Win a Pair of Tickets to The Celebrity Cup at The Celtic Manor 2018

The Celebrity Cup sponsored by Bulmers will make a welcome return to the Celtic Manor Resort this summer, and you could be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets for you and a friend to attend the star-studded golfing event!

Mixing golf with glamour, stars from the worlds of sports and showbiz will once again tee up for a weekend of fun and frolics when the Celebrity Cup returns this year.

Some of biggest athletes and celebrities will swap paparazzi for putters and battle it out in teams representing Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland.

Famous faces taking to the course at this year’s tournament include rugby legend Scott Quinnell and TV presnter Gethin Jones hoping to hit a hole in one on home turf for Wales; Mrs Browns Boys’ Brendan O’Carroll and singing superstars Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden aiming to score an ace for Ireland; rugby superstars Rory Lawson,Greig Laidlaw, Thom Evans and Max Evans teeing up for Scotland; and TV personalities Denise Van Outen, Peter Jones and Bradley Walsh pitching in for England.

This year I am attending with my husband and we can't wait. The Celtic Manor is a beautiful hotel and every time we visit we always feel like we've been away on holiday. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the https://www.celtic-manor.com/whats-on/the-celebrity-cup/about-the-celebrity-cup or call the reservations team on 01633 410 262.

To be in with a chance of winning the tickets, simply enter via Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions 

• The prize is 2 tickets to the Celebrity Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort 30^th June-1^st July
• Any additional costs incurred during your visit, such as transport to and from the event, overnight accommodation or food and refreshments, are not included within the prize and are at the winner’s expense
• Only food and beverage purchased on site will be permitted to be consumed at the event
• Tickets include complimentary car parking at the event
• Competition tickets are not redeemable for their monetary value
• UK entrants only
• Competition ends on 18th June

Be in the Picture Weekly Favourites - 5

Welcome back to the Be in the Picture weekly roundup. Once again there were lots of wonderful pictures shared on instagram and I struggled to pick just a few favourites. I could have featured so many. If you missed the last roundup you can catch up with it here, Be in the Picture 4.

For those of you that haven't heard of #beinthepicture, it is an instagram hashtag that myself and Alana from Baby Holiday created. It is designed to encourage you to get in-front of the camera as opposed to behind it. I used to always be the one taking the pictures and I was never in them myself. 

You can use the hashtag on any pictures that feature you whether that be fashion, parenting, travel, with your partner etc. You name it, we want to see it.

It has been so lovely to see so many spring/summer pictures on the hashtag lately. There have been plenty of beach pictures and lots of flowers. For this feature I have chosen 6 pictures instead of 4 as I just couldn't leave them all out. 

My favourite picture recently has been from Corneliusblog. Her and her daughter decided to have a tea party for the Royal Wedding. I just love everything about the photo. The lighting is perfect and their outfits are a pastel dream. I just want to join in the cuteness.

We decided to have a little tea party for the Royal Wedding 🍰☕️ Aria wanted to watched Peppa but she couldn’t resist the lure of the wedding👰🏼 🎩once I told her that the Prince & Princess were getting married 👑 She was well into it at first, she loved spotting the dresses and watching the people 👒👗 “ohh look mammy there’s flowers on that one! Ohh that ones pretty! That’s my favourite. Ohh look at the castle! There’s all nice people in there” She lasted about half an hour before getting extremely bored 😴 eating the icing off the cakes and pouring ‘tea’ into all the cups that she could find! #RoyalWedding #instaroyalwedding #snaphappybritmums #beinthepicture

A post shared by Parenting Blogger - Leanne (@corneliusblog) on May 19, 2018 at 6:28am PDT

The next picture comes from hotpinkwellingtons. it's a stunning shot capturing the love between her and her boys amongst the bluebells.

Happy Monday everyone! It's a sunny one and I want to make the most of it with my boys - we're just debating where to go. It won't be bluebells though as they're all over with us now 😢💜 📸 by @andthensheclicked . #motherhoodthroughinstgram #beinthepicture #showyouwerethere #myhappycapture #joules #my_magical_moments #bluebellphotoshoot #bluebells

A post shared by Katy (@hotpinkwellingtons) on May 14, 2018 at 12:19am PDT

I have been desperately trying to find a Rapeseed field in my area (with no success) so I can get some gorgeous summer photos such as this adorable one from littleladiesbigworld.

I know I know, another rapeseed photo 🤷🏼‍♀️ I promise I’ll stop sharing them soon and maybe just put them in a blog post as soon as I actually get around to it but today there is reason. I’ve just uploaded a video on my YouTube channel of my 10 tips for managing hayfever in adventurous children. A lot of people don’t know Eva has hayfever as bad as she does because yes, we are always in a field of flowers, or chasing leaves, or just general adventuring and that is exactly why I have so many tips. I don’t want to quash her spirit, her thirst for nature, and the world so I take it upon myself to do as much as I can to make sure she can run in the rapeseed fields and crunch in leaves to her hearts content. I’m not saying it’s easy (any allergy Mum will agree it is like being on high alert every single day) but goodness this girl has enough to contend with in her life missing out on food and other things and I’ll be damned if I don’t work my butt off to help in any way I can. Which I must say over the years I’ve gotten pretty good at, even if I do say so myself! So I’m sharing my wisdom with the world and a photo which is the most horrendous thing to look at when she walked on freshly cut grass at just 3 years old. If I ever have any doubt on whether I am going the right thing in being so strict with the things I ensure she doesn’t do, this photo makes me know it is absolutely right. #hayfeversucks #hayfeverinchildren #letthembechildren #letthembefree

A post shared by Laura 🍂 (@littleladiesbigworld) on May 17, 2018 at 12:11pm PDT

Another picture which melted my heart came from emilyandindiana. The beautiful Emily looks so naturally happy and you can't help but smile when you look at the photo.

We had such a beautiful walk at Sissinghurst Castle yesterday afternoon 🌼🌿 ticking off another local property! I know we say it all the time, but our National Trust passes really are the best thing we pay for each month. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without them 🙌🏻🙌🏻

A post shared by Emily (@emilyandindiana) on May 14, 2018 at 11:51am PDT

This picture from ourfairytaleadventure has got couple goals written all over it. They bravely set off to travel the world recently with their 2 young children and I loved following their journey. 

Life is the ultimate adventure and I wouldn't want to be doing it with anybody else 👫❤️.

A post shared by Family Travel Blogger ❤️ Emma (@ourfairytaleadventure) on May 20, 2018 at 8:30am PDT

The last picture I have chosen for this roundup comes from goingonanadventureblog. It's such a beautiful moment and the words she had written were heartwarming. 

I don't think there is much caption required for this. I love this man with all my heart ♥ (It was sixteen years last week since he first asked me to be his girlfriend and I remember it like it was yesterday!)

A post shared by Colette B (@goingonanadventureblog) on May 15, 2018 at 10:21am PDT

My own personal favourite picture that I shared over on my instagram was taken in my happy place which is Disney. We are off there again next week (can't wait) and no matter how many times you look at the castle, it still feels like you're seeing it for the first time.

We’re currently planning our next trip to Disney 😀😀 Honestly this view is something I will never tire of #lifecloseup #travelwithkerrylouisenorris #kerrylouisenorrisdisney #disneylandparis #postcardsfromtheworld #disneymemories #disneyismyhappyplace #disneylandparis26 #disneypic #disneyparks #disneyfan #disneygeek #castlesofdisney #disneycastles #myhappyviews #disneybloggers #lbloggers

A post shared by Kerry Norris (@kerrylouisenorris) on May 8, 2018 at 12:04pm PDT

Make sure you join in with #beinthepicture over on instagram and also follow it to see everyone's pictures. 

5 Recipes Using Red Wine

Red Wine is by far one of my favourite drinks. I love nothing more than enjoying a glass whilst eating a cheeseboard. However, it is also great to use in cooking. Wine that has been opened for a few days and perhaps passed its prime dinking time is ideal for cooking with. I'm a strong believer that throwing wine away should be illegal. If I ever have any leftover I often use it for marinades, sauces or within a dish to add some flavour. 

Here are some of my favourite recipes using Red Wine:

1) Baked Chorizo and Asparagus Risotto by Charlotte's Lively Kitchen

Chorizo and Red Wine are a match made in heaven. We love Chorizo in our house and we are always trying to find speedy, delicious recipes for our suppers. 

Image Source

You can read the full recipe and method at Baked Chorizo and Asparagus Risotto 

2) Slow Cooker Bolognese by Frugal Family

In a busy household a slow cooker is a must. I always find cooking something slowly really brings out the flavour and the smell will have your mouth watering for hours.

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You can read the full recipe and method at Slow Cooker Bolognese

3) Vegetarian Bourguignon by Mummy in a Tutu

Whenever I think of Red Wine being used in recipes, Bourguignon always springs to mind. This one is actually Slimming World friendly too. 

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You can read the full recipe and method at Vegetarian Beef Bourguignon

4) Beef Cobbler by Munchies and Munchkins

A cobbler is the ultimate in comfort food. This one is ideal for those cold, winter days.

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You can read the full recipe and method at Beef Cobbler

5) Chorizo Tapas by Mark Sergeant 

During the summer months we love to have Tapas feasts in the garden. As i've already said Chorizo is a firm favourite with hubby and I.

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You can read the full recipe and method at Chorizo Tapas

Have you ever cooked with Wine before? What are your favourite recipes?

*This is a a collaborative post*

Mickey Mouse DisneyBound

I regularly wear Disney clothes whether it be at a Disney park or at home but surprisingly I had never given Disneybounding a go. Now that i'm an annual pass holder at Disneyland Paris I knew it was time for me to join in with the dressing up fun.

As adults you aren't allowed to wear Disney costumes around the parks so Disneybounding was invented. Disneybounding is basically an outfit influenced by a Disney character. it's a great way of bringing your style into an outfit.

On our last trip to Disneyland Paris it was their 26th anniversary so I wanted to dress up as my all time favourite character.....Mickey Mouse. Princess Jasmine is a very close second but no character will ever beat Mickey in my eyes.

Blazer - Next

Shirt - Next

Trousers - Next

Shoes - Next

Ears - Disney Parks

I searched the internet for Mickey coloured clothes and found a lot of my outfit from Next. I knew I wanted a black blazer (which I already had), a white shirt (which I already had), red trousers and yellow shoes. I also didn't want to buy anything that I knew I wouldn't wear again.

Next are always great for having fashionable basics in multiple colours. They had a couple of pairs of red jeans and also quite a few pairs of yellow shoes.

You can change up this Mickey Mouse Disneybound very easily by swapping the jeans to a skirt or shorts etc which would be ideal for the summer months.

I absolutely loved Disneybounding. I was worried at first that I would get lots of funny looks but it was quite the opposite. I had lots of lovely comments and the cast members all made an effort to compliment my outfit.

The Day I Was Mum Shamed

If you follow me on Facebook then you may have seen that I was recently mum shamed and judged by the new mum police. These new mums really went for me, however, out of their surprise (and my own), they picked on the wrong mama as I left them with jaws to the floor and my head held high.

Here's what happened...

Whilst walking the girls to feed the ducks after school, Ophelia (who's 2.5) decided to throw one of her epic terrible two’s tantrums (about the 7th of the day) which involved lying on the floor kicking and screaming. You know the type of tantrum where they fling themselves back and nothing you can do or say will console them?! It was one of those.

Eva (who's 5 going on 15) decided to keep going ahead of me. I could still see her, she wasn’t far. We were near no roads as along a path by a field. I shouted to Eva to wait ahead. 

This is where the new mums appeared. I could feel their daggers through my back, stabbing me multiple times. They strolled passed with their prams and glared. Not content with just glaring they then decided to stop and turn around and look at me in disgust. One of them decided to take it when step further and said to me confidently "your child is in distress are you going to actually help her or just keep standing there'? 

My blood was boiling. First off what the hell is with Mum judgement?! The three of them were clearly in newborn bubble stage and there they were judging me, stressed out Mum of two young children. My response went like this:

"Are you first time parents? (they said yes)". I explained this was a toddler tantrum and my child was in no means in distress but thanked them for their expert parenting opinion which I had not asked for. Not content with my answer they then criticised the fact that Eva was ahead of me on her own. They really wanted to make me feel useless. Not today lovelies, this mama wasn't having any of it.

This is where I took a deep breath and instead of getting into an argument (believe you me and me, I had to really restrain myself from telling them to fuck off), I decided to tell them how hurtful they were being by judging me. How disrespectful they were. How they can’t make assumptions about situations they know nothing about. I told them, had I not been on anti depressants for postnatal depression (PND) that their judgement would have had me crying all evening and shutting myself away in the bathroom and locking the door. I told them that I would have cried so much to the point where I would have been sick and that would have caused me to have a panic attack. I then explained that my anxiety would’ve meant I wouldn’t have left the house with the girls for a good few days for fear of being JUDGED for my bad parenting and being a shit mum. I then responded that luckily for them I’ve been on anti depressants for a few months now and I am a stronger, more confident Mum who couldn't give a shit what they thought about my parenting. I explained that I hope no one ever does to them what they’ve done to me today and that in future they want to take a long hard look in the mirror before judging other people’s behaviours. I then wished them a lovely day and told them to enjoy the sunshine. 

I walked away from that encounter feeling incredible. Their mum judgement and shaming hadn't had the effect they'd desired. Instead of making me feel like shit, it made me feel fantastic. It made me feel like me again. It was such a pivotal moment in my PND journey as I finally felt like a strong, confident mum again. 

I was literally skipping down the path singing 'THIS IS ME' from 'The Greatest Showman'. I felt powerful, happy and in control. Most of all I was starting to recognise myself again.

To sum up don't judge other mama's (or dad's for that matter), stick together, show some love and support and we can all sing 'This is me' together. 

Me and Mine Project - April 2018

I seem to always start these posts with this...It's been ages since my last update. Guess what?! It has been ages since my last update. My last Me and Mine post was in January where I shared pictures from our holiday in Australia.

April was a busy month for us as a family. We had Easter, half term, a trip to Disneyland Paris, my birthday, Disney on Ice and mine and Arwyn's wedding vow renewal anniversary. Oh and I also decided to return to work. 

Our half term was low key other than our trip to Disneyland Paris. This year we decided to buy annual passes there and so far we have been twice with another trip planned in June. Both of the girls loved every minute of their trip. This time we stayed in a gite which was a lovely way of winding down after a busy day. We had fab character meets and hubby and I actually managed to get on some of the thrill rides.

We also went to see Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment. You can read about it here, my review. We all really enjoyed it especially the Toy Story section. 

On the 28th April hubby and I went our for my birthday. We're both trying to eat healthier so we had a meal at Saray restaurant to eat lots of meat and salad. I also had a cookery class there which you can read about here, Turkish cooking class. We then went to watch the Avengers film which was great. We didn't realise until we were at the meal that it was our one year anniversary of our wedding vow renewal, so we both felt guilty that we'd forgotten but we were happy we were out to celebrate regardless.

The next day it was my birthday. Eva loved giving ( sorry opening) my presents and Arwyn did amazingly well this year by surprising me with a Princess Jasmine bag from Loungefly. I am so in love with it and I wasn't expecting at all. 

I also decided to return to work. I haven't had an official contract since Ophelia was born. I was doing bank work at a couple of hospitals but I felt like a big part of my life was missing. I have returned to work for 20 hours a week over 2 days which is a starting point to then hopefully increase my hours in a year or so when both of the girls are in school.

Together this month we have loved:
Disneyland
Disney clothes
Popcorn
Warmer weather
Toy Story
Family walks

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