We've just had a week away at Pontins, Camber Sands. It was Sun holiday and to be honest it wasn't our first choice (or even our third) but as it was our first time in doing this we didn't get a huge amount of choice.
I looked up some reviews and I must admit a lot of them weren't that encouraging and I started to get a teeny bit anxious about the place. But, overall, our week was good.
I won't say that it was relaxing:-
damp grey weather - although not Pontins fault;
screechy seagulls (they are REALLY loud and REALLY big - didn't realise quite how big they are) - again not Pontins fault;
paper thin walls in the chalets;
uncomfortable bed (I love my own bed but a bit too big to pack);
bluecoats have the loudest voices I have EVER heard (great for kids, not so much for adults)....
But,
All the people who worked there were lovely and cheery;
the bluecoats kept the kids amused and happy;
brilliant swimming pool and slide;
chalets were basic but clean;
the food was tasty and they didn't skimp on the helpings;
there was loads to do (mainly for kids but that's what we went for);
places to visit weren't too far away.
There were things that the grownups could see but the entertainment was late evening and by that time the kids (and us) were feeling a bit tired.
Yes the buildings look a bit tired but they are old and from what I read there is a huge refurbishment going on and that won't be finished anytime soon.
If anyone is thinking of going that hasn't been before can I just add that we didn't have a shower in our chalet, just a bath, so pack a jug or tap adapter if you want to wash hair. Also we took along some big cups/mugs after someone mentioned that they only had little cups (they do) in the chalets. I'm also glad we took along some extra blankets as the nights got cold.
Can I also recommend going half board. It seemed an expense at the time of paying but it made our life a lot easier not worrying about where we were going to eat and, as I said before, the food was tasty.
Would we go again? Yes we would.
Funny moment that I just had to mention....the double bed sleeper was a folding one that was also used as the seating so the legs ratcheted down when you wanted it as a bed. On the first night Bucket jnr fell out of his bed, it was about 1-2am so I wasn't too awake and as I walked back to our bed I noticed that it was slowly tipping up. Being half asleep my brain didn't quite recognise this fact so Ijust stood there as Mr Bucket's side slowly went downwards towards the floor. It was only when he stuck his arm out to stop himself that I realised I need to put my weight on to counter-balance it. I couldn't stop giggling for quite a while after that. Sam xx
My thoughts on family, life, crafts, baking etc...
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Reviews - For or Against?
Like most people I like to search for the best item my pocket can afford and I don't want to buy a 'turkey' (you know what I mean). So I like to look at reviews so I can get other peoples ideas and feedback.
But there is the problem - lots of people and LOTS of ideas and opinions.
Who do I believe?
Is this person telling the truth or are they just stirring for the hell of it??
Did they just go on a bad day (everyone gets one)???
Are they more picky than me???? - this one might be a teeny bit impossible but you never know.
The more I read, the more confused and anxious I get. The good ones make me feel relaxed and confident that I've made the perfect choice and then the next second I read an awful one which makes me think I've just made the worst decision in my entire life.
What do I do? What do you do? Should I be worried?
Take a deep breath and RELAX! Sam xx
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Cycling along...
I have a new bicycle.
It's red.
It has 18 gears - Shimano, no less.
It has everything - bell, lock, pump, mud guards (very important on those lovely muddy roads), lights, etc. I think you get the picture - I like to be prepared you know.
The only thing.....and it's only a small thing, hardly a concern at all.....the last time I rode a bike was 25 years ago and that bike only had 3 gears.
It was a very wobbly start, let me tell you. I tried to go forward but that didn't work too well at first and I had to brake before I wobbled and fell off. I couldn't give up though as I needed to get home quick to pick up Bucket jnr from his holiday activity club.
So I set off, clunking through the gears (will really need to practice them), hoping to get home. On the way I passed some school kids doing a cycling proficiency course and they were all watching me as I sped past, didn't signal into my road and tried not to fall off. Hopefully they didn't learn too many bad habits from me.
And now I ache. I'm discovering muscles that have long been forgotten and I'm feeling every single one of my years.
I'm sure the next go will be a bit easier (I hope). Sam xx
It's red.
It has 18 gears - Shimano, no less.
It has everything - bell, lock, pump, mud guards (very important on those lovely muddy roads), lights, etc. I think you get the picture - I like to be prepared you know.
The only thing.....and it's only a small thing, hardly a concern at all.....the last time I rode a bike was 25 years ago and that bike only had 3 gears.
It was a very wobbly start, let me tell you. I tried to go forward but that didn't work too well at first and I had to brake before I wobbled and fell off. I couldn't give up though as I needed to get home quick to pick up Bucket jnr from his holiday activity club.
So I set off, clunking through the gears (will really need to practice them), hoping to get home. On the way I passed some school kids doing a cycling proficiency course and they were all watching me as I sped past, didn't signal into my road and tried not to fall off. Hopefully they didn't learn too many bad habits from me.
And now I ache. I'm discovering muscles that have long been forgotten and I'm feeling every single one of my years.
I'm sure the next go will be a bit easier (I hope). Sam xx
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
And breathe...
This is the first time in a long little while that everything feels a bit more calm, on an even keel.
Since starting my new part time job, I've been feeling a bit like spaghetti - everything going in all directions but not actually getting anywhere (or anything done).
I'm usually getting the kids to school; walking to work (a bit more of a route march so my legs are usually killing me by the end of the week; getting back home and grabbing a sandwich; try to do a little bit of housework so the place isn't a complete tip; picking Bucket jnr up; sorting out tea; tidying up and then hopefully sitting down for a little while before kids bedtime and also before I pass out on the sofa at 9pm.
I've had to accept that I can't do ALL the housework, that I usually did casually in a day, in one hour. Something has got to give or at least slacken a little bit before something breaks - probably my back.
But today I'm here, feeling quite calm and having a nice cuppa before tackling the pancakes.
I'm hope to catch up on some of my favourite blogs too. Sam x
Since starting my new part time job, I've been feeling a bit like spaghetti - everything going in all directions but not actually getting anywhere (or anything done).
I'm usually getting the kids to school; walking to work (a bit more of a route march so my legs are usually killing me by the end of the week; getting back home and grabbing a sandwich; try to do a little bit of housework so the place isn't a complete tip; picking Bucket jnr up; sorting out tea; tidying up and then hopefully sitting down for a little while before kids bedtime and also before I pass out on the sofa at 9pm.
you know that this is NOT a picture of me - right? right??
I've had to accept that I can't do ALL the housework, that I usually did casually in a day, in one hour. Something has got to give or at least slacken a little bit before something breaks - probably my back.
But today I'm here, feeling quite calm and having a nice cuppa before tackling the pancakes.
I'm hope to catch up on some of my favourite blogs too. Sam x
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
January...
...is a really hard month.
Now, I'm only speaking for myself but I'm sure there are lots of others who are struggling this month.
Everyone gets paid before Christmas, so extra money is spent a bit earlier than planned; January is generally a 5 week month, so it seems like it's a really, really long time; somehow we've managed to have TWO car taxes at the end of the month and....I still can't find places to put the Christmas presents that the kids received.
I haven't really blogged much so far this year and I think it's just because the month feels like it's dragging me down a little. So I'm doing what others are almost certainly doing -
1. Trying not to spend ANYTHING;
2. Organising EVERYTHING;
3. Going to make SOMETHING.
1. I'm trying really hard not to buy anything extra for the house as money is so tight but I've a few extra pennies for stuff like milk and veg - milk is one of those things that we get through A LOT. Also, I've told the kids to stop growing - at least for this month. Luckily we've already shelled out for new shoes for them so I won't have to worry about that for a while. I've also been going to the library for my fix of books so I don't spend money on any new ones.
2. As well as finding places for the Christmas presents, I'm going through and trying to organise our cluttered home. I've probably mentioned before that we like to collect things and normally this isn't too bad and kept under control (I love boxes) but it seems to be mutating and now it's driving me NUTS. Also, as a crossover with no.1, I'm organising the food that we already have and trying to not buy extra (therefore spending no more money) - I hope the kids like liver as I'm sure there'slots a couple of bags in the freezer.
3. I'm going to be making cakes/biscuits (as no.1) and I want to use up all the fabric/old clothes that I've put to one side; cut them up and make quilt covers with the material. It probably won't be that neat but I think the kids will love their own special covers made with some of their old clothes.
And finally, I really, really, REALLY want to shift this stupid cold that I've had since before Christmas that NO amount of medicine/nose blowing/wrapping up warm will shift. I'm fed up with it now - it definitely has my permission to go. Sam xx
Now, I'm only speaking for myself but I'm sure there are lots of others who are struggling this month.
Everyone gets paid before Christmas, so extra money is spent a bit earlier than planned; January is generally a 5 week month, so it seems like it's a really, really long time; somehow we've managed to have TWO car taxes at the end of the month and....I still can't find places to put the Christmas presents that the kids received.
I haven't really blogged much so far this year and I think it's just because the month feels like it's dragging me down a little. So I'm doing what others are almost certainly doing -
1. Trying not to spend ANYTHING;
2. Organising EVERYTHING;
3. Going to make SOMETHING.
1. I'm trying really hard not to buy anything extra for the house as money is so tight but I've a few extra pennies for stuff like milk and veg - milk is one of those things that we get through A LOT. Also, I've told the kids to stop growing - at least for this month. Luckily we've already shelled out for new shoes for them so I won't have to worry about that for a while. I've also been going to the library for my fix of books so I don't spend money on any new ones.
2. As well as finding places for the Christmas presents, I'm going through and trying to organise our cluttered home. I've probably mentioned before that we like to collect things and normally this isn't too bad and kept under control (I love boxes) but it seems to be mutating and now it's driving me NUTS. Also, as a crossover with no.1, I'm organising the food that we already have and trying to not buy extra (therefore spending no more money) - I hope the kids like liver as I'm sure there's
3. I'm going to be making cakes/biscuits (as no.1) and I want to use up all the fabric/old clothes that I've put to one side; cut them up and make quilt covers with the material. It probably won't be that neat but I think the kids will love their own special covers made with some of their old clothes.
And finally, I really, really, REALLY want to shift this stupid cold that I've had since before Christmas that NO amount of medicine/nose blowing/wrapping up warm will shift. I'm fed up with it now - it definitely has my permission to go. Sam xx
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
Happy New Year....
It's not raining, just looks a little bit cloudy but with the hope of the sun coming out.
The kids are quiet (they must be planning something).
I have some resolutions - some old; weight loss / some new; stop procrastinating, get off my arse and do it.
It promises to be a good day.
It promises to be a good year.
Monday, 12 November 2012
Pearls of Wisdom 1...
I've numbered this post just in case there are any more.....and I'm sure there will be:
It's 6.45am on a Monday morning...
Bucket jnr: Mummy do you know where polar bears live?
Me: No, where?
Bucket jnr: In the antique.
Cue lots of sniggering from me. Sam x
It's 6.45am on a Monday morning...
Source: Google Images
Bucket jnr: Mummy do you know where polar bears live?
Me: No, where?
Bucket jnr: In the antique.
Cue lots of sniggering from me. Sam x
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Inappropriate clothing...
Aaaaaarrrrrrggggghhhh - my eyes, my eyes..
REALLY???? Do I really need to see that at school; early in the morning and after only ONE coffee. If I wasn't totally awake before then I definitely was after that. It wasn't just me either, another mum saw it too and we both started giggling (out of shock I think and because that image is now burned into our brains).
My day can only get better after that. Sam xx
Source: Google Images
Just had a bit of a shocker this morning when dropping Bucket jnr off at school.
Now, can I just say that I'm NOT a yummy mummy or a runny mummy (the really energetic ones that wear skin tight running gear). I'm a mum who prefers jeans and converse, sometimes with/without makeup (if I have the time or inclination), hair tied up if I haven't had the time to wash it and looking fairly, well......normal.
But there is a dress code of sorts for dropping your kids off and I don't think that BUILDERS BUM is one of them. That was a sight I hope to never, never, EVER see again - especially that early in the morning.
One of the dads (thankfully someone I didn't know) was dropping his kids off to another class and as I got within eyeball range he moved, his jumper lifted and there it was - saggy jeans hanging low and everything on show.
REALLY???? Do I really need to see that at school; early in the morning and after only ONE coffee. If I wasn't totally awake before then I definitely was after that. It wasn't just me either, another mum saw it too and we both started giggling (out of shock I think and because that image is now burned into our brains).
My day can only get better after that. Sam xx
Monday, 5 November 2012
It's a good day..
source: Google images
Today started off really well...Today...
...my hair was manageable - not perfect but not too bad...
...my face looked photo-shopped this morning - sparkling eyes, my skin looked good and the wrinkles weren't deep crevices...
...the kids were actually playing together, and quietly - unheard of!...
...I actually found something I like in a charity shop - a hardback copy of 'The Borrowers', in excellent condition (I started reading it as soon as I got home)...
...and the sun is shining...
I'm now keeping an eye out to see if anyone's dropped any money on the floor, you never know. Sam xx
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Reflection...
We've eaten all the cakes finally.
I've had a couple of job interviews - didn't get one and waiting for the other.
We have a tween in the house - won't say too much but if you look up 'tween behaviour' I'm sure you'll see what we've been coping with.
Bucket jnr has one of those lovely hacking coughs.
But, there have been a few little upsides...
I bought some seasonal socks which for some reason make me feel better (think red, white and grey nordic style).
There have been some lovely foggy, Autumnal mornings - hate rain but love the fog.
Yesterday was a calm, smiley tween day.
Read some good books and some good blogs.
I wouldn't say a lot has happened recently, things have just been ticking over with some good and some bad. Just wondering what today might bring. Sam xx
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Weirdness...
Source: Google Images
We're off on holiday soon.Yippee.
But I always find that there is sooo much to do, packing wise, before you go. That might be why I'm experiencing weird dreams...
...dreams of swimsuits and lots of people and clock watching and indecision and embarrassing moments (in my dream I left my knickers on underneath my swimsuit and just KNEW that everyone could see them).
Think I'd better lay off the coffee for a little bit and go onto the camomile.
And, I had my very own mobile phone scam happen....
We've always said to Miss Bucket that she could have a mobile phone when she started secondary school - for safety reasons you know and when she runs off with her friends without telling us. I can then track her down (just call me Nancy Drew - I'm old, look it up).
So there I was looking through a drawer (yep, one of those that has loads of useless stuff in it) and I pulled out an old mobile phone.
"ooh what's that?"
"my old phone but it's not working"
"how does it work then?"
So I went on to explain about sims and networks.
"can I have it?"
"it doesn't work"
"but if we got a sim it would work"
"yes, but I'm not going into town today"
"well, if we go tomorrow we can get one then"
"ok"
Did you see that??? I was
Now she's got a mobile with new number and I even put £5 on it. WHAT???!!! I'm still in a bit of shock but she has been warned that if anything happens to it she will not get another until she is 12.
For all of you who may think she is a bit young - I agree in part. But at 9 getting things like that are exciting (even though it's a very basic model) and she gets warned EVERY DAY (yes I am that kind of mother) what she can/can't do with it.
Plus the battery is rubbish and doesn't last that long - muahahahaha. Sam xx
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
small talk...
Two little 4 year old friends having a chat...
You just have to laugh. Sam xx
Bucket jnr: I'm going to see my sister.
friend: I'm going to see my brother.
Bucket jnr: My sister is big, she's 9.
friend: My brother is big, he's 9 too.
Bucket jnr: Wow! 9-2, that's really big.
You just have to laugh. Sam xx
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Why is it...
aaaarrrrgggghhhh!!!
Whenever you have something planned to do, that's when the kids are sick...
I have loads of crafts to do but no time to do them in...
When filling out a job application form, they want to know the smallest things 22 years ago...WHAT??!! I have no clue what I was doing at 2pm on a Saturday 3rd March (ok maybe it's not that extreme, but it feels like it)...
You can do a full shop (and we all know what that means) but there's always a day when there's NOTHING to eat...
I can wash things up at least twice a day and there are STILL empty dishes lying there...
I'm sure there's more....oh yes, one last one...why is it when you have sooooo much to say, you can't remember a thing. Sam xx
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Night out...
For the first time in...I haven't a clue how many... years, Mr Bucket and I went out for a night out. It was to celebrate our anniversary (15 years) which was a few weeks ago but this was the nearest date for everyone to be available.
So first we packed the kids off the the Grandparents. You know they don't mind that much when you have to prompt them to say goodbye as you're walking out the door.
Then we got all glammed up which is a lot harder to do when you haven't been out in absolutely ages; have NO idea what is fashionable (I generally live in jeans, t-shirts and favourite converse) and don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb.
Then we went to an early evening showing of Men in Black 3 3D and it was brilliant. I've always love the MIB films but this one seemed more polished with better action and special effects. I even caught myself giving vocal encouragement to the gorgeous Will Smith, luckily not loud enough to embarrass myself though.
My only gripe was the 3D glasses - when are they going to sort some out for people who wear glasses???!!! I had to balance them on my glasses and only when the lights went low did I relax enough not to feel too stupid wearing them.
One other thing.... am I the only person who shovels so much popcorn in my mouth (hoover-like) that I end up with it going down my top and then I have to try to reach it without anyone else noticing what I'm doing.
Food was next and even though a Chinese was our first thought we eventually went to a Tapas Bar. I'm a tapas virgin, I had a vague idea how the food was served but I had to ask the waiter how many dishes was 'polite' for one person - we ended up with three each.
All I can say is DELICIOUS!!! Definitely going back and may even take the kiddies along too. Although, may be paying today for all the oil that a lot of the dishes used (along with chillies and garlic). Sam xx
So first we packed the kids off the the Grandparents. You know they don't mind that much when you have to prompt them to say goodbye as you're walking out the door.
Then we got all glammed up which is a lot harder to do when you haven't been out in absolutely ages; have NO idea what is fashionable (I generally live in jeans, t-shirts and favourite converse) and don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb.
Then we went to an early evening showing of Men in Black 3 3D and it was brilliant. I've always love the MIB films but this one seemed more polished with better action and special effects. I even caught myself giving vocal encouragement to the gorgeous Will Smith, luckily not loud enough to embarrass myself though.
One other thing.... am I the only person who shovels so much popcorn in my mouth (hoover-like) that I end up with it going down my top and then I have to try to reach it without anyone else noticing what I'm doing.
Food was next and even though a Chinese was our first thought we eventually went to a Tapas Bar. I'm a tapas virgin, I had a vague idea how the food was served but I had to ask the waiter how many dishes was 'polite' for one person - we ended up with three each.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Dodgy Salesmen pt2
Well we had our second double glazing salesman turn up. I'm sure he was meant to be here at 10.30am but he turned up at 10.10am and Mr Bucket missed out as he'd popped out on a quick supermarket visit.
So it was just me and the kids.
It wasn't actually that bad, as soon as he sat down I basically told him that we didn't want:
1. A sales board.
2. Photos taken of our house.
3. DVD played to us.
4. Phone calls to his Manager.
5. Buy me now deals.
I told him straight that we'd had them the previous day, weren't interested and if he couldn't do it then the door was behind him and we could finish now.
I think he got the point - I won the bet easily and with time to spare. He was out the door within 25 minutes, woohoo!!!
Funniest moment was when he tried to get Bucket jnr on his side by saying "are you sure you don't want to watch my dvd?" and Bucket jnr answered "we don't want any dvds" (which he said quite a few times as it just got funnier and funnier to him).
We went with the big companies thinking they were too established to try tricks like this but I think we're going to ring round a couple of local firms now. Sam xx
So it was just me and the kids.
It wasn't actually that bad, as soon as he sat down I basically told him that we didn't want:
1. A sales board.
2. Photos taken of our house.
3. DVD played to us.
4. Phone calls to his Manager.
5. Buy me now deals.
I told him straight that we'd had them the previous day, weren't interested and if he couldn't do it then the door was behind him and we could finish now.
I think he got the point - I won the bet easily and with time to spare. He was out the door within 25 minutes, woohoo!!!
Funniest moment was when he tried to get Bucket jnr on his side by saying "are you sure you don't want to watch my dvd?" and Bucket jnr answered "we don't want any dvds" (which he said quite a few times as it just got funnier and funnier to him).
We went with the big companies thinking they were too established to try tricks like this but I think we're going to ring round a couple of local firms now. Sam xx
Saturday, 12 May 2012
BEWARE - dodgy salesmen at work
We're going to replace a couple of double glazed windows in our house, one has been in since we moved in and has a bit of a draft.We called a couple of double-glazing companies for a quote...
OMG!!!!! (sorry for the text speak)
Mr Bucket and I agreed that we didn't want the sales pitch; no best deals and if any one of the companies that came round said we had to sign "TODAY", then they were out the door.
Our first appointment today was for 2pm, I saw a man parked outside at 1.55pm and then the same man decided to knock on our door at 2.05pm. Hmmmm, not a good start. I LIKE punctuality.
He came in, sat down and asked us what we were looking for. We told him and then let him know that we were going to have a few other quotes before we made a decision. He asked which companies we were looking at - I didn't see anything wrong in telling him as I thought he was just being curious, so I told him the names of the other 3 companies.
One he didn't know as it was local, one was at the top of the game and all he said was 'they're very expensive' but he then went on to criticise (and that's putting it very lightly) the last company. I didn't say anything, just looked as though I was interested but privately I was thinking "what the hell is he playing at???!!! - you just DON'T DO THIS!!)
By the way, he hadn't measured anything at this stage.
He asked us if they could put an advertising board up - we said "No sorry, it's in our deeds that this is not allowed". He looked a bit shocked.
He asked us if they could take before and after shots - we said "No, we don't want that". He looked even more shocked, a bit pale even.
He then called his Manager (have no proof that it was actually his Manager) and told him what we had said. We got a bit fed up by this stage and I think "playing silly buggers" might have been mentioned by us. I even offered to talk to the supposed Manager (twice) but he didn't seem to hear me although I was sat right next to him.
After his phonecall, we laid it on the line and said we "just want the windows measured and a quote". He finally got the message.
And he finally measured the two windows and patio door.
Just when we thought we'd gotten past all the silliness and sales pitch he asked us to play a dvd - what a load of 'look what we do' twaddle - I'm sure I yawned twice. Didn't this bloke get the message - all we wanted was a quote!!!
When the dvd finally ended he put some figures together - approx £10,000.
What????? How much????? You have got to be kidding!!!!
Ok I didn't say the above but I DID think it. When he asked me what I thought I calmly said "it's a bit higher than we thought but thank you". See, still being very polite even though I just wanted him gone by now.
THEN he rang up another Manager (different name) and after a short conversation said that if we signed today and ignored everyone else they could bring it down to £3800.
We almost exploded then, you could see the steam rising from our heads and I'm sure we went purple.
I think he got the message as he said a quick thank you and goodbye to me, ignored Mr Bucket and actually raced to the door. I've never seen anyone leave as fast as that before, it was hilarious - still laughing about it now.
But on a serious note I think we were lucky, our meeting only took 40 minutes from start to finish. We had a really good internet search afterwards and found that this same company could take up to a couple of hours and more.
I don't think we'll be using this company now but we've got another appointment with another company tomorrow and I've got a bet on with Mr Bucket that we can have them out the door within 30 minutes. I'll let you know, Sam xx
OMG!!!!! (sorry for the text speak)
Mr Bucket and I agreed that we didn't want the sales pitch; no best deals and if any one of the companies that came round said we had to sign "TODAY", then they were out the door.
Our first appointment today was for 2pm, I saw a man parked outside at 1.55pm and then the same man decided to knock on our door at 2.05pm. Hmmmm, not a good start. I LIKE punctuality.
He came in, sat down and asked us what we were looking for. We told him and then let him know that we were going to have a few other quotes before we made a decision. He asked which companies we were looking at - I didn't see anything wrong in telling him as I thought he was just being curious, so I told him the names of the other 3 companies.
One he didn't know as it was local, one was at the top of the game and all he said was 'they're very expensive' but he then went on to criticise (and that's putting it very lightly) the last company. I didn't say anything, just looked as though I was interested but privately I was thinking "what the hell is he playing at???!!! - you just DON'T DO THIS!!)
By the way, he hadn't measured anything at this stage.
He asked us if they could put an advertising board up - we said "No sorry, it's in our deeds that this is not allowed". He looked a bit shocked.
He asked us if they could take before and after shots - we said "No, we don't want that". He looked even more shocked, a bit pale even.
He then called his Manager (have no proof that it was actually his Manager) and told him what we had said. We got a bit fed up by this stage and I think "playing silly buggers" might have been mentioned by us. I even offered to talk to the supposed Manager (twice) but he didn't seem to hear me although I was sat right next to him.
After his phonecall, we laid it on the line and said we "just want the windows measured and a quote". He finally got the message.
And he finally measured the two windows and patio door.
Just when we thought we'd gotten past all the silliness and sales pitch he asked us to play a dvd - what a load of 'look what we do' twaddle - I'm sure I yawned twice. Didn't this bloke get the message - all we wanted was a quote!!!
When the dvd finally ended he put some figures together - approx £10,000.
What????? How much????? You have got to be kidding!!!!
Ok I didn't say the above but I DID think it. When he asked me what I thought I calmly said "it's a bit higher than we thought but thank you". See, still being very polite even though I just wanted him gone by now.
THEN he rang up another Manager (different name) and after a short conversation said that if we signed today and ignored everyone else they could bring it down to £3800.
We almost exploded then, you could see the steam rising from our heads and I'm sure we went purple.
I think he got the message as he said a quick thank you and goodbye to me, ignored Mr Bucket and actually raced to the door. I've never seen anyone leave as fast as that before, it was hilarious - still laughing about it now.
But on a serious note I think we were lucky, our meeting only took 40 minutes from start to finish. We had a really good internet search afterwards and found that this same company could take up to a couple of hours and more.
I don't think we'll be using this company now but we've got another appointment with another company tomorrow and I've got a bet on with Mr Bucket that we can have them out the door within 30 minutes. I'll let you know, Sam xx
Friday, 27 April 2012
Photographs...
When I was younger I didn't mind my photo being taken but as I got older I tended to avoid them - I'm NOT photogenic. I don't think I look too bad it's just that I don't photograph well.
Over the years I've come to accept that I can't avoid the camera altogether and there are a few photos with me in them.
Last weekend Miss Bucket turned 9 and we organised a disco for her and some school friends. It went really well but I should have been a bit more worried when I noticed my MIL taking photos. Normally I take the photos (mainly so I can stay out of them).
I've now had a look at some of the pictures and..... yep, you guessed it.... NOT very flattering.
Most mums know that after having kids the stomach muscles aren't that 'good' anymore and if you don't make a big effort to suck it in you look like you're still pregnant. Well, I wasn't making an effort and there is a lovely side-on shot of me...EEEUUURRGHH!
And there's a lovely bum shot of me..... and another stunning shot of me mid-dance (with relaxing stomach muscles)...
I can't even delete them as I keep all birthday photos.
Next time, I'm taking the camera and I might have to look into some heavy-duty, don't let anything move underwear.
Sam xx
Over the years I've come to accept that I can't avoid the camera altogether and there are a few photos with me in them.
Last weekend Miss Bucket turned 9 and we organised a disco for her and some school friends. It went really well but I should have been a bit more worried when I noticed my MIL taking photos. Normally I take the photos (mainly so I can stay out of them).
I've now had a look at some of the pictures and..... yep, you guessed it.... NOT very flattering.
Most mums know that after having kids the stomach muscles aren't that 'good' anymore and if you don't make a big effort to suck it in you look like you're still pregnant. Well, I wasn't making an effort and there is a lovely side-on shot of me...EEEUUURRGHH!
And there's a lovely bum shot of me..... and another stunning shot of me mid-dance (with relaxing stomach muscles)...
I can't even delete them as I keep all birthday photos.
Next time, I'm taking the camera and I might have to look into some heavy-duty, don't let anything move underwear.
Sam xx
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Saving money,coupons etc..
As you know, I like to save money where I can. As a stay at home mum with two kids and husband, every little helps.
I've mentioned my love of the extreme couponing (on last night - brilliant) and I've mentioned the Supersavvyme site.
Now I've found another one - BzzAgent.
I was sent this via email from Tesco and from what I've read so far you try out products, tell your friends and maybe give them some coupons and then write a review on Facebook/Blog/Twitter or even on their site just to let people know what you think.
You can also connect your Tesco clubcard to the site and get more clubcard points - WAHEY!!!
Sounds fairly easy.
I just thought I'dwarn you let you know in case you look on here to see me spouting off about something that doesn't interest you. I won't be upset if you open up another page. Just remember that it is for a good cause (saving money), you may want to know about the product and .... you may be interested in joining so you can get some coupons and freebies too. Sam xx
I've mentioned my love of the extreme couponing (on last night - brilliant) and I've mentioned the Supersavvyme site.
Now I've found another one - BzzAgent.
I was sent this via email from Tesco and from what I've read so far you try out products, tell your friends and maybe give them some coupons and then write a review on Facebook/Blog/Twitter or even on their site just to let people know what you think.
You can also connect your Tesco clubcard to the site and get more clubcard points - WAHEY!!!
Sounds fairly easy.
I just thought I'd
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
The rain...
Bucket jnr: (looking out of the window) It's p**ing it down out there.
Me: (trying not to laugh) you don't say that, you say it's raining.
Bucket jnr: Why not? What does it mean?
Me: (giving up trying to convince him not to say it) Maybe the Angels up in the clouds are having a p**.
Bucket jnr: (giggling) It's good for Daddies seeds.
Me: And the ducks.
Miss Bucket enters,
Bucket jnr: (very serious) It's p**ing down but that's good for ducks and Daddies seeds. You know why?
Miss Bucket: (giggling) no why?
Bucket jnr: Because it's wet!
It's nearly 8am, I've only had one cup of coffee and it's the start of a school day.
I love my kids - they are soooo funny.
Sam xx
I've had to amend some of my wording on here as I noticed that the traffic on my blog had shot up and I didn't understand why until I looked at the traffic sources and a certain 'p' word was being looked up. Absolutely hilarious!!!!
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Long time, no see...
I haven't disappeared anywhere or completely logged off, it's just that I haven't had anything to share at the moment.
I haven't done any crafting recently - don't know why as I've seen lots of gorgeous things I want to make.
Maybe it's because it's half term with the kids and my kids are constantly 'full-on', the only spare time I get is when I wake up and catch up on the computer with my coffee and toast, and then in the evening when I'm so pooped I tend to pass out during my favourite shows and then wake up at the end with "what happened, what did I miss??"
I will share with you a few of my favourite blogs that I read:
Matt and Dennis at According to Matt are brilliant. They have amazing crafting skills and if you haven't yet looked on their site I thoroughly recommend it. They have some cool peg designs on there and their crocheting is stunning.
Michelle at Michelle made me is a crafting wunderkind, she can literally make crafts out of anything. At the moment she is making loads of things out of an old towel, one of those towels that are frayed and bleached and you have lurking in the back of the cupboard.
Lucy at Attic 24 is a blog that I might have mentioned before. Her blog is one of the first that I look at as she takes such lovely pictures - they always cheer me up and I don't think she's taken a bad one yet! She does such gorgeous crochet work and her hanging wall flower is definitely on my 'to-do' list that I'll eventually get round to.
Sarah at Annaboo's House is another crafting genius, she can turn her hand to most things crafty and her blog is really fun to read. Also, I've found that whenever I've left a comment (however small) she always replies. She sounds really nice and one of those people that you hope you'll run into and have a cuppa with just to natter.
There are some other blogs that I always read as I love to see what's going on in their world, sometimes it's not that different to what's going on in mine: Anne at Marmalade & Catmint, Emma at The Log Cabin and Frugal mum of 3. Their blogs are a great read and I consider them bloggy friends.
I will do some crafting of some sort or another soon, promise. Well...when I have 2 minutes to myself anyway. Sam xx
I haven't done any crafting recently - don't know why as I've seen lots of gorgeous things I want to make.
Maybe it's because it's half term with the kids and my kids are constantly 'full-on', the only spare time I get is when I wake up and catch up on the computer with my coffee and toast, and then in the evening when I'm so pooped I tend to pass out during my favourite shows and then wake up at the end with "what happened, what did I miss??"
I will share with you a few of my favourite blogs that I read:
Matt and Dennis at According to Matt are brilliant. They have amazing crafting skills and if you haven't yet looked on their site I thoroughly recommend it. They have some cool peg designs on there and their crocheting is stunning.
Michelle at Michelle made me is a crafting wunderkind, she can literally make crafts out of anything. At the moment she is making loads of things out of an old towel, one of those towels that are frayed and bleached and you have lurking in the back of the cupboard.
Lucy at Attic 24 is a blog that I might have mentioned before. Her blog is one of the first that I look at as she takes such lovely pictures - they always cheer me up and I don't think she's taken a bad one yet! She does such gorgeous crochet work and her hanging wall flower is definitely on my 'to-do' list that I'll eventually get round to.
Sarah at Annaboo's House is another crafting genius, she can turn her hand to most things crafty and her blog is really fun to read. Also, I've found that whenever I've left a comment (however small) she always replies. She sounds really nice and one of those people that you hope you'll run into and have a cuppa with just to natter.
There are some other blogs that I always read as I love to see what's going on in their world, sometimes it's not that different to what's going on in mine: Anne at Marmalade & Catmint, Emma at The Log Cabin and Frugal mum of 3. Their blogs are a great read and I consider them bloggy friends.
I will do some crafting of some sort or another soon, promise. Well...when I have 2 minutes to myself anyway. Sam xx
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