The traumatic truth about having kids - a post on birth control

The Traumatic Truth about having children is finally here...
Cutting through the sugar coated enthusiastic crap of what many think family life is like. Time to let them know what they are really in for, if and when that extra line shows up on a freshly peed upon stick.

Childless couples don't get it. They stare at your misbehaving child like you are solely to blame.

Expectant couples (with their first baby), don't get it. They can be overheard smugly talking about how different it will be when they are parents.

On the other hand, people that don't want kids – now perhaps they do get it?

If you're thinking 'get what?' Of course the answer is... the trauma, or rather, the significant traumatic event that is otherwise known as having children.

BubbleBum Booster Seat - a review

Just when I think entrepreneurial mum stories have been done to death - along comes another which simply has to be shared. For Northern Irish mum, Grainne Kelly, has invented a travel solution that will no doubt make LIFE AS IT IS easier for parents everywhere.  

BubbleBum is the world's first inflatable and deflatable, portable and packable car booster seat for kids. And surely the answer to simplifying all sorts of deep seated transportation issues? Such as carpooling, holidays, rental cars and taxis...

The curious incident of the fish in the daytime (A fishy tale I)

Today I went to see a man about a fish.

And as I sit here (it's now the evening),

And look at the fish,

I'm wondering how the bloody heck it survived?



I had left my youngest colouring in.

But came back from the loo to find her playing hairdressers.

With the fish.

I presume she was playing hairdressers?

After finding her with the fish in one hand and a wet comb in the other, well?

4/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

FRAMED - Fia prepares to stay for lunch at nursery

3/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

London on a budget? Travelodge makes it possible - A review

Our Christmas was really rather special this year, as the day after Boxing day we arrived in London for three days, made possible by the budget accommodation people at Travelodge.

Not sure what I might find, (I'm used to reviewing rather upmarket places), I discovered that if you want great budget accommodation in a great part of London, Tower Bridge Travelodge is it, offering basic rooms to meet basic needs.

There are several parking options nearby and the Travelodge is accessible from all routes. At first glance, the hotel appears to be converted offices, although it is an attractive building. 

Views aren't up to much though. Indeed, 'We don't have views here,' said reception. But we were only there to sleep really, so what did that matter? And anyway, step outside, and all that London can offer, is not far away at all...

2/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Unexpectedly, this week's simple picture, represents the final paragraph from my previous post...

I cannot understand the hapless and hopeless world some barely love in and many just about live in. We are all the same. No one is better than anyone else. Everyone deserves respect, a home, love, food, health, peace. No matter what their status, faith, culture, colour, politics or agenda. It is 2015 FFS.

LIFE AS IT IS - This week in... January 2015

Quelle surprise, my Editor has asked me to put together a feature on peanut allergy. I said I'd rather do one on common courtesy & the freedom of speech v respect, but it's clearly been superseded by my daughter and her stunning reaction to nuts.

Shaun the sheep - First ever DVD release - a review

The new SHAUN THE SHEEP series four: Flock to the floor, is to be released on DVD in a couple of weeks, but for the purpose of this review, the GraceFaith girls had a sneak preview during the holidays. (As if there wasn't enough great children's TV over Christmas?) 

I can't believe you won't be, but if you aren't familiar with Shaun the sheep, then perhaps you've heard of Wallace & Gromit? Created by the same animation franchise: Aardman, of Nick Park fame, Shaun first featured in the Wallace & Gromit film A Close Shave. Shaun is also the elder cousin of Timmy from Timmy Time (a spin off for younger viewers). 

Shaun the sheep plays in 170 countries, so this sheep family are very successful. But then of course they are. Such a tight-knit flock with so many human traits, were always going to be.

Travel musings of a 3YO

This morning Sofia strikes up a conversation about missing her little friend Honor. I told her that she was on a plane coming back from her holiday today, and that we would see her soon. Sofia then went on to talk about going on holiday on a plane with Honor...

S: I want to sit with Honor and I want to sit with you on the plane; you're also my friend.
M: (Heart melting), well perhaps I could sit one side of you and Honor could sit the other?
S: No Mummy, as I want to sit next to the window.
M: Well perhaps, we could work it so that Mummy sits next to you for some of the journey, and Honor sits next to you for some of the journey?
S: No thank you Mummy, I'll just sit next to Daddy.

1/52 The GraceFaith year long art project 2015

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

52/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Goodness knows my girlies create so much art work, stashing away all my favourites over past years has proved insane. Photographing them throughout the past year however, has proved ingenious. The GraceFaith art project has been an innovative blog series, and a great way of collecting the children's keepsakes.

A Celtic prayer for 2015

Light before you,
Love behind you,
Mercy your left side,
Humility, your right side,
Guidance above you
Foundation below you
Peace within you.

Happy New Year one and all.