Mum In The Madhouse - Parenting without stabilisers

We have laminate floors everywhere downstairs and one of my pet hates is cleaning them.  Well it has become a pet hate since I slipped on a just mopped floor and broke my shoulder! So I was delighted when I was offered the opportunity to review a steam mop by Black and Decker.  We have had hard floors for the last 10 years and I have grown to love them.  They are practical, especially as I have two very active boys.  But I just wasn't sure that a steam mop with no cleaner could keep up with them and actually ensure that my floor was clean. So we have put the Black and Decker Delta Head Steam Mop to the test.  The version that we have reviewed costs £120 and comes with four washable pads.  Two large ones and two delta ones for getting int o the corners. What I liked:

1. The floor is dry within 15 seconds.  No slipping on wet floors and fearing broken bones ever again.  This also means that I can use it when the boys are around without shouting at them not to step on the wet floor
2. No chemicals are needed.  I love the fact that the floors are clean and that bacteria is killed without bringing chemicals in to the house
3. There is no additional costs.  No paying for replaceable heads or chemicals, which means that although you have a large initial outlay, the cost per use is really reasonable
4. It heats up ready for use in just 15 seconds
5. It is easy to store and I do not have to lug a bucket of water round the house, even less worry about spillages
6. The additional steam burst function works really well and is very effective on stubborn marks
7. I can use this on both my laminate floors and lino floors as I can select the right flooring type with the Autoselect® digital handle
8. It is so easy to use that even the boys can use it!
9. The unique and innovative design of the delta lift off head means that with a quick push of the foot peddle I can use the triangular cleaning head to get in to all the corners, this is especially effective in the kitchen
10. It leaves the floors clean and streak free with minimal effort on my part

I have to say that other than having to plug in the mop, I haven't found anything that we do not like.   I am kicking myself for not getting on the steam mop bandwagon earlier.  It is a great addition to The Mad House and I no longer live in fear of anyone slipping on a just mopped floor! The official blurb: The Black & Decker® steam-mop™ with Autoselect® digital handle commands and steam burst technology easily gets rid of tough to move marks and germs with minimal effort, ensuring that your floors are sparkling clean. Ready to use in 15 seconds and it will run for 25 minutes on a single tank. With Autoselect® digital handle command technology, simply push the button to select the specific floor type -hardwood/laminate, tile/ vinyl, or stone/marble - and the mop automatically releases the right amount of steam. Autoselect® helps to assure thorough yet delicate cleaning on all sealed hard floors and is even safe on sealed hardwoods. The addition of steam burst mode removes even the most stubborn dirt - it releases 50% more for steam in a concentrated 5 second burst when you need that extra cleaning power, you don't get from ordinary steam mops. With the unique and innovative design of the delta lift off head you can, with a quick push of the foot peddle, use the triangular cleaning head to get in to all the corners of your home.

• Kills 99% of bacteria and germs - no chemicals required.
• Quick dry and streak free, it takes less time and work than a mop and bucket.
• Swivel head for ease of use around furniture and awkward areas.
• Self standing for convenience with auto shut off when locked in the upright position.
• 1600 watts.
• 6m power cord.
• 0.5 litre water tank capacity.
• Ready to use in 15 seconds.
• Steam ready indicator.
• Steaming time 25 mins per tank.
• Machine washable pads.
• Suitable for all floor types.
• Accessories included.
• Weight 3.07kg.

I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network, a group of parent bloggers picked by Mumsnet to review products, services, events and brands. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity.

Maxi and I are spending the half term holiday in Orlando, Florida thanks to Visit Orlando.  This is perfect timing for us to explore it all prior to our family holiday there in November with my brother and his family. We will be exploring the major attractions including including Walt Disney World, Sea World Parks and Universal Orlando Resort. I have taken a look at the Orlando Holiday Planning tool, so I know that the weather is going to be great and have packed our swimming things and the sun cream and for the first time I will not be taking prescription sunglasses on holiday and I am looking forward to being able to see things from the top of any rides we go on and not worry about my specs falling off. But I need your help, as we are only going for a week and spending a short time in each of the parks.  We need to know which rides and attractions are a must see for a very nearly eight year old and a super excited Mummy.  What food should we try and where should we try it. So can you help me:

1. What do I need to take?
2. What MUST we see?
3. What rides to we need to make a beeline for?
4. Your top tips for the parks and attractions?
5. What should I bring back for Mini?

I am so looking forward to some one to one time with Maxi.  I am excited about going on the rides together and just generally having fun with each other.  However, in order to placate Mini, we need to make sure that we have a super itinerary for our trip ion November and have told him we are scouting it all out, so that he gets the best holiday ever in November! There is no way I am going to sleep for the next two nights!

Do you have a budding novelist in your house? Thompson Al Fresco Holidays have a fantastic  Young Story Writers competition at the moment.  The competition is for budding young story writers aged 6-12 years old and open until the 31st March 2013.  Your child has to write a short story no longer than 500 words with the theme My Fantastic Journey.  You never know they could win a family holiday for up to six people. You might want to get your young story writer some inspiration and  Jeremy Strong' has created his very own story created exclusively for Al Fresco Holidays. Here is Mini's (aged six) Story

I was playing football in the playground and scored a goal.  I went to get the ball from the back of the net when someone shouted my name.  I turned round to see the scout from Middlesbrough Football club.  He asked me to go and have trials to play for their junior team. I went home and told my mum and dad and we all went in the car to Riverside Park and I got to go in the changing rooms and change in to my football kit. I walked on to the pitch and my family all cheered as a played football with other children. They really liked my tricks and skills.  So they asked me to become part of the team.

He told me the story was about his journey to becoming a football player! Further information of the competition can be found on the Al Fresco Kidz blog.    

For over a year I had managed to dissuade the boys from Skylanders.  I feared they were just an expensive fad that they would get in to and as we were unable to afford the characters the game would not be able to be fully played with. The thing is Skylanders didn't go away and then Skylanders Giants came on the scene and I had two boys who both desperately wanted Skylanders.  So they entered the Tots100 competition to become part of Team Skylanders and were lucky enough to be chosen as one of the ambassadors. We were sent a Skylanders Giants starter pack, this came with a console specific game, a portal of power and 1 Giant Skylander ( Tree Rex), two standard figures (Cynder and Jet Vac), 3 trading cards, sticker sheet and a poster.

My first wreath blew away off the front door (Sad face), but it meant that I had an excuse to get messy and make a heart wreath and get it up early! No how to on this post, as it was very straight forward, although I do wish I had been able to get red bells, instead of painting them and spraying them with matt clear sealer. This wreath was inspired by a Christmas decoration I had seen at Salisbury's and took a photo of. I used two thicknesses of florists wire, a think one to form the hear and then a thinner one to connect all the bells.  The ribbon is red gingham from my stash.  I have popped in on the front door, but instead of just hooking over the hanger, I have wrapped it round it. MadDad was concerned that it would jingle in the wind and bother us, but the only time it makes a noise is when the door is opened and closed. When I take this one down I will be replacing it with an Easter one. If you have made a wreath I would love to see it.

The last two years I have resolved to give up shouting for lent.  I did  not succeed and some days I am still a total fishwife, but I guess it is the trying that matters.  The living intentionally. This year lent starts early today in fact.  We have been discussing the reasons behind lent, the fact that it lasts for six weeks, 40 days and nights excluding Sundays.  A couple of years ago The Coffee Lady kindly sent me a list of things that children can do over Lent (they came from the Live Life, Love Lent book published by the Church of England) and this year the boys have decided to use this list. Give your pocket money to a charity Clean up your room and give something to a charity shop Share a smile Say sorry to someone Do a chore or errand for a family member Water some plants or a green space with recycled water Help prepare a meal and find out where the food was grown Write a thank you letter Share a treat with someone at school Thank of three good things and say thank you to God Have a TV and computer free day and do something with your family instead Say please and thank you all day Find out about the countries where your clothes are made Read a story to a younger child Save trees by using both sides of the paper Spend five minutes quietly by yourself Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth Hold doors open for others Give a home-made gift to a loved one Offer to help your teacher with a task Recycle your rubbish Go for a walk in your area with an adult and pray about what you see Show an adult how to do something they can’t do Plant some seeds where the flowers will be seen Have a conversation with someone older than you Lend a friend a good book/cd/dvd Find out about children in a developing country Say a prayer for someone who is unwell or in need Find out about life as a refugee and spend the night in a tent (we are very much giving this one a miss – too cold!) Help a parent or carer with shopping Give a lollipop to your lollipop person Feed the birds Pick up some litter Getting towards Easter Make a palm cross and give it away Give someone a Fair Trade Easter Egg Make hot cross buns and share them Polish some one’s shoes for them Make or draw an Easter garden in a place that will be seen Celebrate Easter The Fab Coffee Lady also sent me the adult version of the Lenten tasks. Make someone laugh Spend some time in silence Have a meat-free day Give up your place in a queue Write to someone and thank them Light a candle and pray for someone Give someone an apple Have a TV free day and do something you have meant to do for ages Turn off the tap when you clean your teeth Go for a walk in your neighbourhood with a friend Say something nice about someone behind their back Feed the birds Talk to someone new at church Phone or text someone to say goodnight Use local shops rather than supermarkets Put a jumper on and turn down the heating Buy a low energy light bulb Leave a £1 coin in a trolley or where someone will find it Find out about a litter clean up Watch the news and pray about what you see Help a bug out of the house rather than squash it Buy something at a charity shop and reverse haggle Buy Fairtrade Have a conversation with someone from a different generation Ring a loved one Plant seeds where the flowers will be seen Hug someone who needs it Give a friend a good book or CD Find out about blood donation Don't leave appliances on standby Talk to someone about why you go to church Buy something for someone anonymously Bake something to share Miss a meal and pray instead Find out about a church community project Make a drink for a neighbour or colleague Have a conversation with someone from a different culture Make an Easter card for a neighbour Use a buy-one-get-one-free and give the free one away Only fill the kettle with the water you need Do a chore for someone (Good Friday) Read St John's Gospel Chapter 19 Invite a friend to church Share an Easter egg So we are taking up, rather than giving up this lent.  What are you doing?

We have been making strides in improving Mini's behaviour with help and advice from Franki.  It is really hard to see clearly when you are in the midst of horrible behaviour.  But she has really given us the ability to clarify what we need to do and support when things are not on track. So what are we doing?

• Firstly we have set realistic expectations with Mini.  He has a reward chart with what is expected of him on and we also included Maxi on it so he didn't feel singled out.
• We are making the actions achievable
• We are working together as a team.  If he gets out of bed, we just tell him it is sleep time.  We do not engage him at all.  If we have to physically put him back in to bed we do, but tell him it is sleep time and then close the door.
• If she goes to bed well then he gets his star first thing in the morning for his cart.
• He gets a daily star if he completes a certain amount of his daily tasks.
• We are reinforcing positive behaviour

  This are not perfect, but anything is an improvement on what we had.  At the moment we are concentrating on getting Mini in to a good bed and sleep routine and then we will look at the other behaviour .  I want to thank everyone for the comments, suggestions and support when I posted that we needed some help.  I have spoke to the school and Mini is really well behaved whilst at school.  The only time he is disruptive is when he isn't challenged.  So it appears that he holds himself together at school.  I have also spoke to our Health Visitor and have the option of taking things further with her if the current situation worsens.  However, we are really licky in that Franki and her colleague have offered us their support immediately, so we have no waiting times.

2013, the year of "Choosing Joy", but also the year of learning.  This is the year that I start to take time out for me and put these grey cells in my brain in to some use.  Where I try to see if an old dog can learn new tricks!

I am doing this in a couple of ways, firstly I am trying to improve my photography by taking a Capturing Childhood course.  I have started on the Collect the Moments e-course.  It is challenging me to think differently and I am learning lots of new things about my six year old camera.  I have even ordered a remote control so I can "be in the picture" more often.  The Kats' are helpful, insightful and full of useful information and I am really enjoying the community feel of the course, plus the ability to take things at my own pace.  Plus I got a positive comment on the photo's I take on the blog last week for the first time ever and I was beaming.

I am also looking forward to a day course on learning to use my camera better that I am going on with Cass from The Dairy of a Frugal Family.

Secondly I am taking regular lessons in handicrafts.  I have book on to a two hourly weekly lesson on a Tuesday morning and over the last four weeks I have nearly completed a quilt for Mini.  I have cut the fabric (cutting I have discovered is my kryptonite), sewed the quilt top, basted it, quilted it and made the binding for it and today I am learning how to put that binding on it.  It is wonderful to see something I have made come together and to have the support of a tutor that is there to support me when I need it.

I have also taken a couple of day courses, one on making a stacked coin quilt and one on making a zipped bag.  Neither projects are finished yet, but they are well on the way to getting completed.  There is such joy in learning a new skill and being able to do so with like minded people is even better.  Yes I am the youngest in all the lessons by a generation (two in some cases), bit boy do these ladies have tales to tell and it is great to see them making the most of their free time.

I have also set two on making 2013 the year that I keep up with the cleaning and clutter within the house, as a tidyish house means that for some reason my brain is much less cluttered or that it at least has more room to concentrate on the things that matter and not stress or fret over the state of the house.  This month on A Thrifty Mum I am getting in to the habit of a cleaning routine and continuing on my declutter, which I started in January.

It is now more than two months since I have had my laser eye surgery, thanks to Optical Express.  I am finally at the point that I am not pushing up imaginary specs on the bridge of my nose every four minutes and I am really thankful that I was given this wonderful opportunity.  So I have decided to do a small things so you can see the joy too.  

• Waking up and being able to see the small face snuggled next to me clearly.
• Being able to look at the alarm clock and read the time without putting on my glasses.
• Being able to see in the shower.
• BEING ABLE TO SEE MY BOYS WHEN WE GO SWIMMING,
• No glasses to steam up when I come out of the cold in to the warm.
• Not wishing that my glasses had windscreen wipers in the rain
• Being able to see my eyes more clearly and therefore, the bags underneath them.
• The joy of trying to find sunglasses in the winter and those sunglasses not having to be special prescription ones.
• Knowing that I will not have to wear bifocals or varifocals
• My glasses not steaming up when I open the oven door
• Not having to remove my glasses at the hairdressers, which means I can see my hair being cut
• Being able to straighten my hair without having to remove my specs and being able to see myself in the mirror and therefore, not burning my ear all the time.
• Being able to go on roller coasters without worrying I will lose my glasses.
• Not falling asleep in specs and waking up with them bent as I have been laid on them.
• No more costs associated with new glasses each year and the horror of finding frames that suit me.
• Did I say that swimming is fun again......

So would I do it again?  Yes I would.  I am still having a few issues with dry eyes and night time halos round lights when driving, but that is getting better and better each week.  

I bet you have all seen those beautiful pictures of ice marbles on Pinterest.  Well during the recent cold snap and snow in the UK I decided it was the perfect time to give them a try. So I filled up my balloons with food coloring and water and let them out to freeze and guess what........................... #EPICFAIL