My 2 Year Blogversary - Thank you and Goodbye

As of today I have been blogging for two years!! I'm still quite impressed that I lasted more than a month.


Blogging has allowed me to do things that I never ever thought that I would be able to do. I started New Mummy while I was on maternity leave and I know write several blogs my own and actually get paid to work for others.


I have meet some amazing people and even had a few holidays!  I have been published in a book and have spoken at cybermummy and its all thanks to my daughter and this blog New Mummy.


However after two years, 194 posts and 1798 comments its time for me to move on. I'm not a new mummy any more and feel really restricted with my blog tittle.


I did think about re-branding New Mummy but it just doesn't work for me, I need a new start and a new blog. 


So today I say goodbye to New Mummy and hello to my new blog Dance Without Sleeping. 


Please pop over and say hello and maybe subscribe ;)


I will leave you with one last song....

NM X

Tuneful Tuesday - Almost Time to Say Goodbye

For those of you that have read my blog in the past you will understand this song choice. 


Those of you that have no idea, just enjoy!




NM X

Rules for Blogging

Rule Number 1 


There are NO rules!!


Post what you like, when you want to and how you want to. 

The Sunday Chill Out - This is the Life

Today's Sunday Chill Out is brought to you by Amy MacDonald.


Grab a coffee, sit back and relax 



NM X

Sing Along Saturday - Walking On Sunshine

It doesn't matter what mood I am in, when I hear this song I *have* to sing along.


This weeks Sing Along Saturday is Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves.


You are more than welcome to take part in any of my Musical Week posts, there are no linky's or badges and you don't have to link back, its all about sharing the music!




NM X

4 Unloved Posts

Have you ever written a heart wrenching, soul searching post that no one reads?

Here are 4 posts I have written in the past two years that I wished had a bit more love.

Little Miss Organised

What A Difference a Year Makes

My Noughties

10 Things I Have Learnt About Myself Since Having a Baby  

My 5 Most Popular Posts

On Wednesday it will be my 2 year blogversary and I will be saying goodbye to New Mummy and starting a new journey.

I thought over the next few days I would share with you some posts from the archives.

This first 5 are the posts with the most comments, hence the most popular.

My Response

Becoming My Mother My Deep Dark Fear  

Grumpy Mum’s

The Gallery – Ugly

I Don’t Care  

Things You Learn in London with a Toddler

Recently BG and I took a trip to London to cook with James Tanner courtesy of Dairylea. I meet the lovely bloggers of Who’s the Mummy, Mumra, All About The Boys, Mummy from The Heart and Jo Beaufoix .

We all meet at the London Cookery school and James Tanner showed us five healthy recipes to try and we heard from nutritionist Azmina Govindji. To get to the London Cookery School we had to take two trains and a tube. After our cooking session we went to the Rain Forest Cafe for lunch. This made for a very long day with a toddler.

This is what I learnt:-

BG really knows how to play to a crowd and kept a train carriage full of people entertained on the train to London.

I have no sense of direction

Dairylea actually contains cheese (who knew)

Dairylea is made from cheese, milk, butter and emulsifying salt.

The new Dairylea cheese spread contains 25% less salt, yes it still contains salt all cheese does.

Nutritionists give their children coco pops for breakfast!

BG makes a cracking fishcake

James Tanner is a very patient man

James Tanner’s daughter has the same name as BG

I would be a much better cook if I had someone to pre chop my veg! 

BG is not afraid of thunder and lightning

Given a choice of cuddly animals, BG will always choose a monkey

BG suits First Class

After a long, solo trip to London with a toddler, a glass of wine and brownies and ice cream is a must

Thank you Dairylea for the lovely day out.

Disclosure: Dairylea paid our travel expenses to attend this event, and provided lunch and a gift bag containing vouchers and product samples.

Rocking Wednesday - Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire had two wins last night at the Brit Awards 2011, Best International Album and Best International Group.


On Sunday they won Album of the Year at the Grammy's for their album Suburbs.


Here is my favourite track of theirs No Cars Go...








NM X

My Brits 2011 Highlights

(I blogged this as I was watching the Brits 2011)

Adele kicked of my night with her outstanding performance of Somebody, I had goosebumps before she even sang. 

James Corden interviewing Justin Beiber. Some face touching going on there. 

James Corden introducing Rihanna "..don't worry you won't go blind"

Mumford and Sons performance, so simple and perfect.

Tinie Tempah's performance rocked!

I want say the collaboration between Paloma Faith and Cee Lo Green, but it just didn't work!

The Winners 

Plan B British Male Solo Artist 

Tinie Tempah British Breakthrough Act

Arcade Fire  Best International Album

Jessie J Critics Choice

Cee Lo Green Best International Male

Tinie Tempah Best British Single

Arcade Fire Best International Group

Justin Beiber International Breakthrough Act

Laura Marling Best British Female Solo Artist 

Rihanna Best International Solo Artist

Take That Best British Group

Mumford and Sons Best British Album

My 5 Current Pet Peeves on Twitter

I love Twitter I really do, but sometimes certain things really get my goat. My time line gets filled up with useless tweets and I get sent pointless DM's which make me want to unfollow people.


Here are my 5 current pet peeves.


1. Auto DM's


I really, really hate auto DM's saying thanks for the follow. Either take the time to @ me or just don't bother to say hello, I won't be offended.


2. Retweet's of your own competition entries.


What I mean by that is, when someone enters your comp because you made it part of the entry requirement and then you RT the entry. Don't it fills my time line with crap. I'm not sure why you feel the need to do it but please stop or I will unfollow.


3. Comments from Disqus


Every time someone leaves a comment on a post it tweets it, why??? Please turn it off!!


4. True Twit Validation


If you want to vet your followers protect your account, I'm not going to prove myself worthy.


5.  Daily Astrology Tweets


This is one of those daily twitter services that people sign up for.
If you want to know your stars for the day look it up in the paper or online don't subject me to it. 

They are my pet peeves, what are yours?

NM X

Friday Song - Step Back From The Daily Mail

The Daily Mail and royally p*ssed me off this week.


I was going to write a ranty post but I can't be bothered so instead I will leave you with this....





and this.... (warning contains swearing)




NM X

10 Reasons Why I’m a Crap Mum

I have come to the realisation recently that I’m not the perfect mother, far from it, actually I’m rather crap at it sometimes. A while ago I write a post called 5 Reasons I’m Going to Hell, so I thought I list the 10 reasons I’m a crap mum.

1.       Even after 2 years I still can’t put a nappy on properly, it always looks wonky.

2.       I don’t brush BG’s hair (or comb it), it’s quite curly so when its wet I run my finger through to separate the curls, she doesn’t get knots

3.       This one is really bad *whispers* I still haven’t taken BG to the dentist

4.       Sometimes I give BG chocolate, cakes, biscuits, jam or even some of a well known hazelnut spread that contains coco as a treat. Actually I give it to her so she doesn’t steal mine

5.       I sometimes snap at BG, I don’t mean to and I don’t want to be a shouty parent but sometimes it just slips out

6.       As soon as she dropped her night feeds I stopped hearing her cry in the night, I think it’s  mainly because I know OH will get up to her so I let him. They only time I hear her now is when OH is on an early shift and I know I have to get up with her.

7.       I haven’t taken her swimming yet

8.       I don’t iron her clothes (I don’t Iron any clothes in all fairness)

9.       Some days I threaten to sell her to the gypsy’s. I had a conversation with my younger sister recently and she said she says the same to her daughter so we think our Mother used to threaten us with the same thing.

10.   I don’t do organised activities with BG, we’re a bit adhoc in the house except for our toddler groups. It all depends on what mood we are in and how much I can be bothered

To be honest it was only supposed to be 5 reasons but once I started listing them I couldn’t stop, there was actually a lot me but I thought I’d stop at 10!

Please tell me I’m not the only one!!

NM X

This was originally written as a guest post for Me, The Man and The Baby. 

The Colourful Me

I have been tagged by the lovely Carolin at Mummy Alarm in the Colourful Me meme. 

I have to describe what each colour below means to me and then tag three other bloggers. I thought I would put my twist on it and share with you what songs these colours make me think of!

White




Brown





Purple





Orange





Yellow





I now have to pass it on to 3 bloggers. You don't have to do it with the music just write about what the colours mean to you. 


I tag Carly at Mummyshoes, Snafflesmummy and Kelly at A Place of My Own 

NM X

Rocking Wednesday - Let There Be Rock

When I really need to make myself feel better or shake the cobwebs from my head I play AC/DC. 


Rock out to them for 10 minutes and you'll be surprised how energised you will feel.


I have seen AC/DC live on quite a few occasions, though my most memorable gig was when I saw them in 2003. 


On my 23rd Birthday me, my dad and some of his rugby mates flew to Germany to see the Rolling Stones supported by the Cranberries and AC/DC. I was the only woman to go but I managed to hold my own quite well.


I could tell you what happened but what goes on in Germany stays in Germany ;)


On that note I will leave you with Let There Be Rock.


To get the full effect turn it up very loud, head bang and play air guitar!!








NM X

BG Goes to a CBeebies Screening of Rastamouse and Mr Bloom's Nursery

On Saturday me and BG went to our first ever screening and it just happened to be for CBeebies. To say we we’re both excited when the invite dropped into my inbox would be an understatement.

We took the slow train down on Saturday and thankfully the screening was at Kings Place which is 5 minute walk from Kings Cross Station which meant no underground for us.

The room was all set out with activities for the children after the screening and coffee for the parents. 

It was a bit strange for me, I’m used to going to events and meeting someone from the Parent Blogging world but I didn’t see anyone I knew or recognised, so I stalked the presenters instead!!

There was a little area set up with cushions and a TV screen for the preview so that where we headed first. Kay Benbow the controller of CBeebies was master of ceremonies and introduced herself and spoke about the channel. She obviously very proud that CBeebies won a BAFTA last year and was very excited about what was to come in 2011.

Kay also shared the good news that Justin Fletcher had signed a 2 year contract so parents can heave a sigh of relief! There will be a new show in the summer.

We were first shown as preview of what was to come this year, including a new show called Raa Raa the Noisy Lion which I thought was a great title as BG calls Lions Raa Raa’s!

Then we got onto the reason why we were there, to see screening of two new shows Rastamouse (yes you read that correctly) and Mr Bloom’s Nursery.

Mr Bloom’s Nursery was BG’s favourite of the day. Mr Bloom’s nursery is set on a allotment, with singing vegetables and is visited by ‘tiddlers’ that help Mr Bloom tend to his garden. Ben Faulks who plays Mr Bloom explained how the idea for show developed.

“The original concept for Mr Bloom’s Nursery came from a piece of walkabout theatre that I developed in 2006 called Vegetable Nannies which involved dressing up real fruits and vegetables as babies and pushing them around in a pram,” explains Ben.  “I was playing a gardener who loved his vegetables and wanted to take them for a day out. It was very interactive and aimed at engaging with children and their families by getting them to feed the vegetables, change their nappies and care for them like little babies. 

“That toured for a good few years and then I started looking for ways to develop it into a television show which lead to a meeting with CBeebies.  I was teamed up with their in-house development team and together we grew the idea into Mr Bloom’s Nursery.”

BG loves gardening at home and with her Granddad who is a farmer so this really appealed to her. She did get slightly confused when watching the show and she looked over my shoulder and saw Mr Bloom standing behind her. She looked at him, looked back at the screen and back to him again.

It is a bright and bubbly show, another great concept from CBeebies. I really like shows that encourage children to participate.

Rastamouse is based on books by Genevieve Webster and Michael De Souza. Rastamouse is a crime solving, guitar playing, skateboarding mouse alongside his band members Zoomer and Scratchy. Rastamouse is voiced by Reggie Yates who was there on Saturday and who I may have scared!.

Stalker Mummy!!

I have to say I found Rastamouse hilarious, it was enjoyable for both of us to watch and BG liked to bop around to the reggae music. I have a feeling this will be hit with both parents and Children.

Once the screenings were over the fun began. Tables filled with activities for children where available, plus face painting and balloon modelling.

Charming Child

There was also a chance to meet Alex Winters who presents CBeebies

Does he look scared? 

Mr Bloom, who was helping the children plant cress seeds

Mummy this man was in the TV

Also Reggie Yates, Genevieve Webster and Michael De Souza who read a Rastamouse story, though by this time BG was running around.

Story Time

Very soon it was time to get back on the train home. Though not without our little goody bag which contained a CBeebies magazine which kept BG occupied on the journey home, a t shirt, some great print outs of Rastamouse and Mr Blooms Nursery activities and some seeds to plant.

It was a great day and an honour to be invited along.

Rastamouse starts tonight at 4.40pm on CBeebies and Mr Blooms Nursery starts Monday 7^th February.


NM X

Music Monday - They Stood Up for Love

I've shared tracks from this band before (no its not Bon Jovi). Its an American band called Live, there is something about their music even the heavier tracks that soothe me.


I will quite happily listen to them all day long, they are currently on a two break and I really hope they don't make it indefinitely.  I have seen them perform many a time in tiny venues, which in my opinion is the best way to listen to them. You need to feel their music and you can only do that in small, intimate places. 


This is one of my favourite tracks by them, its off their 4th album The Distance To Here and its beautiful. 


This is They Stood up For Love by Live



NM X

The Sunday Chill Out - Easy

I was going to call this Chill Out Sunday but I prefer the Sunday Chill Out. 


My first Sunday Chill Out is Easy Like Sunday Morning the Faith No More version.


Enjoy!



NM X

Sing along Saturday - Muffin

Today me and BG are off to London to see a screening of two new Cbeebies shows.I must say I am super excited, especially as Alex Winters tweeted me to say he will be there!!


So today for my Sing along Saturday is from a Cbeebies show 3rd & Bird


I give you Muffin's song.....




NM X

My Friday Song and Some Blogger Love

I haven't done blogger love in ages so I though I would bring it back.


Basically  I share with you some new blogs in the blogosphere, I have a great mix for you this week. 


This first one is my sisters (we are taking over!!) she has started a blog to document her wedding which will be in 2012. She is also currently 7 months pregnant.  She has called her blog I'd Get Less for Murder! which after a twitter poll was suggested by @nickie72

Not happy with just getting my family to start blogs, my sister's best friend and boss has also started one!! Bang on Style  is a mixture of vintage fashion, make up and photography. Her E Store Bang on Vintage is launching next month. 


UnPacked Mummy is the new blog of Nomadiac Mother . This is what she says about her new blog:-


This is a blog about my life back in London, England after spending 19 months travelling the world with my daughter K. You can read about our travels here but if you want to read about our life now, well don’t go anywhere cos you want to be right here on this blog.


Once Scene, Never Forgotten is not for the faint hearted.  Its a collection of troubled memories of the bizarre, creepy and plain scary television and film moments from childhood.


I'm not sure how she does copes with 6 children I have enough trouble with 1! but Cherry Mum of 6 makes it look easy. 


Carolin's new blog Mummy Alarm may only be very new but its already do very well. A mixture of her journey of a mum to be on a budget and honest reviews. 


My Mumdom is written by Mum of 4, cook, cleaner, dog walker, taxi driver, speech therapist, gardener, best mum in the world, skivvy, teacher, scapegoat, nurse, entertainer, worst mum in the world, judge and jury


Last but not least is Becoming Familiar written by a hugely independent woman entering motherhood...with twins, as well as other stuff. 


Oh and little blog pimping for me Make it, Bake it relaunches next week!


My Friday Song which reflects my week is Faithless with Insomnia 




NM X

Funky Thursday

For my first Funky Thursday I give you Lipps Inc and Funky Town!



NM X

Rocking Wednesday

I thought for my first Rocking Wednesday it has to be a real golden oldie.


So here is Bill Haley and Rock Around the Clock




NM X

A Musical Week

As you will probably know by now I can be a lazy blogger and often post my favourite songs as my post for the day!


Well after playing around with tittle's for a while I think I have cracked a musical week!

They are:

Music Monday

Tuneful Tuesday

Rocking Wednesday

Funky Thursday

Friday Song

Sing a long Saturday

Chill out Sunday

Feel free to join in! I may even make badges 

NM X


Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tuneful Tuesday

Can you see where I'm going with these music posts I'm aiming for one for everyday of the week!!


I'm think Rocking Wednesday and Funky Thursday and then I've cracked it!!


Today I will be mainly listening to the new Adele album 21, so I thought I'd share one of the new tracks.


This is Adele with Rolling Deep





NM X

The Saturday Sing Along

NM X

The Hovis Wholemeal Challenge – The Result

This is a sponsored post.

Last week I wrote about starting the Hovis Wholemeal Challenge, well here are the results.

50 female bloggers took part in the challenge

·         90% of respondents tended to snack more on Week 1 (when eating their normal breakfast)

·         78% will continue to eat bread for breakfast after taking the challenge, with 64% stating Hovis Wholemeal kept them fuller for longer

·         94% agreed they enjoyed eating Hovis Wholemeal for breakfast

·         86% agreed eating Hovis Wholemeal prevented them snacking in-between breakfast and lunch

·         56% of people didn’t even think about snacking in-between breakfast and lunch when eating Hovis Wholemeal, compared to 29% when eating their normal breakfast

·         After eating Hovis Wholemeal for breakfast, 71% felt more positive about bread overall

·         Most common snacking time overall is between 11-11.30am

I do love the fact we all snack at the same time!! Elevenses anyone?

I have to say I have been naughty and slipped back into bad way; I’m just bad at eating breakfast. I am trying harder and manage breakfast at least 4 times a week.

I do eat less at lunch time if I have a good breakfast and tend to choose healthier options.

Don’t forget you can take the challenge yourself at www.facebook.com/hovisbakery, There are prizes to be won!

NM X