I just discovered this American parenting blog called One Time Through, through a link to the Alphabet Photography Project over at Podcast which I’ve been joining in with. Although its not strictly a photography-based post, I love the fact that she has used The Wizard of Oz – (my blog Theme no less!!) as a way of talking about raising confident children. It just reminded me of why I love that movie so much. And also, it got me thinking about ways of approaching the parenting journey and key things we should be instilling in our children like confidence, an adventurous spirit alongside good behaviour and responsibility. I’ll be interested to read some more of her ideas…
Here’s the link:
http://onetimethrough.com/2014/05/27/teaching-confidence-lesson-wizard-oz/
After months of watching very little I suddenly started taking notice of what other people were recommending last week and decided to give the BBC’s “Happy Valley” a go. I have to say I was hooked almost straight away – the premise, the great script and acting all suck you in. Sarah Lancashire is brilliant and the music is properly atmospheric. I watched the first four episodes pretty much back to back and episode four was pretty dramatic and shocking! Desperate to know how it ends now!
I treated myself to a new top for summer – its a pretty little John Rocha cotton blouse – flattering, practical and hopefully it’ll be an easy mix and matcher – either with jeans at home or smart linen trousers for work. I have to admit I’m not a great shopper and I flounder in the face of fashion, doubting my own choices sometimes – I think what I really need is a personal shopper – any takers? π
Do you ever listen to a song on the radio and convince yourself that you know who the artist is only to find that it is someone else completely unexpected? This happened to me with Lady GaGa’s “You and I” (which I love!) – I was absolutely certain that it was Shania Twain! Its quite a country tune to my ears so out of keeping with what you come to expect from the pop queen – ironically one of my favourites from her.
This week though, after hearing the song “Sing” I convinced myself that it was Justin Timberlake only to be a bit gob-smacked to find out that it is actually Ed Sheeran. After falling in love with his song “I See Fire” I am noticing what an amazing talent he has – and then I heard his recording of “Sing” from Radio One’s Big Weekend and now I think he must be amazing to see live – just watch him work that crowd!!
A bit of a mess – ha ha! Seriously though, school hols are a bit of a disaster for me this time round as our childminder was away on holiday meaning my usual day of cooking, cleaning and productivity was rudely curtailed by extra mummy time. On the plus side I got to meet up with my lovely cousin for the first time in about a year! She is 35 weeks pregnant and agreed to meet us at a soft play venue of our choosing (which, in hindsight, may not be the greatest idea for someone who is shortly to give birth to their first child – the spectre of rainy school holiday afternoons to come!)
We had a fab Bank Holiday Monday (despite all my whinging about holidays not being the same any more!) with a delish roast over at my Mum and Dad’s along with my sister and her family. We actually had the hubster and the Girl with us as well which has been unheard of in recent times. There were eleven of us in all and I really love it when we are all together like this!
Love the family pic at the end!
I cannot praise Happy Valley enough, been recommending it to everyone. So pleased that you’re enjoying it too.
Have a great weekend xx
Thanks Morgana – Happy Valley is really keeping me hooked!! Ditto to you on the weekend front! X
We have just started Happy Valley – it’s so good! Totally intrigued to see how it all pans out. Aww, love your family picture – I’m the same with my sister and her family – when we all get together it’s always the best wee day! Have a great weekend Sam xxx
Thanks Emma! It was a great idea to get a big pile of people type photo! Everything just flows and seems less stressful when we’re all together! X
Lovely happy family pic! Nice that you have so many of you.
I love Ed Sheeran, great song.
Have a wonderful weekend!! xxx
Thanks Sian! X
OMG!! I thought exactly the same about that Ed song!! I absolutely love it! Great little loves, & fab to have you here! π xx
Thanks Katrina π I love this little community! I must say I do love a bit of the Timberlake so this was right up my street Lol! X
Thanks so much for sharing my link Sam! What a fun way to structure a post! I enjoyed reading and personally love the blouse! LOL
Sue
Ah thanks Sue! i notice nobody else has commented on the blouse! Fearing for the worst about my fashion sense π I’m really enjoying rounding my weeks up in this way. X
It’s amazing to get the whole family together. Love the photo. Family time is the best. Glad you made the most of the bank holiday weekend. Love your new top too! Perfect for summer. Great round of #littleloves
Thanks Jenny! I’m just happy to have an item of clothing that isn’t five years old (or older!) X
I miss good British television! Love your new top π Great family photo at the end x
Aw thank you (re: the top!), and yes, I think the BBC & C4 would be what I would miss too if I lived abroad. X
Hi Sam, I love that Wizard of Oz blog post, really well thought out and great to explain easily to children- I’ve actually bookmarked it to use at a later date when my children are older, so thanks for sharing π x
Oh that’s great Becky! Its really nice when we can all share other great posts and blogs that we’ve discovered! I think it will be useful too. X
Everyone at work has been singing the praises of Happy Valley – I’m going to watch the first one tonight hopefully x
Ooh you must!! You’ll be hooked.
I really tried with Happy Valley but couldn’t get into it.. I should maybe give it another go! Sounds like its a good one!!
I’ve heard that other people were put off by the first episode but it really gets better I promise you!
I love the family pic, I was just saying to hubby we need to make more of an effort to get all the family together. Summer BBQ’s are the perfect excuse.
I’ve got Happy Valley downloaded on my iPad, just need to find the time to watch it.
Great little loved this week & completely get what you mean about the Lady GaGa song! xx
Ooh I’m glad someone else can relate to that comment about Lady GaGa’s You and I! I am so looking forward to some summer BBQs – come on sun, let’s make it happen!! π