Sleeping is for Losers

Tissh by Gloria Lee Necklace Giveaway!

Truth? I don't wear much jewellery. I wear my engagement, wedding and 10-year anniversary rings. That's it.

So when I do wear jewellery, especially when I have a good reason to be dressed up(!) I like it to be a piece that makes a statement, yet is timeless and (dare I hope) beautiful.

That's why I love the entire line of jewellery from Tissh by Gloria Lee.

Gloria Lee is a Canadian fashion and jewellery designer who always hits the right mark. Her pieces are the perfect mix of trendy and classic, bold but beautiful.

I personally purchased two of her rings - Circ and Trine3 - (I featured her Circ ring a few months ago over HERE - I own it and wear it a lot!) about a year ago and they are, simply put, the nicest pieces of (non-wedding related) jewellery I own.

A few months ago, I received Tissh's Rowe necklace and have been wearing it non-stop. It's the perfect compliment to my spring long sweater over leggings staple.

But I wouldn't feel right keeping this beauty all to myself. Tissh by Gloria Lee has agreed to give away one ROWE NECKLACE (valued at $65) to a lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader!

Contest Time!

Canadian and US residents only- go visit Tissh by Gloria Lee and peruse her gorgeous line of rings and necklaces.

Then, enter below (using Rafflecopter) for your chance to win!

Don't forget to leave a comment on the blog (mandatory), telling me what your go-to piece of jewellery is!

Good luck:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tortilla Soup

When I am not feeling well, I crave something warm, spicy and hearty. My favourite indulgence is (always) tortilla soup.

This soup has just the right amount of spice (you can easily control the levels to suite your tastebuds), creaminess, and tummy-tempting taste that will keep you going back for bowl after bowl.

Ingredients:

Soup
1 can spaghetti sauce (a garlic/basil sauce works well)
1 tetra-pak low sodium chicken broth
1/2 can peaches and cream corn kernels
3 cups shredded chicken (pro tip: I buy a pre-roasted chicken and shred the white breast meat)
1 jalapeño
1 tbsp chilli powder
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp sea salt

Garnish
Half-fat sour cream
1 avocado cubed
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
corn or whole wheat soft tortillas (for frying)

Recipe:

1. In a medium sized soup pot, combine the spaghetti sauce, chicken broth, and corn kernels. Set the heat to medium-low heat, and allow to simmer.

2. Slice the jalapeño in half and discard seeds. Finely chop and add to the soup base (add less jalapeño if you like your soup on the mild side).

3. Add shredded chicken, chilli powder, red pepper fakes and sea salt.

4. Turn heat to low and allow to simmer, uncovered, for approximately 1/2 hour.

5. While soup is simmering, make your own fried tortilla strips for garnish as follows:

cut 3-4 soft tortillas into strips
heat 1/2 cup (or so) of olive or vegetable oil over medium heat
gently drop in a handful of strips, allowing them to fry until slightly golden
remove with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined sheet
salt liberally
repeat until all tortilla strips are fried

6. Dish out your soup into large soup bowls and garnish with sour cream, cheese, fried tortilla strips and avocado.

ENJOY!

Monday Confessions

I've got some things I'd like to get off my chest…and (if you blog) I'd like you to join in.

Let's face it- confession is good for the soul!

1. I fed my kids Scooby Doo noodles, Kraft Dinner, and pizza all weekend
I have a cold and I'm feeling sorry for myself so I let my kids choose their menu for the weekend. Wrong choice. Canned and boxed noodles, waffles, and frozen pizza it was. I didn't even push veggies on them. In fact, I felt so crappy on Saturday morning that I allowed the 2 year old to have two slices of slightly warmed leftover pizza for breakfast. Oh, and I also bought white bread (I NEVER BUY WHITE BREAD) - the entire loaf was gone in 1.5 days.
But on Sunday morning they both asked for homemade fruit salad- don't know if I should be embarrassed that I didn't offer that or proud that they asked for it.

2. I let my 4 year old watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians with me
Ok, I'm more ashamed of this than the waffles and frozen pizza consumed this weekend. And, in the interest of total openness, I totally didn't realize he was watching. Until he asked me why Kortney was worried about Scott going to Las Vegas and why Scott can't have drinks. OhhhhhhKaaay. I gave an (honest) explanation to my son but I didn't turn it off- my two year old eventually joined us and annoyed his brother enough to ensure they weren't listening to any of the Kardashian konversation (hangs head in shame).

3. I am obsessed with this song
#earworm. Sorry.

4. I'm also so excited for the start of baseball!!!!
I love baseball so much- winning or losing. I'm also really excited for my 4 year old (who is getting pretty close to turning 5!) to play t-ball this summer. While other parents in Canada are hoping their kids will become NHL stars I'm praying that both my boys fall in love with baseball.
#GoJaysGo

5. I'm failing the 2 year old
Oh man. The 2 year old (who is creeping closer to 3!) has become more obsessed with drinking a bottle more than I care to admit. We only allow it at night or nap time, but he just will not give it up. And the fact is, I need him to sleep because I work a lot and I need that time. It's selfish, I know, but appeasing him is currently easier than refusing him that bottle.
He also refuses to potty train. I firmly believe that we should allow children to meet milestones when they are ready but (in true confession fashion- here's the truth) I'M READY! I am so ready to be done with diapers and wipes. I want the freedom of going potty- is that too much to ask?

6. I'm (very vainly) obsessed with my headshots
You can read all about them (and see them firsthand) right here!

Feel like you have something to get off your chest?
Write your own "Monday Confessions" post and link up below! Or just leave me a comment and let me know what a fool I really am:)

The Headshots

Last weekend I took the plunge and got new headshots.

Knowing that the uber-talented CL Buchanan Photography would be taking the shots, and that they would be done in the company of my friends (on Twitter: @Clippo, @ThisMomLoves, @Sarahcasm- among others) made me feel a little less nervous.

Because, as you may have heard me say before, I am likely the least photogenic human on earth. I pull a Chandler Bing every time the camera is near me, making one ridiculous face after another.

And yes, I am extremely hard on myself and my appearance, but I know I usually look better in real life than in photos. At least, I thought I did...until I saw these new headshots.

Headshot #1

Headshot #2

Headshot #3

Headshot #4

Headshot #5

Headshot #6

I am truly obsessed.

They are the right mix of friendly, personal, and professional- exactly the vibe I want to give off. Now I'm just scared people will see me and real life and be disappointed:)

As many of you know, it has been almost a year since my writing was first published nationally (April, in the National Post). Since then, I have had the honour of being a weekly columnist for the Toronto Sun/Sun Media, and have tested the waters in the magazine world (still cautiously dipping my foot in wherever I can...).

To my complete surprise, however, continued opportunities to be a radio and television guest have popped up. It is a lifelong dream to be on television and radio- and when I'm doing it, I feel like it was what I was put on earth to do.

I'm not sure what the future holds or where I'm going to go with it (I pray everyday that I'll make the right choices!), but I am so honoured to have had these opportunities.

And so, knowing full well that I want to do more television and radio, I took the plunge and got these headshots. And I'll admit that this unphotogenic girl cried a little when she saw the finished product:)

Do you have a favourite? Let me know in the comments!

Clean Eating Coconut Macaroons

Macaroons are hands down my favourite treat. In university, I used to buy at least a box each week to help me get through the stress of studying (and I was shocked when I gained the freshman 15...go figure!)

I love coconut in any state, but the chewy texture of macaroons coupled with the crispy, browned tops is simply divine.

Sadly, however, coconut macaroons don't fit into my (usually) clean eating diet, as they are very high in calories and sugar- especially when store-bought.

Recently, when I need a treat (always), or need to satisfy a craving (a lot), I allow myself to make a batch of "clean" coconut macaroons. They satisfy my desire for the texture and crunch of a traditional macaroon without all the added sugar. Bonus? They're crazy easy to make.

Clean Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3 tbsp liquid egg whites (OR 1.5 egg whites straight from the eggs)
1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
1 square 70%-90% dark chocolate

Directions:
Combine egg whites and coconut.
Add in vanilla extract and stir gently.
Using a tablespoon, form into small balls and place on a non-stick cookie or baking sheet.
Bake at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops of the macaroons are slightly browned.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
If you choose, melt the square of dark chocolate in the microwave then drizzle over the macaroons.
Allow to cool for 5 additional minutes.
Try not to eat them all*

*my husband wants me point out that these treats, while meeting texture requirements of macaroons, are not sweet (at all). If you are desperate for a sweet macaroon, I suggest you add 2 tbsp of sweetened, flaked coconut to the mixture before baking:) This will make them a little less clean but certainly satisfying for that sweet tooth!

Are Your Kids Missing School?

Have the opportunity to travel with your kids? AMAZING!

I am very pro-travel...even if it interrupts schooling for a short period of time.

As I have written before, the world can often be a child's best teacher. But that doesn't mean that school isn't important.

As we come up on March Break and Easter Holidays, many families will choose to take their children out of school for an extra week of vacation.

During my years in the classroom I had many students who left school for a week or two to vacation with their family- traveling to China, Korea, Australia, and California, to name a few- and returned with amazing stories to tell our classroom. I loved that my students had the opportunity to see the world, but I didn't always love the way parents approached me about their child's absence.

Are you planning to take your child out of school for a vacation this year? Follow these teacher-approved tips to ensure it's a success:

DO tell the teacher well ahead of time:
As soon as you book your trip, tell your child's teacher(s) the exact dates they will be away. I always appreciated this (not just because it is common courtesy and showed that the parent cared about schooling) because I could try to not schedule any tests/exams/major projects during that time of absence. If you don't tell the teacher ahead of time, you risk your child missing significant schooling.

DON'T ask for homework ahead of time:
I understand the reasoning behind asking for homework before your child leaves for their vacation, but most teachers do not have all specific lessons/worksheets/homework planned weeks in advance. To be honest, I always planned my classroom lessons day by day, building on what we learned the day before and leaving wiggle room and flexibility for conversation and student need/interest. Plan for your child to "catch up" when they return. Besides, you want them to enjoy their vacation, not spend it doing homework!

DON'T expect the teacher to help your child "catch up":
If you choose to vacation with your child during school time, then expect to assist your child in catching up on any work they may have missed. Most teachers will ensure that all homework and essential lessons are collected during your child's absence, but it is then your responsibility as a parent to ensure they complete all that work they missed.

DO remind your child that school is important:
When traveling with your child, you are allowing the world to be their classroom which is a real gift. That being said, don't give your child the impression that school is not important. If you are habitually taking your child out of school, you are showing them that school is a "throw away" and that education is not important. Enjoy vacation time with your child, but don't make a habit out of constantly taking your child out of school.

DO bring back a souvenir:
Whether for the teacher or for the classroom, bring back an item from your travels that will spark interest and discussion in the classroom. I once had a student that spend 2 weeks in China (missing only one week of school as they piggybacked on March Break) and came back with a photo album of pictures to share with the class- it was fantastic. We skipped my planned Social Studies lesson for the day and spend the entire 45-minute class looking up interesting facts about the landmarks the child and his parents had photographed for us. The kids loved it but so did I- it gave us all a learning opportunity.

DON'T make excuses:
Enjoy your trip- really! But when you return, get back to real life ASAP. Get homework done. Have your child at school and on time. Sure, you might feel jet lagged, tired, still in "vacation mode" but there is no excuse for not ensuring your child gets back into "school mode" as soon as they return from their travels. To eliminate this, build in an extra day of "down time" for your child, allowing them to catch up on all that sleep/TV/video gaming/Facebook chatting that they missed while they were away. This will help them transition back to school with ease.

DO ENJOY!
Have the best time! Don't feel guilty or remind your child of all the work that will be waiting for them upon their return. Enjoy your travels, spend time with your child, get to know them from the inside out! Make your trip an unforgettable, bonding experience- one that you and your child will never forget.

We really really love school (and big cheesy smiles!)

Valentine's Gifts for him (and a STAPLES CANADA GIVEAWAY!)

My husband is awfully difficult to buy a gift for.

AWFULLY DIFFICULT.

He never needs anything, he rarely wants anything, and frankly it's a pain in the butt to try to shop for him!

(I, of course, am a dream to buy gifts for. Diamonds and roses, for the win!)

The catch? I really LIKE buying him gifts. Especially for Valentine's day.

Yes, it's a "Hallmark holiday" - I know - but I love Valentine's day and I love trying to find the perfect (unexpected) gift...sometimes from the most "unexpected" of places.

This year, he's getting a gift from Staples.

Yes, you heard me... Staples. I know, I thought the same thing too. Paper and toner for Valentines?

But look what Staples has for the man in your life!:

Yes- all that is available from Staples.

We're not talking paper, pencils and toner for your printer anymore folks.

We are talking "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GOT ME THAT FOR VALENTINES DAY YOU WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING!" gifts.

Staples isn't just an office supply store after all.

And, while I won't tell you what I am getting my husband off of that list (or what I'm hinting for him to purchase for me!), I will tell you that Staples Canada is giving away one item from the above list (winner's choice!) to a lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader.

Contest time:

Want to win a tablet? A telescope? A SmartWatch? An e-reader? A cooler rack (so genius!)?

Canadian residents only- enter below (using Rafflecopter) for your chance to win! Don't forget to leave a comment on the blog (mandatory), telling me what item you would choose if you were the winner!

Good luck:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So You Need Some "Me Time"

A year ago I met a mom in my neighbourhood who was living the life I (secretly) dream about. Once a week she dropped her FOUR kids (that she home schooled) off with her mom and spent 4-6 hours just on her. She didn't grocery shop or run errands for the family. She didn't even turn on her cell phone. She dedicated that time to her and her alone- getting her hair done, nails, having uninterrupted coffee, a nap, a massage- whatever she needed to recharge and feel like she could be a good mom again.

I envied that mom then.

I still do now. Because "me time"- that selfish time where you only think about yourself and what may make you happy, relaxed and whole- is something I just never get around to on a regular basis. It's probably because my time is so saturated, my kids are still so young, and I feel the (unrelenting) need to prove how busy I am.

As females (especially as moms!) we spend a lot of time "out busy-ing" each other, don't we?

I get up at 5:30 a.m., I hit the ground running- working until my kids wake up, getting them ready for what the day holds, driving my oldest son to JK, keeping my youngest son occupied (in, of course, the most "educational" way possible), making meals that no one likes (ever!), cleaning up after what - I swear- is a million dirty gnomes that live in my home, wiping noses and bums, making beds, vacuuming, meeting deadlines, breaking up fights, pitching new stories, looking presentable enough to meeting prospective clients or even (occasionally) appear on TV, reading stories, doing "homework", tucking in, and soothing during the inevitable nighttime wake-up.

Are you nodding your head? Probably!

Your day may play out differently than mine, but we are all busy. Our lives are ruled by the clock and that little thing called "me time" is often no more than a pipe-dream.

Whether you're a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a co-worker. Whether you work at home, part-time, at your dream job, or 60 hours a week at something you wish you could love more. No matter where you are in life- you deserve "me time".

I'm learning that- slowly but surely.

Someone will always be busier than you. Someone will always make your existence look not full enough and, honestly boring ("um, when do you have TIME to watch TV? I'm always so busy writing my book/baking cookies/teaching my children advanced algebra/volunteering on eighteen boards"- you get the picture.).

So I'm challenging you to some "me time"- and I'm taking up the challenge too.

My first "me time" stop- using my WaySpa gift card.

What I love about WaySpa gift cards, and what you will too I am sure, is that they can be used at over 2,000 spas across Canada.

We'll just imagine this is what I looked like while being pampered.
I'm sure I was drooling a whole lot more- and maybe snoring a bit?

I used mine at Lavish Salon & Spa to get the most indulgent, amazing 60 minute massage (best one I have ever had!). Just me, delicious oils, tranquil music, and a massage- it was 60 minutes of head to toe bliss. My WaySpa gift card paid for my entire massage (minus the tip), I booked my treatment online in my pjs (same day service for the win!) and I didn't even feel a smidgen guilty.

That's the beauty of a gift card, right? You have to use it- you're forced to pamper!

Maybe you will give a WaySpa gift card to a woman in your life who is in need of a gentle nudge to get a bit of "me time" during her-busy life. Maybe you'll receive one and use it for a massage (like me!!), a pedicure, a manicure, an indulgent facial or a body scrub to make you sparkle.

Whether received or given, there is no better gift than some time to yourself- "me time" if you will- and truly no better way to spend that "me time" than indulging in yourself.

Live Blogging The 2014 Grammy Awards

It's Grammy time!

In 2012, I live blogged The Grammy Awards.

To recap 2012's adventures: LL Cool J was the host (ugh). Some people won awards. I was convinced that Fergie was going to divorce Josh based solely on her dress choice.

Here's hoping 2014 is a bit better… LL Cool J is hosting again. Macklemore deserves to win everything (in my humble, Britney Spears-loving opinion), and the dresses this year are STUNNING!

Rita Ora and Taylor Swift are killing it in the dress department. Katy Perry looks oddly ethereal even though I don't like her dress at all. Pink is beyond beautiful and so confident in that red dress. To be fair, even the worst dressed on the carpet (Madonna) looks better than I tonight:

I'm rocking an Ohio State hoodie and day old crunchy hair with no make-up.
Limit your pictures and compliments, ok? My ego doesn't need it.

And here we go:

Oh Queen Bey. I worship you. Seriously. WORSHIP this woman. She looks unbelievable- if only my body looked better post-baby than pre!

Did they just censor B? What lyrics am I missing?

LOSING MY MIND. JAY & BEY. There is nothing better. As if every mom sitting at home watching the Grammy's isn't practicing her "surfboard" move now. Thanks B.

And now, my favourite host EVER, LL Cool J.

Hey Taylor Swift. I'm sure we will be seeing you all.the.time.all.night.long.

I'm really confused about how Daft Punk breathes. And there's two of them. REally? Because I was sure Daft Punk was one guy. Hm.

Listen, I love Pharrell but that hat. That hat.

Best New Artist: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis So, so deserved. Kacey Musgraves giving major stank face. I should be fair though, and admit that my face looks like that all.the.time. so I'll cut her some slack on that.

Lorde performs. So hopeful she can be more than just "Royals".

We're back from a commercial break with Hunter Hayes. My sister adores him. I have no idea who he is.

Best Pop Duo/Group: "Get Lucky" Daft Punk BLURRED LINES WAS ROBBED. ROBBED!!!!!!

I am so creeped out by these Daft Punk guys. They could be anyone. How did they get past security? I am spending too much energy thinking about this!

And now, here comes the performance I have been waiting for - Katy Perry & Juicy J.

This seem creepy but the dancing going on during this "Dark Horse" performance is EXACTLY how I choreograph this song in my head (or room, while raging all on my own). The performance (and Katy's singing) is disappointing but I'll let it slide. Love this song.

And, another performance. Robin Thicke and Chicago. Weird, weird, weird pairing. You all find Robin Thicke super creepy right? It's not just me? My skin actually crawls when I see him perform or (MUCH WORSE) being interviewed.

YAWN- much too early for this show to get boring but Keith Urban is bringing the snoooooooooooooooooooze. I'm taking a bathroom break, and getting a snack, and texting my sister, and this performance is STILL GOING ON!

OK, I get that everything is all #hashtag #socialmedia but do we really need to have a #backstage #socialmedia #reporter who doesn't really have anything to #report? #I #think #not.

And we're back, with ANOTHER performance that is low-key and melodic and has very little entertainment value. That being said, I ADORE Jon Legand. He's the real deal. And his wife is hysterical on twitter (@chrissyteigen).

Best Rock Song (YES, we finally got to another award): "Cut Me Some Slack" Dave Grohl and Paul McCartney

Hurray, another performer. Taylor Swift is about to take the stage. Did you know she's good friends with LL Cool J? (he wants us to know that). Taylor is doing this crazily uncomfortable thrashing around at the piano. This performance is just missing the glitz, glamour, magic that the Grammy's should have.

And….another bathroom break. You've got about 5 minutes to catch up. This show has got to get better, right?

In no way am I knocking this Pink performance, but we have seen it before right? The whole hanging from the ceiling and doing Cirque-esque moves. She's done this at an award show…tell me I'm not crazy…

Hey- another award! (BTW, my sister is so in love with Ariana Grande!)

Best Pop Solo: "Royals" Lorde There's a real goth vibe going on at the Grammy's this year which I'm not loving but Lorde is lovely and so young and so talented. I really hope she hasn't peaked too soon with this song!

*I feel like everyone should know that there's a live Bachelor wedding going on right now that I am absolutely not watching*

Now, we will pay homage to some of the greats. And, while I am not meaning to be irreverent in any way, this is generally the most snooze-worthy part of the evening. Long and drawn out.

Here's Jamie Foxx to present an award (yes, we may make it to 6 awards tonight!). While pregnant with my first kid, "Blame it on the Alcohol" was my JAM! But seriously, Jamie Foxx needs to stop talking and just present the award.

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Holy Grail" Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake. Jay-Z, I love you. I LOVE YOU! Baby Blue has a gold sippy cup. Man, way to make all the mom's in hoodies melt!

#DefJamForever (then lick your lips)

Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons. This performance. THEY ARE KILLING IT! Kenrick Lamar is amazing. Reminds me of when Jay Z & Linkin Park were collaborating. BUT TAYLOR SIT DOWN!

How awful for Kacey Musgraves to have to follow that AMAZING performance. I mean, I'm sure this would be a lovely performance (although slightly off-key) had it not had to follow THAT LAST ONE! Thank you Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons for saving the Grammy's tonight.

FYI- there's another hour. ANOTHER HOUR. Just drop the mic and walk away Grammy Awards! Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar just owned the night (I'll stop now but really!).

Wow. Who knew Julia Roberts was here? Not me. She must be stomping really, really hard for her new movie. #promo. She's introducing Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. I am very sad to report that I don't know a single word to this song (and neither does the audience it appears but Yoko is getting down!).

Oh man, I just love Gloria Estefan. Really, really, really. "Come on shake your body baby do that conga"

Best Pop Vocal Album: "Unorthodox Jukebox" Bruno Mars He deserves this. Really, this guy is a master songwriter and a fantastic singer. Love that he dedicated it to his mom.

PHEW- so glad that #socialmedia reporter is back! I mean, we needed that am I right? (Blake Shelton was looking fine as always though!)

And for your listening pleasure, the BEST cover of "Royals" from Walk Off The Earth. Go listen now (even skip part of the Grammy's if you have to, it's worth it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgD5p1XiVT0&app=desktop

Oh, looks like a leather tuxedo. Fitting to introduce the country portion of the program (also known as "oldest men we could find and get on stage"). Although, the audience seems to be raging to "Okie from Muskokie" (highly doubt I spelled that right)

AHHH. Kacey Musgraves just won something (I'm guessing for Country Album?) but I was busy folding laundry and not listening.

But wait, here's Neil Patrick Harris to introduce Daft Punk, Pharell and Stevie Wonder. I'm hoping this is impressive… but sadly this is just BRUTAL. BRUTAL. Also, Katy Perry shouldn't dance, me thinks.

We're back with a new performance. Carole King and Sara Bareilles. Sara's song "Brave" was released before Katy Perry's "Roar" and they sound suspiciously similar…I find it interesting how much attention "Brave" suddenly started getting (it was barely played pre-Roar, for what it's worth) once Katy started denying that she had ripped off Sara Bareilles. Feels like the Grammy's are trying to make up for Sara getting obviously ripped off.

Song of the Year: "Royals" Lorde. Thank God Sara Bareilles didn't have to announce Katy Perry's "Roar" as single of the year! The hair pulling and name calling that may have ensued!

Commercial time. Since when was Katy Perry a Cover Girl? Also, the Egg McMuffin is 290 calories. WHAAAAAAA?

Here's Metallica. There's a pretty good chance I'm going to stop watching the Grammy's soon. I just can't take much more of this… although my twitter feed is going crazy over this song.

sadly, the rest of my Grammy night thoughts failed to save. Maybe that's a good thing because, despite my love for the meaning behind the Macklemore/Madonna performance, Madonna was really off-key, Macklemore wasn't as energetic as I would have hoped and, well, it was just LATE. Dear Grammy organizers- please, please schedule the strong, meaningful performances for the BEGINNING of the show when your audience is still captive and interested!!!

Thanks so much to those who followed along. I think it's safe to say that Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Ciara and Pink were best dressed. Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar stole the show (despite what my dad thinks!), and the #socialmedia host was an epic fail. #mwah

When Martin Slept Over...

We had a very special guest at our house last week.

Meet Martin:

Sadly, there was no seatbelt for Martin. Don't worry, though, Z held on to him EXTRA hard.

As reward for good behaviour at school, my 4 year old got to have Martin as our sleepover guest for one night (he's the second student at school to "win" Martin- something he told me and everyone we came into contact with!). Martin usually lives at school, so it was an honour for Z to have him at our home.

Z takes everything quite seriously and his task- to make Martin feel welcome and happy in our home- was one he took extra seriously!

In order to show Martin a good time, we went on a (chilly) walk: