Don't you know who I am?

I am an excited girlfriend getting glammed up for a night out with her man.

I am a mum cooking cupcakes with her daughter.

I am a manager balancing budgets.

I am a daughter getting a lift from her mum.

I am a friend gossiping on the phone.

I am a girl browsing the sale items in Top Shop.

Don't you know who I am?

Happy Birthday Mumra!

It has been one year since I first clicked publish and posted this.

I have been blogging my way through the last 365 days.

In celebration of Mumra turning one I have lined up some fabulous giveaways for my readers.

Frankly these prizes are so good I would like them all for myself but this birthday is not about me or Tabitha, it is about all of the people who read Mumra because lets be honest if you were not reading I would have given up ages ago.

So lets kick off with the first of my prizes up for grabs:

£50 BIG BLUE CUDDLE VOUCHER!

*15% of the spend is donated by the company to a chosen charity.

Big Blue Cuddle is not a regular online shop, it has a fabulous concept behind it.

They work with selected suppliers of the nicest, brightest children clothes that give them great deals on their surplus stock bringing all of us a wonderful and eclectic choice of clothes to buy for newborns to 10 year olds. 

Big Blue Cuddle then donate between 15% and 50% of the value of each sale to a children charity.

It is a fabulous idea and one I think needs promoting from the roof tops!

I have selected Children with Leukaemia .

THE LAND OF ME - DVD ROM AND ACTIVITY BOOKS!

RRP: DVD ROM £29.95 ACTIVITY BOOKS VOL 1+2 £6.95 EACH

If you have not explored The Land of Me website then you should pop over and get involved.

It is a beautifully illustrated interactive world for children aged 2-6 and I am honoured to be giving away one of their DVD ROM and two of the activity books to one lucky winner.

THE SISTERS GUILD PATCHWORK 'LOVE' CUSHION!

RRP: £21.50

Sisters Guild is one of those sites I spend ages spending imaginary money I don't have to spare on gorgeous things for Tabitha.

You lucky people get the chance to win this beautiful patchwork style cushion to adorn your little ones nursery or your sofa depending on how generous your feeling.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

So I'm sure you are wondering what you need to do to enter this fantastic giveaway?

I'm making it nice and easy for you all...

All you need to do is comment below saying which items you would like to win, could be one of them, could be all of them and you will be entered into the draw for each one you request - in return I simply ask you share your Mumra love with everyone by telling us your favourite article featured on Mumra during the last year.

The winners will be announced 13th May 2011.

P.S Thanks for all the support, advice and laughter you have given me in the last year of writing Mumra. x

The Gallery - Green.

We have been partaking in some serious park time over the last few weeks, fitting in beautifully with Sticky Fingers theme Green this week.

Tabitha loves to be outside, most kids do I guess. She is a real little climber who shows no fear and likes nothing better than scrambling over the play equipment. So it is a bit of a shame we have only just found the park around the corner with its little assault course a few weeks before we move away.

In a few weeks she will have to make do with her closest parks being Wimbledon Park and Wandsworth Common. 

Oh, well I guess we will cope.  ;-)

Welcome to the Jungle.

I have two settling sessions booked for Tabitha at her new nursery. Although I have no concerns about her attending nursery and feel she is more than ready for the social aspects I am a little nervous for her. I have talked before about my own shoddy social skills when meeting new people and I can't help but feel anxious at her first engagement with her new peers.

As I throw her into a class of children and leave her to find her way I am more than aware it is her essentially becoming her future self. The way she interacts with these children is so important, childhood friendships and experiences really do form so much of our longterm social skills. I think what makes me nervous the most is that she is kind of on her own with this task; she must make the decisions of who she likes and who she doesn't, who she spends her day playing with and who she steers away from. 

What can I really do to help? 

I know. 

I shall give her an excellent outfit, make sure she smells of vanilla and stick on a name badge. I mean, who could resist a well dressed child who smells of cake and has a face like that anyway?

Mumra Playlists - Week 10.

This may sound strange given my weekly playlists, but I have always had a bit of a problem with remembering song titles and words. Yep, I'm one of those people who says ' it goes...la,la,la dah dah dah....' I don't sing songs, I mumble and hum along because I really struggle to remember individual lyrics. 

That is except one song, etched into my mind from repetitive play during my teenage years. I can not hear it for years at a time it doesn't matter I know all the words every single one....

The theme this week is:  What song do you know every word to?

<a href="http://mumrara.blogspot.com/2011/04/mumra-playlists-week-10.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af52/pinkrara/VinylRecord.jpg" border="0" alt="Mumra Playlist" /></a>

To join in with Playlists simply blog your choice, give Mumra a mention so people know where to join in if they want to and link up so we can all see it.

If you don't blog you can still join in, just add the utube link straight into the linky with your name or Twitter id. Couldn't be easier...

Silent Sunday.

The Wedding of the Year!

The London Marathon last weekend was a very special day for a lot of people. It was however a double event for one of my closest friends and her fiance, not only did they run the course they also took a break at mile 20 and popped into a Docklands hotel and tied the knot!

I spent a fair part of the day being seriously uncool and dabbing my eyes continually watching this amazing and inspiring couple do something quite wonderful. They ran the 26 miles in memory of Andys sister Christina who passed away last year and managed to raise a huge amount of money for the hospice that looked after her. 

As someone who has also lost a sibling to cancer I bow down to them both in such a solid and dedicated effort to mark her memory. They did her proud on Sunday and not only her, they did all of us who are lucky enough to call them friends proud too. 

Attending a girlfriends wedding is always emotional but Katty seriously out did herself with her efforts on Sunday. She looked beautiful at the service even after running 20 miles and somehow even more gorgeous after another 6 miles at the evening reception, where may I add she danced the night away for most of the evening.

Katty and Andy, you seriously rock. 

William and Kate, who?

Katty and Andy ran for Saint Francis Hospice their Just Giving page is here.

The Gallery - My Blog.

Another Wednesday and another excellent theme from Tara for The Gallery.

My Blog

It is a great topic for me this week, I am approaching my blog birthday, Mumra is nearly 1 year old. I have been thinking quite a lot about my experience of writing a blog for this past 12 months and the effects it has has on my life and my child raising experience.

I have loved the community of blogging parents on Twitter to ask questions and gain support at all hours of the night or day. Mumra has become a unique record of my journey through this first year of motherhood, one that we shall be able to return to time and time agin for reminders in how far we have come.

As my journey reaches a new level with my return to work and Tabithas entrance to nursery I wonder what will happen to Mumra. Will there be the time to continue with my hobby that has grown into so much more? I hope so, it has brought me great pleasure and also helped me develop many skills I would never had learned watching This Morning or visiting coffee mornings.

So, back to the task at hand. There was no way I could sum up what Mumra is about or means to me in one photo so I put together this mosaic of the components that I think make Mumra work.

A Fairy Hob Mother Appearance.

If a fairy had a hob, which hob would she have?

Others are available. Click here for Appliances Online.

Have you heard the story of the Fairy Hob Mother?

Once upon a time there was a very frisky fairy who lived in Cyberland emailing, tweeting and sprinkling her dust throughout the day.

She would visit people she saw doing the same and sometimes if she liked them would leave a little glitter behind as a gift. All she asks for in return is a little bit of a mention as she is working her way up to Queen Hob Mother and needs all the help she can get.

So now it is my turn for a fairy gathering and possibly your turn for a surprise.

Leave a comment below for the fairy and see if lady luck is on your side this time, I'm still trying to get the sodding glitter out of my hair!....

This offer is for bloggers only....

Mumra Playlists - Week 9.

I thought it would be nice for us to dedicate our playlists this week to someone special in our lives. As always work the theme however you fancy, just remember to give Mumra a mention and link it up so we can all have a listen.

I have chosen the theme for this week:

This song reminds me of you....

I heard my song choice the other day and it instantly made me think of my friend Helen, it always does. From the age of about 12 I have asked her over a million times to sing the chorus of this song as fast as she possibly can. Helen could hold possibly hold the world record for her efforts its really quite amazing. She also does a mean air guitar....

Good times.

<a href="http://mumrara.blogspot.com/2011/04/mumra-playlists-week-9.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af52/pinkrara/VinylRecord.jpg" border="0" alt="Mumra Playlist" /></a>

Cbeebies: The Great Mysteries of Cbeebies.

Over the past 16 months I have seen ALOT of Cbeebies! 

Returning to work and Tabitha attending nursery full time is going to mean a huge adjustment in our viewing time so I thought I'd share a list of our Cbeebies mysteries...

Why when Everything is Rosie is so perfect for retail marketing as a doll why has she not been made?

Why was Mr Tumble in the winter song but not Cerrie and Alex?

What is the criteria to read the bedtime stories as a celeb? I thought Kimberly Walsh was a strange choice.

Sids hair is it dreaded or shaved now? His hair has played havoc with your continuity of filming.

How much botox has Sarah Jayne had? Has she left any for anyone else?

What was the deal with Cerrie and Nisha? I thought they might actually kick off at one point?

Is Sid seeing Cerrie? They'd make a very cute and overly chirpy couple.

Whose idea was it to make James Corden Charley Bears voice? Sack them immediately. 

Is Katie taking any medication? If shes not perhaps she should.

If anyone at the BBC could clear these up for me before I return to work I'd be really grateful, it would free up some brain space.

Cheers. 

The Gallery - Tomorrow.

The theme of The Gallery this week has not proved too hard for me.
 I have done nothing but think of Tomorrow for weeks.

The boxes are out and I am considering a car boot sale, moving is officially underway. I might possibly be the most excited woman in the world right now.

The move means so many good things for us as a family. Tabitha gets to attend nursery and mix with other children which I have mentioned before has not been my strong point as a Stay At Home Mum. My fabulous OH gets to say goodbye to four hours a day on a train and will be home for bathtime every night. I return to something I love and something I am good at, I am excited about my new company and the challenges ahead.

Tomorrow could not be more exciting. Tomorrow is our future.

Another Bloody Meme.

Tara Cain from Sticky Fingers has tagged me in this meme started by Kerry Jean Lister and because I'm basically scared of her I have to do it or she will beat me up. (That might be a lie, it might not be.)


Which living person do you most admire, and why?
I don't dwell on admiration, its not really something I do.


When were you happiest?
Other than when I had Tabitha obviously...I was very happy when I lived in my little studio flat in Bognor Regis while managing a nightclub. It was great fun and I was very content.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Slipping and falling over in the bar while working at said nightclub, happened several times.

Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
My sofa.

What is your most treasured possession?
A ring my brother brought me before he died.

Where would you like to live?
In a big house with floor to ceiling windows that over looks the sea.

What’s your favourite smell?
Vanilla.

Who would play you in the film of your life?
Helena Bonham Carter.

What is your favourite book?
Bitch by Elizabeth Wurtzel. Helps me feel empowered when I need a kick up the arse.

What is your most unappealing habit?
My time spent on Social Networking sites.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?
Cat Woman.

What is your earliest memory?
Sitting waiting on the stairs of my block of flats in Hong Kong aged 3 pretending I was asking my mums permission to go for breakfast with a neighbour. Its a long story and involves ALOT of police.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Smoking.

What do you owe your parents?
Everything with interest.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
Jay, for being a tool quite often.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Jay. I adore him.

What does love feel like?
Like you have arrived at your destination.

What was the best kiss of your life?
The first kiss Tabitha gave without request.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Cheers.

What is the worst job you’ve done?
Old peoples home, I take my hat off to people who do that job and do it well.

If you could edit your past, what would you change?
Nothing. 

What is the closest you’ve come to death?
A flight from Antigua that went crazy dropping from the sky. I put my shoes on like it would save me. It was the only thing that made sense.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Tabitha-Lo.

When did you last cry, and why?
When I wrote a blog post just now it set me off, it doesn't take much.

How do you relax?
Lay down.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A sack full of money.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Be brave, never give up.


I am tagging:


Kate Green - She loves a meme and I think she has stuff to share...


Metal Mummy - Love to hear more about this lady...


Ness - Lovely Ness shares my humour I'd like to know more...


Becca - Always cracks me up and I want to see if she can get a poo story in...


Laura  - Don't know enough about this lady, lets prize some info out of her...

The MADS Awards 2011.

I'm not good at asking favours or begging. However with the whiff of competition in the air I just can't resist joining in....

The MADS 2011 is a chance to be recognised for the hardwork that goes into writing a parenting blog such as Mumra.

I'd be really flattered if anyone would consider putting me forward for one of these categories...

• Best MAD Blog for Family Life
• Most Innovative MADs Blogger
• Most Inspirational MAD Blogger
• Best New MAD Blog
• Best MAD Blog Writer
• MAD Blog Post of the Year

NIVEA SUN Kids Pure & Sensitive Sun Lotion and Sun Spray.

This weekend it began; the buggy hood was removed, the parasol was clipped in place, the legs were out and the suncream was applied.

We went about our daily outings and I couldn't help but focus on other childrens chubby pink shoulders turning pinker before my eyes. It crossed my mind to just spray them as I walked past but I wasn't sure the parents would approve.

Tabitha already takes an active part in her suncream routine. Before we leave the house if I get out the NIVEA SUN® spray she will immediately lay down on the floor and then helps me to rub the liquid into her legs and arms.

Last year Tabitha was immobile and easy enough to keep in the shade so this summer is the first time her skin has been up against the suns harsh rays. Nivea has been a solid and  relieable brand for as long as I can remember, I feel confident to put my childs precious skin into their hands.

NIVEA SUN® have launched a new range of sun protection this year, it is 100% perfume, colourant and preservative free meaning less chance of allergies and reactions from childrens tender sensitive skin.

It is available in both a standard lotion and handy spray bottle; my favourite as it is so mess free and quick to apply. All parents should be demanding maximum protection from a suncream and NIVEA SUN® delivers a SPF 50+ with the highest quality UVA, UVB and waterproof formula.

NIVEA SUN Kids Pure & Sensitive Sun Lotion and Sun Spray SPF 50 RRP £16.84

Available from March 2011 – Boots exclusive

**Please Note: This is a sponsored post.

Silent Sunday.

The One Word Meme.

I have been tagged in another meme. 

This time by the lovely @Aresidence with the 'One Word Meme' 

The idea of this meme came from Michelle originally and has been circulating the blogs for a while. I keep seeing it pop up and thinking how brave the bloggers doing it are, and now it is my turn. I'm quite nervous what words you readers might suggest.

So here we go, be honest, be blunt, keep it sweet and neat...ONE WORD.

What does Mumra mean to you....?

Mumra Playlists - Week 8.

Last week I took you back to your teenage years and this week I'm taking you even further back...

Our theme for this week is:

Childhood

My relationship with music began with my parents musical collection and their generosity in allowing me to claim one of their records as my own.

I was allowed to actually use the much loved glass topped stereo system and place the needle on this record myself, clearly it wasn't one of their favourites!

I took a liking to this song and my parents either gave me it or it just became mine, the details I can't remember but I played it over and over and it was 'My song...'

My love of travel and sunshine started at a very early age obviously. I still love the flight announcements when I get on a plane and always hope the pilot will launch into this tune.

<a href="http://mumrara.blogspot.com/2011/04/mumra-playlists-week-8.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af52/pinkrara/VinylRecord.jpg" border="0" alt="Mumra Playlist" /></a>

Gtech Germ Guard Power Sweeper Review.

Right I'll be honest normally I would have said 'thanks but no thanks' to this review, but you see my beloved Dyson had a little accident involving a Fisher Price Dog.

So while I got hold of another rubber belt for my old faithful Dyson and as I am one of those mad people with kids who has cream carpets the email hit my inbox just at the right time.

The Gtech Germ Guard Power Sweeper is a very good bit of kit, it is rechargeable and a full charge gives you about 30 minutes of go. 

The sweeper was properly put to the test me not having a hoover, I actually did the whole house over a few days when I could stand the floors no longer. The results were excellent, the pull out drawer fills with fluff and crumbs and is easy to empty. The contents also shows how effective the suction is on this little beauty. 

I have got quite attached to it. Tabitha calls it the 'Whoosh' and I think it has helped her overcome her fear of the Dyson as the noise is more subtle she is now less hysterical when I use the big hoover.

Anyway I'm ranting, its only a floor sweeper. Get one, you'll love it.

Baby Royale Bamboo Blanket Review.

Hello Baby Direct gave me the chance to review this Babyroyale luxury baby blanket and even though Tabitha is not a newborn she does love a snuggle with a blankie so I agreed. I was also quite intrigued by the material and wanted to see if it really was as soft as they said.

When I buy a blanket for a newborn the main thing I look for is softness, you don't want to put anything else next to their skin. Usually my fabric of choice would be cashmere for its high quality and powder puff softness.

I'm afraid Baby Royale Bamboo Blanket cannot compare to a cashmere one, it is not as soft or of a similar quality. I did not find it luxury enough to justify the label.

The blanket is a good buy for the price, it does stand its ground as a nice gift. If you want a gift that is slightly different and like the alternative material angle it might be for you. The blanket  does come beautifully boxed and washes very well.

The Gallery - Mother Love.

The theme of The Gallery this week is Mother Love. 

I have used this photo often on Mumra and Twitter but it really is my favourite photo of us. It was taken when she was a month or so old and everything was very new. She had entered my world and taken it over. I was, still am and always will be, besotted with her.

Mumra Playlists - Week 7.

A little trip down memory lane for us all this week with the theme:

School Disco

I had dance routines to both of these beauties...

And the ultimate song for your cringe worthy slow dance... 

 What takes you back to school discos? Obviously other than the smell of cider.

<a href="http://mumrara.blogspot.com/2011/04/mumra-playlists-week-7.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af52/pinkrara/VinylRecord.jpg" border="0" alt="Mumra Playlist" /></a>