7×7 My Favourite blog post’s

I was recently tagged by the lovely Jennifer, an awesome talented blogger, who blogs over at Jbmumofone to give you my 7×7 low down.

First I must share the seven top blog posts, I’ve read over the last week (please bear in mind this has sat unpublished a good week, due to careers brain)!

Next, I’m to share 7 things about me that you don’t know already (if that’s actually possible)!

Lastly, I’m to share the meme love and tag another blogger, who hopefully isn’t already tagged (if I’m lucky)!

Ok… here it goes… the seven blog post I’ve enjoyed this week!

1) Kate Vyktorian wrote about her amazing experience as an attendee at the Elle Style Awards 2012, over on her blog Snugglebubbly. Yes, this jammy blogger bagged herself a ticket to this celeb fest as a result of her recreation of a red carpet look, with the use of items from the Next directory… Lucky girl!

2) Lexy from Mammywoo in her emotional, yet inspiring post, ‘Forgiveness with extra cheese’

3) Angela, a talented new mummy blogger wrote a beautiful post of love, dedicated to her 9-year-old son, in the post, ‘A letter to my loved one’s – Part one”

4) Autism Mums & Dads is a brand new blog displaying some talented, inspiring words. I read the post, “Everything but the kitchen sink” and had to share!

5) From Fun to Mum, the funniest post I’ve read all yet, let alone week. If you haven’t read, “The Day That Shit Happened” I’d run off and read it now!

6) Bluecrisps, a fellow parent to a child with autism wrote the post, “Does this buggy cause offence” when speaking how our societies ignorance get going when she takes here daughter out and about in her special needs buggy. It’s a strong message from an empowering parent of a child with a hidden disability.

and finally…

7) “Missing my Grandad” a beautiful post written by “a mummy too” as her weekly gallery post. Filled with emotion and love, it’s a really lovely piece.

Next: Seven things you may not already know about me!

1. I hate eggs, any type but the chocolate type
2. As well as my love for writing, I spend time drawing and painting too.
3. I own so many shoes, that they need their own wardrobe
4. I did plastering and brick-laying at college and passed my first and only exams on the two subjects (no bloke tells me it’s a man’s job)!
5. I laugh when Nervous
6. I’m rubbish at icing fairy cakes
7. I’ve been in a relationship for 15 years and I’m only 29 years old… Goodness me!
8. Lastly, I tag

The lovely Kylie Hodges over at “Not even a bag of sugar” to list her 7×7

Christmas Shopping onboard a P&O ferry

18

Days till Christmas

Have you ever considered doing your Christmas Shopping on board a ferry? Well, I hadn’t, that was in-till I received an invitation to do just that!

 It’s not often you get an invite to come shopping on the P&O ferry is it? So myself and fellow mummy blogging friend ‘Romanianmum’ headed to Dover very early Sunday morning to catch a ferry to Calais. 

 The morning started off a very eventful one, as I raced to Victoria station to meet Romanianmum and catch the National express coach to Dover. I did make it, but only by the skin of my teeth and was most grateful for the sit down once on board. 

 After a 2 hour drive up the motorway we arrived in Dover and headed straight for the check in. We arrived rather early and found the service provided by the check-in team to be exceptional! They even offered to put us on the earlier ferry as we had arrived so early. We very politely declined, preferring to catch up over a coffee and a naughty ciggy instead. 

 When it was time to finally board, being foot-passengers we were taken by shuttle bus to the ferry via the normal passport and secretary procedures. The Ferry was huge and I have to admit to having a few butterflies given I’d never stepped foot on one before. 

 Once on board I was impressed at the sheer size of the ship, it was massive and could easily carry 1000 men or more. There was a gaming zone, loads of places to eat and drink from restaurants to smaller Costa Coffees. The ship was also really festive and you couldn’t miss there lovely Christmas tree. 

 I also noted that the ship had its own Bureau de change offering 24/7 foreign exchange onboard, meaning you don’t have to worry about currency exchange prior to boarding.

  P&O had so kindly upgraded us to club lounge which I guess made this a whole different travelling experience all together. Impressive really doesn’t seem to do it justice. The lounge is located at the front of the ship on the upper decks and you are surrounded by glass windows giving you a beautiful view out to sea. We were offered a host of treats from Champaign to some beautiful lunch time delights.  

  We also discovered that we could actually smoke on the upper deck (outside) which will delight all you smokers, I’m sure. However I actually only went for a smoke just twice as I was there for one thing and one thing only TO SHOP! 

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 I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that I was a tad sea sick and sadly so was romanianmum, so I’d strongly recommend if you are the type of person to suffer motion sickness then I’d  take something first as to not let it ruin your experience of shopping at sea. 

 Nonetheless, despite the fact we were a tad green, we had a pretty awesome time, we were child free (always a bonus) and ready for some serious shopping.

 The onboard shop was huge and stocked everything from all your finest perfumes to toys for the Children. There was large range of designer handbags and purses, some pretty awesome makeup and lots of lovely chocolate and alcoholic treats to be had. Of course you could also buy cigarette’s at a good reduced price. I loved that the P&O are now stocking products from the high-street chain Accessorize and so did Romanianmum who couldn’t resist the beautiful hat and mittens for her beautiful daughter.  

 There was up to 30 % of beers, wines and spirits and you could save as much as 40% on UK prices for fragrances, skin-care and cosmetics. The toys were also a bit cheaper than most UK retailers and when we travelled they had an awesome 3 for 2 deal running meaning it was even cheaper. I got some fantastic bargains and spent just £99 0n…

Nerf N-Strike

Cuddly George Pig

MR potato head

2x littlest pet shop Blythe’s

Style me up set

Disney Fairies

SEKONDA Watch

 We had decided to do a round trip meaning we would not depart the ship once at Calais which seemed logical considering we were foot passengers. This is the perfect idea for those who just want to come onboard and take advantage of the shopping facilities. P&O currently run some spectacular deals allowing you take this option which are really worth looking into. 

 We headed back down to the shop during the time the ship was docked at Calais and even-though we had plenty of time to shop while the ship was docked we somehow found ourselves still shopping on the way back to Dover and the shop was noticeably more busy. With this I would highly recommend that those doing such journey shop on the outbound journey as this was far less busy, with smaller queues. (We just couldn’t pull ourselves away from the fabulous club lounge).

 We really did have a great child free day aboard the P&O, despite being a little sea sick, the shopping and club lounge really made up for it!

 I have to admit that myself and romanianmum were a tad childish… Just check out the images below. 

 But to hell with it! We were there to enjoy ourselves and that’s exactly what we did. 

 If you fancy getting some last-minute shopping onboard the P&O then why not check out some of their awesome deals. 

 Oh… and before I forget P&O are running an almighty Christmas Competition over on their Facebook page, giving you the chance to win loads of awesome prizes. All you have to do is fill a virtual stocking with goodies from their online shop and then one winner will be picked at random to win the lot! Yes, its P&O’s way of wishing you all a very merry Christmas! Just Click HERE to enter 

Win Peppa pigs brand new DVD title

This week’s been all about the pig…

At the start of the week we received a copy of Peppa pig international day to carry out a review. Harley is a massive Bob the builder fan and his been watching Bob pretty much every day, so it was nice when he agreed to watch a little Peppa. 

On the very next day I received an email from the very lovely Romanian mum offering me a lovely little gift… Well, Little is the wrong word, It wasn’t a little gift at all, it was actually a family ticket for four for the Peppa pig live treasure hunt  show at the Gi in Guilford this pass Friday.

Romanian mum had won the tickets from another lovely blogger but wasn’t able to attend due to work comitments. I felt quite humbled that she had thought of me and wish to publicly thank her for here kindness here on my blog!

THANK YOU ROMANIAN MUM  YOU’RE AWESOME.

I took Harley my 22 month old along with my sister and her daughter who is just ten weeks younger than Harley. Wow, They loved it and Harley danced to all songs and bless him, he even copied the actions.

So by the time I left the Gi and traveled on the train back to southeast London I was all Peppa-ed  Out.

I, however could only speak for myself as Harley had only just began! He disappeared upstairs only to appear with a Peppa DVD along with the statement,

“Peppa on… mummy”…

As lovely as Peppa is, I actually fell asleep while it was playing only to wake the next morning with an elbow wedged in my side. 

Since Friday I’ve heard Peppa as background noise as its been spinning in the DVD player non stop so my guess is Harley thinks its great DVD.

(and so did I the first, second and maybe even third time! A tad bored by the fifth I think, :))

Nevertheless regardless of the toddler wearing the hell out off it, the new “Peppa pig international day” DVD is a fab collection of episodes that are sure to put a smile on the faces of all little Peppa fans.

Here’s a bit of info on the latest title added to the Peppa DVD collection.

Peppa Pig International Day and Other Stories

 AVAILABLE TO OWN ON DVD FROM MONDAY 24^th OCTOBER 2011

 Peppa Pig, the UK’s No. 1 pre-school character, returns to entertain your little ones this autumn in a brand new DVD Peppa Pig International Day and Other Stories.

 Available from Monday 24^th October 2011 (£12.99 RRP, Cert U, Entertainment One) just in time for the school and nursery half term break, the DVD is packed with 11 fun-filled tales about Peppa Pig and her family with all the joy and laughter we’ve come to expect from this adorable character.

 Peppa Pig is a loveable, cheeky piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa’s favourite things include playing games, dressing up, days out and jumping in muddy puddles. Her adventures always end happily with loud snorts of laughter.

 Join Peppa Pig and her little brother George for the lead International Day episode, where Peppa and all her friends at playgroup dress up as different countries from all over the world, and 10 other adventures that will have the whole family singing Peppa Pig – Oink Oink!

 EPISODE LISTING

International Day – Grampy Rabbit’s Boatyard – Shake Rattle and Bang – Pottery — Mr Fox’s Van – Biggest Puddle in the World – Chatterbox – Chloe’s Big Friends – Edmond Elephant’s Birthday –  Gym Class

BONUS EPISODE – Paper Aeroplane

 PEPPA PIG – INTERNATIONAL DAY AND OTHER STORIES

Release date:  Monday 24th October 2011

RRP – £12.99

Entertainment One

www.peppapig.com

Entertainment One have been kind enough to offer me an extra copy of ‘Peppa Pig International day’ for my fabulous readers and followers.

COMPULSORY ENTRY IS BELOW…

Its simple Really … just leave a comment stating the one children’s tv show that really grinds your gears.

Why? Because I’m sick to death of that same old rules of play! Just trying to jazz it up a bit here parents, encouraging you to get it all out your systems. 

YOU MUST LEAVE A WAY FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU! WHETHER THIS BE A TWITTER ID, EMAIL OR OTHER THAT’S COMPLETELY DOWN TO YOU!

Below you will find a list of ways to gain additional entries. You can do however many you wish but…

ALL MUST BE COMMENTED ON SEPARATELY IN ORDER FOR THEM TO BE VALID!

Subscribe to my blog via email (top right in sidebar)

 follow my blog on network blogs

Like the A boy with Aspergers page (Image link in sidebar on right). Note: Remember it’s an addition to this blog but also a support source for parents with children on the autism spectrum and even a supportive network for adults with the condition)

Follow me on twitter by clicking the follow me cute “twitter button” on the right, located in the side bar!

Tweet by clicking the “twitter share button” attached to this post below, adding “@clairelouise82” before posting.

Click the facebook share button below and share on your facebook wall or page.

Rate this post by clicking on the stars above to gain a final entry.

Remember separate comments are required for each action taken, remembering to include a contact (twitter, email add or other)!

Competition is open to UK residents only. All steps will be checked before an entry is validated. The competition is open from the date and time of publishing, closing on the 31st October 2011 at midnight. The winner has five days to claim the prize from the date of the official winner announcement post that will be published on this blog soon after the draw has been completed. Winners must be prepared to supply a UK postal address which will be passed on to the PR in-order for your prize to be dispatched.

Good luck people 

Related articles

• Peppa Pig International Day up for review (mostlyyummymummy.com)
• Ben and Holly’s little kingdom giveaway (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Peppa Goes to the Library Review (crazyhat.co.uk)

I’ve finally gone Mad & proud of it

Stop it, I know I’m not the full ticket, but that’s not here nor there!

This really isn’t about putting the milk in the washing machine nor falling asleep while stood at the kitchen sink attempting the washing up! This is a different kinda ‘Mad’ altogether!

Do you remember around a month or so ago, when I wrote my shameless, ‘SOS’, post that mostly consisted of a load of begging and up-front pleading form me? Well, I’m here to deliver my second dose of classy begging as last time your kindness resulted in me reaching the finals! Yes, I’ll repeat that incase you missed it! “I’VE MADE IT TO THE FINAL!” and the final I’m referring to that of the, ‘Mad blog awards 2011‘, in which I’m shortlisted in the category, ‘Most Inspiring Mad blogger‘, sponsored by ‘Mothecare’. I’m really chuffed to be shortlisted alongside such talent.

But hang on in there tiger! That’s not it! Hell yer there’s more! I also made it onto the shortlist for the ‘ Mad Blogger Of The Year 2011’ sponsored by the fabulous ‘Parentdish‘ this sees me placed alongside five other very talented parent bloggers, who have some fantastic blogs! This category is not decided by the public but instead a judging panel.

Wow! I have to say that I feel truly honoured and thank everyone who put me there in both categories. You’ve helped me achieve this big fat cheesy smile that’s currently spread across my chops. Gosh it’s gonna take a hell of a lot to burst this mummy’s bubble. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about anything which is why I’m holding onto this feeling with both hands.

Well, given that it worked last time it only seems logical to do it again, “begging that is” which is pretty much made up of…

“PLEASE, PLEASE, LOOK I’M ON MY HANDS AND KNEES!” or “PLEASE VOTE FOR ME, I’LL LOVE YOU ALL FOREVER AND EVER!”

On a more serious note (though the above was no joke), I would like to state that what really touched me is the fact my readers took them two minutes or so out their day to vote for little old me! I really mean it when I say you guys are totally ace.

I remember when I first embanked on my blogging journey, becoming part of the mummy blogging gang. Of course I didn’t see myself as part of anything at that time, I purely found comfort in writing down my thoughts, fears and hopes. In all honesty I never really considered it being of interest to anyone but me! After all, Who want’s to know? Then you get that very first comment! I remember mine clearly, a fellow mother who had a child & hubby on the autism spectrum! She reached out and without actually knowing so, she reassured me, “I wasn’t alone & showed me that,Yes people were interested in the blog”

As for the diagnosis, its like a roller-coaster of emotions! You don’t only learn a lot about yourself but those around you. Some become closer but some of the closest disappear.

There was a point at the time of diagnosis and that leading up to it, when Little man would not attend school (full on school refusal). This wasn’t dealt with by offering some form of support, but instead by taking me to court. It’s ironic really given my son has been school-less for the past 7 months due to mainstream no longer meeting his needs & no other school willing to take him on. The school attendance officer had written in a formal letter to our CAMH’S practitioner,“I can’t see why she would cry! Her son has a cousin with autism” This was in response to a letter the practitioner had written informing her that he considered it likely that Little man was on the autism spectrum possibly with Aspergers syndrome (which he went on to be formal diagnosed with just over a year later) He wanted the school attendance officer to know this alongside my reaction to the news, stating that they should reconsider court action, instead offering support wherever needed. Her comment was a great example of ignorance in its boldest form, sadly there was plenty more to come.

What I’m trying to get across to you all is that this blog came about in one off our darkest hours! Amazingly though its now become a real positive platform that also opened so many doors, one being to the wider community of mummy bloggers (with or without children on the spectrum).

Although a large number of us have faced some laborious situations, hurdles with a string of challenges to over come, and those constant battles to obtain the basics, such basics that without your child having ever received a diagnosis you would properly never have believed such necessities could be restricted from any child’s reach. You find out what really lies behind the school gates, you sit in the head-teachers office at your child’s school more often then you did your own when you were a child. Nonetheless I hope this blog shows that no matter how hard things become, you do get through it, and do so that bit wiser, stronger and if anything more determined.

What started as just my own personal diary changed over time. Although I still blog about the day-to-day life of parenting three children, one with Aspergers, I wanted to be sure to share anything of use, hear what others had to say and offer support where possible. It became my aim to reach out to parents of diagnosed children, especially those of newly diagnosed children as I was quite aware of that feeling of isolation that nearly always accompanies a diagnosis of autism. I also wanted to connect with those on the spectrum, and anyone else willing to listen. Importantly I wanted to try and remove some of the stereotype views & stigma surrounding autism & aspergers, that often lies with those who don’t have the privilege of knowing someone on the spectrum.

I want my writing to empowered other parents to speak out or to simply see that a diagnosis of autism doesn’t have to be a bad thing (after all that diagnosis entitles your child to services that were previously beyond their reach) If my story has helped just the one family, that’s an achievement itself.

Someone once told me “To beg is not classy” Now when did you ever hear me say I was classy? I’ve thrown all caution to the wind by deciding to get fully involved in the awards, “which I must add are totally amazing” If this involves getting down and dirty with the self-promotion then so be it! After all I’m proud of my little space and if sharing it makes it that bit bolder. That can only be a good thing.

So please If you fancy making this mummy’s day then please visit, ‘The Mad blog Awards 2011’ and Vote 4 me Aka, ‘A boy with Asperger’s as the ‘Most Inspiring Mad Blogger’

Lots of love Claire