6/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

Yesterday we went to see where Daddy works at Heathrow airport. It was a very exciting day. We had lunch watching the aeroplanes come into land. Here are the GraceFaith girl's drawings of just that.

FIA

ESME

A trip to the airport...

Heathrow Airport... and where Daddy works

Usually when we arrive as a family at Heathrow, it is to check in and fly. Today however, we went for a look behind the scenes at the hub where hub works. A day out which was very different. We had fun - the girls in particular had a great time - I was desperately wishing for an anorak to match my husband's by the end of it. I jest. There were bits of the airport that were really interesting. Bits that were even exciting. And bits that were brilliant (these included coffee and food). Perhaps the best bit of all though, was the look on Daddy's face, when he asked Esme and Sofia if they wanted to see another terminal and his girls both shouted yes, after already having been on a bus, two trains, and trudged around for what felt like forever. Love that! Here is our time in pictures so that we always remember the day we went to Daddy's work.

LIFE AS IT IS Changes its URL - was that smart or stupid?

LIFE AS IT IS changes its URL and

1grace1faith.blogspot.co.uk becomes WritingLifeAsItIs.blogspot.co.uk

I finally went and did it.

Changed my 1grace1faith url to something else.

WritingLifeAsItIs.

Why?

The Vintage Blanket by iCandy - A review

When iCandy asked LIFE AS IT IS to review one of their luxurious baby blankets, I had to take them up on the offer. Even if the proud owner would already be 3 and a 1/4 years of age.

DETAILS:
The Vintage Blanket by iCandy
Designed in: Two colour options - pink or blue
Available from: iCandy & other leading outlets
Made from: 80% lambswool and 20% nylon
Priced: £80
Machine washable: Yes
Dimensions: 100cm x 78cm

iCandy have launched accessories. Good for them. And clearly good for us too. For as is usual with this special baby brand, the i for detail is second to none.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

‘From a Mother to Another’

Hubbub, JoJo Maman Bébé and leading children’s charity Barnardo’s are proud to present From a Mother to Another, launched today & asking mothers to gift good-quality, unwanted baby & children’s clothing to other mothers in the UK in the run up to Mother’s Day. 

Clothing can be handed in to any JoJo store between now and 15^th March.

#MotherToAnother 

5/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

FRAMED Currently my 1Grace1Faith

The honest truth about having kids - for the GraceFaith girls

The honest truth about having kids is...

(I do think a little counter-balance is what’s needed now).

So my girls, just for you, let me add:

The best thing about having you two children in my life, is that I never realised how much I would and could love you. 

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.

51/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

FRAMED

Have a happy Christmas one and all, and to all a good night

The cucumber (ran out of carrots), mince pie and whiskey sit half eaten upon the hearth as freshly laid welly boot footprints stand in the ash of the fireplace. Simon and I are knackered after dinner, yet content. Ready for slumber, we are about to tip toe Santa's presence into where our sleeping wonderbabes lie up above dreaming of sugarplums and all things deliciously Christmassy. All of us super silly happy in our anticipation of what the dawn of a new Christmas day will bring...

Merry Christmas everybody. Have a lovely day. x

Life is...

...Remembering that a smile can make all the difference

50/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

It was impossible to choose a single piece of art from the wonderful festive selection that came home from school and nursery this week.

FRAMED - Fia's first nativity

Currently my 1Grace1Faith

49/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

LIFE AS IT IS - This week in... December 2014

This last week has been busy. As it always is with the run up to Christmas. It was the week that...

Fia unable to sleep at all, ran a high fever and didn't move off the sofa for days, my Mother-in-law was in the ICU with pancreatitis, and Esme sang nativity songs at full volume, on repeat.

I decided NOT to send Christmas cards for the first time ever, and then began to feel guilty as the first few fell through the front door. Traditions are like habits; hard to break.

Although I broke with some art that's been in situ for three years in the dining room - and was blatantly shamed into painting the walls as a consequence. I'm pleased to report, the girl did good. I'm not so pleased to report that Simon now wants me to do the hall, stairs and landing. Rod, back.

We enjoyed birthday celebrations with friends. We chose the Christmas tree, and had fun dressing it; bringing out the decs the children have made throughout the Christmas years that have passed. We created more to keep. We linked and hung paper chains. We had our first log fire of the Winter. We played carols on the piano, and Twister. We drank mulled wine. We iced gingerbread men - who of course morphed into gingerbread monsters.

I pulled out all the stops and managed to make cakes for the school Christmas fayre. Get me. Not just that, I even helped on Santa's grotto. (Far more stressful than one assumes). Sadly, I have only one thing to say about this particular afternoon: One of the PTA had their head so far up their own arse it was impossible to see her smile or to hear her say thank you for any assistance she had received.

And a further moot point along the lines of crapping on one...

I'm still struggling to come to terms with the fact that one morning last week, before I was even out of bed, Esme appeared in our room with her PJ bottoms around her ankles, and her backside in my face, claiming she had too much poo to clean. I surmised the loo roll she was also shoving in my face, meant she needed help. Without thinking clearly and without sending her back to the bathroom to try again, it turns out that along with too much poo to clean, I also had the issue of not enough paper to clean it with. I think I may have realised this sooner, had I not just become conscious and only opened one eye?

Need I say that beginning the day with a 6YO's faeces on my hand, was not the best start. Nor was it great when Fia yelled at me, glared at me and generally pulled me apart the same morning. Or when fabulously, Esme declared I was breaking her heart by giving her sister more love than her, explaining that she had been made to feel as if 'she wasn't part of this family anymore, Mummy.' I give thanks yet again for the joyous fact that my 6YO is so in touch with her feelings, and so eloquently able to express herself.

And generally, I give thanks for the life we have. Our Life As It Is. Even if at times, I was more than aware, that like a lot of us at this frenetic time of year, I had been dealt a bit of a shit hand this week.

FRAMED -

My 7YO peace lily has finally flowered.
And yes... it's been worth the wait.

48/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

We've decided not to send Christmas cards this year, however, we will be making a select few. Here's the first, a robin by Sofia.

Parenting is...

...finding your eldest daughter's glasses, three weeks later on the trampoline.

Parenting is...

...wondering where your youngest child has hidden your eldest child's glasses?

47/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

Apparently we are the best mum and dad ever. So why has Esme tied us all up?
"Doh, Mummy, we are having a group hug!"

FRAMED - Mother Nature

A mother's role - A poem

I don't want to come in and look at you.

Tonight as I go to bed.

I ll leave that to your father

To check you, kiss you, tuck you in.

And lovingly stroke your head.

TOP TEN UNIQUE Christmas gift ideas (put together by LIFE AS IT IS)

THIS CHRISTMAS WHAT WILL THE CHILDREN BE DOING?

Here are TEN great ideas for gifts that for one reason or another, 

are just that little bit more unusual...

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Please help The Trussell Trust and Fareshare to feed people in need this Christmas, by donating food at your local Tesco store this week.

In store you’ll find collection points. Simply add an item to your basket and donate it on the way out. Tesco will top up all donations by 30 percent and will ensure delivery to your local food bank.

Thank you

46/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

Fia rockets into space

The brand new Tiny Diner Company - eats & ethics

Are you a mum that buys in premium baby and child food products? If so, did you know that a company called Tiny Diner has launched? Not only will it support you in feeding your little one with healthy and nutritious food, it also supports the work of anti-violence against women charity Eaves - offering support to women surviving violence in the UK. Tiny Diner is creating employment opportunities for the many vulnerable women supported by Eaves, helping empower them. Tiny Diner recently went live with their campaign, and need to spread the word re their great food and great ethics. Please take a look here. 

FRAMED - Simon and Fia out for a bike ride

1 in 10 babies need (EXTRA) SPECIAL CARE - A feature

1 in 10 babies need special care

This week, World Prematurity day has recognised the babies born too soon. Someone I know recently gave birth to twin girls - born 10 weeks early. The following texts reveal something about life for this new mum, who like millions of others, has been totally thrown in at the deep end. Then the following feature, hopes to reveal something about life as it is on a neonatal ward.

Morbid musings of a 6YO

E: Mummy when I die, I hope we are having a cuddle, because I really want to die with you

45/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

Esme creates a robot birthday card for a friend. I love the fact that it talks in a robotic fashion, which she cleverly depicts using full stops.

Even Superheroes are infallible

After my last post, Children In Need - appealing to all Superhero Mums out there, I have to add a further post on how the day ended...

Shortly after finishing lunch, I received a phone call from school. Esme had collided with another child in the playground, (hey, I'm not a meteorologist).

She sat with her braided beaded bumped and bruised bonce, quietly cuddling the teaching assistant, with cape intact and ice pack administered. She flashed a hint of a smile when she saw me and Fia approach.

Brave or what?

A real superhero.

Love you kid.

Children In Need - appealing to all Superhero Mums out there

We are all Supermums.
Don't forget that.
And Dads.
Don't forget that either.
Balancing the act of parenting.
On little sleep.
We juggle balls.
We spin plates.
We hold the fort.
We nurse the sick.
We fill the fridge.
We pay the bills.
The list is endless.
There's no denying,
We have a lot on our plates.
I have a lot on my plate.
Accept for cakes.

Will I lose my Supermum status by not making cakes for a bloody school cake sale?
Or for using the word 'bloody' in the previous sentence?
I'll take some shop bought ones later instead.
Plus I stuck a fiver in the tin this morning...
I didn't have any bloody change.
I gave it all to nursery yesterday.
We ran out of time to get more change, as I was helping Esme look like the Superhero she is.
So headteacher, don't be giving me that look today. You know the one.
The one that doesn't really exist, and yet nonetheless makes me feel like a child in disgrace.
I've a lot on my plate. Accept cakes. I know.
But that's okay, you have a lot of Superheroes to save the day.
A day that will result in caped kids flying out of the school doors, revved up by the rain stops play factor, and all hungry for the sugary cakes on sale.
Which they'll gorge, eager to top up their Superhero powers.
We daren't say 'no' and 'wait for after your dinner.'
For being real life Superheroes, they would stop us in our tracks.
SuperEsme for example, could take me out with one flick of her braided beaded bonce.
I've no doubt.


This post is to salute the parents that made cakes. 
Shine your badge. You're bloody amazing.

If you enjoyed this post, why not vote for me in the UKBlogAwards2015? Thank you!

FOOTNOTE
If you want to know how the day ended, read my follow on post
 Even Superheroes are infallible

Bullied at five - a poem to raise awareness

Oh little girl of mine, stood tall.
So chipper and so cheery.
Where are you? And who is this?
My shadow, always teary.

Lullaby & Goodnight - A feature on SIDS

The pain of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Did you know that ‘cot death’ is a phrase now considered outdated? Sadly, babies die unexpectedly, and in all manner of locations. I talked to two families torn apart by SIDS, both eager to explain the real meaning behind this cruel syndrome.

Earlier this year, the NICE consultation on safe sleep was published. It did little to explain Sudden Infant Death Syndrome adequately to many of the parents left behind by babies who had SIDS as the cause of death on their death certificates. 

The Lullaby Trust, a charity providing specialist support for bereaved families, is committed to supporting research to understand why five babies a week die suddenly and unexpectedly in the UK, and to find out more about how to prevent these tragic deaths.

Jennie Henley, age 38, is mum to four beautiful children. Twins, Esther and William, age 4, that recently started infant school, 8 week-old Beatrice Hope, aka Rainbow baby. And, Matilda Mae, angel baby, who at nine months-old, went to sleep one day as usual, and never woke up.

VOTE FOR ME UKBlogAwards2015 entry

Hi one and all,

A little while ago I was contacted and asked to enter my blog LIFE AS IT IS into a competition.

The UK Blog Awards recognises 'talented individuals within the industry' -

And as they asked me to enter, I figure I've nothing to lose.

The public vote starts today.

If you like what you read on my blog and would like to encourage me to write more...

Please vote for me here

I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you!

Pudsey: The Movie - A review

Remember Pudsey, everyone's four legged friend that jumped through hoops and won the British publics' hearts, and the Britain's got talent contest a couple of years ago? 

Well he's back, and starring in his own movie - named, yes you guessed it: Pudsey The Movie. 

Frivolous and fun this is entertainment for the entire family, and the brand new release is out today, just in time for the Christmas shopping period. 

So is it worth the buying?

44/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

The conundrum of the worry stone

On a recent visit to Arundel Castle (you can read my review here), Esme purchased a 'worry stone' from the gift shop. This was the least of my worries on the day as it was potentially the cheapest item within the shop. However, since then, it has proved to be a right royal pain in the arse.

Arundel Castle - a review

Whether it is the grandeur of the fine castle rooms and the treasures they behold, (think Gainsborough and Caneletto), the exquisite gardens, the gift shop and restaurant, or simply the magnificent structure itself, Arundel Castle is a fantastic day out for everybody.

No smoke without fire: The importance of writing as if no one is reading

My recent post Half Term-inal was cathartic. I love that my blog is a place for me to rant. Sharing my inner thoughts with the public was never my initial intention, but sharing to help others realise that Life As It Is can be utterly crap at times, is. Somewhat self-indulgent? Probably. Thinking about that however, my mother always said that my sister was the private one, whereas I would have told my life story to the milkman if I could. So here, not just for the milkman it would appear, but for you all, is a further tale of my Life As It Once Was...

Currently my 1Grace1Faith

Half Term-inal

Bleak, that's what it's been.
A bleak half term.
Very little colour indoors.
Losing the will to live,
For you girls are fighting again.
In competition for my attention - good or bad.
I could have walked away this week.

43/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

NOT EVERYONE LIKES TO TRICK OR TREAT, BUT EVERYONE CAN LIFT THE LID ON THEIR LOVE... 

...by supporting an alternative Halloween with World Vision, who are once again celebrating Halloween by turning a night of fear into A Night of Hope. 

This year they are asking the public to carve a love heart into a pumpkin in recognition of the children of Syria. Please remember to share your pumpkin pics using the #ANightOfHope

FRAMED - Autumn colour

Generous musings of a 6YO

Esme finishes her dippy eggs with gusto before announcing:

E: Mummy if there was a competition for making the best dippy eggs, and Connor and I were the judges, and there was nobody else in it that was good at making dippy eggs, you would definitely win the prize.

Alien MorphCostume for Halloween - A review

If you thought Morph was purely a little plasticine man who began his career in the 1970/80 art series Take Hart, think again. It is also the name put to fancy dress designs galore, from the highly successful outfit MorphCostumes. Meaning you too can morph into the spirit of the occasion. Well, with Halloween fast approaching, why not? They sent Life As It Is the alien suit to try out for review purposes...

Growing flowers QVC Watch Them Grow Kit (3) Success to temperance

The clocks have fallen. Again. Just.

The wind is whipping up the leaves once more.

But the late summer sun and warmth magically lingered on into October. 

My Manhattan musts

A friend recently asked if I had any tips on where to go and what to see in New York City? Having lived there on and off, I can recommend these as a few of my faves...

43/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

This is the first time that Fia has ever structured a flower with the obvious detail of stem, petals and pistil. I can't help but wonder if the isometric paper inspired her?

Do you know about this in-car safety & security device for parents?

A device dubbed ‘fred’, aimed at safeguarding children in the car and saving parents and mums-to-be money, has been launched by Zenith Insurance and is being offered exclusively through parenting brand, Bounty.

42/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

Two tickets to The Baby Show - a giveaway

This time next week I will be attending the The Baby Show, which runs from Fri 24 - Sun 26 October at Olympia, London.

For me, as a freelance writer of parenting/lifestyle mags, it's an exciting event to attend, meeting PRs, Press, Marketing professionals, Business entrepreneurs, Mums and friends, is something I look forward to year on year.

Baby London, one of the magazines I write for (who has a stand there), has kindly provided Life As It Is with two tickets to give away.

To be in with a chance to win them, please leave a comment, either here or on my FB page, telling me your reasons for wanting to attend The Baby Show, and they could be yours.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday 21st October at 8pm.

Good luck!


Wed 22nd Oct...
Congrats to Helen Edwards and Toby (age 5months) who have won the tickets by leaving a really worthwhile comment about gadgets on my FB page! 

Brave musings of a 6YO

Esme at the park yesterday had a little contretemps with another child. I missed it completely. Chances are, the other child did too.

E: It's okay Mummy, I showed them. I put a sycamore seed in the hood of their coat when they weren't looking.

Fighting talk that.

Family roles reversed - a poem

Chatting to my big sister yesterday,

Who is far away.

Britain's newest community: E20 - A place to live, work and stay?

East Village, E20, the newest neighbourhood in London (and the former home to the 2012 Olympic games), may be billed as 'A place to live, work and stay', but the question on my mind when we went to check it out, was, would we want to raise our family here?

Taking into account our Life As It Is, with a six-year-old and a three-year-old, (one at nursery, one at school), and thinking primarily of them, what could living here offer us?

FRAMED - The 2012 Olympic blog post

Parenting is...

...accepting that four nights out in one week, is just not realistic

41/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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



Sofia Faith has excelled this week with a picture of her Daddy, that she made at nursery.

Look Inside Our World - A book review

From the moment you turn the first page, both you and your children will be caught up with looking further into 'Our World' of geography and geology - and this clever book. 

Emma Oliver talks to Maggie Perkins about life, love and hair wax

From Lapland to the Czech Republic, the selection of beers here, are as varied as the eclectic mix drinking them. The atmosphere is funky yet stylish, a lot like the woman herself, when she finally turns up.

Ms Perkin's late arrival is easily forgotten, succeeded by perfume and friendliness. She grins and says, 'Hi, call me Maggie. I hope it's not going to be too noisy for an interview in here, it's just I love this place.' On cue, the whirr of a coffee grinder kicks into action; it hovers above the mellow bluesy back beat.

Sitting, she orders a coffee. 'It's not like I need the caffeine. I'm manic enough without it. So, what can I tell you?' Even her sentences have a hyperactive quality to them. Having requested a cappuccino, she proceeds to secondarily sugar my latte, claiming it subconsciously.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Add The Hunger Site to your Bookmarks bar. 

Did you know that for every visit and click received at thehungersite.com, the site’s sponsors will donate a 230g portion of rice to hungry people in one of 74 developing countries? 

Worth a daily click that.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - Reducing the risk

I've just completed writing a feature on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - I will never call it 'cot death' again.

You cannot prevent SIDS but there are safe sleep steps that can reduce the risk. According to the Lullaby Trust (a charity providing specialist support for bereaved families, promoting expert advice on safer baby sleep and raising awareness on sudden infant death), these are:

40/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

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

Face to face with 'X Factor' star's unborn baby

A few weeks ago, the 'X Factor' cog began to turn again, heralding the Autumn and therefore fires, curries, vino, and snuggles on the Saturday sofa for many couples. Si and I included; we love it! 

Around the same time, 37 year-old Sam Bailey, the 2013 'X Factor' winner, gave birth to her third child Miley Beau, a baby sister to Brooke, age nine, and Tommy age five.

As an 'X Factor' super viewer, I predicted Sam would win right from her first appearance, I'm certain I wasn't alone. I could not have predicted however, that the former prison warden, would be giving birth just as the new series kicked off. Nor could I have predicted that I would see the face of Sam's baby girl before pretty much the rest of the world - AND when she was actually still inside her mum. 

My long lost friend...

...is coming to visit this weekend, with her mother and her son in tow.