WANTED: Blogs to read.

I have a stash of delicious blogs that I am following in my bloglovin' reader but I know there are loads out there that I am missing.
I thought about putting a tweet out for suggestions but then they would be all over the place and I like things to be all neat and tidy and accessible - I'm a little obsessive in this area.
I thought about trawling through the Tots 100 but that's only, well, the Top 100 and I know there are some fantastic blogs out there not at the top of the stash - and also some bloggers not involved in these statistical league tables.
So, I decided to make a linky for blogs.
Any blog that you think I will love and may have missed.

So, do you have a blog that may have slipped off my radar?
Do you have a blog that you think I'll love?

Fantastic.
Just link up a post below and I will come over, have a nose around and spread the love.
Thanks!

x x x

 

 



Chocolate Bark

I have seen tons of this stuff everywhere in various guises and needed to make some for myself.

Today was the day.

I had a couple of hours to myself - yes, ALL BY MYSELF - and I managed to get my sewing fix, next month's #pinaddicts challenge, and chocolate fix into that precious time.

So, back to the chocolate bark.

 

 

It is so simple to do and you can put almost anything in it.

Ready salted crisps and chocolate anyone?!

Camp Bestival Loves the 80s

Memories of vast amounts of hairspray on back combed hair.

Dancing in the bedroom trying not to make the needle jump on the latest Belinda Carlisle LP whilst lip synching into a can of Impulse.

Sneakily applying blue eyeshadow from your big sister's make up case.

Track bottoms and leg warmers.

Oh, those were the days.

Well the lovely folk over at Camp Bestival have just announced that the Eighties are making a return to Lulworth Castle. So dig out your spangly deely boppers and check out what the team have to say...

'We love the 80s at Camp Bestival HQ! Pac-man, deely boppers, odd coloured fluorescent socks, Knight Rider, break dancing, Sloane rangers, it really was an ace time, so for one weekend only we’re bringing 80s mania back. Turning Lulworth Castle into our own little time machine, we’re going to be celebrating one of the greatest decades in human history from August 1st-4th, with a glorious triumvirate of newly announced legends of the age and some proper down the disco type action from inimitable rogues The Cuban Brothers. And that’s not all as we have added even more mighty fine cutting edge live acts and DJs all for your delectation.'

Chai & Cinnamon Loaf {#pinaddicts March}

It's the Easter holidays and time to try something new in the baking department.

Edith has discovered a love of Hot Cross Buns so I am hoping she will love this loaf full of spices as much as I love how it sounds.

I pinned this to my Scrumdiddlyumptious Baking board yonks ago. I tend to do that a lot.

Drool over it, pin it, drool over it again, never actually bake it.

Today though was the day.

 

Rice Pops & Marshmallow Bars

Due to the awful weather - again - we have decided to bake - again.

This is not helping my calorie counting crusade. I am tempted to sue the weather Gods.

I needed some simple stuff for the kiddies to do.

I like simple baking as My Fabulous Baker Boy - remember him? - can do most of the work.

 

 

Come to think of it we didn't bake at all. There was a hob involved but no oven. Does the use of a hob mean we baked?!

Anyway, we baked made Rice Pops* & Marshmallow Bars.

Bloglovin' stuff!

 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Following the upcoming demise of Google Reader I have imported all those delicious blogs that I follow into Bloglovin'

The follow me badge is over there somewhere >>>>>>> (as well as the link above)

Do please click to follow me over at Bloglovin' if you think I'm as delicious as you ;)

Oh, if anyone knows what happens to Google Friends Connect please do enlighten me.

x x x

P.S. if you really love my blog the BIBs are open for nominations ;)

 

That I Would Be Good

I had a rummage through the CD cupboard today for some background baking music and came across this from my student days...

Alanis Morissette: Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie

 

It is one of those CDs I had completely forgotten about but once it started to play it all came back to me.

I had always loved one song above the rest.

Today it made me cry.

The words mean more fifteen years on...

 

that I would be good even if I did nothing

that I would be good even if I got the thumbs down

that I would be good if I got and stayed sick

that I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

that I would be fine even if I went bankrupt

that I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth

that I would be great if I was no longer queen

that I would be grand if I was not all knowing

that I would be loved even when I numb myself

that I would be good even when I am overwhelmed

that I would be loved even when I was fuming

that I would be good even if I was clingy

that I would be good even if I lost sanity

that I would be good

whether with or without you



Then I went rummaging on YouTube to find a live performance of the track.

It gave me goosebumps.

Country Kids Lacock

So this is Spring?!

I saw some daffodils today bobbing their heads in the grey drizzle trying to spread some cheeriness. They need to try harder, seriously, this weather is getting me down! Today I have one vomiting child and housework to tackle. At least we got out last weekend.

We headed up the road for five minutes to Lacock to explore the grounds of the abbey.

We were on the hunt for Sprites and Dragons.

We weren't disappointed.

Camp Bestival 2010

2010.

Three years ago.

So much was different.

My hair was long. My body was chunkier.

The only family member going to school was me.

Life, in some ways, was so much easier.



We embarked on our first family festival.

We headed south to the coast and discovered Camp Bestival.

I have returned with the kiddies every summer since.



Tonight I cranked up the old laptop to find some photos from that first great experience.

I got a bit emotional.

I don't want my kiddies to get any older.

I DON'T WANT TO GET ANY OLDER!!

But that's what I love about Camp Bestival. It makes you feel oh so young.

Housework & Brownie Points

I came across this blog post on Pinterest and pinned it to my Inspiring/Words board to hopefully give me some inspiration to cheer myself up around the house. Let's see.

10 Simple Things to Make You Happier At Home

www.apartmenttherapy.com

Point 7 made me chuckle.

'Do small favors for your housemates, expecting nothing in return (not even a thank you!). (That's right, I said it: nothing!) Mow the lawn for your husband, but don't expect him to pat you on the back. Make the bed for your wife, but don't try to get bonus points for it.'

Crockery Farm

It seemed like months ago but during half term I hosted a review and competition for the fantastic new children's book Crockery Farm by, local Bristol writer, Ian House. Click here for my review and here for Crockery Farm's very own website.

Finally we have two winners.

And here's who the Random Number Generator spewed out!

*Drumroll*......

 

Number 5: OneBlueOnePink

 

Number 4: Mum of One

Well done ladies! I will be in touch and Farmer Giles will fire up the tractor* and drive the books over to you!

x x x

*Or, for environmental reasons, will probably pop them in the post.