Seaside Sparkles

Sunday Sea Life!

Published on July 7, 2015July 7, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Unfortunately, we had to change our planned family day due to inclement weather but we had such a brilliant day out, it was a very worth while change to the plans. When we awoke to miserable weather and rain, we needed a new family activity and inspired by our breakfast cereal box, Mr S suggested a trip to the local aquarium. The link to the cereal box was that it had a voucher on for BOGOF and Mr S got sent out to the shop for another box with the same voucher thus saving £40 on our day out. I do like a saving!

I have passed the Aquarium many times but until today I had never been in, from the outside it doesn’t look too impressive but inside it was wonderful. As well as the exhibits there was also a special competition to be a LEGO deep sea diver, so we had fun looking for LEGO toys in the tanks. The centre housed all different sea creatures, rays, sea horses, sharks, turtles, ocean life and penguins. My favourites were the turtles and the rays mainly for their stunning appearance and the graceful way in which they glided through the water. I loved the patterns on the animals the patterns, shapes and shades were stunning, there is so much inspiration in nature. As well as the sea life there were also simple rides, we did Crocodile Creek, a water flume and got soaking wet, much to the children’s amusement and Copacabana where the children could play in splash pools and fountains, we were prepared and brought towels and swimming costumes with us. Fortunately by lunch time, the weather had improved greatly and we enjoyed our picnic and then were able to play in bright, warm sunshine.

The Sea Life centre was really informative and interesting and I was pleasantly surprised by its work on conservation and pledge not to exhibit creatures simply for public enjoyment, thus there were no dolphins or whales. The day went so quickly and we all really enjoyed the attraction, best of all we got free return tickets for September to see their latest exhibit, we’re already looking forward to our return.

Little Sparkles

Published on July 2, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

It’s been a much more relaxed and family focused time this week and with our mini heatwave it’s meant lots of time outside and playing in the sun. We’ve enjoyed some nice family times in the sunshine, on Saturday we played on the beach and on Sunday we were at a local farm picking fruit. We were back on the beach after school on Monday and to cope with the heat, the sprinkler in the garden has been used to cool us all down!

READ

After seeing a number of recommendations for her new book, I have started to read Sarah Winman’s ‘When God was a Rabbit’ I am around 100 pages into it but have to admit to not really enjoying it, there seems to be too many themes, mental health, child sexual abuse, child neglect, a talking rabbit called God! It feels like it’s a contrived list of things which might shock the reader but which don’t interweave with a real plot yet. I may persevere for a few more pages as I don’t like to give up on a book but it’s not a great recommendation to read her new book.

I have also read one of Little Miss’ books, Judy Moody. It’s not a series I’m familiar with so I read it to see what Little Miss is reading and so I can talk to her about the book. The titled character is cleverly crafted, Judy Moody is a little moody but you see chinks of the person she really wants to be and how she uses her character as a defence. Children’s books can be real works of genius and I think Judy Moody is a character we can work with!

LISTENED

I listened to an excellent edition of Woman’s Hour on Wednesday which revealed this year’s Top Ten Influential Women in the UK. It was a good mix of women from media, politics although I didn’t agree with the whole list. I felt it lacked contributions from science and technology and education. However it was still an interesting listen and key words seemed to resonate of the nominees, strength, dignity, responsibility. The number 1 in the countdown was Nicola Sturgeon and her interview was intelligent, reasoned and witty. I’m definitely an admirer.

WATCHED

Nothing on television, not even Wimbledon! It’s too bright and sunny to have the television on, I prefer to sit outside and enjoy the cooler evenings reading a book or jotting down a few ideas and plans. This week it’s been the children’s school Sports Day so I have seen the children run, jump and throw in a nicely organised afternoon of sport. Sadly the weather was a bit bizarre, we had drizzle to begin with, then bright, hot sunshine which led to the grass steaming, then a sea mist and finally heavy rain which led to the cancellation of the parents’ race, no sticker for me this year L

MADE

After our fruit picking trip, I made a delicious gooseberry crumble, sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. Among the other random things I have made this week are lots of sandcastles and a pirate eye patch for Little Man who has become obsessed with pirates this week after Pirate Pete made a surprise visit to his class.

WORE

A dress and heels! It was our school prom on Friday night and I got in the full spirit of the occasion by dressing up. It was an amazing experience and the Prom team had done so much to make it an absolutely stunning occasion.

I also wore my comfy, well-worn Teva sandals when I went fruit picking. They’re a very useful, Summer sandal and I was amused to read in the Times that apparently they’re the trend of this Summer.

Pick Your Own

Published on June 28, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Originally we had planned a day at the beach for today but with a mixed forecast we spent a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon at the beach freeing us up for today. We had a few plans but decided on the Pick Your Own farm where the strawberries and gooseberries were in season and ready to pick. It was a lovely activity and the children loved picking the fruit and nibbling a few samples as they progressed along the rows! Little Man was delighted to find the biggest strawberry! Thanks to our trip we were treated to sweet and juicy strawberries and cream at lunch and Little Miss and I worked together to make a delicious gooseberry crumble as pudding with our Sunday Roast this evening. Delicious!

When is a toy not a toy?

Published on June 28, 2015June 28, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

After a period of horrific gun crime with the murder of black worshippers in a church in America and tourists sunbathing on a beach in Tunisia I really found it difficult when Little Man wanted to play with his gun this afternoon. I never wanted him to have the gun but he got it at Disney in Frontierland, as a surprise treat from Daddy to go with his cowboy hat. Daddy thinks its harmless fun, it is brightly coloured with no caps or bullets but to me it still is a gun and I feel very uncomfortable that my son plays with a weapon. Mr S did sense my discomfort today and the gun has been hidden away but how do I resolve my anxiety? His other toys have weapons, his current obsession is Star Wars, the Storm Troopers have gun like weapons and a light sabre can be used to maim yet the fantasy nature of the characters make this seem less realistic than a gun. As much as we try to protect our children they see and hear bits of the news and ask questions which can be very difficult to answer. I truthfully explained to Little Man today that I did not want him to play with his gun because bad people have hurt people with their guns recently and that has made me sad. I only hope is interest is taken by other toys and that the toy gun can remain hidden.

Little Sparkles

Published on June 25, 2015June 28, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Years ago when I was a student, I used to have a page from Cosmopolitan magazine taped to my bedroom wall. This page was stuck on the wall of my student digs, my first shared house and was key bits of advice for a Cosmo woman and was full of brilliant counsel. One I have always remembered is that sometimes you need to do extra than the 9 -5 at work. Whilst I only work part time and try to maintain a healthy work life balance there are some weeks when you just have to do that extra (as there are weeks when you get to do that little bit less) This week I’ve needed to do extra work to make my working life just a little easier. Each evening this week I’ve been busy report writing, completing assessments and inputting data as well as preparing for a peer observation activity. I have finally completed them and feel a great sense of relief and calm, I can enjoy the final weeks of term now. This week’s edition of Little Sparkles is quite limited as a consequence, can reading assessment criteria and level descriptors count as my reading?

READ

I haven’t stopped reading letters home from the children’s school this week, its been a little ridiculous I think there’s been ten in total! A 2 page newsletter, a school trip permission letter, lunch menus, Sports Day information, School fayre flyer and raffle tickets, head lice letter, PTA bulletin, leaflets from the local Sports Centre, a health pamphlet and a letter requesting recycled trays for a Science project! The Summer term is always very busy with Sports day, trips, fayres, proms and parties so as well as remembering the above for the children I have also read numerous emails on similar topics for my school too!

HEARD

I’ve not had the time to listen to much music this week but managed to catch a few episodes of the Archers, one of my guilty pleasures. I have been puzzling over it though as I’m sure the actress who plays Pip has changed. I may have to do an Internet search to discover the truth. (Postscript, I was right there has been a change I do prefer the old voice!)

WATCHED

Nothing on the tv this week but I did love this video which was linked via a tweet about life without the invention of the Internet, its witty and though provoking and I love the cameos.

MADE

In writing this post, I am realising that work has definitely dominated my life this week, no new recipes, no crafts. Instead my best suggestion for makes are the resources I made for a lesson observation. There is something therapeutic about cutting, sticking and laminating, perhaps its the monotony and repetition which relaxes!

WORE

My final tedious category, as all my work has been computer based this week I’ve been wearing my glasses to ward off any migraines given the extended hours I’ve been looking at a screen. Fingers crossed its worked.

Lets Go Fly A Kite …

Published on June 21, 2015February 6, 2016 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Our family time today was a treat for Father’s day with a meal at a pub. As it was a country pub, we decided to make an activity of it too and stopped off en route to fly a kite. The kites were presents from my sister in law, as at our last visit we had been talking about simple pleasures and kite flying. A few weeks later some lovely kites arrived for the children courtesy of her, a generous and thoughtful gesture. Although bright it was a breezy day, so perfect conditions to fly a kite. Little Miss got the hang of it very quickly and ran around the field flying her kite. Little man was more frustrated and cross with his kite until we realised one of the sticks had been put in incorrectly and when rectified he too ran and laughed at his kite. As a very unexpected bonus as we looking in the sky at our kites the Red Arrows flew over in formation, I’ve no idea where they were performing but it was a real treat to see them. Lunch at the pub was lovely, a simple but very happy Father’s day.

The homemade cards for Father’s day

Little Sparkles

Published on June 20, 2015February 6, 2016 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

There is the danger each week of writing of what a busy week it’s been, detailing the diary demands and summarising the to do list. It probably gets a little tedious to read, I’m a working Mum juggling life and family and despite the odd stresses, I wouldn’t wish my life to be much different. I’m sure in my twilight years, my days will be too quiet and I’ll finally have time to read all the books I want to and watch all the films I’ve missed.

This week has been the usual mix of work and family. Unusually we had a family shopping trip to our county town for shopping on Saturday, the girls had their shopping list and the boys went car shopping, we all had successful trips and the girls spent less than the boys!

WATCHED

I was really looking forward to the 20^th anniversary of TFI Friday and it didn’t disappoint. I loved this when I was younger, just hearing the music by Ocean Colour Scene again gave me goose bumps. It was a good mix of old and new and did illustrate what a ground breaking programme it had been in its hey day. There are rumours that it will be brought back but I think the special edition was best as a one off, one night of nostalgia is just enough and best to finish on a high.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11633873/How-TFI-Friday-changed-the-face-of-TV.html

It was also Little Man’s class assembly this week, the theme was Minibeasts. It was full of fun songs and rhymes and Little Man was a highly enthusiastic participant!

READ

I love Twitter and the hashtag devastatingly sexy has been an excellent riposte to the misogynist scientist who argued that female scientists are distracting in labs and cry too much and fall in love. Cue a witty and powerful reaction from female scientists showing them at work not crying or falling in love. As one commentator wrote the images and descriptions they posted of their roles did more to raise the profile of women in science than any worthy government campaign.

As I’ve been to the hairdressers this week, I’ve read some of the glossy magazines they have for customers. I used to love relaxing and reading magazines but with children and Pinterest it’s rare for me to buy one now and so my monthly trip is my chance to catch up.

HEARD

TFI provided the direction of my music this week with Brit Pop featuring heavily and a little added Lenny Kravitz. Moseley Shoals and Are You Gonna Go My Way were favourite CDs in my early twenties and their quality still shines through.

MADE

Inspired by my Godmother’s legendary marble cake I attempted a chocolate and orange cake this week and was proud of my effort. I think I would perhaps use less of the chocolate mix as it seemed to overwhelm the orange mix but generally it was a lovely cake.

WORE

I do love my bags and I used (wore) my new Orla Kiely bag on our shopping trip on Saturday. It was the perfect size for our trip able to hold a few little purchases as well as the essentials.

Fairy Dust

Published on June 14, 2015June 14, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

At this time of year, life gets crazy busy with family celebrations, end of school year events and Summer fun. Amidst all this mayhem we do have a family rule that on Sundays we all do something together, a trip to a local attraction, a walk or simply time on the beach. Today we took a picnic and visited a local beauty spot, the Blue Pool. It’s a beautiful place and one that inspires and calms with its beauty, tranquillity and peacefulness. We had a lovely surprise when we arrived and discovered a new attraction this year, a fairy door trail. You follow one of the trails and find the hidden fairy doors, all of which have numbers on. At the end of the trail you add the numbers and then go into the café which homes a beautiful fairy house and open the door to see if your answer matches the number. As well as our pride at getting the correct answer the children were delighted with their fairy certificates. The activity just added a little sparkle to our walk, we imagined what the fairies might do in the forest, where they would play and how they might use the different plants, Little Miss decided the ferns would be great for the fairies to float on in the Blue Pool and we shared some lovely ideas and stories. The trail was an unexpected delightful addition to a trip which has always been a family favourite.

Little Sparkles

Published on June 11, 2015June 11, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Summer is slowly creeping up on us and our town is beginning to get busier until reaching the crescendo which is the school Summer holidays. This week has seen the inaugural Fish festival in town and the improving weather has meant more visits to the beach and playing outside.

READ

This week I am finishing off the All Day Long book I’ve been dipping in and out of for the last few weeks. A life in the day of a research scientist amused me this week, Monday to Friday is for the serious work and then Friday night is experiment night when members of the department work on their own projects. I liked the passion showed by the scientists in their work, it seemed they were a group who loved their work and had creativity and interest, characteristics which do seem to have been lacking in many of the work days described in the book. It also mentioned the importance of the afternoon tea break when the department came together to discuss their work, share ideas, offer advice etc.. I love this idea.

I have also read text messages between Little Miss and her Grandma on my phone. Little Miss is a mischief with my phone but these messages were so cute and I was impressed by the content, I think predictive text helps with the spellings and encourages her to be more adventurous in her words.

LISTENED

Alerted by Twitter, I listened to an excellent Desert Island Discs on Sunday with the indomitable (you’ll need to listen to the programme) Professor Lisa Jardine. She was bright, intelligent and witty and made some brilliant comments. I was truly inspired and impressed by her.

“I only do things I love, and I love everything I do …”

WATCHED

Sunday evening is ironing night and strangely I love it, I like to iron and watch a guilty pleasure programme, Cake Boss, The Little Couple, Say Yes to the Dress (all TLC favourites) Friends, SATC. This week none of my usual favourite were on and I ended up watching the film The Wedding Date from 2005. It was all so predictable and cheesy but strangely addictive helped by a good soundtrack and some of my favourite actors popping up, Jack Davenport will always be Miles from This Life, a favourite from the 90s and still the best ever final scene to a series and Sarah Parrish was great in her role.

MADE

Inspired by the gorgeous Greek food we had on holiday I made stuffed tomatoes this week, which were delicious with a crisp, fresh salad.

WORE

In the departures lounge at the airport, I popped into Accessorize and purchased a necklace which has been a great addition to my wardrobe, its colours and style mean that it complements most of my clothes and has been worn lots. I did used to wear a lot of funky necklaces but a lot seemed to get broken by Little Man grabbing at them when he was little and I didn’t replace them at the time. I’m safe to wear them again now and enjoying the additional sparkle they bring to an outfit.

Kids Day Out

Published on June 10, 2015June 13, 2015 by seasidesparklesLeave a comment

Today, was one of my favourite days of the school year, our annual day out courtesy of the charity, the Rotary Club. It is an initiative which pays for under privileged and special needs children to have a day out. It seems such a simple concept but for some of our children with complex needs, a trip to a busy, noisy and different environment is difficult. Fortunately on Kids Day Out, special needs children are in the majority at the park and there is an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance and respect.

The Rotary Club organise different venues all over the country and our nearest is Paultons Park, aka Peppa Pig World. They always are amazing in making us feel welcome and there always seems staff everywhere to help the children enjoy the day out. Coupled with the Rotary volunteers they create a very special atmosphere. Sunglasses are essential on Kids Day Out to hide a few happy tears, it is one of those days which reinforces your faith in humanity and the kindness and care shown to the children is over whelming.

Today has been no different to previous Days Out, the pleasure and happiness on our students’ faces is heart-warming. Some of our most challenging and anxious students have been enjoying the rides and we have seen smiles and giggles. It’s an exhausting day (2^nd highest ever Fitbit step score) but its one of the most important and rewarding days of the year. Our staffroom was buzzing with excitement at the start of the day as we all met up, it means so much to us too.

I cannot thank the Rotary Club enough for the pleasure they give to our students and staff in organising Kids Day Out. I’m not sure that they appreciate the amazing experiences they offer to our students, they are a stunning group of volunteers who make a powerful difference to our students’ lives.

I love this picture of a glass fountain in the garden. Paultons Park is one of the most beautiful theme parks.

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