28 πŸŽ‰


28


So here it is, my 28th birthday! 28 years of me, 28 years of us🎈

I mean, I couldn’t blog from the age of 0-10 so I feel like this may be the most poignant 10 years of my life so far (that I am capable of blogging about)


This year, 2019, mark’s 10 years since I turned 18 and that is just so crazy to me because it honestly feels like yesterday.

10 whole years of being a fully fledged adult (who by the way totally doesn’t feel like one even now)

But aside from that I feel like these last 10 years, the first 10 of my adult life have been quite important!

10 whole years of working with children in one setting or another, whether it be on placement, work experience or employment.

I completed my compulsory education and A Levels…

Then went to Uni for 4 years and completed a Ba Hons degree.

It’s been almost 8 years in my first childcare job and 5 in my job as a Teaching ssistant, a job I love, the career I strived to have.

I met the love of my life & best friend during these 10 years β™‘ We visited what has now become our favourite country, Italy (Several times) and we got engaged there and are now Husband and wife, for almost 3 year! (8 together)

We have a mortgage!!! We own our own home, which is very adult and sensible (& at times infuriating haha) Who knew owning your own home was so expensive!!

We got our own pets, 2 Guinea pigs. Sadly Remus is no longer with us but Captain is still going strong.

I’ve become an Auntie 3 times!! And it’s the most wonderful, lovely, fun, heart bursting, love filled, hilarious and joyful role that I’ve ever had. I love those little guys, they are so awesome.

& last year me and Sarah finally made it to Hogwarts ⚑ Florida ’18 was a holiday of a lifetime and it was as amazing (infact probably more amazing) than we could ever have imagined.

I think 18 year old Roseanne would be pretty pleased with how it’s going so far.


But, what do the final couple of years of my twenties have in store?

What do I hope to achieve before I enter the realms of my thirties?

  • Learn to drive
  • Visit a few more places in Italy
  • Complete a half marathon
  • Reach my SW target
  • Continue to improve my running
  • Re visit the HP tour with all the new bits.
  • Learn to be more content
  • Worry less
  • Have a short break in New York to celebrate our 30th birthday


What’s on your list?


Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

My Reading Challenge: May πŸ“š


May is here!

& that means it’s time for another two books for my reading challenge this month.


In April I read:

  • Spring at the little duck pond cafe (Book one) by Rosie Green β˜†β˜†β˜†β˜†
  • Friend Request by Laura Marshall β˜†β˜†β˜†

I have added in my star β˜† rating (out of 5), this month, in order to give you an indication of what I thought of the books that I have just read.


In May I will be reading:

Summer at the little duck pond cafe (Book 2) by Rosie Green

Jaz Winters stuck a pin in a map and fled to the village of Sunnybrook, looking for a brand new life – and after a rocky start, it’s beginning to look as if she made the right decision. Her blossoming friendship with Ellie and Fen has seen her through some dark times, and she’s managed to land two jobs – waitressing at The Little Duck Pond CafΓ© and working as a weekend tour guide at Brambleberry Manor, the country house that’s been in Fen’s family for generations.
Sure, life isn’t totally perfect. There’s the irritating know-it-all guy who keeps popping up on her manor tours, for a start. He seems determined to get under Jaz’s skin whether she likes it or not. But she supposes he’s a small price to pay for the relative peace she’s found, living in Sunnybrook.
But just as Jaz is beginning to think rosier times are on the horizon, a shock encounter looks set to shatter her fragile happiness.
Will she be forced to flee from Sunnybrook and everyone she’s grown so fond of? Or will she find the strength to stand her ground and finally face up to the nightmares of the past?

Tell me I’m wrong by Adam Croft

‘What if you discovered your husband was a serial killer?

Megan Miller is an ordinary woman with a young family β€” until a shocking discovery shatters her perfect world.

When two young boys are brutally murdered in their tight-knit village community, Megan slowly begins to realise the signs all point to the lovable local primary school teacher β€” her husband.

But when she begins to delve deeper into her husband’s secret life, she makes discoveries that will make her question everything she knows β€” and make her fear for her young daughter’s life.

Facing an impossible decision, she is desperate to uncover the truth. But once you know something, it can’t be unknown. And the more she learns, the more she wishes she never knew anything at all…’


I’m looking forward to these two as they are very different and I love a thriller with lots of surprises, twists and turns.

I also really love Rosie Green’s series of books! They are so easy to read, have lovely characters and really remind me of the books by Heidi Swain who is one of my favourite authors.


Happy Reading!

As always, any recommendations welcome πŸ‘πŸ»

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

Easter hols diary: Week Two


🐣 Week Two 🐣


Saturday 13th April

Football

Unfortunately it wasn’t the best outcome as my team got relegated after this match! So, its League one for us next season. I still enjoyed watching the football non the less. COYB!


Sunday 14th April

Kaitlyn’s 4th Birthday party

My friends little girl turned 4 so we had some fun at soft play & cake of course!


Wednesday 17th April

Breakfast with friends

Today I met my twin sister, nephews & our friends Livy, Demi & CC for breakfast at our local Harvester! (Because let’s be honest, breakfast food is the best food!!)

It was lovely to catch up, especially as one of my friends is very close to her due date so it was lovely to see her before she becomes very busy!!


Thursday 18th April

Evie-Mae’s first sleepover at Auntie Ro Ro’s & Uncle TT’s

It was lots of fun having Evie to sleepover!


Friday 19th April

Good Friday

In the morning, once Evie was up, baths had been done & breakfast had been served, we went for a play and a lovely walk to the park.

It was beautiful weather & Evie loved the play area. We then sat down for a refreshing drink & snack at the park cafe before mummy & Daddy collected her 😊

In the evening we went out for a family meal to celebrate my brother in laws 30th Birthday.


Saturday 20th April

Our first BBQ of the year!

On Saturday the beautiful sunshine continued and it was glorious!

We had our first BBQ of the year, at my father in laws.


Sunday 21st April

Easter Sunday

I love Easter Sunday (& not just because of the vast quantity of chocolate that is consumed) but because it’s just a lovely day and as a family we always get together.

For as long as I can remember we have gathered on Eastet Sunday for a Chinese (delish!) My Nana started this tradition and I’m determined it continues (& again, not just because of the delicious Chinese food consumed haha) but because I like traditions and there is something really lovely about keeping them alive.

In the morning I did some Easter baking with the boys and I took another trip, to another local park, with the boys for a play in the sunshine. This was lovely before our Chinese.

We also enjoyed our Easter eggs and swapped treats with each other.

The boys and Evie were really pleased with their Easter buckets.


Monday 22nd April

Easter Monday

This was one of my favourite days of the bank holiday. Tim took me to his work (which I hadn’t seen before) & showed me a lovely walk that him and his colleagues often do at lunch times.

We walked some of the way, stopped for a yummy lunch, at Suffolk Food Hall, in the sunshine and then walked the rest of the loop back to the start.

It was a beautifully sunny day and I really enjoyed myself, the walk was stunning

&

it was a lovely way to spend some time together β™‘


& that’s a wrap! A brilliant Easter holiday full of fun, sorting out, Spring cleaning & relaxing… perfect.


Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

Our Easter bakes πŸ«

Here are the results of our Easter baking…

‘No bake’ Easter slices

Rice crispie cakes

Check out the full blog post here & my Easter activities too –> here.

🐣🐣 I hope you are enjoying your Easter Sunday funday! & this beautiful sunshine in the UK β˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

🐣Easter Activities for kids!

Hi guys!

This blog post is just a few simple ideas for you to keep the kiddies entertained over the Easter weekend.

Even if you don’t celebrate Easter in the traditional sense (I don’t either!) It is still lovely to make the most of a long weekend and some family time.

But, of course with kiddies it can be hard to keep them entertained and if you are having people over for the Easter weekend or Easter Sunday then you may need to get them out from under your feet whilst the prep takes place!

Well fear not, because I have some ideas for you that will keep them busy and are lots of fun!


Let’s take a look!


1. A Easter Egg Hunt


Cadburys & Nestle both have Easter egg hunt packs out atm as well as places such as Aldi & Lidl. They come with lots of eggs (depending on the size of the hunt you want and some prizes for the end.

You can also get Easter egg Hunt packs that have clues and signs included in them which is great if you have older children, to add a bit of challenge to your hunt.

I’ve seen these in Asda and discount stores such as B&M.


2. Easter arts & crafts


These monthly children’s magazines are great for a bit of easy art and craft and they come bursting with resources!

They are a bit pricey but, trust me they last! I bought this one for my nephews and we made two things each and there is loads left!! So one issue goes a long way and they are really easy, fun & varied.

You could also look online (Pinterest!!) for come easy craft ideas that use your recycling.

Kids love a bit of junk modelling.


3. Easter baking


Kids (& adults) love getting involved in a bit of baking, especially when it involves a tasty treat at the end!!

Check out some recipes here .

These are all really child friendly, quick, easy and the recipes use alot of the same ingredients! So easy on the purse too.


4. A Easter film


Why not create your own ‘cinema’ for a rainy day activity?!?

Pop on an Easter Film, grab some comfies, a blanket and of course some Easter choc snacks or any bakes you have created, and just enjoy a nice, chilled film together. Netflix or Easter specials of their favourite shows are great for this.

During the school holidays local cinemas such as Cineworld usually put on more ‘Movies for juniors’ showings which are a MUCH cheaper way of taking the kids to the cinema, so look out for those too πŸ˜€


5. A Nature walk/visiting the farm


A walk is a great way to enjoy and talk about the Spring and all the beautiful flowers and changes taking place.

Plus, on a nice day (let’s keep our fingers crossed for some) a bit of fresh air and a run around is great for the kiddies.

Visitng a farm is also great at this time of year as there are lots of baby animals to see and learn about too! Great experiences.


🌷 I hope this helps & have fun whatever you do 🐰

Happy Easter!


Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

DIY Easter baskets for kids πŸ£πŸ«

Last year, as my nephews were a bit older, I decided to make them Easter baskets as a little treat, for Easter Sunday.

This year my niece is a bit older too and will be able to appreciate one as well as the boys, so I have decided to do them again.


I’ve been to a few different shops in order to get the little bits and bob’s for the baskets. I’ll list everything that I bought & the prices (if I can remember haha)

I like to make them personal to each child and get a mixture of chocolate and crafty/fun bits to make them more exciting and fun!

You will see from the pictures that I have popped some ‘non Easter’ food items into my nieces basket. She isn’t a massive chocolate fan (I don’t get it either!!) So I have got her a selection pack of some of her favourite oaty Goodies Bars.

This is a great way to make a basket for a much younger child, especially under 2’s who probably won’t have/need loads of chocolate.


Buckets, Asda Β£1.50

Luckily for me there were three different colours!

The top two baskets are for my nephews who are aged (almost) 3 & 4.

The bottom basket is for my niece who is (almost) 2.

Cadbury Boxless eggs (with buttons inside)

Plain Cadbury boxless egg, Tesco Β£1

Cadbury Disney egg heads, Tesco Β£1

Chick marshmallows, Asda large pack Β£3

They also did white bunny marshmallows too, for the same price.

Milk chocolate bunnies, Tesco 2 for Β£1.50

Milk chocolate lollies, Tesco 2 for Β£1.50

Chick gingerbread kits, Tesco from Β£1

I also picked up these little gingerbread chick kits.

If you had a bigger basket, hamper or if you just want another little activity to do with the kids then these are really fun and super easy to do. You get some tubes of icing and little packs of hundreds and thousands to decorate your chicks, in the pack and I can guarantee the kids will love them.

The non chocolate/edible items.

Easter activity books, Tesco Β£1

These have got stickers, colouring & arts and crafts activities inside them so they are great for adding a bit of Easter craft fun to the weekend and will certainly keep them occupied.

Large Easter bubble wands, Tesco Β£1 (or Β£1.50, I cant quite remember!)

Easter T-Shirt, Tesco F&F Β£6

They had a great selection of Easter themed clothing bits in Tesco, for both boys & girls and they were very cute!

Again, this is a great option for a younger child who may not be able to enjoy the arts & craft bits of the other baskets.


Some other shops that do great Easter bits include:

β€’B & M

β€’Poundland

β€’TK Maxx

β€’ Other major supermarkets such as Aldi.

It’s so easy to create these super cute little Easter baskets, full of treats, without spending a fortune! & they are a fun way to create a Easter gift for the kids.


Let me know if you have a go and what bargains you managed to find!


Happy Easter 🐣

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

🍫 3 easy Easter ‘bakes’! 🐣


So, these recipes are for all of my fellow chocoholics and baking lovers!

Some tasty classic treats with an Easter twist.

These recipes are super quick, easy and so yummy.

Super chocolatey & perfect to share with friends over a cuppa or at an Easter gathering.

These are great recipes to make with the kiddies in the Easter hols too. Good fun & they can choose their own choccies to decorate their ‘bakes’.

They also use lots of the same ingredients so they should be a lot cheaper to make too.

Let’s get started!


Easter Rocky Road


Ingredients:

β€’One large pack of plain digestives

β€’Butter

β€’X1 pack of Dark chocolate

β€’X2 packs of Milk chocolate

β€’Golden syrup

β€’Mini marshmallows

β€’Easter chocolates to decorate


Recipe

β€’Crush three quarters of a large pack of digestives, in a bag, using a rolling pin.

β€’Melt the dark chocolate and one pack of milk chocolate as well as the butter (I’m a separate bowl)
β€’Pour the chocolate & butter onto the digestive crumb and add the mini marshmallows and golden syrup.

β€’Mix until coated and then press into a tin, making sure its nice and compact.

β€’Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, whilst this is chilling melt the second pack of milk chocolate.

β€’Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled biscuit mix to top it.

β€’Push your Easter chocolates into the melted chocolate to decorate and then chill again.

β€’When chilled cut into pieces and serve.



‘No bake’ Easter slice


Ingredients

β€’250g of rice crispies

β€’300g Marshmallow
β€’35g Butter

β€’Milk chocolate for the topping
β€’Mini eggs (or something smaller for young children)


Recipe

β€’Weigh the ingredients.

β€’Melt the marshmallows slowly in the microwave.

β€’Melt the butter.

β€’Mix the marshmallow, butter and rice crispies until it’s all combined.

β€’Push the mixture into a deep tin, nice and compact, and pop in the fridge.

β€’Melt the milk chocolate carefully in the microwave.

β€’Pour the milk chocolate on top of the rice crispy mix and push some little eggs or other Easter chocs into the melted chocolate.

β€’Refrigerate and cut into squares.


Chocolate Easter nests


A absolute Easter classic and this one is probably the easiest to make.

Ingredients

β€’Rice crispies

β€’Milk chocolate

β€’Mini eggs to decorate (optional)

β€’Cupcake cases


Recipe

β€’Melt your milk chocolate.

β€’Gradually add in rice crispies until you have a good ratio of both.

β€’Spoon into cupcake cases and add your chosen Easter chocs on top (optional)

β€’Refrigerate and enjoy!


Let me know if you try any of these out and how you get on!


Happy Easter!

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

Easter hols diary: Week One


🐣Week One🐣


Friday 5th April 2019

β€’A trip to the cinema, with Tim, to see ‘Fighting with my family’β€’

A great start to the Easter break!


Saturday 6th April 2019

β€’A trip to the cinema with my nephews, to see ‘Peppa Pig: The Festival of fun’β€’

They loved dancing, joining in with the actions and watching some new episodes, great fun!


Sunday 7th April 2019

β€’Breakfast at The Harvester with Tim, my older sister Charlotte, her husband Wes & my Niece Evie-Maeβ€’

Yummy!

β€’ In the afternoon me & Tim took a stroll to a lovely local cafe got tea & cake! We took a few games to play whilst we were there too. I love it thereβ€’


Monday 8th April 2019

β€’A fun ‘Bear Hunt’ themed baby group with my niece Evie-Mae. Retelling the story, arts & crafts and sensory playβ€’

β€’My sister came with me to order our bathroom floor, FINALLY!! So excited to get rid of the current concrete situationβ€’

β–ͺAfter all that excitement we met mum for lunchβ€’


Wednesday 10th April 2019

β€’After working allday I went out for dinner with some of my school work friends. We had a lovely meal and a good chat too! It was nice to catch up and chat as we dong always get to properly doing the busy job thay we doβ€’


Friday 12th April 2019

β€’My two nephews Noah & Casey stayed over for a sleepover Thurs night/Fri morn and so I had a fun Easter day planned once they were awakeβ€’

β€’We started off the morning with Easter Bunny crumpets for breakfastβ€’

β€’We then made some Easter arts & craft using the magazine that I bought themβ€’

β€’We then headed off to a nearby soft play centreβ€’

β€’Our final Easter activity was an Easter egg hunt, once we had got homeβ€’

β€’They had a great time & were very pleased with their little chocolate haulsβ€’

β€’Outdoor cinemaβ€’

In the evening me and my mum went to our local park for an Outdoor cinema event. We watched ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which is a brilliant film!

It was really fun (if just a little cold by the end) but we had our snacks & duvets to keep us going.


That’s it for Week One!

What have you guys been doing to keep yourselves (& the kiddies) occupied during the Easter holidays?


Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

My reading challenge: March πŸ“š

How is it already March??!!

Month two of my reading challenge is complete and I managed to read two books as Feb is a short month.

I read: Eve of Man by Giovanna & Tom Fletcher

And

Dark House: The DCI Harwin series (Book One) by Helen Phifer.


Month Three of my reading challenge is here …

The books I will be reading for March are:

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.

How well do you know the couple next door? Or your husband? Or even–yourself? People are capable of almost anything. A domestic suspense debut about a young couple and their apparently friendly neighbors–a twisty, rollercoaster ride of lies, betrayal, and the secrets between husbands and wives. Anne and Marco Conti seem to have it all–a loving relationship, a wonderful home, and their beautiful baby, Cora. But one night when they are at a dinner party next door, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion immediately focuses on the parents. But the truth is a much more complicated story. Inside the curtained house, an unsettling account of what actually happened unfolds. Detective Rasbach knows that the panicked couple is hiding something. Both Anne and Marco soon discover that the other is keeping secrets, secrets they’ve kept for years.

Dying breath; Lucy Harwin detective series (Book 2) by Helen Phifer.

Take a breath. Pray it’s not your last.
Just a few months after a terrifying case that nearly took her life, Detective Lucy Harwin is back with her squad in the coastal town of Brooklyn Bay – and this time, she’s faced with a case more horrifying than anything she’s encountered.
Along with her partner, Detective Mattie Jackson, Lucy is investigating what appears to be a vicious but isolated murder; a woman found bludgeoned to death on a lonely patch of wasteland.
But when a second victim is discovered strangled in an alleyway, then a young family shot in their own home, Lucy and the team must face the unthinkable reality – a killer is walking the streets of their town.
While Lucy and the team try to find the link between these seemingly unconnected murders, they uncover a disturbing truth – these murders are replicating those carried out by infamous serial killers.
Lucy must get to the killer before he strikes again. But he’s got his sights on her, and is getting ever closer… Can she save herself, before she becomes the final piece in his twisted game?


Any Recommendations??


Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

Half term diaries part 2

Part two of February Half term!

Here’s what I’ve been up to.


Wednesday 20th February/Thursday 21st February 2019


During both of these days I was at work allday 7.30-6.

Working with kids is good fun though and we did lots of fun activities.

I really enjoy planning fun activities to do during the holidays.


Friday 23rd February 2019


In the morning I met up with my twin sister and my nephews for some bowling fun.

Both of the boys really enjoyed themselves as Noah only had a go at bowling when he was very little and Casey has never been before.

The boys had a great time and they were really good at bowling, it’s safe to say Auntie Ro Ro lost 🎳

Afterwards we had some lunch and some treats (of course!) DOUGHNUTS!!

In the afternoon we headed to Norwich to stay with my Auntie and cousin for a long weekend.

We popped into the Norwich Primark en-route, in order to see if they had the onesie of my dreams…

…they didn’t disappoint!! & it was the only one left πŸ™ŒπŸ»

Once at my Aunties, we settled down for a delicious Mexican taco feast.


Saturday 23rd February 2019


Today me & Tim started off the day with a Parkrun in a nearby village.

Once we got back we spent the rest of the morning/afternoon chilling out, having lunch and playing games.

The Pointless Mini game was a particular fave.

In the late afternoon we went and saw my cousin, his wife and kiddies for a catchup up and a cuppa, which was nice!

We rounded off the evening with a delicous meal out together at Zizzi’s.

We played a few more games when we got back too. Love a board game!


Sunday 24th February 2019


Today we went out l to enjoy the lovely sunshiny weather, you’ve got to make the most of it when you get it here in the UK!!

We stopped off for a yummy snacky lunch at a lovely pub in Ranworth.

We shared some stuffed peppers, Cheesey chips, homemade houmous, falafel & flatbread and some onion rings, yummy!

After that we went for a little walk along the river. It was so pretty and just lovely in the early Spring sunshine.

A great weekend rounded off with a scrummy roast beef dinner and baked Apple dessert, when we got home.


It’s been a great half term!!

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚