10 Family Halloween Costume ideas; Blogtober Day 12

Now I don’t know about anybody else but I’ve always loved the idea of having a family theme for our costumes and I’m desperately trying to do that this year on little funds. So here are some of my favourite family costume ideas. we will be trying the Adams family this year I think… always wanted to be Morticia.

1.101 Dalmations- How amazing do they look?

2. Scooby Doo – I absolutely loved scooby doo growing up (who am I kidding I still love the movies)

3. The Wizard of Oz

4. Coco inspired – If you haven’t seen Coco you need to it’s an amazing film.

5. The Incredibles – If like me you couldn’t wait to see the Incredibles 2 then why not dress as your favourite super family this year?

6.Batman, Catwoman and Robin – Or you may like the more traditional superheroes.

7. The Addams Family – You can’t really go wrong when dressing as the Addams family, black/stripey clothes and black hair.

8. The Flinstones

9.Inside Out – This is a family favourite in our house, i absolutely loved watching inside out.

10. Despicable Me – No matter how many little minions you have this idea is suitable for any family.

Posted on 12th Oct 201811th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 2

10 Books to read by the end of 2018; Blogtober Day #11

Not my usual post-genre but I do love to read and I’d absolutely love to get back into it so I thought I’d put together a list of the books I’ve either started and not finished, bought but not got round to reading or ones that I want to buy and read.

I would have loved to have said books to read this autumn but let’s face it I need longer than that, some of these books have been collecting dust for a while so it’s going to be a challenge anyway.

Eve of Man – This is first on my to read list, I started it a while back when I first got back into blogging and because I was so focused on rebranding and trying to build my social media I just didn’t finish reading it.

2. The part-time working mummy – I’ve been dying to get this book for a while, I’ve followed this lady for almost a year now, I saw a post of hers once on facebook that I loved about her daughter Betsy and have followed her ever since. It takes a lot to get me hooked from facebook.

3. Happy – Not only is this a little more into the life of Fearne Cotton who I love but its to help with depression and anxiety which is fab.

4. Disney Twisted Tales – I am a BIG Disney fan, I came across these in Asda one day and I’ve been desperate to get them since! I actually want to read the Villan ones more.

5. The supermum myth – This is one of the ones I had bought for me but still, haven’t got round to reading. I read somewhere that it was a great read for mums suffering from anxiety and depression.

6. The Notebook – Believe it or not I’ve never read the book or seen the film.

7. The Birthday – I find books like this so interesting ( although I feel like people are going to think I’m some kind of psychopath admitting it) but let’s face it they are gripping.

8. Fantastic Beasts – The Crimes of Grindelwald – there’s is no reason for me to explain this choice, J K Rowling is life and I’m a big BIG harry potter/ Fantastic Beasts fan.

9. Dear Amy – I’m not sure why but this book really intrigues me. whos Amy? whos got kidnapped?

10. The Couple Next Door – This is the current No.1 Bestseller and all the reviews I have read say how gripping this book it.

Posted on 11th Oct 201810th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 1

10 Easy Jar Crafts; Blogtober Day #10

Lately, I’ve been collecting Jars for our wedding so I’ve been scouring Pinterest for ideas on what I can do with them. Our wedding is rustic themed so the different shape and sized jars work great. I never realised how many fab things you can do for all occasions with jars and bottles. Here are my favourite ideas, hope you like them as much as I do.

Fairy/pixie/dragon jars – I love this idea for Arias bedroom when we finally get out of this house and she can have her own room. Also, I had to include the second photo anybody who knows me knows I love harry potter, so a cornish pixie in a jar is a must.

2. Hessian rustic jars – These are perfect for our wedding theme and it’s highly likely we will be doing this. I love how simple it is and how many ways you can mix it up.

3. Glittery jars – these are perfect for autumn or for the Christmas period. They look so homely.

4. Autumn Leaves – Simple yet effective.

5. Halloween – How amazing do these Halloween themed jars look? There are so many possibilities with these. You can get printable stencils online of almost any design.

6. Brownie jar – I’ve seen a few different style jars but this is one of my favourites, it’s perfect as a gift. It’s an easy way to save time, you can get the kids involved and there are so many different possibilities. You could try cake, cookies, brownies, hot chocolate, milkshake or many others.

7. Fairy Lodge – Now in all honesty I don’t think id be able to make this as it looks a bit more tricky but I love the idea behind it, it looks absolutely beautiful and if your a very crafty person it would make a great gift.

8. Rubberband -this is such a simple idea and it looks amazing, you could even try making mummy inspired ones for Halloween.

9- Love Bottles

10. String lights – How amazing do these look, just by adding string lights.

Posted on 10th Oct 20189th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 0

What am I afraid of? Blogtober Day #9

Most people are scared of rational things like spiders, snakes or mice. Not me, okay I am scared of moths but whats my biggest fear?

For me, I don’t know why, whether it be something that I haven’t quite dealt with that maybe I need some sort of counselling but my biggest fear is not being good enough. I know a lot of people feel like this but every time I’m truly happy I find a way to put myself down, yes that’s a lot to do with my anxiety but I’ve never felt like I’m a good enough girlfriend (nothing to do with dan, he’s amazing) due to past relationships. when we argue no matter whose fault it is I blame myself, I obsess over it. Worry that I’m going to push him away or that he will find someone better (no matter how much he tells me he only wants me).

I’m scared of failing as a mother because all I want is to be close to my kids, I craved it so much when I was a child, after losing my mother. That I’m scared I’m going to be an overbearing mum, not the type they want to come to talk to or go shopping with or cry to when they are upset.

I know this post sounds like the biggest pity party ever but it’s not meant to be. I wrote this post because not all fears are black and white and no matter what your fear, it matters. Recently I feel like I’ve been in a better place and that I’m facing my fears, I’m finally realising that I am worthy of love and that no matter what, my kids will love me as long as I’m present and show how much I love them that’s all that matters. I can’t control what they will or won’t share with me because let’s face it everyone has secrets but I can be there when they need me.

Self worth is so vital to your happiness if you don’t feel good about YOU, it’s hard to feel good about anything else

Posted on 9th Oct 20188th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 0

Reward Chart For Toddlers; Blogtober Day #8

So this post is a bit different and it’s not following the theme (Halloween/ autumn) but its what I’ve been up to lately. Aria has got to that age now where she understands things a lot more, she can understand when I explain things to her and follow instructions (when she wants) but since shes started school I’ve found she runs off and doesn’t stop when I tell her to, which can obviously be very dangerous and hard work for me when I’m walking with/ pushing Finley. I don’t want to bribe her with chocolate and sweets otherwise I would end up buying her sweets and chocolate every day. So I decided it was time to do a reward chart. I’ve always wanted to make a reward chart since I saw one once on Supernanny, the children on there always seem so happy to do the things they have been asked to do when they get a sticker or a treat for it.

So we decided (well I decided) to make Aria one, I know Finley wouldn’t be old enough to fully understand yet so maybe we will start one with him after Christmas.

Please ignore the lines I didn’t have a ruler I actually use the lollipop sticks, hence the dots. I will be getting a ruler for next time.

I wrote the days across the top and the actions across the side. Her name is up in the corner and I’ve written on the front and back of lollipop sticks, one side has an indoor activity and the other has an outdoor activity. So that no matter what the weather she still gets rewarded for her good behaviour. Each week on a Sunday she picks out a reward stick for the week ahead (so she knows what she’s working for and we know to arrange activities)

To make your own Reward Chart you need:

Paper or Card

Pens/Pencils

Stickers

Lollipop sticks (or you can just use paper)

I’m a strong believer of getting the children involved in the housework as they grow, I hope that by the time our kids have their own home they will know how to make basic meals or how to use a washing machine. Obviously I’m not going to be cooking with them anytime soon but aria already loves helping me with the washing she puts the clothes in the wash with me and presses the buttons to start (with my supervision) I’m hoping to get her to start helping me put the toys away at night and make her bed in the mornings.

I’d love to hear from other parents that give their children chores at a young age. What kind of Chores do you give them? How do they help?

Posted on 8th Oct 20187th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 0

Goals For the last 3 months of the year; Blogtober Day #7

How on earth have we only got 3 months left of this year already? it seems like just yesterday we booked the wedding on January 1st and now this year is almost over. So I thought this would be a great time to plan what I want to achieve before this year up.

I’m going to split this post into categories:

Family Goals
Personal Goals
Important Goals
Goals as a couple
Additional Goals

Family Goals

There is so much I want to do as a family especially near Christmas but I’d love to go to more mother and toddler groups with Finley or start doing some crafts in the house now that I get some alone time with him. Also every year we go to a winter wonderland with the kids so would love to continue that tradition, I can’t wait to go trick or treating this year with the kids, fingers crossed Finley stays awake this time. I really want to start going swimming too but with dan in work so much its hard to actually arrange a time to go.

Personal Goals

I’m just going to list these:

GET OUT MORE!!
clean more (i know boring)
make time for me
Eat healthier (cliche)
blog more and keep up with my social media
Carry on making wax melts

Important Goals

Pay photographer off
Pay wedding venue off
Book limo
Get wedding dress altered
Get organised with Christmas shopping
Try to find somewhere else to live (optional but very important)
Have hair and makeup trial.
Pay bridesmaids dresses off

Couple Goals

I think the only goal we really have is to have date nights id love to have a date once a week/two weeks but that’s highly unlikely to happen so I’m hoping we can do one a month, whether that be a takeaway and a movie without the kids, a few hours out for a walk, or a night out/ meal out.

Additional Goals

I felt like I needed this category because these are far from essential but I would like to get these things done if I can.

Try potty training Finley.
Re- wallpaper the kid’s bedroom
Get a new wash box
Get a single bed and bedding for both kids.
Get rid of the bookshelf and get a storage unit for the kid’s toys
Get a shoe rack
Try teach Finley some new words with flashcards.
walk Finley to pick aria up daily. (currently on day 3)

So there we have it that’s my goals for the last three months of 2018, it’s highly likely that I’ve forgotten something and will add to my list but for now that’s it. Have you set yourself any goals for the end of the year?

Posted on 7th Oct 20185th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 0

10 Simple Halloween meal ideas; Blogtober Day #6

Following the theme from my last post I thought I’d post some ideas from some Halloween themed main meals. Great for if you’re having a Halloween party.

Skeleton Pie – Simple yet effective, it reminds me of jack from the nightmare before Christmas.
Toxic waste mac n cheese

3. R.I.P Tacos and dips – How amazing does this look?

4. Hot dog mummies – This is a must in my house this year the kids are going to love it!

5. Pepper brain monsters

6. Pizza Hands – You could also try using spooky cookie cutters for this!

7. Spooky shepherds pie

8. Pumpkin Cheeseburgers

9. Veggie Skeleton and dips

10. Pasta Faces

Posted on 6th Oct 20185th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 0

12 Simple Halloween Sweet Treats; Blogtober Day #5

What better way to keep busy in the house than some Halloween baking? Why not get the kids to help decorate. This is a great way to let the kid’s imagination flow and to make them feel good. My kids always want to be in the kitchen when I’m cooking, so absolutely love it when I say they actually can!

R.I.P Cupcakes

2. Creepy Halloween Bark

3. Witches Hats – These would also be great as Christmas hats!

4. Ghost Brownies – Also why not try pumpkins, bats, witches or Frankenstein brownies. Dont be afraid to get creative.

5.Frankenstein rice crispy treats

6. Mummy brownies

7. Bat Bites

8. Popcorn Hands

9. Strawberry Ghosts

10. Chocolate dipped marshmallows

11. Doughnut eyes

12. Spiderweb Cheesecake

Posted on 5th Oct 20184th Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 0

10 Easy Halloween Craft Ideas; Blogtober Day 4

A little follow on from yesterdays post, how about some Halloween Crafts? Something to get the kids in the spirit.

Popsicle stick Frankenstein – Simple yet effective.

2. Handprint Bats – Great for decorating the house and for encouraging the kid’s imagination and creativity.

3. Paper plates can be great there are so many different ways you can get creative, including making spiders and pumpkins.

4. Rock Painting – It’s becoming such a big craze at the moment to paint and hide rocks. So why not try painting some wicked witches or pumpkins.

5.Toilet Roll Bats – This is such a cheap, cheerful craft project.

6. Or how about making some creepy, crawly spiders?

7. Paper plate witches – How wicked do these look?

8. Frankenstein footprints – Don’t be afraid to get creative, why not try making a mummy with a black piece of card and white paint, maybe add some googly eyes? or try orange and green for pumpkins.

9. What about some colourful outlines? Find some printable bats, witches, pumpkins or whatever takes your fancy and use a cotton bud to dab paint around the stencils.

10. Pumpkin Apple Slice – Simply cut an apple in half paint the one side and stamp on a piece of paper it’s that easy.

Posted on 4th Oct 20183rd Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 0

10 Simple Crafts to keep the kids busy this Autumn; Blogtober Day 3

If you’ve got kids you will know how frustrating it is when the weather starts to get colder and you don’t really feel like going to the park. We’re always looking for something to keep the kids entertained and what better way than with a cuppa and some crafts. Happy parents, happy children and no one needs to leave the house! Win-win!

So here are my favourite simple craft ideas to try out this Autumn.

Leaf Wreaths – Why not bring the nature home and make some leaf wreaths, all you need is a paper plate, some glue and some leaves, it really is that simple. You can even make handprints for a brilliant keepsake.

2. Pine Cone Hedgehogs- How cute are these? This is definitely one ill be trying with my two kids.

3. Painting with Nature – Pine cones, conkers and leaves can also be a fab way to paint, to explore new patterns and painting techniques.

4. Cotton Bud Painting

5. Rock Painting- Rock painting seems to be very popular these days, so why not try painting some ready to hide on the days you do venture out.

6. Leaf Hedgehog – Why not add some leaves to a drawing?

7. Paper plate Hedgehog – or if you just really don’t feel like collecting leaves today, why not try a paper plate?

8. Mess-free Squishy Tree – This is perfect for the younger children.

9. Tissue paper tree- This is a simple but effective craft idea.

10 Handprint owls – Because we all love a good handprint craft project, right?

I’d love to see some more craft ideas so please do share some with me if there’s anything you’ve tried that i’ve missed.

Posted on 3rd Oct 20182nd Oct 2018 by thephillipsfamilybrew1 2

Thephillipsfamilybrew

I'm a mum a wife to be and a blogger who likes drinking tea.