Fake Tan Tutorial

How do you have a year round tan? 

I think this is one of the things I get asked most about on social media and I've been asked to blog it many times, so here it is! It's probably great timing for all of us in need of a glow this time of year. This picture was taken in November!

Tips for travelling with kids

 I have been very lucky to travel a lot with the boys over the years and often get asked for tips. I get it. The very thought of my solo trip to Texas with a 3 and 1 year old can still make my heart race. I remember spending hours pouring over the internet for tips to keep a toddler strapped on my knee AND happy, while also entertaining another for 10hrs straight...in reality they should have just given us all a sedative upon boarding and woken us up when we landed!

  However, I have found with a little prep things go much more smoothly these days and dare I say are even enjoyable! So with the summer holidays fast approaching I've popped my top tips, and must haves here. These are more air travel focused but most can be for any type of travel.  

Sensatori Tenerife

Sorry for all you asking for me to do a little review of this place. I’ve been trying to find the time but also I didn’t really know what to say as had mixed emotions and you will see this blog is more up and down than a tap dancers wig! 

The Craziest Week of my life! #NEBloggerAwards

It still hasn't sunk in...

I am still literally in a state of elated shock, so I apologise if I waffle but little old me just won Best Parenting Blog 2015 at the North East Blogger Awards organised by OPR. Now obviously any blogger would be totally delighted to win this award but let me tell you why it has put an actual crack in my universe....

When I was a little girl I was too tall, I had too many freckles and I would but my clothes on inside out and back to front; to my Mums total horror, I also didn't even notice or care.  This was the start of how I was diagnosed

Hot Chocolate Station!

We had a few of the neighbours over last night for a little Bonfire party and via group chat I knew the grown ups were covered for wine but I wanted something special for the kids to drink. What is better than Hot Chocolate with all the trimmings on a winter night though, right?! I honestly haven't tasted better than this either if I do say so myself.

Minion Cake #tutorial

I made this cake for my sons birthday Movie/Minion party here

Movie/Minion Party

I will admit and apologise from the start that this isn't the best tutorial. As y'all know though I'm not a professional cake maker, I have also never made a Minion cake before and as always I get too caught up (paniced) in the making then forget to take pics!! I also had a little disaster with this and not a lot of time but I can honestly say once I got going it was one of the easiest cakes I have ever made.

Movie Party and Minion Madness

Try to say that title 3 times fast! 

At Archie's LEGO PARTY last year where I was told under no uncertain terms that I HAD to invite his entire new school class (such are reception rules) then with relatives and friends we had 45 kids and it nearly gave me a nervous breakdown. So this year I decided to go low key. Archie's absolute fave thing is to go to the cinema, it's our little Mammy and son date day thing. I was thinking he could pick three friends and we would go to Pizza Hut first. 

However, on reflection I struggle with my own two at the cinema,

Nutella Cupcakes. #foodporn

I know....Oh my god! Its no secret. I'm addicted to Nutella so I had to eventually make some cupcakes. I didn't want to make them toooo chocolatey because I wanted them to taste of Nutella. So I had a little look through my books but nothing caught my fancy as I have to like all the ingredients and if the method is too hard its not for me! Anyway I've adapted this one from a few and UHMAZING if I do say so myself! 

My Daddy Cool...

This is a bit of a tough one for me to write but today is the 17th Anniversary of my Dads death, I cant believe it has been that long and it hurts a little like every year does but I can say it gets slightly easier with time. Grief is an odd little journey and although everyone is different for me its a bit like a tightly wound spring inside, as time passe's it becomes more relaxed and less able to just unpredictable explode out...like in a packed M and S; been there. I'm not one to usually share about my Dad because (those of you who have lost someone will know) its others people's faces that get me I can tell they don't know what to do or say even after all this time. There is no right or wrong though and my advice is its always nice to hear a fond memory so share them if someone you know has lost someone, my Dad always said laughter was the best medicine "Cures coughs, colds and scabby holes". Most people think they have the best Dad but I know I did and I wanted to pay homage to him, and share what a fantastic person he was for everything he has given me and continues give to me; this is my version of him. 

My dad was born Alan Alfred Morse on the 3rd December 1949 into a fishing family, he was actually the runt of his school class at first but somehow ended up being 6ft 8in with size 16 feet...maybe school dinners were better then who knows. He went to sea from the then infamous North Shields Quay with my Granddad Pepper as soon as he could walk and I remember him telling me this was where he would spend every single school holiday. His love of fishing and the sea lead him to follow my Granddad into his chosen career, leaving school at 15 and becoming a full time fisherman. He had a great passion for what he did and full confidence that this would be the best route and age just 26 he decided to buy his own boat, saving a large deposit and then borrowing a third of a million pounds to fund it; in 1977 you can imagine this took guts to do.

Fishing was at its best, North Shields in particular was nearly all employed by the quay at the time and my dad would fondly tell me how you could walk straight across the Quays gut as there were so many Fishing boats moored there "Its the closest you will see to a man walking on water". He continued to do well extending his trawler "The Congener" twice becoming the biggest in the fleet at North Shields and several times winning the largest catch. In 1983 I was born followed by my brother in 1987 and we continued tradition by going to sea with him several times, now looking back its hysterical that he took us to Lego land...in Denmark...on his Trawler. Parts of the North Sea Dogger Bank have been know to experience hurricanes, I certainly am no fisherman's daughter suffering from bad sea sickness and crying for 4 solid days until we could see land again. My brother was much more keen, however things were taking a turn for the worst where fishing was concerned and my Dad was adamant that he would not follow in his foot steps to a dying trade. Due to the government and EU regulations fishing was not only a back breaking profession but one you could barley make a living from now. Long before Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstall was shouting about it my Dad became Chairman of the Fisherman's Mission and travelled to the House of Commons to speak about how the government need to help not only the Fishing Industry but the fish. Here is an interesting video made by the BBC of my Dad speaking about the troubles in 1994 before he tragically died at sea (from a massive heart attack) on 25th June 1996 aged 46. 

There weren't many people who didn't know and immediately love Dad especially on the Quay fondly calling him "Big Al", he was also often referred to as a gentle giant which was very true but its not the best idea to start a fire for fun in your bedroom (true story soz again Daddy), then I knew what angry was. Although he was at sea a lot, the times he was home really counted and I will forever have these great memory's and particularly his great sense of humour. I remember him coming to pick us up from school standing in the yard and hoards of children were using him as a climbing frame while he swung them from his enormous arms with delight, or cheering me on at Netball not caring how others stared while he chanted "Ole ole oleee". Spending 3 amazing days every year on the boat with all our friends while the Fish quay festival was going on, my uncle said he was "the only person he knew who could drink 12 pints of snake bite and still pass a breathalyser test". Every year making pancakes for shove Tuesday and never not getting one stuck on the aertex ceiling, he false teeth coming out at a Halloween party while dunking the apple...people thought it was a joke, him teaching me poker and not being allowed on the roller coaster at Disney world because his legs were too long. His love of country music especially Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy", I don't care who you are that's a tune. I also chuckle any time I drive past our old house as he hilariously painted the front door the same colour as his boat "Congener Turquoise" I called it..."well there was some left over?!" he said. He was a total character and It is hardly any wonder that there was I believe over 700 people at his funeral.

My Dad would think it a shame what has happened to the North Shields Quay but thankfully it is now getting regenerated and I like to support it, one of my favourite shops is still open in the middle of the quay, an Aladdin's cave called "Whiteys" it sells double yolk eggs, the best bacon going, tuck shop etc cant recommend checking it out enough. I would also love the carry on my Dads "Fish Fight",for anyone else committed please see this link www.fishfight.net  and most importantly pick fish other that Cod and Haddock which are running low.

Obviously I wish my Dad was still here but I know he would be over the moon with Archie and Oscar, already carrying on his legacy by both being on the 100th percentile and Archie age 3 has size UK 1 feet! I will continue to tell them all about their Granddad Alan but I'm waiting until there a bit bigger because as he had a boat Archie is convinced he's a pirate! 
Thanks Dad for it all, miss you so much, love you lots like jelly tots....see you one day.

Ashlie Boo xox

Started young.

Holiday time Kids! Congener.

Fish Quay Festival.

Ceiling Shot!

Always Joking.

Ha haaaa biggest poncho they had...Delighted not!

Enormous feet!

Two of the best men I have ever known. Dad and Grandpa Surrey.

All that glitters isnt gold.....

I have wanted to blog a few times but literally havnt had time because of this weeks events which deserve a post on their own merit which are to follow at some point.

This past week had great promise, the weather was supposed to flirt with summer, we had the fabulous wedding of our close friends Rob and Dani to attend, I was asked to make the cake which I never had before and I love a good cake challenge and my lovely Auntie even offered to take the boys on Thursday so I could crack on (which means I might have finished before midnight). Best of all we booked in to stay the night of the wedding at Newton Hall, so a child free day and night at a gorgeous boutique hotel, what wasn't to like?!...

Well the week began with the husband returning absolutely hanging and useless to me from a much enjoyed Stag doo to Benidorm, now even though he was the one away I think I was the most knackered after having the "Brothers Grim" to my self for 3 days, who were being extra naughty and lucky I didn't drop kick them both over the garage several times. My Aunties best friends Mother and Mother in law died unexpectedly within 3hrs of each other the poor soul so one of the funerals was now bound to be on Thursday....obviously thoughts with the family. Then the weather decided it was November again and having kids that are not in school yet I HATE half term as all the usual groups are closed and my local haunts are chokka....If anyone can give me the answer to this question that me and parents the world over are forever asking I will give you my car:
"What do you do with kids in the pouring rain?!"

On Tuesday afternoon I was supposed to be starting the prep for the cake but was instead drowning in housework after the solo weekend and having to stay in, I had to keep Oscar away from the ironing pile in case he was killed in an avalanche of work shirts and just as my head was going to explode from the kids being on maximum horrendous mode Archie lifts his top and says "Mam look at these spots!". So Archie had chicken pox covered head to toe within 1hr and from Oscars behaviour he was getting it or going up for adoption; all of a sudden the cake and child free day is starting to float away......

Wednesday and Thursday, I would happily have swopped for actual days in hell. Two whiny poorly kids who I had to keep in but out of the kitchen -CP obviously is only contagious to those who haven't had it and nearly impossible to pass on through a carrier but I was taking no risks with the cake. I managed to bash on when I could and by Wednesday night I had made a cake birdcage (separate post to follow) I thought I had been quite clever until an hour later it had sunk an inch, even being shoved in the freezer didn't stop it dropping and the dowels starting to poke out. As Chris walked in it looked just like a dropped cake and I was in tears/ hysterics "I have ruined the wedding" may have been mentioned. After some desperate google searches I should have known I was out of my depth when I clicked on to a site for tips but it was in fact advertising a course to learn how to make said birdcage I was trying to fit in 1hr...it was 2 days and £300 no less. Anyway desperate measures and all that, I managed to make another one out of polystyrene, cake and butter cream!

It all came together in the end and after I dropped it on to the bench and subsequently frantically fixing it again on the morning of the wedding...(I swear I had a none fatal heart attack) we gave instructions to our designated babysitters Grandma and Mam, then we couldn't get to the wedding fast enough. The day WAS as fabulous as promised but I think the stress of the week and combined 5hrs sleep meant we overdid it on the alcoholic beverages slightly and have been ruined since. Ive said it before and will again, "You haven't had a hangover until you have kids to look after" both of us threatening to throw up and trying to fall asleep at 4pm...kill me!

So I havnt had a minute and I've been up and down like a tap dancers wig but all's well that ends well, the suns out and after a lush girly Baby shower this afternoon it seems me and the husband haven't learnt our lesson as the BBQ is on and we are sipping Coronas as we speak....well its Monday tomorrow and back to crazy boys.

Ash x

 

 Licking the tv and trashing house!

 

 

 You can wear what you want when your poorly even goggles and a cape.

 

 

 

 

Hangover cure

 

 

Take it down to Chinatown!

It was my cousin Jenny's 21st Birthday a few weeks ago, hosted at my Aunt and Uncles gorgeous house on the River Thames in Berks. The theme was Chinatown which was dripping from every inch of the party and I was thrilled to get involved by making a cake for Jen. Unfortunately Chris was on Daddy duty so a (nervous cake laden) 5hr road trip ensued from the Toon with my brother, which actually flew by with help of Radio 1....cant tell I'm getting a night child free can you!

 

 

 

When we arrived I was blown away by the fabulous marquee and decor, there was an awkward moment when I announced the "cake was in the car"...without realising that it was a surprise for Jen! In my defence my Aunt thought that it was going to be a small cake she could carry in with candles on. Now I don't do anything by halves and she did say that over 100 people were coming....  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The invitation had a great picture of a dragon so straight away I knew I wanted to have a dragon as the centre piece. Sadly the dragon above who was supposed to be sticking up 3D from the top but had a run in with Archie my 3yr old when he picked up the dowel and it snapped, so I glued it back together and just placed it in front of the cake.

 

I then made a more sturdy dragon head from petal paste and edible gold dust. The cupcakes were a mixture of Vanilla Almond and Chocolate, I wasn't sure what to do for "Chinatown" but the week before I made stir fry for tea and I knew then I wanted to somehow make noodles and cop sticks. I also decorated some with handmade marzipan fortune cookies, fans and orchids.

 

I think my Aunt forgave me for the premature reveal when she saw the cake and said  "I think I'm going to cry", well I cant get better praise than that. Even funnier was when she was astonished that it matched the theme party colours...even though she had sent me an invitation and told me all the colours?! So I'm glad I didn't just make a Christmas cake ha ha....maybe baby brain never goes away...god I hope not!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the cake was assembled...phew.. all that was left to do was have a Nana Nap and get ready. I had planned on buying a kimono or something in keeping with the theme but I just didn't get the chance. So I wore my favourite Coast Spotty Dress which I've worn a few times...oh look away fashionistas there's a recession on!

 

There was a champagne reception and an open bar with lots of yummy cocktails, it was to be my downfall but you never know it when your having such a good time. This was honestly better than most Weddings I have been to and one of the best nights Ive had in ages. My Aunt and Uncle were fantastic hosts, the birthday girl looked stunning as did all the guests. Jen and I had a giggle about the fact it was like "Geordie Shore meets Made in Chelsea".

 

 

 

 

 

 

The meal was delicious, a selection of dim sum to start, followed by a spicy noddle dish, mini pots of Hagen Daaz and my cupcakes of course. Then copious amounts of alcohol and slut drops ensued(watch Geordie Shore) and I honestly cant remember the above picture being taken so at 3am it was defiantly time to go to bed.

 

I am not ashamed to admit that I was HANGING the next morning but thankfully My Uncle was on the BBQ at the crack of dawn with Sausage sandwich's, croissant's and a lot of brews. Thankfully my brother was driving home so we said our farewells and hit the road; where I rudely went straight to sleep!

 

Fantastic Party, Thanks to my Aunt, Uncle and Jen...wish I could do it all again.

 

Ash x