These streets will make you feel brand new, Big lights will inspire you | #NYCSheps

Christmas morning in our house is spent in a sea of discarded wrapping paper, watching the children tear through several hours (and a bad back's) worth of wrapping in about an hour, nursing a coffee in my jimjams and snapping the occasional picture of a delighted face (or five). Long gone are the days when I expect anything other than a pair of slippers, some smellies or a box of chocolates, or perhaps a bottle or two of fizz. I don't need or want anything, because making sure that the children are treated to all of the things on their Christmas lists is - quite genuinely - more than enough for me.

Every year the Mister and I agree not to buy each other gifts because Christmas shopping for five kids is expensive enough as it is, and every year he goes behind my back and enlists the help of our eldest to shop for me. I have had make up, perfume (my favourite), a beautiful etched glass photo of our children, spa vouchers, jewellery and all sorts, despite me telling him repeatedly that he doesn't need to do it. This year I wasn't about to be caught out again and I roughly calculated the amount he usually spends on me, and spent that amount on him. I again told him, please do not buy anything for me.

We got to Christmas Eve and I hadn't had any sort of indication from A that there was any sort of gift coming my way. Indeed on questioning her, she didn't seem to know anything or be hiding anything, so I was satisfied that he had done as I had asked. Later that night I was aware of him wrapping something because he asked me where the sellotape was, and considering that he didn't help me wrap a single present for any of the children my suspicion was then aroused but I left him to it and didn't probe further.

On Christmas morning I was presented with a box, wrapped (clearly by a man) in gold paper. A at this point was almost beside herself when I was opening it, I later learned she had discovered her dad wrapping it on Christmas Eve and had been let into the secret then. I unwrapped it and found - a Jacobs Crackers box. I said "Oh, Avocado! Fanks...". Secretly hoping there was more to it than a box of snacks I don't eat, I opened the box to find three further wrapped items. One was obvious - a bottle of gin, of course. The second was perplexing, it was a very large green Bramley apple. A excitedly asked me what sort of apple it was, her mobile phone camera trained on me the whole time.

[reads label] "Bramley?"

"No" [excited jig]

[blank face] "... Cooking?"

"NO! Oh just open the other one"

And then I opened this.

To say I was floored would be an understatement. I had no idea, and with my husband being an absolutely shocking liar that in itself is rather impressive. I have wanted to go to NYC for years, it has been at the top of my must-visit list for as long as I can remember and I have been green with envy at friends visits listening to how wonderful it is and how much they enjoyed it, and now it is finally my turn! I'm going to New York City!

I would love to hear all about your visits to The Big Apple and any tips or blog posts you have for visiting NYC - places to go, things to see, places to eat and the like. I have a list as long as my arm of all the things I want to see while I am there so I just hope that we are able to fit it all in during our four day visit. I am counting down the days - 68 to go!

Autism Abroad | #ShepsGoToLaki

I've spent many evenings over the past few weeks scrolling back wistfully through the photos from our Mark Warner Holidays to Lakitira and Corsica. The darkness seems endless at this time of year, and the cold chills your bones when you're stood on the playground on the school run day in day out, dreaming of sunshine and those long gone Summer days. Warm breezes and sand between your toes, the gentle ebb and flow of the waves on the shore, children's laughter ringing in your ears as family memories are made. I think it's safe to say I have a serious case of the post-holiday blues.

After we arrived at Lakitira back in October for our half term holiday we were so excited to see what the week with Mark Warner would bring, and we weren't disappointed. It was truly an inclusive holiday experience for the whole family.

At the forefront of any decision we make regarding days out or holidays is how will L cope? Is there adequate provision for him? Will he enjoy it? Parents of children with additional needs will understand that if there is even a question of your child being excluded, or unable/unwilling to join in with activities on a day trip or holiday then it's a no-go. You want your child to be safe, to have fun, and to be included. It is paramount.

Travelling with a child with Autism is challenging. You are changing their routine, taking them to a new place, exposing them to a plethora of new sounds, tastes, smells, people which can be overwhelming for any child, but for a child with ASD it is ten-fold - absolute sensory overload and with that comes meltdowns, anger, anxiety, and fear.

We had a successful practice run at taking L abroad earlier in the year when we went to Corsica. Mark Warner provide a holiday childcare service that is second to none, with their teams of fully qualified British nannies who are endlessly patient, caring, and full of enthusiasm. They offer 1:1 special needs childcare at three of their resorts - San Lucianu in Corsica, Levante in Rhodes, and Lakitira in Kos, during selected departure dates and which must be pre-booked over the phone in advance. At San Lucianu L's buddy was Sam, and at Lakitira he was paired up with Rachel. All children with SEN are different and will require different levels of assistance, our needs were discussed in advance of our holiday and I went over everything with them again when we arrived.

L wants to be independent and while he is mostly able-bodied, he has some physical disabilities which hinder his ability to fully involve himself in some activities for a prolonged period of time. He also has very little impulse control and no real understanding of danger so while he is a good swimmer, he cannot be unsupervised in the pool or out on the sea. The childcare staff are of course with the children at all times during club hours and activities, but L does need that extra bit of care and someone to help keep him safe and the fact that Mark Warner can offer this for no extra cost as part of their outstanding childcare provision makes all the difference to a family like mine. We can go on holiday together, we can relax and have fun, and L gets to be a part of it - to join in like every other kid, to make friends, to learn new things. He is included.

As I'm sure any parent of a child with additional needs will tell you, that is all we want.

Rachel and L built up a good friendship during our week at Lakitira. She helped calm him when he was overwhelmed and gave him space when he needed it, she enabled him to be fully involved in all the activities, and just sat with him when he wanted some time out on the beanbags (with his cap over his face, not speaking). She listened to & understood his needs, and made him feel a part of the group which is one of his main struggles. We came away from Lakitira with a young man who had enjoyed his holiday, who had been a part of a group of kids his own age and had had fun. He wasn't made fun of or singled out. As parents of a child with Autism, we came home having felt like we had had a break too. We had no anxiety about his care at any time - when he wanted to be with us he knew where to find us and would come and just sit, and when he wanted to be with the other kids he went off to join in with whatever activity they were doing and he had fun. When things got too much for him, he took his Dad's phone and some earphones and sat in the bar to use the hotel wi-fi and watch some YouTube which he does at home to 'tune out'. It never lasted long though, he was always too keen to get back out & have fun with his new friends but he knew he had the option if he needed it.

I had been concerned about meals because L is very particular about food, from a sensory point of view with texture, smell, and taste. I knew mornings at the breakfast buffet would be manageable, and every day he would go and help himself to cereal or toast, and then eventually pancakes and chocolate sauce once he trusted me enough to taste one. He would fill himself up and then go off to do whatever the Kidz Club team had arranged for them, and he was always the first one in the Trattoria at lunchtime where he stood and patiently waited for the freshly baked pizzas to be put out. The evenings were trickier, the children's high tea was a selection of salads, meats and other dishes suitable for younger ones but L would only ever eat the pizza or very occasionally, the chips. As the week went on he started to join in with the Kidz Club meal in the evening and would eat more pizza then if it was available, otherwise he'd just sit with them before they went off to take part in their evening entertainment.

L was never made to join in with or do anything he didn't want to, and even if he just wanted to sit and watch he was still made to feel a part of the group. At the end of holiday show, the majority of the other kids from his age group took part but L chose not to, though he did sit with all of his friends at the edge of the stage during the performances. At the end of the night he was called up to collect his certificate and Rachel told him and everyone what a pleasure it had been to be his 'buddy' for the week.

I don't think I have ever felt as emotional at the end of a holiday as I did when we left both Corsica and Kos, and when the children were saying goodbye to the staff at both resorts I had to hold back tears. To be able to fully enjoy a holiday with all of my children, where L is included and makes friends and has fun and I don't have to worry, is simply amazing. I am so grateful to Mark Warner Holidays and all of their wonderful staff for the fun, the laughter, and the memories and we will definitely be back again.

Mark Warner Holidays provided flights and half board accommodation for five people as part of the #MarkWarnerMum Ambassadorship. All opinions and words are my own.

Meal Plan Monday 281215

It's the final meal plan of 2015, and I refuse to do a full grocery shop this week because we have so much food left in the house, so - this week's menu is devised from whatever we have in the cupboards, fridges and freezer and using leftover meats from Christmas. I need to buy bread and milk etc but other than that, it's leftover week in our house.

Meal Plan 281215
Monday 28th December	The Body Coach's #LeanIn15 Korma using leftover turkey from Christmas Day, served with rice
Tuesday 29th December	Bacon wrapped chicken, stuffed with cheese and served with chips and salad
Wednesday 30th December	(Leftover) Turkey Madras with rice - and that's the last of the turkey!
Thursday 31st December	We're having a takeaway tonight since it's NYE and I don't want to have to cook, followed by ice cream & profiteroles
Friday 1st January 2016	Mashed potatoes, salad, quiche, sausage rolls etc
Saturday 2nd January	Chicken Carbonara
Sunday 3rd January	Roast Pork

#MealPlanningMonday linked up with At Home with Mrs M.

Christmas Meal Plan Monday 211215

Meal Plan 211215
Monday 21st December	Kids Choice - Turkey drummers, chips & baked beans
Tuesday 22nd December	Chicken Korma with Pilau rice and sundries
Wednesday 23rd December	Pizza, because I don't want to cook...
Christmas Eve Thursday 24th December	Breakfast | Pancakes and waffles with fruit & maple syrup Lunch | Sub sandwiches, crisps & salad Dinner | Mexican buffet with cheesecake and candy cane cookies for dessert - followed by hot chocolate & marshmallows
Christmas Day Friday 25th December	Breakfast | French Pastries (and chocolate...) Lunch | Roast Turkey with all the trimmings followed by chocolate fudge cake, cream and profiteroles for dessert Dinner | Leftover turkey roast in sandwich form with lots of cranberry sauce and stuffing, followed by gingerbread
Boxing Day Saturday 26th December	Breakfast | Egg & Bacon, bubble & squeak Lunch | Sandwiches (with leftovers) & various snack foods Dinner | Ploughman's with a selection of cold meats and salad with scones, clotted cream and jam for dessert
Sunday 27th December	No actual plan for today... Probably more leftovers!

#MealPlanningMonday linked up with At Home with Mrs M.

And though she be but little, she is fierce | #LoudnProud

There is nothing E enjoys more than flinging herself around the living room with wild abandon - cartwheeling, forward rolling, hand springing... Kick overs, walkovers, and handstands are practised daily, over and over again, until she can do whatever it is that she has set her mind to. She has been doing gymnastics for a couple of years now, first starting in the preschool group aged three learning lots of basic tumbling skills and how to move around on the different apparatus. On her fifth birthday she moved up to the beginners group and started her badge work. She quickly completed badge eight and has now just completed badge seven today.

Last month her gymnastics club invited girls from the recreational classes to take part in trials for places in their development squads, which E was keen to do. Her dad took her along to the trial as it was arranged for the same day as H's guard of honour for the 1st XV team at his rugby club and I'd already promised him I would stay, so unfortunately I didn't get to watch her but I knew she would try her best.

We found out whether or not she had earned a place the following week with a letter home after her class, and was absolutely delighted to find out that she had been offered a place in the "mini squad". She has now started her squad training which is two hours a week at this stage, and she still attends her hour long rec class at the moment too.

I'm so proud of how hard she works to master new moves, and how keen she is to try everything and give it her best. Her bravery astounds me, watching her swinging around on the bars, flipping over backwards on the mats and tiptoeing across beams makes my stomach lurch - she's so small but she is fearless, and so strong. I can't wait to see how far her training takes her and to see what she will achieve in the mini squad.

And she's done it! Without slipping over 😊🙌🏻 check out that triumphant look on her face haha #gymnastics #walkover

A video posted by jooleroo (@jooleroo) on Oct 15, 2015 at 10:29am PDT

#LoudnProud is taking a break over Christmas and New Year, but will return in 2016 with 3 Children & It on Thursday, January 7th.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.mamaowl.co.uk" title="Mama Owl"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/prettiecreations/loud_and_proud-newbadge_zpsgpdb5dey.png" alt="Mama Owl" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Meal Plan Monday 141215

Meal Plan 141215
Monday 14th December	Brinner*
Tuesday 15th December	Casserole
Wednesday 16th December	Steak with (sweet) potato & mixed veg
Thursday 17th December	Roast chicken
Friday 18th December	Sausage & mash
Saturday 19th December	It's the U10s rugby parents evening out so whatever the buffet has in store for us
Sunday 20th December	Roast Pork

#MealPlanningMonday linked up with At Home with Mrs M.

Toys to Last a Lifetime | #GeorgeToyStories

COLLABORATIVE POST.

When I was little, My Little Pony was all the rage. I had hundreds of them, every single pony that came out I wanted (and I usually got it, to be honest). The powder pink castle with its blue turrets, the nursery with giant pastel lettering on the side and bottles as big as the baby ponies, Apple Jack and all of her friends were a huge part of my childhood and I'm delighted that they are still around today for my girls to enjoy, although admittedly 17-year-old A grew out of them some time ago, E still loves them.

I remember at Christmastime my Grampy Charlie always used to fall asleep in the armchair after dinner, and my three older sisters and I would dress him up and take photos after we'd "decorated" him. The year I got the My Little Pony castle we used one of the turrets as a hat. We have so many photos of a soundly sleeping Gramps adorned with all sorts of toys, such fun memories to look back on and remember him now he is sadly no longer with us.

The Mister was a big fan of vehicles, football and Lego when he was a young lad (not to feed too much into gender stereotypes of course, just stating facts - kids like what they like!) and my three boys are no different. H in particular has built up quite a collection of Lego which is stored in boxes under his bed and he enjoys building and creating with it. He loves the Lego City range and we have several pieces including his favourite, the police station, so he was thrilled when ASDA sent him the Lego City Demolition Site to add to his collection for #GeorgeToyStories, about family heirlooms and favourite childhood toys. H is 10 now so he is able to sit and build the sets independently, it took him a few hours and lots of concentration but he successfully built all of the Lego vehicles by himself and was delighted with the results of his hard work.

My favourite thing about Lego is that it is virtually indestructible (if you don't believe me, try standing on a piece...) and will last for years. My in-laws have a box of toys stored underneath their stairs that they keep for the Grandkids that still contains Lego from my husband's childhood, and he and his two brothers are all in their 30s now. It's a toy that is built to last and its appeal extends across all ages, genders, and generations.

Do you have a favourite toy that you have kept from your childhood? Has it stood the test of time, and is it something that you have shared with your own children? I plan on keeping my children's favourite toys stored away safely ready for them to share with their own kids and love that it will still include My Little Pony and Lego, classic toys that will truly last a lifetime and provide memories to keep forever.

Traditional Festive Fare

FEATURED POST.

I'm not going to lie - festive fare is one of my favourite things about Christmas. While this year I won't be going mad and stuffing my face I am going to loosen up a bit and enjoy all of the delicious food that will be tempting me over the next couple of weeks.

Over the years we have created and now follow our own family traditions for Christmas meals and what we will be having over the festive period. On Christmas Eve it is J's job to help me lay on a Mexican style buffet for all of us to share, including quesadillas, loaded nachos with lots of dips followed by chicken fajitas. Afterwards we decorate our gingerbread house together (it's just not Christmas without some home-made gingerbread) and the kids have their hot chocolate piled high with marshmallows and squirty cream while we watch Christmas movies before they head off to bed excited for what the morning will bring (and also bouncing off the walls from the sugar high).

My husband is in charge of Christmas dinner as roasts are his domain. I cook all week and he cooks on Sundays, as the deal goes in our house. Besides which, he is just better at it than me. I potter about in the kitchen around him, making side dishes and getting in the way helping him out - I like to take charge of the Brussels sprouts, caramelising them in butter, brown sugar and bacon (seriously, amazing - even my kids eat them).

We always have Roast Turkey on Christmas Day as is tradition, cooked and carved to perfection by the Mister who treats it as an art form. If you need any handy hints & tips for choosing, cooking and carving your turkey this Christmas Donald Russell have created a useful guide that even calculates what size to order for your party which is great for preventing food waste, though I don't know about you but nothing ever goes to waste in our house - we love nothing more than a turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce sandwich in the evening and any leftover veg is bubble & squeak on Boxing Day.

We encourage the kids to work together and set the table ready for dinner so that they can be involved and have their own job to do. I have to admit the younger ones are rather more keen than the tween and teens but usually it is a good team effort. I'm going to buy some new table coverings and decorations this year ready for the big day.

On Boxing Day we have a big cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon and bubble & squeak and the rest of the day is usually spent grazing on leftovers and chocolate with a Ploughman's style meal in the evening with lots of pickles, condiments and cold cuts of meat and not forgetting the all important bowl of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes.

Does your family follow any festive foodie traditions?

Meal Plan Monday 071215

Meal Plan 071215
Monday 7th December	Pizza
Tuesday 8th December	Burgers, chips and baked beans
Wednesday 9th December	Roast chicken, with mixed vegetables and potato
Thursday 10th December	Spaghetti & meatballs in a tomato, garlic and herb sauce
Friday 11th December	Lasagne and garlic bread
Saturday 12th December	Chicken Casserole
Sunday 13th December	I'm out for our Project 6 Pack Christmas meal but the Mister & kids will be having a roast at home

#MealPlanningMonday linked up with At Home with Mrs M.

A Stamptastic Christmas

Not only do I have five children, I have six siblings who also all have children (thirteen between them). In addition to that, the Mister has two brothers who have ten children/step-children between them. At Christmastime it takes us (me) an absolute age to wrap everything, then on top of the wrapping is the labelling, and the card writing.

Stamptastic have helped me put the joy back into giving by taking away the inevitable hand cramp that comes with endless labelling, and sent me some beautiful personalised Christmas stamps - an address stamp for those Christmas card envelopes winging their way across towns, countries and oceans to family & friends, a fun small stamp for labelling tags without having to write everyone's name on it more times than you can count, and a large stamp with wooden handle perfect for taking the work out of writing Christmas cards - all you need to do is write the recipient's name on the dotted line (also ideal for labelling presents). We also received two craft ink pads in black (other more festive colours are available), one large - £8 - and one small - £3.50.

The small stamp with a fun Christmas tree motif and message that reads "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Love from The Sheps" was just the thing for stamping on labels for extended family gifts, all I had to do was write their name above the stamp and voilà - job done. Usually after the fifth or sixth label my handwriting starts resembling something like a spider that has fallen in ink and crawled across the label so it is lovely to have neat and tidy labels this year. This is available in 5 different designs with personalisation of your choice and is just £15. The stamps are easy to use and print clearly, and like their uniform labelling stamps they are made with a transparent block for accurate positioning.

Stamptastic have many Christmas inspired products that are just the thing to give your gifts that personal touch, including a 'lovingly handmade' stamp for those thoughtful home-made presents which can all be found on their website. Give them a follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all of their latest product news and offers.

We received complimentary personalised stamps for review purposes. All words and opinions are our own.

Meal Plan Monday 301115

Meal Plan 301115
Monday 30th November	Turkey burgers, chips & salad
Tuesday 1st December	Brinner*
Wednesday 2nd December	Ploughman's
Thursday 3rd December	Toad in the Hole
Friday 4th December	Chicken Fajitas
Saturday 5th December	Pizza for the Mister & kids because I am out for dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday
Sunday 6th December	Roast

#MealPlanningMonday linked up with At Home with Mrs M. Brinner* = Breakfast for Dinner

BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker

Autumn is creeping into Winter which brings with it the long dark nights and a chill in the air. It's the perfect time of year to use those slow cooker recipes that get neglected through the Summer for hearty evening meals to warm you up after a day out in the cold (and that importantly, can be left to cook through the day while you get on with other things). I recently gave Barbecue Pulled Pork a go, which I served in brioche rolls with caramelised red onions - fuss-free and a real winter warmer. Enjoy it on a crispy oven baked potato or in a bun with chunky potato or sweet potato wedges on the side.

BARBECUE PULLED PORK

INGREDIENTS

1kg Pork Joint
500ml bottle of Coca-Cola (regular)

300ml BBQ sauce (I used a Jack Daniels glaze)

Brioche rolls / Baking Potatoes

METHOD

• Place the pork joint in your slow cooker and pour the Coca-Cola over the top.
• Select 'low' and leave to cook for at least five hours.
• When it is cooked, remove from the slow cooker on to a plate and use two forks to 'pull' the meat into shreds.
• Put the shredded pork back in to the slow cooker and add the barbecue sauce, and cook for a further hour on a high setting.
• Serve in brioche rolls with caramelised onions, or a garnish of your choice - or on top of an oven baked potato (with lots of cheese and sour cream!)

linked up with #TheList.

Christmas Gift Ideas for (Older) Teenage Girls

REVIEW.

Christmas is fast approaching, and out of our five children the most challenging one to buy for is our 17 year old daughter because obviously nothing I buy will be the right colour/fit/genre/style etc. If there is one thing that I do know about what my daughter likes, it is that it is nothing that I would choose because I am of course, always wrong.

How long do we have until she realises that I am almost always right? Few more years?

I digress. Christmas shopping for my teenage daughter consists of her writing me a very specific list of items, and never ever am I allowed to deviate from this list. I get free reign over the Christmas stocking fillers, but not the list. This makes it easier for me to shop, but less fun because she knows the vast majority of what she will be receiving. I know eventually the magic of Christmas changes as they grow up, but that doesn't make it any less bittersweet for me. With this in mind, and thinking that I am not the only one with a difficult late-teenage girl to buy for, I have asked her to help me compile this list with advice for other parents so that they can at least have their own list with which to shop with - and you may even get something right!

MAKE UP

This is tricky territory because she will probably have very particular tastes, or favourite brands. Have a poke around in her make up bag and see what she already has. Try and choose products from the same line, or things like brushes & sponges, tweezers, eyelash curlers, cleansers, face masks. Little extras such as fake eyelashes, nail art kits, nail polishes, and lip balms make great little stocking fillers. Or if all else fails, you can always pick up gift cards for her favourite brands and stores.

PERFUME

A loves perfume and has a shelf full of her favourites. She received a bottle of American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera's sensual new fragrance Woman to review and it is now her favourite scent, she wears it to both school and work every day.

"Woman is a sensual combination of golden amber and white flowers - radiating femininity the way every woman does. The scent opens with accords of bergamot and pink pepper, litchi and pear, combining a delectable heart of magnolia and rose with violet leaves and honey. The smooth, sensual base consists of golden amber, tonka bean and sandalwood finishes this undeniably feminine and joyful fragrance."

The packaging is pretty and feminine with a beautiful pink curvy bottle decorated with an elegant gold flower design & gold spray top, which makes this perfume an ideal Christmas gift.

Available from The Fragrance Shop and www.thefragranceshop.co.uk, Christina Aguilera Woman retails at £19.50 30ml, £29.50 50ml, and £39.50 75ml.

SHOES

Top of A's Christmas list last year was a pair of Doc Martens, but of course a specific colour and finish - black matte. She's stated that she'd love another pair (in red this time) because she loves them so much and has worn them almost daily since Christmas Day. She also loves pretty heels and an opportunity to dress up, so perhaps a pair of nude heels (to match many outfits) or even some nice sparkly party shoes would be equally as well received as pair of boots, or a pair of new trainers - 'Vans' are popular in my house.

BOOKS

A is an avid reader and has an entire bookshelf crammed with paranormal and YA novels including The Twilight Saga, The Vampire Diaries, and The House of Night series as well as titles by John Green (The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns) in amongst lots of the classics. There are many talented YA authors out there and a huge selection of novels to appeal to all tastes and help instil a love of reading. A has her own Kindle but still prefers a real book.

VOUCHERS/MONEY

I know many people hate this because it seems so impersonal, but in all honesty I would rather give money or vouchers to spend in a shop that I know she loves than waste money on something she doesn't really like or want. This way, they can also plan a January sales shopping spree with their friends and grab some bargains.

DRIVING LESSONS

Either a block booking with your chosen instructor, or some money in an account to be spent on driving lessons when the time comes is a great present for the older teenager. A has been having lessons for some time now but money set aside for her theory/practical tests or even for her to save towards her first car will be a big help.

A received a complimentary perfume for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

One Year On | #LoudnProud

It has been a full year since I took the decision to change my lifestyle.

A year ago we were fast approaching Christmas and the festive season was in full swing with its sweets, treats and indulgence. I was so unhappy with my body, and how crap I felt all the time. Bloated. Sluggish. Headaches. Bad skin. Lethargic. Aching joints.

A year ago a friend posted her 'before and after' weight loss pictures on Facebook. They happened to pop up on my newsfeed and I was intrigued. She'd joined a local fitness group and looked absolutely amazing. I needed to know more. I sent her a message and she pointed me in the direction of Project 6 Pack — and I haven't looked back since.

In January I went along to the welcome meeting by myself, I was weighed and measured and had photos taken. I was horrified by my weight, I hadn't realised I had gained so much having avoided the scales for longer than I care to remember. I was embarrassed to stand there in my underwear in front of strangers and have my photo taken. But I knew that this was what I had to do to make a change, it was a big step for me but one that I needed to take. I wanted results, so I knew I had to make changes.

The next day I went to the fitness test and struggled my way through. It was awful. I was so unfit, I found it so difficult, I wanted to stop. I carried on and finished the test and then made plans for the next six weeks worth of classes. I only attended 2/3 classes a week at first, it was a struggle going from zero exercise to these full on fitness classes but I did my best, and just did what I could. I don't think I have sweated as much in my life as I have this year and some days I thought I was going to vomit into my trainers but I persevered - I went to class, I stuck to the diet & nutrition advice and I worked hard.

At the end of my first round I went back for my new measurements and weigh in and to have my next progress photos taken, and I was absolutely blown away by my results. In my first six weeks I lost a huge 9kg (just shy of 20lbs) and 50.5cm (19.8"). Tomorrow will be my last weigh in and measure of 2015 and so to date, I have lost 27kg and 122.5cm, and five dress sizes - and I am really bloody proud of myself.

I didn't give up. I didn't half-ass it. I worked to the best of my ability and followed the advice given to me, and I got results. I look in the mirror now sometimes and still can't believe that it's me. That after five kids, I eventually got my body back. I never believed that it could be done, but there it is. No faddy diets, no shakes, pills, or wraps, no short cuts - just hard work and commitment. I've spent 17.5 years doing my best for the children, giving them what they need, and I have neglected my own health and fitness, and well-being. Well, not any more. I have given them back their happy, healthy mum, and I have finally got some of my self back too - and I'm not done yet!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.mamaowl.co.uk" title="Mama Owl"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v421/prettiecreations/loud_and_proud-newbadge_zpsgpdb5dey.png" alt="Mama Owl" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Taking Teens on Holiday | #ShepsGoToLaki

As our kids get older I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep everyone happy and entertained, with age appropriate activities and such like, and taking them away on holiday was no different. E is 5, she wants to swim and build sandcastles and play in the park. H & L at 10 and 12 want to have some freedom to go swimming, make new friends and explore without being restricted to what mum and dad want to do because they're not quite old enough to go off by themselves. With J & A being 14 and 17, we are in new territory completely because frankly some days we barely see them at all. Everyone does their own thing at home, we all have our own space, hobbies and interests, but when you're on holiday together - how on Earth are you supposed to please everyone?

I was excited to take J & A to Kos with Mark Warner Holidays because I knew that they would love it. They needed a break after a long year of A-level and GCSE studies and heading off for some Autumn sun in Greece before the long Winter blows in (and before A2 and GCSE mocks and exams begin) was the ideal opportunity. I did have a chat with them before we left - asked them to make the most of our time away and to give everything a go, take part in activities and go to Indy club. I was pleased that they didn't make me nag and they did go to the welcome meeting, and to my delight they spent almost all of our time at Lakitira out on the water with their new friends.

Indy Club started later than the other clubs, and their days began with Indy Breakfast in the main restaurant meaning that they could get up later and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with the other teens on resort. Afterwards they changed, coated themselves in sun screen and then made their way to the waterfront where they spent their days sailing, SUP boarding, kayaking and windsurfing. The waterfront staff and their Indy Club leader Char were great and kept them safe and busy, to the point where we actually didn't spend that much time with A & J because they were so keen to be out doing other things, though while the younger three went to their respective clubs after the kids' high tea in the evenings, the older two would eat with me and their Dad and we actually enjoyed some quality bonding time over dinner which we don't normally get to have.

They both threw themselves into sailing in particular and made friends with a lad named Angus who visits Lakitira with his family every year. Angus has very kindly made a YouTube video for me to share of his RSCAT16 sailing experience in Kos, he spent a lot of time with A & J out on the sea helping them sail (or just, not drown after they capsized the boats) and enjoying all of the other watersports Lakitira has to offer. 

The Mark Warner experience with children of differing ages was a hugely positive one for us. We all got to have our quality family time together as well as time apart to do our own thing, and really be able to immerse ourselves in the holiday experience. All of the children made some great new friends and spent time doing activities with them. We had lots of fun together swimming and building sandcastles, burying each other in the sand, and playing football out on the court in the evenings. Our teenagers were able to have some real quality time with mum & dad on their own without younger ones taking up all of our time & attention, as well as being free to roam around the resort and have fun with the other teens... By hiding all of the beach sun loungers from the waterfront staff for example, though I can of course neither confirm nor deny this...

In my opinion, holiday childcare provision is usually geared towards kids aged 12 & under, with teens being left to their own devices where they can end up bored and disengaged which is not good enough. I don't want them sat in a room with colouring pens and a games console. I want them OUTSIDE, to be active, to make memories, to learn new skills - it's their holiday too after all and their needs should be met. Taking small children on holiday is easy - you've got sand, you've got water, you've got food. They're happy. Teenagers & 'tweens'? They need so much more than that.

Mark Warner offer an inclusive holiday experience that everyone can enjoy and we had a truly wonderful time with everyone asking (begging) to go back again next year. There is something for everyone, and I loved that my teens felt as much a part of our family holiday as the young ones did. It would be all too easy to let them mooch around the hotel room with their phone or laptop for a quiet life, but Mark Warner gets them out doing things - making friends and having fun which is what holidays are all about.

Squad goals #FinalLakiIndys2015 #mwmoment #lakitira #markwarner #ShepsGoToLaki #Kos #greece

A photo posted by Alicia Sheppard (@cxming_undone) on Oct 29, 2015 at 4:11am PDT

Mark Warner Holidays provided flights and half board accommodation for five people as part of the #MarkWarnerMum Ambassadorship. All opinions and words are my own.

Sharing with #justanotherlinky, Pick 'n' Mix Fridays, Best and Worst.

Arriving at Lakitira Beach Resort, Kos | #ShepsGoToLaki

After finding out that we had been selected as Mark Warner Ambassadors in December last year it seemed to be an age before we finally packed our suitcases and headed to Kos for our family holiday at Lakitira Beach Resort over the October half term. The children were so excited, it was our first trip away all together on a plane as a whole family of seven, and quite possibly our last with A planning on heading off to university and pastures new after she turns 18 next year. As a #MarkWarnerMum family we enjoyed a holiday for five on a half board basis. Being a family of seven and with hungry teenagers to consider, we paid for the additional two passengers and for an upgrade to full board for all of us which meant that we only had to pay for drinks and ice creams from the bars, and the occasional visit to the resort shop for extra bottled water.

The best part of a Mark Warner holiday in my opinion is that everything is done for you. You just have to turn up, and have a good time. The flight was an early one so we took the decision to travel to Heathrow the night before and stay in a nearby hotel so we didn't have to leave until 0500 (instead of 0230 if we had travelled from home). The hotel arranged a taxi to take us to the terminal for our 0720 flight in the morning, and we enjoyed an evening meal together and a good night's sleep before our big adventure.

A photo posted by jooleroo (@jooleroo) on Oct 24, 2015 at 6:27am PDT

Check-in was quick and straightforward in the morning - we checked all of our luggage in, made our way through security and then had a little wander before heading to the gate where we explained to the British Airways staff that we were travelling with a child with Autism. They were very helpful and allowed us early entry through the gate and to board with L first to get him seated & settled before the other passengers boarded our chartered flight. In-flight meals are not renowned for their taste but I have to say that British Airways do impress me with theirs, even my kids eat it without argument which is high praise indeed - and not just because they don't have any choice!

After our flight, which was just shy of four hours, we were greeted at Kos airport by Mark Warner staff, given envelopes containing our MW wristbands and then organised on to our coaches for the short transfer to resort - only around 15 minutes. On our arrival at Lakitira the staff took our luggage and it was delivered to our villa for us. We collected our keys and headed off to find our rooms where we took in our suitcases, changed our clothes and then went for a wander to explore the resort. Compared to San Lucianu in Corsica, Lakitira is a large resort with plenty of space to explore. There are two beaches, the 'kids beach' with its narrow strip of sand and shallow water perfect for little ones to go paddling or snorkelling, and the main beach where most of the watersports are located (there are some on the kids beach for them to use during club) as well as a play park, nine tennis courts, two swimming pools and a small paddling pool for little ones in addition to the cycling centre and covered areas for fitness classes.

We attended the welcome meetings in the Stars Bar next to reception where we received all of the relevant information for the week's Indy, Junior, Kidz and Mini clubs and told what the kids would need to take with them to clubs, as well being given general resort information about the spa facilities, resort activities, customer services, and meal times and restaurant locations. We filled in the childcare forms for all of the kids and handed them back, before going back to our villa and unpacking our things. We had a large villa made up of three interconnecting suites, one downstairs for the three boys, and two upstairs - one for the girls, and one for the Mister and myself.

All three rooms were spacious, well equipped and very clean with tiled floors and their own bathrooms (so grateful that I didn't have to share with my sons for the week...), the downstairs room had a small patio and the upstairs suites both had balconies that overlooked the grassy area in front of the kids clubs shacks and the football pitch, which meant that we could watch the kids playing from our rooms. Our villa - striking white against the blue skies with gorgeous pink bougainvillea growing up and around the pergola - was in a great location with stunning views across the sea and set a little way back from the main hotel, it was so peaceful. As we watched the sun set on our first day in Kos, we were delighted with our first impressions of the resort and so excited for the fun that we would have and the memories we would make during our week in the Sun.

Mark Warner Holidays provided flights and half board accommodation for five people as part of the #MarkWarnerMum Ambassadorship. All opinions and words are my own.