I decorated the house the week before, minus my fresh flowers and had bought all the necessary accessories for my Easter egg hunt. My collection of Easter decorations grows every year, we have some lovely shops in our town and I find it difficult to resist a few new decorations annually. I have a window display in the kitchen as this is my favourite room and where we spend a lot of time as a family and then a few more decorations in the living room. This year we had two Easter trees, one in each room and bunting in the garden. I am still looking for an Easter wreath which I think would be a welcome addition to our decorations.

One of the highlights of Easter is the Easter egg hunt which takes place on Sunday afternoon after an Easter roast dinner. It is not only a hunt for chocolate but Easter themed props too, including a stone with a cross on to remember the religious aspect of the festival. I hand draw a help sheet so everyone knows what they are looking for. I don’t like the idea of Easter simply being about chocolate so now the children are older, the first 6 eggs are activities, this year these activities included an egg and spoon race, spelling out your name with orange Kinder egg shells marked with a letter (and a mini egg inside) an egg full of Lego to make a model, a make your own rabbit decoration set (v cheap in last year’s Easter sale) guess the number of eggs contest, find the chicks for the nest etc.. These activities help extend the egg hunt too so its not a mad 5 minutes in the garden and then a chocolate fest! I really enjoyed our hunt this year, for the first time in a few years we actually got to do it outside in the garden in warm sunshine, an advantage of a late Easter.

I do like a theme, so our Easter lunch was a traditional Easter roast, the children had chicken whilst for Mr S and I who are both veggies, I made a goats cheese and Mediterranean vegetable pastry. I used a cookie cutter for the pastry so the pastries were egg shape and the bottom did have the imprint of a decorated egg. My daughter noticed and appreciated the effort, Mr S was bemused again! Dessert was a simple cheesecake, decorated with a variety of assorted chocolate eggs. I was realistic this year that given our holiday away I wasn’t going to be able to bake a Simnel cake, so again had purchased one in advance for Easter tea.

We are lucky that our children do not receive lots of chocolate for Easter, I’m not into the Easter bunny so we bought them a simple Thorntons egg as we knew there was plenty of chocolate in the egg hunt and their grandparents sent a small money gift. Our neighbours made a lovely present, filling a box with straw and a chicken made from natural materials with a few chocolates, they keep chickens so it was a really appropriate and fun gift. I bought Mr S his cricket Playfair annual and got a few bonus wife points.

Easter this year was a very relaxed weekend, we did all we wanted to enjoy the Easter celebration but also simple things like family walks and good food. It was just the 4 of us this year and a nice way to end our family holiday.

The 30 Day Music Challenge

Published on April 18, 2017May 13, 2017 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

I happened upon a tweet from Nickie O’Hara @nickieohara, a great follow on Twitter, on the 30 day music challenge she is doing on her website http://www.iamtypecast.com For 30 days there are prompts for your choice of music. I have an eclectic music taste and personally am always revising my Desert Island Discs so this seemed an ideal challenge. Whilst I will add a music choice on a daily(ish) basis, I did think on my choices over my holiday and have a few suggestions for each day, except numbers 23,26,27 and 30. I will stick to the same post and edit daily as required. I hope you enjoy my music, for me music has a very personal and emotional link so I’ve tried to jot a few words for each choice.

Postscript, I still cannot decide on a few songs so these will be updated when inspiration shines.

A song with a colour in the title.
So for my first song a little adaptation of the theme as my song has not one colour in the title but the word colour, I hope that I’m allowed this little cheat for such a good song. I’ve chosen Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours released in 1986 as its a song I listened to as a teenager and made me realise that you need to be true to yourself and allow yourself to be who you are. As a teenager, I needed to hear those lyrics and still think this is a beautiful song.
A song with a number in the title – Noah and the Whale, 5 Years Time.
You Tube are not allowing me to embed the official video, so here are the lyrics only. This song means so much to me, firstly and simply I love the song but it has a poignant story behind it too. The song was in the charts and played on the radio throughout August 2008, the worst month of my life where after many scans, tests, consultant appointments, monitoring and incredible medical care I sadly lost a baby during pregnancy. Our baby was conceived after many rounds of IVF and despite further treatments I never conceived again. This song was a bit of an anthem for me, I had to believe that in 5 years time things would be better and we would have our family. I’m happy to say our story has a happy ending as we adopted our son and daughter in 2011 and this song remains one of my favourite songs of all time.
A song that reminds you of summertime. Booker T and the MGs – Soul Limbo
This is the song of summer for me, the theme tune of Test Match Special, it conjurs up sunny afternoons, green fields, afternoon tea, birds and red buses all with a Caribbean vibe. Even if you are not a cricket fan, TMS is a brilliant listen. I like this song so much its also my phone ring tone!
A song that reminds you of someone you would rather forget. No Doubt – Don’t Speak
There is no one in my life whom I would wish to forget, whilst some have hurt me there are always good times to remember and I prefer to focus on the positive. This song was my heart break song from my first grown up relationship. It doesn’t make me sad just determined and strong.
A song that needs to be played loud. Bon Jovi – Living On A Prayer
Jon Bon Jovi is my secret crush and the Slippery When Wet album was one of my first ever albums. Bon Jovi are the best band I have ever seen live (Wembley June 1995) and this song just needs to be played loud and proud.
A song that makes you want to dance. Abba – Dancing Queen
This is the song to get me on the dance floor. I make no apology that it is the song which has always made me sing, smile and dance whether that be on the dance floor, in my kitchen or steering wheel dancing in my car. I love Dancing Queen and the happy feelings and memories it brings.
A song to drive to. John Miles – Music
I have no idea how this choice came about, its a song that I like and is perfect for driving to as it builds up to a crescendo of music. One of my guilty pleasures is being on my own in my car and driving along with my music up loud and singing.
A song about drugs or alcohol. The Verve – The Drugs Don’t Work.
Its difficult to put into words sometimes how music makes you feel and there is something hauntingly beautiful about this song.
A song that makes you happy. Morecambe and Wise – Bring me Sunshine
So many songs make me happy, music has the ability to take me back to a place and time and songs can have so many happy memories that its impossible to single out the definitive happy song. I’ve chosen Morecambe and Wise as its always been a favourite when I’m leading assemblies and its a happy time for me singing, signing and dancing with my SEN pupils at school.
A song that makes you sad. Blur and Francoise Sagan – La Comedie.
I am not emotional and don’t do soppy love songs, yet there is something about this song which makes me sad and mournful.
A song that you never get tired of. A-ha- Hunting High and Low.
A-ha were my first pop crush, Mags was my favourite and their posters adorned my bedroom walls in my early teenage years. They were also the first band I saw live in concert. This song just seems timeless and again would make my Desert Island Discs edit!
A song from your pre-teen years. The Kids from Fame – High Fidelity
I’m sure I’m not the only primary school pupil who would watch the Kids from Fame on a Thursday night after Top of The Pops and then go into school the next day and practice the songs and dances.
One of your favourite 70s songs. Earth, Wind, Fire – September
To me the 70s are disco and the challenge was to choose just one song to sum up the era, there are a number of EWF songs I would choose but as my daughter loves this too (its on the Trolls soundtrack!) , I’ve chosen it for the two of us.
A song that you would love played at your wedding. Stevie Wonder – For Once in My Life
Whilst I love other peoples’ weddings, the thought of being centre of attention and having a big, white wedding filled me with terror so Mr S and I had a small wedding in Italy which suited us perfectly. If we had ever had a reception this would have been the perfect song for us.
A song that is a cover by another artist. Ewan McGregor – Your song
I love this song but am not keen on the original by Elton John. I like the big song feel of this version and often play it very loud on runs. It comes from Moulin Rouge, a film I’m yet to see.
One of your favourite classical songs. Beethoven – Ode to Joy
To me this is the song of Europe, I was born the year we entered the EEC and feel proud to have been a member of the EU community, I’m still upset over the Brexit referendum but this song shows such joy, its beautiful and uplifting.
A song that you would sing as duet on karaoke. Elton John and Kiki Dee Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
This is just a pop classic, one of those perfect pop songs and would be quite easy to see on karaoke, lots of whooos etc..
A song from the year you were born. Slade – Merry Xmas Everyone
From 1973, I have chosen the Christmas number 1 as this song always me happy and excited about Christmas, who doesn’t smile when they here Noddy Holden sing its chriiiistmasss
A song that makes you think about life. The Beatles In my Life
This song says it all for me, reminding you of loved ones and different stages of your life. It is again in my Desert Island Discs choices
A song that has many meanings to you.
A favourite song with a person’s name in the title. Hue and Cry Looking for Linda
I appreciate lyrics in songs and there are some beautiful lines in this song in which you create the narrative of the story.
A song that makes you move forward. Queen Don’t Stop Me Now
This has always been a favourite running song and anthem, who can’t fail to feel motivated when they hear the lines.
A song that you think everyone should listen to. Louis Armstrong What a Wonderful World.
Because it is …
A song by a band that you wish were still together. The Beatles Here Comes the Sun
I could have chosen so many songs for this entry, but as soon as I hear this I’m taken to warm, sunny days, its such a feel good song.
A song by an artist no longer alive. David Bowie Life On Mars
This is another artist for whom I could have chosen so many songs. Of all the celebrity deaths in 2016, this was the one I felt shock and sadness for, Bowie’s music was exceptional.
A song that makes you want to fall in love. Audrey Hepburn / Henry Mancini Moon Rover
There are some songs you can’t explain why you love them so much. This was on a compilation album I had as a teenager, I loved the 1950s love songs, it also featured in the classic Breakfast at Tiffanys and was in my favourite episode of Sex and the City. I would love a man I loved to twirl me around on a dance floor in a swirly dress to this song, I can’t imagine Mr S ever doing this so it will remain as a little dream.
A song that breaks your heart.
A song by an artist whose voice you love. Adele When we were young
Adele is the songwriter and singer of this generation, so sublimely talented.
A song you remember from your childhood. Meatloaf – Heaven Can Wait
Its strange how memories take you, I always remember how much my parents loved Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell and any song from the album takes me back to my childhood.
A song that reminds you of yourself.

Bonnets, Birthdays and Butlins #littleloves

Published on April 18, 2017April 18, 2017 by seasidesparkles1 Comment

I’m afraid I’ve neglected my blog for a few weeks, its been such a busy time and I’ve been embracing the fun. Following a quiet few months, April has sprung into life, the weather has been stunning and so much has been happening. We’ve hosted family for Granddad’s birthday celebrations, participated in Easter bonnet parades, watched and performed in talent shows, been on a family holiday to Butlins and finally celebrated Easter, not bad for the first 17 days of April. Thankfully we’ve a few quieter days now until we go back to school a week today.

The View from Grandad’s Birthday Lunch

Bultlins, our family’s happy place

Easter decorations chez Sparkles

I’m an Amazon Prime subscriber and each month we get a free Kindle book, this month I chose After You Left by Carol Mason. Its the story of a woman whose husband walks out of the marriage after 3 days and her friendship with an older woman who helps her to recover. Whilst I’m not sure I would strongly recommend it, it was an easy and pleasant read, the perfect book to dip into as you watched the children doing their different activities at Butlins. Ooh I’ve been busy this month so far. I’ve watched a Brownie talent show which was refreshingly good with impressions, the T-Rex was brilliant, ACDC tribute, the top 10 Man City players, the alphabet recited backwards etc.. Little Miss was due to do a duet with her friend but she was sick on the day and she ended up wowing us all with a solo, I was very proud. I’ve also watched the primary school’s Easter bonnet parade. This is a very big deal in the school, a tradition that goes back for more than a century (the school is still in the original building!) and it is one of the highlights of the school year. The bonnets were lovely and it is just so sweet how the children walk up and down a cat walk to show their hats to the appreciative audience.

At Butlins, I got to watch three new Skyline Gang shows, Little man adores the Skyline Gang so we made sure that we were in the pavilion for each performance. I also got to watch the children trying out new sports and activities at Butlins, whilst I joined in with rounders and cricket, I watched the fencing. The instructor was an old acquaintance, my family are always amazed how I can go somewhere and know someone!

Yes, this is the first picture I’ve ever published online of my children, but I think they are suitably disguised not to be recognisable. I have made an Easter egg hunt for the children, it was a mix of activities and chocolate and for the first time in a couple of years the weather allowed us to do the hunt in the garden! I also made an Easter lunch which was delicious. More of both of these activities in my (still to be written) Easter post.

The sunshine has definitely brought out the colour in my wardrobe. Yellow seems to be my go to colour, I have a lovely yellow broderie top and a Lazy Jacks sweatshirt, perfect with jeans or cropped trousers. Before we had the fun of Butlins, I had Little Man’s Annual Review on the last day of term, he has an EHCP and a full time 1:1 TA with him in the classroom to support him. We are so proud of what he has achieved, when we were asked to consider adopting him, his future was uncertain, he was a one year old who was unable to crawl and there were many questions on his future development and possible diagnoses. Now after years of physiotherapy, speech therapy etc.. his future looks positive and he is the most easy going and happy boy, his support is to help his learning. The Annual Review was a really positive meeting, he makes so much progress and we really couldn’t be prouder of him.

At Butlins, I heard lots of laughter and screams at the funfair and Splashworld and of course the Skyline Gang’s songs have catchy tunes which you find yourself humming along! So the Easter celebrations are over now. I’m hoping for a quieter few days of holiday visiting local places. It is very busy here at present, we’re a popular destination for Easter breaks, so we’re heading off to some of the quieter places off the tourist trail. I have booked some activities at our local sports centre to enjoy. There are also a few play dates organised to keep us busy. Mr S is working away this week so I need to be out and about to keep myself sane.

Thank you to Morgana for hosting the linky at http://coffeeworksleeprepeat.com/

Mothers’ Day, Bugs and new trainers #littleloves

Published on April 1, 2017April 1, 2017 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

So this was the week in which it showed how quickly finely tuned plans can become an unmanageable mess with just one small change to routines. The change was that I was sick and having 2 days in which I was unable to do much had an impact to our week. On Monday, not only was Mr S away on business, I was sick, Little Man had a bad chest infection and was off school and then I got a call to pick up Little Miss who was complaining of being ill too (she wasn’t and that was definitely a skive) I’m afraid the day turned into a movie and duvet day. I am too conscientious for my own good and rather than take a day off sick on Monday, when I normally work a morning, I made up my hours later in the week. That was madness as by the end of the week we had taken the radical action of putting our house up for sale and putting an offer on what could be a dream house, in context on Monday we had no notions of moving! Needless to say it s not been a week of much relaxing but lets try and show a few #littleloves.

I have read the house particulars of one little house this week many times although I am scared to get too excited. I also read my beautiful Mothers’ day cards and the lovely acrostic mother created by Little Miss.

Whilst Monday turned into Movie day I was too poorly to watch any properly. The only notable programme was Prime Suspect 1973, the story is pretty predictable but I love the attention to details in props and costumes.

It was play date time this week and again I did the pick’n’mix baked potatoes (different friends so I got away with it again!) I created more fillings so the table looked a bit like the salad cart at a Harvester but the children loved it and all ate a good tea.

I’ve been needing a new pair of trainers for ages but wanted to wait until I was outside running rather than choosing a pair for the gym. My new running shoes are so comfortable and supportive and made me realise how worn my old pair were, I’ll need to keep a note of the miles run to ensure that I keep my feet healthy in supportive trainers.

I have heard so many excited girls this week, the giggles have echoed around the house. We had 2 little friends on Wednesday talking make up and boys and then Little Miss and her friends have been getting so excited about this weekend’s Brownie trip to Legoland where 5000 brownies are taking over the park! I also played a Hot Hits playlist at tea on Wednesday night, my desperate attempt to look hip to the youngsters!

Whilst we have many things to do now for the possible house sale, I have a weekend of family. My Father in law has arrived and my sister in law and husband will be joining us tomorrow. Fortunately we have a lovely lunch out booked so not too much extra for me to do. Then its time for the last week of term and Easter bonnet parades to prepare for.

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