Firstly a big thanks to Yet Another Blogging Mummy for nominating me. I've enjoyed getting to know Claire who can also be found on twitter @x2mum mainly from the monthly Draw With Me linky over on This Mummy Loves that our kids take part in each month.
The 'official' rules of accepting this award are:
- Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.
- Put the award logo on your blog.
- Answer the ten questions they have set you.
- Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.
- Nominate ten people.
I'm going to be very naughtly and not nominate anyone as I'm rubbish at knowing who to pick. But I thought it is better to take part in some of it than none at all. If you are reading this and would like to have some questions set for you to answer and to take part in this, just shout and I'll add you onto this post and set some questions.
Here are the questions that I've been asked and my answers to them:
Who inspires you the most?
In all honesty it is my kids. I look at how much I enjoy cooking these days when I get the chance and the reason I am no longer terrified of cooking is because my kids love to cook and they just go for it without the fear of it going wrong. My brilliant chef, D in particular has been my inspiration in the kitchen.
I look at the challenges J has overcome to go back to school and when I see what he is achieving now, he inspires me to recognise that what we were beginning to think was impossible has become possible. We actually originally believed that he was capable of achieving so much but his previous schools robbed us of that hope and wrote him off as not being able to function in a school environment. Turns out it was their school environment that was wrong.
Now he is somewhere where people believe in him and see the best in him, he is flourishing and thriving and achieving so much.
And Miss T reminds me to appreciate every moment with my children. She is full of wonder and often says 'wow' at seeing things in nature or even when she finds a new herb or spice to use in cooking as she loves to cook too. She makes us all laugh and reminds us just how precious childlike qualities of innocence, wonder, and trust are.
Where was your best holiday ever?
This is a tricky one as there have been a few good ones over the past few years that all deserve a mention.
We love visiting Bath as that is our uni town where we first met 18 (eek!) years ago. And in 2010 we stayed on a farm near Bath. It had a super bed (perfect for my back pain) and we had a week of dry weather. We visited all our old haunts in Bath and also visited Longleat. I think that was the first really good holiday we had.
Our July stay at Sands Resort in Cornwall last year was really special. So relaxing and the weather was so hot that it was just outdoor pool and beach weather the whole time. Richard put together a little video of our happy memories from Sands here.
October's Center Parcs stay was brilliant because we made some lifelong friendships there with Gifts from the Pirates when we visited as Center Parcs bloggers.
And of course, my awesome trip to Copenhagen has to be right up there as it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Noma, the worlds best restaurant.
This years Road Trip was probably one of the most unusual holidays we've had and that made it pretty special. We've just written up about our stay in a lighthouse to give you a flavour of what we got up to!
So I've totally cheated for that question and given several of my best holidays - but I don't think I can really choose between them.
Your favourite movie?
Probably Lorenzo's Oil. I can't watch it anymore because I cry from the beginning. I love how it is a true story and it show's Lorenzo's family's determination, passion and love for him. It also shows how one person really can change the world.
Your favourite animal?
I suppose I better say our cat Bella for this one. Although I think Dolphins are pretty amazing too!
Which chocolate would you choose first out of a selection box?
I love the pistachio one from the Lindt selection box.
What did you spend your first wages on?
I remember getting my first debit card at the same time as my first student grant and going to Primark and having a spending spree. I remember buying lots of clothes and a pair of pyjamas!
Once I got my bank statement I realised just how dangerous it can be to spend on plastic as the money doesn't seem real. I learnt my lesson and have been a lot more careful since then. I know some people make that mistake with credit cards which can be far worse.
Furthest distance you have ever walked in one day?
Not a great one for me to answer as due to my arthritis since I've had from age 10 I can't walk particularly far. I do remember going on Brownie camp as a kid and they made us walk what seemed miles and miles - that probably felt the furthest I've ever walked.
Your most unusual hobby?
This won't seem weird in the online world but to my real life friends, blogging seeems a pretty weird hobby!
In the past couple of years, I've also discovered a love of creative competitions and that has led to some amazing experiences like having my design printed on a Black Tower bottle (well half-a-million Black Tower bottles actually). The visit to Noma was a video recipe competition win and our #52sleeps road trip was a win by Richard who I've roped into entering creative competitions too!
We've also had Anjali Pathak (of Pataks fame) visit our house to give Richard a masterclass and cook for us. I'm sure there have been lots of other wonderful experiences as a result of our hobby too.
If you could have afternoon tea with any celebrity, who would you choose?
I'd love to say Mary Berry as she seems an afternoon tea sort of person. But my kids would never forgive me if I didn't say Mr Moshi as he is their hero!
So perhaps Afternoon tea with Mary Berry followed by cocktails with Mr Moshi (and mocktails for the kids!)
How many lights in your house?
Lots more than there used to be. Since we had the house extension, there are 14 in the kitchen alone - but all the new lights are more efficient so we are probably using less electricity than we used to with the old lights.
Thanks so much for the questions Claire and I'm sorry for not passing the baton on. If anyone does want to do it, just shout and I'll be happy to.
Love reading your answers. We're big fans of the creative competitions here too
ReplyDelete