Seaside Sparkles

As I write this I am buzzing with the excitement of our holiday tomorrow, I’ve had a lovely week getting ready for the holiday, all is ready and packed and I have pretty nails, nice hair and am smooth all over!!

Read

I have started the book, All Day Long by Joanna Biggs. It was a book I picked up at the library and it contains accounts of people’s working days. I’m finding it really interesting and am reflecting on many aspects of it, the way our working lives are changing, the type of work we are doing and the way we work. It has also made me appreciate how much I love my job!

Listened

This week I have been creating the Holiday Mix Tape (see earlier post) so have been searching and listening to lots of different music. It’s amazing how one song can lead to a recommendation and a whole musical journey develops. I’m looking forward to hearing our Play list in full, there are some cracking tunes on it!

I also tuned in to Test Match Special (TMS) today as the first Test match of the Summer started. It is such a delightful broadcast, it captures the spirit of cricket and is a witty and relaxed accompaniment to the day.

Watched

More on the cricket theme as on Sunday afternoon, whilst Mr S and his Dad watched the football play offs at home, I took the children to the cricket club to watch a fun cricket  tournament featuring local clubs and companies in a short format of the game.  I was there particularly to cheer on my running friends and the ladies finished as sporting runner ups. It was a lovely atmosphere, bright sunshine, relaxed conversation and of course a legendary cricket tea.

Made

This week, a national newspaper has been giving away Lego kits. Despite it being a paper I despise, as a good Mummy I have been every day to buy it and get the Lego. Therefore this week’s make is a Lego model because whilst Mr S is the Lego King I was challenged to make a model and couldn’t resist, I made the car and am proud of my efforts!

Worn

In the week of a holiday it’s not about what you wear but what you’re not allowed to wear as everything is washed, ironed and packed away for the holiday.  Whilst my wardrobe has been rather plain and simple, I have worn sparkly nail varnish on my toes since my pedicure on Wednesday and I have also worn my hair straight since my Keratin treatment too.  For someone whose hair grows out rather than down , the treatment has been a revelation and after years of a frizzy mess I am loving smooth, longer hair.

After the tension of the General Election, its been a quiet week, so quiet that some of my links may be quite tenuous this week!   Mr S was busy at work this weekend on a big project so I was on my own with the children, it certainly made me appreciate what a wonderful Dad he is to our children and how involved he is in their lives.  Whilst I enjoyed our time, I missed our family day on Sunday and felt a little lonely without Mr S.

READ

Our library is brilliant in so many ways, the librarians are wonderful they know all the local children’s names, run book activities for all age groups, have lots of subject  knowledge and are so helpful.  One of their inspirational ideas is downstairs in the children’s library where they have a rack of adult books so busy Mums like me can help the children choose their books and get a book themselves too.  I chose this book last Saturday and had finished it by Tuesday night.  Jane Green was one of the original Chick Lit authors, its a term that sometimes is deemed quite derogatory but there are times when you need a light, fluffy story you can lose yourself in.    Saving Grace fitted this need perfectly this week and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

HEARD

I really need to update my IPod with some new music, I love my music but its all a bit nostalgic at present and I need something new.  This song has been played lots on the radio this week and I love its groove.  My favourite songs are those I can sing and dance loudly to in the kitchen.

WATCHED

I was rather proud of my plans for the weekend, determined to spend quality time with the children I had planned trips to the library and playground, walks among the blue bells etc..  yet I think the time the children enjoyed the most this weekend was unscripted, making a bug hotel in our garden.   I watched as for nearly two hours Little Miss and Little Man created a Bug hotel from the bricks and stones in the garden, they found a few snails to be their guests and then found food too.  I loved their cooperation, communication and ideas, they were so imaginative and creative in making their simple idea a reality.

MADE

I made a presentation at work this week to a key team of education leaders on creating a professional development program for our education staff.  Its something I have been developing for a while and am genuinely enthusiastic about our ideas.  The presentation went well but now its the hard work of writing and delivering, an exciting challenge.

WORE

Model from Wallis pages, though I have a very similar pair of shoes

Well the weather has taken a cold turn, its hard to imagine that this time a month ago I was wearing shorts and t shirt.  This week I’ve been wearing my new Wallis cropped trousers.  They are so comfortable and the cut, material and design are perfect.  They have been layered with long sleeves and jumpers but will look equally good with my Summer tops (soon)

I’m a day later for the post I try to do on a Thursday, I wrote my General Election post yesterday and intended to write the Little Sparkles post later in the day, possibly whilst up all night and watching the election results (I know how to rock ‘n’ roll)  However there was far too much discussion, analysis and intrigue in the Election to allow for distractions.  So here I am on Friday, tired, a little sad and beginning to put everything into perspective so am writing this as a happy distraction.  Its been a busy week for me personally, but also a week of national events, the new Royal baby, Princess Charlotte, a bank holiday weekend, a General Election and VE commemorations today.

READ

In the last few days I have been reading lots of political analysis and comment in the broadsheet newspapers.  On Wednesday morning I spent a lovely hour or so in a comfy chair in a café, sun streaming through and enjoying a coffee and the papers, a perfect little luxury.  I have also been reading lots and lots of Tweets, Twitter was a fantastic companion to the Election Results night and prior to the results I found the hashtag #Ivoted really quite inspiring and moving to read.

I downloaded a new book to my Kindle this week, Stuffocation by James Wallman.  Its main premise is that happiness is more likely to come from the enjoyment of experiences rather than the accumulation of ‘stuff’  Its an ideal that I agree with, you don’t remember many things you buy but the memories you created doing things you love, delight and comfort you.  I suppose this blog is a record to help me remember those experiences when I am old.  The book came highly recommended and its a very easy and pertinent read.

HEARD

A tough category this week as I’ve not been listening to as much music as usual instead I have been tuned into Radio 4 for their news and current affairs broadcasts this week.  As you can see there is a very strong political theme to this post.  However there were some songs from my time in the Brownies and Guides sung at the show on Saturday night and I enjoyed hearing them again and joining in during the audience singalong.  .

Whilst I watched most of my election coverage, I did hear the news that the Shadow Chancellor and Labour MP, Ed Balls had lost his seat whilst driving to work and listening to Today on Radio 4.  James Naughtie is my voice for election night and morning, his passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and wit are mesmerising and nothing beats Radio 4 for atmosphere and comment.

WATCHED

Just a quick mention of the Girl guiding show on Saturday as I wrote a blog on it earlier this week, but it was a thoroughly entertaining evening.

On Sunday evening, I watched a TV drama The C Word, the true life story of a breast cancer patient, Lisa Lynch and her inspiring story which started as a blog and developed into a leading advice book.  It was an absolutely stunning drama and one of the most remarkable dramas I have watched in a long time.  Sheridan Smith was exceptional in the leading role.

Finally, I watched the Election Results and for someone who normally doesn’t watch much TV its certainly a marathon!  I thought the BBC coverage was poor they seemed to have lots of technical problems, missed declarations and their obsession with their graphics and toys spoilt  the experience. I preferred the Sky production, although often had the sound low and radio on!

MADE

In this busy week, there has not been much opportunity to be creative.  However I got some lovely fresh and in season British asparagus which I used in a number of simple recipes.  It was also my turn again to bake cakes for the school cake sale, an unfortunate rota meant the children’s classes were on successive weeks.  I’m afraid it was the same recipe and decoration as last week, just a little bit busy this week to source ingredients for new recipes.

WORN

In this week of special national events, I have been wearing lots of red, white and blue.  This is simply coincidence rather than a patriotic attempt!  For the trip to the theatre on Saturday night I wore a bright red geometric print 50s style skirt with a white broderie blouse.    I rather like twirling in the skirt and seeing it swirl.  Little things …

 

So what started off as an ordinary week has turned into something rather special.  Isn’t it lovely when the extraordinary happens!

READ

 

Whilst I am still reading Caitlin Moran, this week has been exceptionally busy and full.  My main reading has definitely been my lists and diary and making sure I am where I need to be, with the Guide show at the weekend there have been lots of lifts to rehearsals, with more still to come.  Sometimes no matter how organised and efficient you are, there are weeks that you cannot control and its just a matter of getting on with the whole madness of it all, however I’m hoping for a quieter time next week.  I have also been busy at work and have done a lot of professional reading mainly around hearing impairments.  Fortunately its an interesting topic and I have enjoyed my research. It has made me realise how easy the Internet has made it to get such specialised information so easily.

HEARD

A radio advert for a forthcoming interview with A-ha had me reminiscing this week as A-ha were my big teenage crush, posters of Morten, Mags and Pal adorned my bedroom and I have screamed, swooned and sung along with them three times in concert.  The reminiscing meant that at the gym this week I have listened to some of their back catalogue and remembering just how good some of their lesser known songs really are.  Crying In the Rain, Hunting High and Low, Stay on these Roads are beautiful songs and I’ve really enjoyed the warm, fuzzy memories.

WATCHED

My view on the way to work on Monday

 

 The Pirate Ship and Pirates!

This is the most surprising category this week, I thought the best thing I would come up would be watching the London Marathon on tv, for me one of  the most inspiring, emotional and motivating events of the year, I can’t watch it without a few tears.  I did watch it and enjoyed every moment of it, the good bye to Paula Radcliffe, looking in the crowds for running friends and the fun of following them on the tracker.  However, my real delight this week has been watching a film being filmed in our little town.  The rumours started on Sunday when a pirate ship arrived at the pier, Hollywood names were rumoured to be in town and there was a real buzz.  On Monday, I saw the ship on my way to work and decided that it was an exciting opportunity to show my class a film set.  One of the advantages of teaching in special education is that classes are small with lots of staff so such an impromptu trip is quite easy to organise.  We walked down on Monday morning, such a beautiful day and headed towards the pier, as were most of the town!  We were allowed on the pier and when we got to the end we had a stunning view into the ship where we could see the cameramen, make up artists, runners and actors, it was fascinating!  I got talking to a props lady who was making kites and she was able to tell us that the filming is for a special on ITV at Christmas of the story of Peter Pan.  It was lovely to be able to take my pupils but I wanted Little Man to see a pirate ship too, so on Wednesday afternoon, I took him to see the ship whilst Little Miss was at ballet.  There was less to see as it was the final full day of filming, but we did see a rather magnificent Captain Hook and his crew and spied some cast climbing high to let the sails down.  Again there were lots of people on the pier, a real treat for all the local school children.  I love the random things which happen in our town which we all embrace!

MADE

Again another unexpected delight this week at work when I accompanied my class to a workshop given by a local artist to create a sculpture for an upcoming Arts week.  Our artist was a very talented sculptor who taught us how to create models from chicken wire and use items swept up from the sea.  Initially we did some fish which were simple but really stunning and then moved on to create the mermaid above.  The project was brilliant, we all worked together so well and there was so much creativity, co-operation and fun.  These are the moments I became a teacher for, working with children to create something, no pressure to record levels or assess but just to participate, enjoy and reflect.

My other make this week is for Little Miss’ class cake sale tomorrow.  They are raising funds for a fellow pupil’s brother who is very poorly and needs pioneering treatment.  Its a very sad situation and I am impressed how the school are supporting the family.  As its my day off today I’ve baked and decorated some white chocolate and lemon cupcakes with a daisy theme for the tops.

WORN

I did have a bit of a clothing crisis when I was trying to find something to wear to a party on Saturday night.  It was one of those evenings when I had minutes to get changed and pulled out most of my wardrobe, tried it all on, had a wobble and just went with a simple outfit.  I don’t often get dressed up to go out and it showed!   However when I arrived to pick up my friend she was having the same anxieties, it seems a long time ago since we used to sit in the café on a Saturday morning with our White Stuff and other favourite catalogues and plan our outfits.  Needless to say it was a time B.C. ( before children) The one certainty of my outfit was my sparkly shoes, they do add a little sparkle and glitter to any outfit.

I do enjoy reading blogs and one of my favourite links is the Little Loves hashtag.  As I’m trying to write more posts, I thought I would adapt this to my blog under the heading Little Sparkles, so I have the responsibility to do at least a weekly post.  The focus of the post is to celebrate the things you have enjoyed reading, hearing, watching, wearing and making over the week.

READ

Unusually for me I bought a paperback last week, How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran and I am busy devouring it.  I made a good start in the doctor’s waiting room, I was that prepared for a long wait!  The book does make me rather nostalgic, having read Caitlin’s semi biographical book How to be a Woman, I discovered that we lived very close to each other when I was studying at Wolves Poly and her cultural and neighbourhood references are very real to me, I’m sure we must have passed on the streets, sat on the same bus, went to the same gigs!  Even in this book her character takes the 512 bus which was my route to town.  Caitlin Moran has always been a bit of a hero to me, a strong, opinionated and fearless woman and her newspaper columns are well worth a read on a Saturday morning.

The second book I have read is The Places You Will Go by Dr Seuss.  I’ve been looking for it for a while as its a great story for the children encouraging them to explore the world and not only did I find it in this week, it was in the sale for £1.  I never read Dr Seuss when I was a child, I think the bold colours and illustrations put me off but since becoming a special needs teacher, Dr Seuss has become a favourite to teach and read at story time.  Some of his quotes are such good mantras to live by, we all need a little Dr Seuss in our lives.

HEARD

So as the General Election campaign progresses, I heard my Prospective Parliamentary Candidates answer questions at the local hustings, an excellent evening which I really enjoyed.  I’m also listening intently to Radio 4 for a more in depth political analysis of the General Election. For a political geek this is an exciting time and with two weeks remaining I’m immersed in all things political.

WATCHED

A tough category for me as I don’t watch a lot of tv, I prefer to potter around or read a book.  Whilst  Saturday night is normally film night we were away with relatives last weekend so we didn’t have our Saturday routine . However, I did enjoy watching Little Miss’ class assembly last Friday, lots of songs, acting and stories.  Little Miss is a very confident performer so it was lovely to see her enjoying participating in the show and saying her very well rehearsed lines clearly.  The class did so well and it was a lovely assembly to watch.

WORE

This week I have worn my Pandora charm bracelet with my new charm, a handbag.  It was a present from my parents and arrived in the post as a surprise.  My mum chose it as she felt it was just right for me given my love of bags.  She was also responsible for the kangaroo as my family call me Skippy.  I love my charms as each has a little story about me.

MADE

With the gorgeous weather and my healthy eating continuing, its been a week of salads.  So my make is for all the salads I have taken for my work lunches in my retro style lunch box above.  All have been tasty and just the colour of all the vegetables brings a daily dose of sunshine!

So that’s my sparkles for this week, I’m looking forward to a party on Saturday night and trying to spot running friends on the tv coverage of the London marathon on Sunday.